68 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Beaches & Rivers | Food & Drinks | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Activities | Fun & Family | Museums & Culture
So you’re planning to visit Puerto Rico and don’t want to miss out on all the best things to do in Puerto Rico?
I’m a Puerto Rico local – and I’m here to help! I’ve created this list of 68 unique activities, attractions, and stuff to do in Puerto Rico. We’ll cover the best of Puerto Rico’s history, nature, food, and warm welcoming culture.
Puerto Rico offers a lot so much to explore. But that means that, without the right source of information, you might miss out on some epic experiences! So be sure to read this list to the end. You should also bookmark all my Puerto Rico travel guides (I have over 50!).
Let’s dive into my local picks for what to do in Puerto Rico …
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico
San Felipe del Morro
Visit the most iconic landmark of Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 729-6960 | Guide to Visiting El Morro | Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Saturdays and Sundays | Entrance: $10, adults, Free under 15
An iconic landmark of Puerto Rico located in Old San Juan, San Felipe del Morro (aka “El Morro”) is a Spanish military fort from the 16th century that protected Puerto Rico from sea attacks. The fort hides six floors of barracks, dungeons, a lighthouse, and an interior courtyard. It’s definitely one of the most popular things to do in San Juan!
Oh, and I wrote an entire guide to San Felipe del Morro to help you plan your visit to this popular attraction!
👉 Local Tip: After exploring El Morro, head over to El Morro’s esplanade and buy a kite from the kiosks there to spend the afternoon flying kites among the locals.
Old San Juan
Walk the streets of a historical city
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Old San Juan Walking Tours
Old San Juan is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. The colorful colonial houses, the historical forts, the cobblestone streets, and Spanish-style buildings take visitors back in 500 years of history. Whether you choose to stay in Old San Juan or elsewhere in the city, wandering these streets is an experience not to be missed!
👉 Local Tip: History buffs and food lovers can spend weeks exploring San Juan. I especially recommend visiting Calle de la Fortaleza and Calle del Cristo for some of the best photos and places to eat in San Juan.
Take An Old San Juan Foodie Tour
Taste the best of Puerto Rico’s cuisine in the streets of Old San Juan, on a highly-rated guided group tour (swipe images to see more photos from my tour!)
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Food Tour on Viator
You don’t have to go out of the capital to enjoy the best of Puerto Rican cuisine and culture. If you’re a foodie, you must take this fantastic food tour through Old San Juan. I recently took the tour and it was such a great way to sample the best of the city in a short period. It’s one of the most popular tours in Puerto Rico!
San Juan mixes the best of Puerto Rican food with other popular cuisines like Italian, French, and Spanish. And the San Juan restaurants are excellent.
You can taste for yourself Puerto Rico staples like coffee, roasted pork, and mofongo while learning about the history of the capital. All family members will love making their own mofongo at Triana’s and coffee fans will love the cortadito at Café Cuatro Sombras.
El Yunque National Rainforest
Hike in the only tropical rainforest in the United States
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 888-1880 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $2.00 per ticket for vehicle | 👉 Browse Viator´s Top El Yunque Rainforest Tours
If you’ve been to Old San Juan and you’re looking for other unique things to do in Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest is your best choice. El Yunque Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system of the United States. It offers nature lovers exciting hikes, a breathtaking view of the north coast, and multiple waterfalls, tide pools, and rivers to swim in.
El Yunque National Forest makes for one of the best day trips from San Juan.
You can visit as part of one of these group tours to El Yunque, or you rent a car using Discover Cars and visit independently.
👉Local Tip: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, you have to book your entrance to El Yunque. Book your tickets with as much time as possible using this website. Tickets are not sold at the entrance.
Mosquito Bay
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator´s Top Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay Tours
There are 3 bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico: La Parguera in Lajas, Mosquito Bay in Vieques island, and Laguna Grande in Fajardo.
Want to kayak in one of them? If you’re staying in San Juan, Vieques, or Fajardo, you can reserve your spot on these one of these popular tours here:
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From San Juan
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From Vieques
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From Fajardo
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Description: Staying in San Juan? Book this tour to La Parguera, the closest bio bay. Includes transport, dinner & hot springs. |
Description: Staying in Vieques? Kayak in the famous Mosquito Bay in clear bottom kayaks. Local Guide. Pick up & drop off from your hotel. |
Description: Staying in Fajardo? Visit the nearby Laguna Grande biobay with this popular kayaking tour (transport not included). |
Staying in San Juan? Book this tour to La Parguera, the closest bio bay. Includes transport, dinner & hot springs.
Staying in Vieques? Kayak in the famous Mosquito Bay in clear bottom kayaks. Local Guide. Pick up & drop off from your hotel.
Staying in Fajardo? Visit the nearby Laguna Grande biobay with this popular kayaking tour (transport not included).
Of the three bays, Mosquito Bay is the brightest. In fact, Mosquito Bay is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and even after Hurricane Maria, it mesmerizes visitors with its glow night after night!
👉 Local Tip: To get to Vieques you need to take a ferry from Puerto Rico’s main island. I highly recommend you book a hotel to spend the night in since there aren’t any overnight ferries. The Bravo Beach Hotel is just a few minutes away from the ferry terminal on Vieques island and you can catch the earliest ferry the next day back to Ceiba or Culebra.
Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Stand on top of the most impressive cliffs in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 851-1025 ext. 4700 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | 👉 Book a Tour to Los Morrillos Lighthouse on Viator
Los Morrillos Lighthouse itself might not be an impressive lighthouse for many people but it deserves a visit for its beautiful location. It sits on top of a cliff in the southwest and it marks the union of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean in the Mona Passage. The lighthouse dates back to 1882, but it’s temporarily closed for remodeling.
👉 Want More Local Travel Tips? See my full list of things to know before visiting Puerto Rico!
Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park
Discover an underworld of stalagmites and stalactites
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 898-3136 | Hours: 8 am – 3 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: $18, adults, $13 under 12
Closure Note: The Camuy Caves are temporarily closed due to Hurricane Fiona. If this has changed, please leave a comment so we can update this note.
If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you can’t miss a tour through the Camuy Cave System, carved by the third largest underground river in the world. Covering three different cities, these limestone caves host impressive stalagmites and stalactites as well as picture-perfect sinkholes, that will captivate anyone looking for what to do in Puerto Rico.
T-Mobile District
Talk, dance, or eat in an open plaza with giant LED screens
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 998-2000 | Website | Hours: 11:00 am – 12 am Sun-Wed, 12:00pm – 1:00 am Thurs-Sat | Entrance: Free
The latest hot trend in Puerto Rico is the T-Mobile District in San Juan, a massive venue with a mission to bring people together. The space offers visitors exquisite Puerto Rican cuisine, modern concert halls, ziplining, a VIP cinema hall, and a big plaza with LED screens where people can socialize.
Piñones
Taste the best of street food in the fritter capital
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Piñones Tours
If you’re a foodie looking for what to do in Puerto Rico, then Piñones is for you. This beachside neighborhood boasts dozens of food kiosks that sell the best of local cuisine in Puerto Rico like alcapurrias, bacalaitos, and mofongo. You’ll also find La Pocita nearby, where you can take a dip while you enjoy good food.
🍽️ Love Food? Enjoying the local gastronomy is a must-do in Puerto Rico. This San Juan Drive Around Lunch Tour will take you to some of the best eating spots in San Juan, Piñones, and Calle Loíza, so you won’t miss a single food experience.
Condado Lagoon
Kayak or paddleboard in a calm lagoon
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Kayak Tours on Condado Lagoon
There are hundreds of things to do in Condado, but practicing water sports in the Condado Lagoon is just what you need if you’re looking for adventure in the neighborhood. If you want an even more exciting tour, go kayaking at night with a LED kayak and enjoy San Juan’s night skyline.
👉 Need Helping Deciding Where to Stay? Check out my guide to the best places to stay in Puerto Rico. I break down all the best areas, cities, and neighborhoods to stay in, with hotel recommendations for each.
Gilligan’s Island
Kayak on a beautiful island with shallow waters
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 821-4941 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Mondays
Gilligan’s Island is one of those paradises you see in travel magazines and one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. Also known as Cayo Aurora, this beautiful island is located to the south of Guánica and you can reach it kayaking or by taking a private water taxi for $10. Gilligan’s island offers shallow clear waters where you can snorkel and see colorful fish.
Cueva del Indio
Admire one of the best Taino historical sites in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 733-2160 | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm daily | Parking: $5
Cueva del Indio in Arecibo offers both a beautiful view of the beach and a historical gallery right by the sea. History lovers will enjoy the Taino petroglyphs carved on the walls of the cave hundreds of years ago along. Getting down to the cave can be a little tricky so wear shoes with a grip.
👉 Local Tip: There are multiple sites with petroglyphs from Taino in Puerto Rico. Book this exclusive private tour of the Taino Route to see three of them on a day trip! This tour includes three things to do in Puerto Rico: Cueva del Indio, Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Site and Cueva Ventana.
The Pork Highway
Taste the best of Puerto Rico’s roast pork
La Ruta del Lechón is a Guavate’s route with multiple restaurants that sell roast pork. You can also ask for fried pork chops, and “chicharrones”. Besides eating the best of local Puerto Rican food, you’ll get the chance to enjoy music, dance, and buy crafts from street vendors.
👉Are you a Foodie? Visiting the lechoneras in Guavate is one of the activities you must do in Puerto Rico, especially if you’re into food tours. This Lechonera hiking tour to infinity pool takes you both to the Lechoneras and to one of Puerto Rico’s natural infinity pools!
Pink Salt Lakes
Explore the most popular salt lakes on the island
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 851-2999 | Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Fri-Sun | 👉 Book a Salt Flats Tour on Viator
If you’re already in the western part of the main island, make a quick stop at the Pink Salt Lakes in Cabo Rojo and snap a great picture of the pink salt lakes. Popular for their unique color, you can find the salt lakes inside the Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge. Keep in mind the pink color varies according to environmental factors.
👉Local Tip: The viewing tower and the visitor’s center is open only during the weekends but you can visit on other days. Ditch this activity completely if it’s a rainy day.
Toro Verde Adventure Park
Ride the longest zipline in America
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 867-7100 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Thurs-Mon, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday | 👉 Browse Viator’s Toro Verde Adventure Park Tours
One of the things adventure seekers must do in Puerto Rico is take a ride on the longest zipline on the whole American continent. You can find this zipline in the Toro Verde Adventure Park along with other attractions like climbing towers and zipline bicycles.
Naranjito’s Gastronomic Route
If you already explored the Pork Highway, don’t miss Naranjito’s Gastronomic Route
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Pork Highway, Piñones, and La Ruta de la Longaniza are three of the routes for foodies visiting Puerto Rico. But, even locals often miss out on Naranjito’s Gastronomic Route.
Located in the Puerto Rico mountains, this route is home to bakeries, coffee shops, and bars.
If you’re looking for the famous roasted pork, you will find this popular Puerto Rico dish in Lechonera Cedro Abajo. On your way to Naranjito’s Gastronomic Route, make sure to admire the cable bridge of Naranjito.
Beaches, Rivers & Waterfalls
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Flamenco Beach
Relax on this paradisiacal beach on Culebra island
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Culebra Tours
Flamenco Beach is the most popular tourist attraction in Culebra. This paradise-looking beach allows you to relax in a picturesque landscape of white sand and turquoise waters, making it one of the top things to see in Puerto Rico.
📚 Bookmark for later: Don’t miss my local’s guide to the Best Day Trips from San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Playa Sucia
Escape to a beach hidden in a nature reserve
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a tour to Playa Sucia and Los Morrillos Lighthouse in Cabo Rojo
Playa Sucia is one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches. Also known as La Playuela, this beach in Cabo Rojo is exquisite for a getaway on the west side of the island. Although the road to the beach is bumpy and there aren’t any facilities, you will fall in love with the scenery.
👉 Local Tip: Puerto Rico, like other destinations in the Caribbean, is suffering from a sargasso problem. The seaweed phenomenon can happen between March and September. The late fall and winter are safer seasons to avoid it and ensure clear beaches.
La Pared
Surf on a beach with high surf all year round
La Pared Beach in Luquillo is every surfer’s dream and one of Puerto Rico’s surf spots. This beach has the ideal conditions for surfing all year around. Don’t worry if you couldn’t fit your surfboard in your suitcase, you can rent one right on the beach!
Mar Chiquita
Walk into a natural beach pool formed by rock formations
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a tour to Mar Chiquita
Mar Chiquita means “little sea” and it will become one of your favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. This beautiful natural pool is one of the top attractions in Manatí. It offers great scenery, soft golden sand, and blue turquoise waves that crash with big rock formations. Visit in the afternoon to enjoy the color spectacle that happens with the sunset.
Charco Azul
Hike to a natural pond in the forest
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Suggested tour to Charco Azul
Charco Azul is a natural pond in Patillas where you can relax during the afternoon after eating in Guavate. It’s called Charco Azul because of its blue color and it’s only a 20-minute hike inside the Carite Forest.
Oh, and if you’re a hiker, be sure to check out my local’s guide to the best hiking trails in Puerto Rico!
Steps Beach
Snorkel on a beach full of scenery and marine life
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 455-6614
If Sandy Beach in Rincón is too crowded for you, head over to Steps Beach. Steps Beach is part of the Tres Palmas Nature Reserve and it’s a top spot for snorkeling, so don’t forget to bring your beach gear. The Beach gets its name from the concrete steps on the shore, which you can climb to take a picture.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’ve never snorkeled before, I recommend using booking this Guided Coral Reef Snorkeling Tour. Tour guides will take you to the best spots so you can see the sea life and enjoy a safe experience.
Crash Boat Beach
Dive from the wooden dock on this famous beach
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Crash Boat Tours on Viator
Crash Boat Beach enchants visitors every year with its bright blue waters and colorful wooden dock from where locals jump into the beach. Crash Boat is also famous for being a crowded beach with a cheerful atmosphere, watersports, music, and food kiosks where you can buy local food.
👉 Pro Tip: Parking in front of the beach is free but it gets crowded. You can choose to pay a fee for nearby parking areas or park on the street. Keep in mind bathrooms and other facilities might be closed during the low season.
Seven Seas Beach
Swim on a beach within a beautiful nature reserve
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 863-8180 | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $4 parking
Seven Seas is so much more than a beach, it’s a paradise of trails, hidden natural pools, and historical sites which is why it’s one of the top things to do in Fajardo. Seven Seas Beach is located inside the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo. Right in front of the beach, you will find spots for camping and trailers available for rent.
🛎️ Don’t Miss: If you’re visiting Fajardo, book a night at El Conquistador Resort and it will become one of your favorite vacation spots. You will enjoy El Coqui Waterpark, visit their private island, and enjoy a luxurious stay.
Coamo Hot Springs
Bath in the most popular thermal springs in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 825-6668 | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $3 | 👉 Browse Coamo Thermal Springs Tours on Viator
The only hot springs in Puerto Rico, the Coamo Thermal Springs offer a relaxing environment surrounded by nature. Coamo Thermal Springs feature different pools with different water temperatures filled with minerals so you can unravel. You can also get a massage at the location for a low price.
Las Pailas
Slide through a natural waterslide next to El Yunque
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $5 per car for parking + .50¢ per person to access the trail to the river
Luquillo is famous for its beautiful beaches, but if you’re in the city, don’t miss Las Pailas, one of the best Puerto Rico waterfalls you’ll find! Las Pailas is a natural waterslide created by the river running from El Yunque National Rainforest.
👉 Local Tip: If you’re afraid to try water sliding in Las Pailas on your own, I recommend booking this Rainforest and Luquillo Beach Adventure Tour. The tour guides will show you how to slide safely through the natural waterslides and you’ll visit Luquillo Beach too.
Culebrita
Snorkel side by side with the marine life of the east coast
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Boat Tours to Culebrita
Snorkeling and diving in Culebrita is something you must do in Puerto Rico! Culebrita is an island that belongs to Culebra and it offers snorkeling and scuba diving fans the best beaches for swimming side by side with sea turtles and enjoying the colorful aquatic life on the east coast. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Puerto Rico!
📍 Did you know Puerto Rico is an archipelago with more than 100 islands, cays, and islets? You can visit some of the best islands in Puerto Rico through a boat tour like Cayo Santiago (Monkey Island), Cayo Aurora, Gilligan’s Island, Palomino, Caja de Muerto, and Icacos.
Food & Drinks
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Beaches & Rivers | Food & Drinks | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Activities | Fun & Family | Museums & Culture
🍴 Want to Taste Your Way Around Puerto Rico? Be sure to bookmark my list of 47 foods & dishes to try in Puerto Rico!
Casa Bacardí
Tour the largest rum distillery in the world
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 275-5800 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $20-$75 depending on tour
Fans of a good drink need to make a stop at Casa Bacardí, the world’s largest premium rum distillery. You can take a rum tasting tour or a mixology class for a more interactive experience. If instead of touring the factory, you want to relax in the Bacardí surrounding with a good drink and snack, you can visit the Casa Bacardí Bar.
Heladería Lares
Refresh yourself with this unusually flavored ice cream
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 378-4288 | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun
One of the best ways to cool off the Caribbean heat is by eating ice cream in Heladería Lares. The ice cream shop in the small town of Lares is famous for its exotic ice cream flavors like rice and garlic. Although it’s off the beaten path, this ice cream shop deserves a visit on your entire trip.
Calle Loiza
Find international gastronomy in this San Juan street
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a tour through Calle Loíza food spots
Calle Loíza is a famous street where you’ll find art, bars, and a great number of restaurants. Travelers can choose between local food or international food like sushi, tacos, Korean bbq, and more. Most restaurants are open until late on weekends, making it a great spot for experiencing Puerto Rico’s nightlife.
Lote 23 Food Truck Park
Sample all the delicious food of this food truck park in San Juan
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 223-4984 | Website | Hours: 12 – 9 pm Tue-Thurs and Sun, 12 – 11 pm Fri and Sat, Closed Mondays
If you suddenly crave a night snack while you´re in your hotel in San Juan, head over to Lote 23 in Santurce. This food truck park is ideal to satisfy your night cravings and chill in a casual bohemian environment. You can even book a tasting tour through their website to enjoy the best of the food trucks.
👉 Local Tip: When you visit locations in Santurce at night, park in a bright place or pay for private parking instead if you aren’t familiar with the area.
Ron del Barrilito
Taste the oldest rum-making company in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 415-8601 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: $45-$80 depending on the tour | 👉 Browse Ron del Barrilito Tours on Viator
Ron del Barrilito is not only a local artisanal and high-class rum, but it’s also the oldest rum in Puerto Rico. The Ron del Barrilito fabric in Bayamón was founded in 1880, and nowadays it produces quality rum through a specialized process that takes years of confection. You can visit their fabric to enjoy a drink, take a tour, or participate in a mixology class.
By the way, if you’re interested in what the locals drink, check out my guide to the top local drinks in Puerto Rico.
Luquillo Food Kiosks
Enjoy the best of gastronomy while looking at the sea
Nothing makes you more hungry than a beach day trip! That is why Luquillo’s Food Kiosks are perfect both for beach bummers and foodies. The Luquillo Food Kiosks are right in front of Luquillo Beach and they offer a variety of fritters, seafood, and traditional foods like mofongo. You can also find souvenir shops and bars in the long line of stores.
Vaca Negra
Make your own aged cheese in an artisanal and traditional way
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 240-3450 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Wednesday and Friday, 9 am – 4 pm Thurs, Sat-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Tour: $145-$185
Hatillo is a small town in the northwest that has more cows than residents. So, it’s not a surprise that you can also find some of the best cheese-making factories on the island in this Puerto Rico town.
Vaca Negra is a local company that produces artisanal cheese inspired by traditional European methods. Foodies can enjoy cheese-making tours.
You will learn the process of cheese making, taste the local cheese, and finish by making your own cheese. You can either book a tour through their page, or visit La Ubre Cheese and Coffee Shop to taste their products.
Puerto Rico Sites & Attractions
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Yauchromatic
Snap a picture in the most colorful neighborhood of Yauco
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 429-7530 | Website
Yauchromatic is a neighborhood of Yauco that became a public art space after Hurricane Maria. It features colorful houses and different murals that will bring a smile to your face. While visiting, make sure to take a picture holding the flag, and buy a “limber” from one of the houses on the hill.
Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve
Stroll calmly along a hidden beachside
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 304-8765 | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
While the east side of Puerto Rico might not be as popular as the west coast, if you’re looking for what to do in Puerto Rico without the constant touristic crowds, then you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Punta Tuna Nature Reserve in Maunabo. This nature reserve includes a beach and water wetlands. The highlight of the Punta Tuna Nature Reserve is a lighthouse built in the 1890s.
Bahía Viva Cataño
Take your best photos in the picture-perfect spots of this boardwalk
The beachfront boardwalk in the small town of Cataño is one of the cool places where you can hang out with friends and family at any hour. Known as Bahía Viva, the boardwalk sports food kiosks, a kids playground, wooden themed docks, and a fountain where kids play. What makes this boardwalk so popular is the multiple spots it features for taking pictures, with murals, sculptures, and El Morro as a background.
El Paseo de la Princesa
Stroll through a promenade with historical significance
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top San Juan’s Walking Tours
Walking along El Paseo La Princesa is one of San Juan’s top attractions. You will find food kiosks and local artisans as you stroll down this promenade. El Paseo features popular landmarks like the Raices Fountain, and the San Juan Gate, which is one of the original entrances to the fortified city.
La Cara del Indio
Stop at the roadside sculpture with an indigenous history
Isabela has some of the best Puerto Rico activities. One of the main attractions in Isabela is La Cara del Indio. This sculpture is carved in rock at the entrance of Isabela and it’s in honor of Cacique Mabodamaca, a Taino chief that lived in Puerto Rico and opposed the Spanish invasion.
👉Local Tip: If you only have a day to explore the highlights of Puerto Rico’s northwest and west coast, I recommend taking this Full-Day West Puerto Rico Tour to see The Guajataca Tunnel, La Cara del Indio, the famous Crashboat Beach, and the city with the best sunsets, Rincón.
Guánica Sunflower Field
Walk in a colorful and dreamy field of sunflowers
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 402-7967 | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: $1.25
If you’re always hunting for mesmerizing spots, don’t miss the beautiful sunflower field in Finca El Girasol in Guánica. The field is perfect for photoshoots, strolling, or proposing to your loved one. Besides admiring them, you can also buy sunflowers.
👉Local Tip: Before you visit the Finca El Girasol, call ahead or check their social media to see if the sunflowers have bloomed.
Parque de Bombas in Ponce
Enter the first firehouse in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 840-1045 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Tue-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm Sat-Sun, 8 am – 4:30 pm Mon | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Viator’s Ponce Walking Tours
Ponce is a bustling city limited by the Caribbean Sea with multiple famous landmarks. One of them is Parque de Bombas, the first fire station of Puerto Rico. The red and blag building stands out in the plaza and it’s one of Ponce’s top attractions.
Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center
Be a caregiver of manatees for a day
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 400-2782 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sundays | Entrance: $16- $98
Animal lovers need to add the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, one of the best things to do in Bayamon, to their vacation to-do list.
This organization is dedicated to rescuing and nursing manatees, but it also works for the conservation of dolphins, whales, turtles, and pelicans. You can visit the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center on a guided tour to learn about their manatee conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
But, if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, opt for a caregiver tour, during which you can prepare food and feed manatees yourself.
Jayuya’s Aerostatic Balloon
Elevate 3,700 feet above sea level and enjoy a 360 view of Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 304-0813 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Thurs – Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun, Closed from Monday to Wednesday | Entrance: $19, adults, $15 under 13
The Aerostatic Balloon of Jayuya is one of the many attractions to visit in the mountain town.
The Jayuya’s Aerostatic Balloon is one of its kind in Puerto Rico. It rises 500 feet off the ground to reach an impressive altitude of 3,700 feet above sea level.
It allows visitors to enjoy a 360-degree of the island’s beauty, and on clear days, you can even see San Juan in the distance. In the complex surrounding Jayuya’s Aerostatic Balloon, you’ll also find multiple attractions like the highest zipline in Puerto Rico, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.
👉 Did You Know? A storm during Puerto Rico’s hurricane season in 2020 destroyed this attraction. But, after two years, the aerostatic balloon is programmed to reopen in the following month (as of December 2022).
Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico
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Rio Bayamon Gulf Club
Practice your golf skills even as a beginner
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 740-1419 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Mon and Wed-Sat, 12 – 9 pm Tues, 7 am – 6 pm Sunday | Entrance: $40-75 depending on the hour
There are plenty of golf courses around Puerto Rico, but not all of them are budget-friendly or open to amateur golfers. The Rio Bayamón Golf Club offers a course of 18 holes and a Drive Range with 58 stations. It’s also open until late at night, in case you rather practice without the daylight’s heat and it makes it one of the popular things to do in Bayamón.
Vieques Wildlife Refuge
Explore all the hidden paths and trails of a unique wildlife refuge
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 741-2138 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7:30 pm March-August, 7 am – 6:30 pm September- February
I already mentioned the Mosquito Bio Bay, but nature and outdoor fans can’t leave Vieques without exploring all the hidden gems of the Vieques Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to dozens of mesmerizing beaches, challenging trails, and diving destinations and it even has spots for fishing. Photographers should visit Puerto Ferro Lighthouse, where you can capture the best landscape on the island.
Antonio Neri Juarbe Airport
Go skydiving in an airport in Arecibo
Thrill-seekers looking for what to do in Puerto Rico can set the Antonio Neri Juarbe Airport in Arecibo as their destination, where they can skydive from a 14,000 or 10,000 feet altitude and free fall for 30-40 seconds. Both Puerto Rico Skydive and Xtreme Divers offer skydiving in this Arecibo Airport.
👉 Local Tip: Book your appointment before coming to Puerto Rico and call the day before to confirm it. Keep in mind that inappropriate weather might keep you from jumping.
Roca Norte
Climb a rock formation created by Hurricane Maria
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 218-7887 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: $50-150 depending on tour
Rock climbing is another extreme sport you can do in Puerto Rico. Roca Norte is an outdoor gym where you can climb on rock walls formed by Hurricane Maria. You can choose to climb alone if you already know how to lead climb, clean anchors, or climb, or you can book a two-hour guided climbing.
Tanama River
Do water sports in a river that crosses through forests and caves
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 462-4121 | Website
Lying on a tube while drifting calmly inside a cave is one of the unique things to do in Puerto Rico. In the Tanana River in Utuado you can enjoy cave tubing while a tour guide talks about the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
Cañón San Cristóbal
Go canyoning in the deepest canyon in Puerto Rico
The San Cristobal Canyon in Barranquitas is a popular spot for adrenaline seekers. Once a dumping site, the San Cristobal Canyon is now an outdoor adventure park with hiking trails, walls where you can do rappelling, waterfalls, and rivers you can swim in. Past visitors have gotten lost in the area, so it’s better to visit with a tour or in groups.
Desecheo Underwater Caves
Go scuba diving into the waters of a forbidden island
Calling out all scuba divers! Desecheo Island offers a unique underwater world full of caves and marine life. Going into Desecheo itself is dangerous and forbidden because the island is full of live ammunition left behind by the United States Armed Forces, but, it’s safe to explore the surrounding waters. At the moment, only Taino Divers offer trips to the amazing area.
Humacao Nature Reserve
Bike or kayak in a breathtaking nature reserve
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 397-1900 | Hours: 9 am – 3:00 pm daily Tue-Sun, Closed Mondays
Puerto Rico is home to dozens of nature reserves and you’ll find one of them in Humacao. The Humacao Nature Reserve goes by different names, but regardless it offers some fun things to do in Puerto Rico like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cycling. The reserve hosts different ecosystems like a beach, a lagoon, and a forest perfect for relaxing for a day.
Fun & Family-Friendly Things to Do
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Beaches & Rivers | Food & Drinks | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Activities | Fun & Family | Museums & Culture
Arroyo Surfing Park
Surf safely in this waterpark in Arroyo
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 455-1081 | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tues-Sun, Closed Mondays (High Season), 10 am – 5 pm Sat-Sun (Low Season) | Entrance: $10, adults, $7 under 12
Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Fiona. If this has changed, please leave a comment so we can update this note.
There aren’t many amusement parks in Puerto Rico, but instead, you’ll find plenty of waterparks where you can escape the heat and enjoy family quality time. The Arroyo Surfing Park is one of the best parks in Puerto Rico, with waterslides, pools, and food kiosks, but the top attraction is the flow rider, where you can catch waves safely for an additional few bucks.
👉 Pro Tip: The Arroyo Surfing Park is open during specific seasons. They open usually from the spring break in April to October, with the high season being during the summer. Make sure to call ahead to see if they’re open and if the Flow Rider is in service.
Gran Parque del Norte
Discover 20 acres of tourist attractions along the beach
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 898-3840 | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free
You can find other Puerto Rico outdoor activities in Hatillo. El Gran Parque del Norte is a beachside park that includes fun things to do in Puerto Rico, like a volleyball and basketball court, kayaking, bicycle rentals, and different spots to take pictures. Kids will love the small trolley that takes them on a ride around the park.
Carabalí Rainforest Park
Ride an ATV in the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 889-5820 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm daily
Located right next to El Yunque National Forest, Hacienda Carabalí offers visitors the exhilarating chance to ride ATVs around the foothills of El Yunque Tropical Rainforest. If you’re not a fan of ATVs, you can also take a horseback riding tour through the forest or nearby beautiful beaches.
👉 Need Help Planning Your Itinerary? Check out my complete itinerary for Puerto Rico. It’s pre-planned for you!
Plaza Las Americas
Shop in the largest mall in the Caribbean
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 767-5202 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 7 pm Sundays
If shopping is your thing and you brought an extra suitcase, head over to Plaza Las Americas. The top shopping mall of Puerto Rico features brand stores, a movie theater, restaurants, bookstores, and more! You can also find occasional exhibitions, contests, and seasonal characters like Santa Clauss in the mall.
Guajataca Tunnel
Recreate history in an old railway tunnel in Quebradillas
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
The Guajataca Tunnel is located between Quebradillas and Isabela. What was once the tracks of a railway is now a plaza for eating and buying local crafts. There’s even a free trolley that takes kids on a ride while recounting the story of the tunnel during the weekends.
Icacos Island
Take a catamaran to an uninhabited island
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator Top Tours to Icacos
Vieques Island and Culebra Island are probably already on your list of what to do in Puerto Rico, but have you heard of Icacos Island? Icacos is one of the cays of Puerto Rico with shallow waters where you can snorkel or go scuba diving next to coral reefs. The cay is part of the Cordillera Keys Nature Reserve, and you can reach it through private catamaran tours.
Carolina Paintball Field
Play an airsoft game with your friends or family
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 531-9011 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: $22.25 for 3 hours
Kids and adults alike will love shooting their stress away in the Carolina PaintBall Field. They provide you both with the airgun and the safety equipment to have an exhilarating family day trip.
👉 Is it Safe to Visit Puerto? See my full guide to Puerto Rico safety for answers!
Museums & Culture
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Beaches & Rivers | Food & Drinks | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Activities | Fun & Family | Museums & Culture
Santurce
Enjoy the artsy and lively atmosphere of this San Juan neighborhood
Santurce is a neighborhood that mixes art, local culture, and good food. Visitors can spend days enjoying street art at Calle Cerra, Calle Loíza, and Avenida Fernandez Juncos, and dancing and eating with locals in La Placita de Santurce. Santurce also boasts multiple coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, and themed restaurants.
👉 Do You Love Street Art? This Arte Boriken-Puerto Rican Urban Art Tour takes you to all the best murals and street art of Santurce.
Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center
Learn about the indigenous history in the largest Taino site in the Caribbean
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 894-7325 | Hours: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm daily | Entrance: $5.00, adults, $3.00 under 13
The Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Site in Utuado is an archaeological site with petroglyphs and ceremonial plazas that offers visitors a view of the pre-Columbian lifestyle of the Taino. It’s one of the best things to do in Utuado, and one of the unique things to do in Puerto Rico.
San Germán
Explore the second oldest city of Puerto Rico
Outside of San Juan, you will find plenty of history in other Puerto Rico cities like San Germán, the second oldest city in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1573, the city hosts historical landmarks around the historic district including plazas, museums, and the iconic Porta Coeli Church that dates back to 1609. The city sports an overall neoclassical architecture and cobblestone streets.
Castillo Serrallés
Tour a real-life castle with a Japanese garden
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 259-1775 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: $15
Once home to the Serrallés family, this Spanish-revival castle is now a museum, surrounded by other top Puerto Rico activities including a Japanese garden, a butterfly nursery, and Cruceta del Vigia, a 100 feet cross with a platform from which you can see the shore. It definitely makes our list of the best things to do in Ponce!
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Contemplate contemporary art pieces from Latin America and Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 977-4030 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: $5, free for seniors
The Contemporary Art Museum of Puerto Rico is one of Puerto Rico activities for contemporary art fans. This unique museum founded in 1984 has a permanent collection that includes 1,200 art pieces from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. You can also enjoy the familiar activities, movie nights, and special events they post frequently on their page.
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Enjoy art in a museum that’s both for adults and kids
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 977- 6277 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Thurs, 11 am – 5 pm Fri-Sun, Closed Monday to Wednesday | Entrance: $6.69, adults, $3.35 kids, Kids under 5 enter free
The Puerto Rico Art Museum in San Juan displays 24 exhibition galleries of art. The permanent exhibition, Puerto Rico Plural, groups more than 250 pieces from the 18th century to the present, including the mural on the facade of the museum made with Chinese ink. This museum also features an interactive art room and a garden perfect for visiting with kids.
Museo Las Américas
Explore a unique museum inside the Spanish military barracks
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 724-5052 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm Wed-Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: $6, adults, $4 under 12
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to include Museo Las Americas in your list of things to do in Puerto Rico. Once the Spaniard military barracks, with rooms, kitchens, and cells, this museum is now home to multiple art galleries with permanent collections about the American continent’s complex heritage. In the same building, you’ll also find coffee shops, restaurants, and shops.
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
Walk between historical tombs next to the Atlantic Ocean
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 480-4617 | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm daily
Visiting a graveyard is not exactly in your typical guide, but the Santa Maria de Pazzis cemetery could easily pass as a museum. This small graveyard is home to astonishing sculptures and a round chapel with a dome that dates back to the 19th century.
Museo de Arte Bayamón
Visit a museum with pieces from famous Puerto Rican artists
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 269-4423 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Sundays and Mondays | Entrance: Free
Puerto Rican art like everything else in our country is a mix of trends, cultures, and styles. The Art Museum of Bayamón reflects exactly that through its collection. Although small, this museum holds temporary exhibitions, a hall with engravings, and another hall with the early start of Puerto Rican art.
👉 Want More Museums? Check out my guide to the best museums in Puerto Rico.
Museo de Arte de Ponce
Tour one of the most important museums in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 840-1510 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Thurs-Fri, 12 am – 5 pm Sat through a reservation, Closed from Sunday to Wednesday | Entrance: $6.69, adults, $3 under 6
The Ponce Museum of Art houses one of the most important collections of Puerto Rican and European art in Puerto Rico. The collection boasts more than 4,500 objects of which roughly 800 are on display.
You can find exemplars of British paintings, 19th-century art, Spanish paintings, and Puerto Rican art. Art fans could easily spend half a day in the Ponce Museum of Art and shouldn’t miss its most renowned piece, Flaming June.
👉 Local Tip: As of December 2022, the main exhibition halls are closed due to repairs. But, you can visit the annexed hall by writing an email to info@museoarteponce.org or calling 787-840-1510.
FAQs About What To Do in Puerto Rico
What are the top activities in Puerto Rico?
The top activities in Puerto Rico include walking around San Juan, visiting the beach, eating at chinchorros, shopping, visiting El Yunque National Forest, and kayaking in one of the three bioluminescent bays of the island.
Is it dangerous to go to Puerto Rico right now?
It is generally safe to visit Puerto Rico, although visitors should check the latest covid statistics, follow public health guidelines, and consider getting travel insurance to protect their trip if they’re visiting Puerto Rico.
What do locals do for fun in Puerto Rico?
Locals from Puerto Rico go to San Juan, the shopping mall, the movie theater, or the beach for fun. Those who prefer nightlife, visit bars or chinchorros. Places like La Placita de Santurce, Piñones, Calle Loíza, and Río Piedras are common night reunion spots.
Can you drink the water in Puerto Rico?
Tap water in Puerto Rico is potable and safe to drink. Water safety in Puerto Rico gets regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act created by the EPA.
Should you tip in Puerto Rico?
Tipping is optional in Puerto Rico but it’s considered a courtesy in restaurants, hotels, or tours. Puerto Ricans tip frequently, even if it’s the minimum 15% percent.
What months should I visit Puerto Rico?
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is generally between December and May to enjoy the activities to do in Puerto Rico after hurricane season and before the summer high season when prices are higher and attractions are crowded.
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👉 Want More Local Tips? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in Puerto Rico!
Now you know what to do in Puerto Rico! Those are the top natural wonders and fun activities that make up the top things to do in Puerto Rico.
What was your favorite of all the things to do in Puerto Rico on this list? Let me know what vacation experience you are most excited about in the comments below!
Want more Puerto Rico guides? I have dozens! Browse all my Puerto Rico guides here.
This is definitely helpful and we will be using this on our upcoming trip this year, thanks!
Hi Nadiyah! I’m glad to hear that! If you need a little help with your trip’s organization, check out our Puerto Rico 7-day itinerary so you get an idea of how to cover the main attractions in just a week!
Thank you! Really enjoyed reading your list and filled up the rest of my activities with it.
Hi Rene! I’m glad I can help you plan your visit to Puerto Rico!
Hi Vanessa, My family is heading to PR the first week of August. We’ll be staying in Carolina at a VRBO. Is it possible to hire a tour guide for the day to take us on day trips? If so, what is the going rate? We did this in Mexico and it was the best trip we ever had. Wondering if this is something we could do in PR.
Thank you! Super helpful. We just got here last night and i will definitely be using all the info to help us make the most of other time here.