Fondly known as the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico offers many things to do, plus amazing cuisine, beautiful beaches, and friendly people.

This makes the island a implausible Caribbean destination for families and solo travelers.

In this text, we summarize 52 amazing activities you can enjoy which we’re confident will make your stay in Puerto Rico memorable.

Best Things to do in Puerto Rico – Beaches And Water Activities

The ocean is the guts and soul of Puerto Rico. The very first thing that involves mind if you say Puerto Rico is a sandy beach with palm trees and turquoise waters. Your vision is just not removed from reality, but the reality is that there are more things to do in Puerto Rico than simply lying on the beach.

1. Sail to Culebra Island

This gem is positioned 20 miles from the coast of Fajardo and is ideal for snorkeling and diving.

white sand beach surrounded by forrest, where the best things to do in puerto rico meet
White sand beach on the island of Culebra – Puerto Rico

2. Spend The Day on Vieques Island

Located 7 miles off the East Coast, Vieques Island is ideal for a getaway. The island is tranquil and is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay on the earth.

3. Visit Condado Beach

This is some of the popular beaches positioned in San Juan. It attracts many tourists to the island and is near hotels and clubs in town.

4. Take A Boat To Isla Palominos

Palominos is a small private island and an ideal escape for those in search of tranquility. 

Isla Palominos will be accessed via boat, and it’s about 10 minutes from the El Conquistador Resort. The waters are clean and exquisite, making it an actual paradise.

Palomino Island from above
Palomino Island from the air Puerto Rico.

5. Relax At Isla De Caja De Muertos

This is a serene uninhabited island, ideal to enjoy sunbathing, hiking, and swimming.

6. Relax At Playa El Combate

Situated within the Boqueron National State Forest, this beach is loved by locals. Its calm and shallow waters make it ideal for kids.

7. Swim At Playa Crashboat

Another popular spot for beach lovers is positioned on the West Coast in Aguadilla. Its beautiful waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

8. Snorkel At Playa Caracas

Playa Caracas is a pleasant beach with clear, calm waters. It’s one other pristine spot for snorkeling and having fun with the island’s marine life.

9. Enjoy The Thrill of Kitesurfing

Puerto Rico’s wind season often begins after the hurricane season in December.

For kitesurfers in search of the strongest wind conditions, the months of January, February, March, after which June and July are ideal.

Isla Verde and Rincon are two of the popular spots on the island. There are quite a few schools available in the event you are a beginner.

10. Hike To Las Tinajas

Enjoy two beautiful waterfalls called Las Tinajas, situated on the East coast. The hike to the primary fall is roughly a 20-minute long trek.

11. Take A Day Trip To Cayo Icacos

Bask in tranquility and calmness on the small uninhabited island off the coast of Fajardo. 

Cayo Icacos will be accessed via a 15 minutes water taxi ride. There aren’t any amenities reminiscent of showers, changing rooms, or cafes available.

12. Kayak On Laguna Grande

This bioluminescent bay near San Juan within the Fajardo region is an ideal activity to enjoy at night.

Kayak tours can be found to view this amazing lagoon that lights at nighttime. 

To preserve the organisms within the bay swimming is just not permitted. Also, using products reminiscent of lotions and repellants, which might be harmful, ought to be avoided.

13. Hike To Juan Diego Falls

Also generally known as Charca Juan Diego within the Rio Grande, there are three majestic waterfalls ideal for bathing and relaxing. The most visited area is a spot with a picnic table and a 20 feet waterfall.

Top Things To Do In Puerto Rico Outdoors

If water activities are usually not your thing, or you simply need to add some variety, Puerto Rico offers loads of activities inland as well.

14. Visit The Toro Verde Adventure Park

Enjoy the wonder and nature of the island with zipline tours. Participants ought to be a minimum of 4 feet tall. There can also be a restaurant on-site in addition to a merchandise store.

15. Drive To Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center

Situated in Utuado, this site provides insight into the culture of the individuals who inhabited Puerto Rico before Spanish colonization.

16. Go To Mayaguez

Located on the West coast, this town is understood for excellent scuba diving, high-quality dining options, and the Teatro Yaguez, a performing arts center.

17. Take Pictures At El Tunel de Guajataca

El Tunel de Guajataca is situated within the town of Isabela and is an impressive place to take pictures.

The tunnel was built in the course of the sugar era for transporting sugar cane from farms throughout Isabela.

18. Hike Cuevas Avenales Caves

Trek to rivers and caves where you may enjoy beautiful pools of water surrounded by nature.

19. Visit El Rio Camuy Caves

Situated within the Northwestern region of the island, these caves cover over ten miles. There are 17 entrances and 220 caves in total, making it the world’s largest underground cave system.

20. Kayak To Gilligan’s Island

For probably the greatest snorkeling experiences, head over to Gilligan’s Island where you may enjoy marine life.

21. Visit Yokahu Observation Tower

Constructed within the Nineteen Sixties by Dr. Frank H Wadsworth, this 69-foot tower provides breathtaking views of the forest. The tower is inside El Yunque National Rainforest.

22. Stop By Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista

This historic landmark is the second oldest church within the Western Hemisphere. Built around 1540, the structure can also be the oldest on US soil.

23. Hike In El Yunque National Rainforest

This is the one tropical rainforest within the United States of America and a must-visit attraction.

Visitors can benefit from the forest by hiking, with the longest trail to the highest being a couple of four-hour trek.

Alternatively, you may drive to scenic spots reminiscent of La Coca Falls. which will be enjoyed by your entire family.

The Puerto Rico rainforests are perfect for hiking
Tropical rain forest in Puerto Rico.

24. Cabo Rojo Lighthouse

This lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The structure is on a high cliff so be sure you wear sturdy shoes.

Things To Do In San Juan Area – Puerto Rico

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and the oldest city belonging to the US Territory. It’s also a captivating city, with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and loads of sunny days. There are many things to do in San Juan starting with exploring the Old Town. Let’s see a few of them!

Colorful San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico.
Colorful, historical buildings on the coast of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

25. Pray At The Chapel of Christ

Located in the guts of San Juan, that is the right place to stop and reflect. Offerings are welcome.

26. Visit The San Juan Gate

This historic landmark is red in appearance and is generally known as Puerta de Aguas. It is 16 feet tall and 20 feet thick.

27. Walk The Paseo de la Princesa

Enjoy town of Old San Juan with a calming stroll on this promenade. There are trees, benches, and sculptures which you may see and admire.

28. Explore The Oldest House In Old San Juan

Casa Blanca is the oldest constructing in Old San Juan constructed in 1521. Today, this structure serves as a museum with pieces from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

29. Visit San Cristobal

Built in the course of the period 1634 to 1765, this historic fortress is a must-visit spot to learn more in regards to the history of the island. 

San Cristobal was designated a UNESCO heritage in 1983 and covers a landmass of 27 acres. This fort was vital to guard the island against foreign attacks.

30. Explore The Castillo San Felipe Del Morro

Built between the sixteenth and 18th centuries, this fort was a strategic point within the World Wars and hence a very important a part of American history.

El Morro castle watch tower
Watchtower in El Morro castle at old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

31. Go Shopping

If you’re trying to find high-end products, the mall of San Juan is the place to go to. 

There are several upscale brands reminiscent of Armani Exchange, Coach, Versace, Carolina Herrera, and Bulgari.

32. Stroll Fortaleza Street

Located in the course of Old San Juan, this street will likely be busy and crammed with local restaurants and bars. 

This is an awesome place to take memorable photos in addition to to watch the architecture of town.

33. Listen To Poetry

Go to a coffee shop and art gallery called The Poet Passage.

This is a location where poets share their artistry. It is an ideal venue to socialize and meet like-minded individuals.

Fun Things To Do in Puerto Rico With Kids

34. Celebrate Christmas

Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas on the earth as festivities are celebrated for about 45 days. Therefore, it’s certainly one of the best Caribbean islands to go to in December.

Furthermore, in the course of the festivities, Christmas markets are open with the lighting of kayaks to mark the season.

35. Stop By Parque de Bombas

Located within the town of Ponce, that is some of the distinguished landmarks of this city.

The constructing was used as a fireplace station but today serves as a museum.

36. Visit The Arecibo Observatory

View the world’s largest observatory that’s utilized by scientists to research planets and star formations.

37. Stop By Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

This is positioned on North Eastern tip of the island. There is a mangrove swamp forest, beach, and bioluminescent room.

38. Visit A Coffee Plantation

Puerto Rico is home to quite a few farms where coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.

Tours give individuals a possibility to learn more about coffee production in addition to enjoy beautiful hillside views.

These farms often have a restaurant on site where you should purchase refreshments and, after all, coffee.

39. Spend The Day At Coqui Water Park

Located within the El Conquistador Resort, this amazing water park spreads over 2.4 acres, perfect for a day of family adventure.

The highlight of the park is the three high-speed water slides that are El Gigante Dormido, The Huracan, and Marohu.

Furthermore, there may be also the La Mina Lazy River which is 80 feet long and provides guests with a calming floating experience as they admire the great thing about the El Yunque rainforest.

40. Visit The Museo De Arte de Ponce

This museum captures art from the 14th to twentieth centuries. The hottest piece is the Flaming June painted by Frederic Leighton.

41. Stop By Hacienda Campo Rico

Hacienda Campo Rico is positioned about 10 minutes from the capital city of San Juan and covers 200 acres.

Visitors can enjoy activities reminiscent of ATV tours and horseback riding.

42. Spend The Day At Surf’N Fun Waterpark

Located in San German, Surf’n Fund waterpark has a lazy river, a wave pool, bumper boats, surf simulators, and other rides. What else could you would like for?

Food, Drinks & Nightlife

43. Visit The Madre Tierra Coffee Shop

If you’re a lover of vegan food, then you definately will adore this vegan-friendly spot in Caguas.

Visitors can enjoy a large and artistic choice of vegan dishes from vegan pasta to vegan wines.

44. Visit Pork Highway

For all things Pork, on Highway 184 there are several food stalls dedicated to serving pork-inspired dishes.

45. Attend A Concert At Luis A Ferre Arts Center

This center will likely be the venue for operas, theaters, and ballet performances.

46. Go To Jose Enrique Restaurant

For spectacular food in San Juan, this restaurant is very advisable for high-quality dining and unique flavors.

47. Eat Local Produce At Mercado Santurce

Purchase local vegatables and fruits in addition to fried fish, beans, and fresh fruit juices. The market will likely be busiest on weekends.

48. Relax At Mercado de Rio Piedras

This is certainly one of the oldest neighborhoods within the San Juan area. You may find a wide range of vegetables, fruits, clothes, and shoes on the market.

49. Attend The Annual Pina Colada Festival

Puerto Rico is home to the drink Pina Colada. In commemorating this, national Pina Colada Day is widely known in the course of the festival in July annually.

Amidst the festivities, bars often prepare quite a few variations of the drink. 

50. Eat The Local Delicacies

Some of the local treats that you need to try on the island are Mofongo, Arroz Con Pollo, and Pastelon.

51. Salsa Dance At La Placita de Santurce

La Placita de Santurce is a well-liked nightlife spot to interact with locals on the island, eat, loosen up, and salsa dance in San Juan.

This area is a market in the course of the day but transforms into an entertainment hot spot at night.

52. Visit Pinones

Pinones is a region positioned outside the San Juan area with quite a few food stalls where you may enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine, drinks, and music. 

La Posita is a beach on this area known for its calm and clear waters which makes it ideal for kids.

Final Thoughts

From the list above, there are limitless things to do on the attractive Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. 

As an overseas territory of the United States of America, US residents don’t require a passport for entry.

The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November annually which affects the weather within the destination.

It is subsequently prudent to think about travel insurance in the event you plan on visiting the island during this era.

Author Bio

Around The Caribbean is a web based travel magazine dedicated to sharing information in regards to the Caribbean islands. The content provides helpful and meaningful tips for people who need to relocate or vacation within the region.

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