25+ Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico: An Insider’s Guide

Puerto Rico reads like a “best-of” list of all the things you could ever hope for in a Caribbean getaway – and then some. Incredible food? Check. Historical landmarks and centuries-old architecture to admire? Check. White sand beaches so pristine you’ll have to blink to believe they’re real? Check, check, check.

As a Caribbean travel expert, I’ve crisscrossed the region and crossed countless islands off my bucket list, yet I can confidently say that Puerto Rico is one that I’ll always want to return to. La Isla del Encanto – the island of enchantment – has certainly put its spell on me.

Read on for the best things to do in Puerto Rico, from lounging at luxury beach resorts to hiking to tropical jungle waterfalls to sink into the magical mood of this one-of-a-kind island getaway.

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Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico

We’ve packed this guide full of the very best things to see and do in Puerto Rico; though we wouldn’t recommend skipping even one item on this list, it would probably take at least a month to do them all. Don’t have a month to spare? These are our top recommendations for the truly unmissable island highlights for your trip ~

• Explore Old San Juan
• Visit the Spanish Virgin Islands
• Try Puerto Rican Food
• Go Beach-Hopping
• Explore El Yunque National Park

Read on for insider tips on adding these inspirational experiences to your itinerary and for our countless other recommendations for the best things to do in Puerto Rico!

1. Explore Old San Juan

UNESCO World Heritage Site-designed Old San Juan is a highlight of any trip to Puerto Rico. Just wandering this colorful neighborhood’s cobblestone streets of Old San Juan is a treat. Take a FREE walking tour of Old San Juan (book ahead – they’re popular!) or embark on your own self-guided tour to some of these most important and picturesque spots:

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro | Better known simply as El Morro, a visit is its own highlight on your list of the best things to do in Puerto Rico
• Catedral de San Juan | The second-oldest cathedral in the Americas!
• Fortaleza Street | Known for its colorful umbrellas – I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures on Instagram!
• Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery | Weirded out at the thought of visiting a cemetery? This historic seaside burial ground has impressive monuments, statues, and ocean views to boot.
• La Fortaleza | Home to the governor of Puerto Rico, this impressive and historic mansion is open for tours or can be admired from the outside.

You could easily spend the better part of a day exploring Old San Juan, as you should – it’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. End your day with bites at Kueros Island Bar & Kitchen and drinks at La Factoría.

2. Visit the Spanish Virgin Islands

You’ve heard of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, but what of the Spanish Virgin Islands? Between the Puerto Rican mainland and the U.S. Virgin Islands sit nearly 150 islands, islets, and cays that comprise the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands and are part of the larger territory of Puerto Rico.

These are the main islands of the Spanish Virgin Islands ~

• Vieques | The largest of the Spanish Virgin Islands is home to an increasingly impressive array of boutique hotels and boasts hidden beaches, great food, and a blissfully laidback vibe.
• Culebra | The ultimate beach paradise! Culebra is home to the world-famous Playa Flamenco, the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico and arguably the entire Caribbean.
• Culebrita | A tiny, uninhabited island off the coast of Culebra, this untouched gem feels like your own private island, accessible only by charter boat or small group tour from Culebra.
• Icacos | Little more than a speck of an uninhabited island a stone’s throw from Fajardo, Icacos is a white sand paradise in every sense of the word. Small group day trips from San Juan to Icacos include cruising by catamaran and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters; they’re increasingly one of the most popular excursions from the capital.

Each is within a day’s trip from the mainland and has its own unique feel; paying a visit to at least one of these islands is a must, easily among the best things to do in Puerto Rico.

3. Sample (Real!) Puerto Rican Food

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried authentic Puerto Rican food. Get ready to fall in love with complex flavors and inventive uses for ingredients you’ve never seen before in dishes like these:

• Mofongo: mashed plantains with seafood or pork
• Arroz con gandules / arroz con habichuelas: rice and beans, Puerto Rican style
• Pastelitos: pastries stuffed with sweet or savory fillings
• Tostones: fried savory plantains

If you’re looking for delicious and affordable Puerto Rican street food, make Piñones your first stop upon landing in San Juan. Located next to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport outside of San Juan, this area is known for its food stalls selling some of Puerto Rico’s favorite dishes. Go for the alcapurrias (fried yuca and plantain dough stuffed with meat), bacalaítos (codfish fritters), and endless seafood options like oysters.

4. Go Beach-Hopping

Any visitor to Puerto Rico would be crazy not to visit at least one of Puerto Rico’s world-famous beaches during their trip to the island. From tiny, tucked-away cove beaches to miles-long stretches of powdery white sand, you’ll find every type of beach experience imaginable in Puerto Rico.

Rent a car for a day or two and spend some time beach hopping; these are the best beaches in Puerto Rico to add to your list:

• North Puerto Rico | Playa Jobos in Isabela, Mar Chiquita in Manatí, Playa Piñones in Loiza
• South Puerto Rico | Pelícano Beach in Ponce, Playa Santa in Guanica
• East Puerto Rico | Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá in Fajardo, Balneario La Monserrate in Luqillo
• West Puerto Rico | Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla, Playa Buyé in Boquerón

Of course, the Spanish Virgin Islands are home to their own stunning beaches as well, including one particularly famous beach that many consider the best beach in the entire Caribbean (or even the world!); much more to come on that later.

5. Explore El Yunque

If happening upon hidden waterfalls with swimming holes in a tropical rainforest sounds like a dream, El Yunque National Forest will feel like heaven. Ziplining, hiking, swimming, and even sliding down natural “waterslides” at the base of waterfalls are just a few of the most popular things to do in El Yunque

Day trips from San Juan are one of the best ways to visit El Yunque without having to rent your own car, so they’re a favorite among most travelers. You’ll also find half-day trips to El Yunque from cities that are closer to the National Forest:

• El Yunque half-day trip from Fajardo
• El Yunque half-day trip from Luquillo

6. Visit the World-Famous Playa Flamenco

Tucked away on the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico’s Spanish Virgin Islands, Playa Flamenco is arguably the best beach in the Caribbean, garnering its own special mention on our list of the best things to do in Puerto Rico.

In the protected Bahía Flamenco (Flamenco Bay), this powdery-soft white-sand beach is nearly waveless, perfect for swimming and a divine day in a tropical paradise. You’ll find food trucks and vendors, chair rentals, snorkeling gear available, and pretty much everything you could want to have on hand for a day at the beach.

This beach also has some historic—if complex and dark—features. The north end of the beach features an abandoned graffiti-covered U.S. Navy tank, a remnant from the decades-long era when the United States military used the island for training practices against the will of locals.

Reviews and Bookings: Culebra Day Trip via Catamaran from Fajardo

7. Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay

This is one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico – by far! Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques is home to the brightest bioluminescent effect anywhere in the world, caused by a unique bioluminescent algae living in the water. For reasons scientists can’t quite put their finger on, the bioluminescence in the bay has gotten even stronger since Hurricane Maria passed over the island in 2017. 

You can find plenty of tours to Mosquito Bay (easily the most popular things to do in Vieques!) offering guided excursions to experience the bioluminescence by catamaran or kayak through the magical bay.

Can’t make it all the way to Vieques? While Mosquito Bay is the most impressive of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, there are actually a few of them worth visiting on the mainland as well. Excursions from San Juan to La Parguera are popular, as are visits to Fajardo’s Laguna Grande. Both can be good alternatives to the Mosquito Bay experience.

8. Party at Puerto Rico’s Most Famous Club

If you’re a fan of reggaeton, you’ve definitely heard of Fifty-Eight. Appearing everywhere, from Bad Bunny’s song lyrics (multiple times!) to music videos from Rauw Alejandro, Arcángel, and more, Fifty-Eight is a bonafide institution when it comes to partying in Puerto Rico.

Fifty-Eight is located in the heart of Condado, one of the most upscale San Juan neighborhoods known for its exclusive restaurants, resorts, shopping, and bars, and hidden away inside La Concha Renaissance Resort. Only open on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 PM, it fills up fast, so make sure to get there early if you have hopes of partying the night away with your favorite reggaetoneros.

9. Stay at a World-Class Resort

One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico might be… doing nothing. Kicking back and relaxing in paradise is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy the island. You’ll find beautiful and luxurious resorts everywhere from the heart of San Juan and beyond. These are some of the best spots to consider if you’re looking for a resort getaway in Puerto Rico ~

• La Concha Renaissance Resort | San Juan
• Caribe Hilton | San Juan
• Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Dorado – North Coast
• St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort | Río Grande – North Coast
• El Conquistador Resort | Fajardo – East Coast

No resort on the island comes close to matching the luxury of Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these impressive beachfront spots. Even better – you’ll find something on the island for every budget.

10. Enjoy a Wellness Retreat at Finca Victoria

Looking for a memorable—and sustainable—wellness getaway in Puerto Rico? Consider booking a stay at the acclaimed Finca Victoria on the island of Vieques. This beloved eco-hotel feels almost like staying in a treehouse; its secluded location makes visitors feel like they’re in the heart of the lush tropical forest while still being easily accessible to the rest of Vieques. 

This unique property has its own fruit and vegetable gardens, which contribute to the hotel’s ayurvedic vegan kitchen. Medicinal plant gardens are made into all-natural products sold in the store and used in the wellness house. At Finca Victoria, you’ll find an abundance of wellness offerings, from yoga sessions to dedicated wellness retreats; there’s nowhere like it in Puerto Rico.

Reviews and Bookings: Finca Victoria

11. Visit Puerto Rico’s Black Sand Beach

If you’re visiting Vieques to get your rest and relaxation on at wellness-focused Finca Victoria, stick around to visit Puerto Rico’s most famous black sand beach. Fittingly called Playa Negra, it is on the southern coast of the island, near the town of Esperanza. While the beach isn’t a huge one, its sand is quite black—surrounding sandy cliffs and dramatic azure waves make it look even more impressive.

If your Puerto Rico itinerary won’t take you to Vieques, don’t worry – there are some black sand beaches on the Puerto Rican mainland, too. Not far from San Juan outside of Manatí, you’ll find Playa La Boca and Playa La Esperanza, both of which have dark, almost-black sand.

12. Explore Santurce

There is much, MUCH more to San Juan than just Old San Juan. Make sure to visit the lively Santurce neighborhood while you’re in town; from upscale oceanfront highrises to artsy districts overflowing with galleries and restaurants, it has something for everyone.

The upscale oceanfront neighborhood of Condado sits within the larger neighborhood of Santurce, filled with high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels, and incredible places to eat, drink, and shop. Stroll down Ashford Avenue with its designer shops, grab a kayak and hit the water, or just enjoy the stunning beaches—you’ll love having all this variety at your fingertips.

More laidback residential Ocean Park is home to some of the best public beaches in San Juan, making it a great spot if you’re looking for a boutique hotel in San Juan or a more affordable Airbnb stay. You’ll also find plenty of art here; Santurce is home to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, and street art is concentrated around Calle Loiza and Avenida Juan Ponce de León.

Read More: Puerto Rico: An Insider’s Travel Guide

13. Sip Rum at Casa Bacardi

You can’t visit the Caribbean without tasting local rum; nowhere is that more true than Puerto Rico. While Bacardí got its start in Cuba in 1862, it moved its headquarters out of the country following the Cuban Revolution; now, Casa Bacardí in San Juan is the place to be for both the casual rum taster and the spirits professional.

Visits to Casa Bacardí are now almost an obligatory part of a visit to Puerto Rico. There are two main experiences at Casa Bacardí, including a shorter “intro tour” and lesson on rum-making and a more in-depth distillery tour and tasting. We wholeheartedly recommend the more in-depth experience if you’re looking forward to going deep (though the experience is very accessible for beginners!) and getting to sample more of the rum along the way.

14. Go Caving

Mexico is known for its cenote sinkholes, but Puerto Rico is known for its incredible caves. Some of the most famous caves in Puerto Rico are the Rio Camuy caves near the island’s northern coast. These extensive caverns stretch on for nearly 10 miles and still haven’t been entirely mapped! For hikes among stalactites and stalagmites deep under the lush forest, this is a great destination to visit.

Cueva del Indio, just outside of Arecibo on the northern coast is another one of Puerto Rico’s most famous caves that hide Taino petroglyphs. Day trips to Cueva del Indio from San Juan are very popular excursions from the city and a great way to explore the area, often including stops at the surrounding beaches.

15. Explore the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

A gem within the vibrant Santurce district of San Juan, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Museum of Art of Puerto Rico) is a highlight of a trip to San Juan. This is much more than just a stuffy art museum; even those who would never normally add a museum to their travel itinerary will find something to love here.

El Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico has a great mix of permanent and rotating exhibits. Even the gardens are filled with sculptures. You’ll also find a regular schedule of events, including concerts and festivals throughout the year, all part of its mission to bring art to the people while preserving and protecting Puerto Rico’s artistic traditions.

Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the museum, though you’ll want more time if your visit coincides with an event or special activity.

16. Visit Boquerón and Cabo Rojo

Located in the extreme southwest corner of Puerto Rico, Boquerón is about as far away from it all as you can possibly get. Here, visitors can expect an unparalleled opportunity to unwind; Boquerón feels tiny in comparison to some of the larger cities on the west coast of the island, which, in turn, are so much more laid back than San Juan.

This beach town is known primarily for its Balneario de Boquerón, which many say is among the most beautiful beach destinations on the mainland of Puerto Rico. Go beach hopping, belly up to the beach bars for seafood, snacks, and a cold beer, and generally enjoy the day. Beyond, wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and hillsides await for more adventurous travelers.

17. Try Surfing in Aguadilla

Puerto Rico is a surfer’s haven, boasting what many consider to be some of the best spots for surfing in the Caribbean. Beginners can catch a wave anywhere around the island, but the best area for surfing on the island is along its northwest shore, with popular surfing beaches found in Isabela, Rincón, and Aguadilla.

Aguadilla is a great spot for many travelers looking to try surfing while in Puerto Rico; it is known for having the most beaches of any city in Puerto Rico, after all. You’ll find great spots for surfers of all levels in Aguadilla, including Crash Boat Beach, Gas Chambers, and the famous Jobos Beach in nearly Isabela. For the true pros, Playa Domes in Rincón is number one.

18. Learn About Taino Culture and Traditions

For generations prior to the arrival of Europeans in the Caribbean, indigenous peoples populated much of the region. While indigenous Caribbeans were far from monolithic, the Tainos were the majority people group of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba; learning more about their influence and history is a great way to experience an important cultural and historical facet of the island.

Explore the Cueva del Indio or Cueva Ventana near Arecibo to see petroglyphs first-hand (in addition to enjoying this spectacular oceanfront destination!), or visit the Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes near Ponce to see one of the Caribbean’s most important ceremonial spots still in existence today.

19. Visit Humacao

Located on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, Humacao is one of the island’s best-known resort towns, hidden to the south of El Yunque. Just an hour from San Juan and a short drive to the ferry at Ceiba to transport you to Vieques or Culebra, it’s a great place to base yourself for discovering the rest of Puerto Rico.

Highlights of a visit to Humacao include hitting the beaches, visiting the Humacao Nature Reserve, and taking a trip out to the Isla de Mona, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming Rhesus monkeys. Or, enjoy a peaceful resort vacation at Palmas del Mar, the island’s largest resort community. Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort is another large resort you’ll love in Humacao.

Humacao is also one of the best spots in Puerto Rico for snorkeling and diving. If you can’t make it out to the Spanish Virgin Islands or Isla Desecheo, Humacao is a perfect spot for getting under the waves; The Cracks, a series of underwater caves and caverns, is one of the coolest dive sites in the area.

20. Take in the View From El Morro

Old San Juan’s stunning Castillo San Felipe del Morro—better known simply as El Morro—is easily the city’s most defining feature. Its enviable position at the entrance to San Juan’s harbor has long guarded the island against invaders and pirates alike.

You can’t visit San Juan without visiting El Morro and exploring its chambers, walls, and corridors. With small exhibits and plenty of information on hand to illuminate the fortress’s importance, it’s an impressive spot, even if you’re not a history buff. Plus, the ocean views are spectacular. All in all, it deserves a special mention on our list of the best things to do in San Juan rather than just being lumped in with the rest of the historic city.

21. Visit Hacienda La Esperanza and Cueva de las Golondrinas

Get a taste of Puerto Rico’s history and natural beauty all at once with a visit to Hacienda Esperanza, just an hour west of San Juan, near Manatí. This was once one of the island’s richest sugar plantations; visitors can now explore the estate and learn about its history and importance in Puerto Rico, though the grounds and incredible flora and fauna of the nature reserve are equally as impressive.

Don’t end your visit with a trip to this nature reserve – make sure to use your time in the area to visit Cueva de las Golondrinas, just on the coast. This stunning beachfront actually has two separate beach areas, and while it can be a bit difficult to reach, it’s worth it. The massive cave facing the water is impressive!

22. Visit Isabela

Isabela is just what you’re dreaming of when it comes to the perfect beach town; in our opinion, it should be a top destination on your list if you’re looking for a beach getaway from San Juan.

Isabela has amenities like beachfront restaurants and comfortable places to stay without being too overcrowded, stunning, long beaches, and plenty to do, from world-class snorkeling and even camping – Isabela’s Guajataca State Forest is one of the best places on the island for camping and hiking, after all.

The main attraction in Isabela is the famous Jobos Beach, with its long stretch of sand and areas perfect for swimming and surfing. Beachfront bars and restaurants, along with amenities like surf shops and umbrella and chair rentals, make it the perfect place to spend an entire day.

23. Go Scuba Diving at Isla Desecheo

Puerto Rico more than holds its own among neighboring Caribbean islands when it comes to incredible destinations for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels. One of the most famous diving destinations in Puerto Rico is Isla Desecheo, a small, uninhabited protected island known as the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge. Accessible from Rincón on the west coast, it is known for its pristine corals and a particularly colorful reef known as Candyland.

If you can’t make it out to this remote destination off the island’s west coast, consider snorkeling and diving destinations in the Spanish Virgin Islands, including both Vieques and Culebra. While Vieques is a perfect choice for beginners, Culebra offers a wider range of snorkeling and scuba destinations. Either are dreamy spots with clear waters and beautiful reefs.

24. Sip Drinks at La Factoria

You’ll find me at La Factoria every time I’m in San Juan. Spanning a handful of historic buildings in the heart of Old San Juan, La Factoria has been rated by The World’s 50 Best as the best bar in the Caribbean – and one of the top bars in all of North America – for several years running. It’s easy to see why: island-inspired craft cocktails use fresh, local ingredients and are served with a whole lot of love in what is easily the coolest bar in town.

Even if you couldn’t care less about the cocktails, La Factoria is still a great time. It comprises multiple different rooms and bars, each getting louder and livelier as you work your way through the space. Frequent live music means it’s always a party here, and salsa on Sundays and Mondays is a hit.

25. Visit Palomino – Better Than the Maldives?

“Forgot the Maldives, I’m staying in Palomino,” says Bad Bunny in his hit El Apagón, about the stunning Isla Palomino, which sits serenely amidst the crystal-clear waters off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico.

While it isn’t a perfect dupe for the Maldives – there are no over-the-top overwater bungalows, after all – Isla Palomino should absolutely be at the top of your list when it comes to finding the perfect beachfront to escape to during your stay in Puerto Rico. Isla Palomino is currently only accessible to guests at El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, an off-shore island escape of sorts for the perfect beach day experience. The stay is well worth it, for many more reasons just than to access Puerto Rico’s very own Maldives.

Reviews and Bookings: El Conquistador Resort

BONUS: Explore Puerto Rico Like You’re Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny isn’t just blowing up the charts with his genre-bending music – he’s actually inspiring travelers to visit his beloved Caribbean island home. With songs peppered with references to Puerto Rico’s best beaches, hottest clubs, and hidden getaway destinations, any traveler could easily follow in Bad Bunny’s footsteps with his favorite things to do in Puerto Rico and plan their own Puerto Rican getaway.

Here are some of the spots you can find Bad Bunny, per his Me Fui de Vacaciones song about some of his favorite places on the island.

• Boquerón: This small town in Cabo Rojo, along Puerto Rico’s southern coast, is known for its stunning beaches. Boquerón’s boardwalk is a lively spot with many restaurants, cafes, and shops.
• Manatí: Just 40 minutes from San Juan, Manatí is a popular beach escape from the city. From pristine beaches to amazing caves (this is where you’ll find the Cueva de las Golondrinas!), there is plenty to see and do here, whether on a day trip or for the duration of your vacation.
• Isabela: With its famous Jobos Beach, Isabela on the island’s northern coast is a beloved beach spot. It also has a lush, protected forest reserve and historic sites. 

Of course, you can also visit Bad Bunny’s hometown of Veja Baja, not far from San Juan. You can see the famous Bad Bunny mural near the beach; he’s shot multiple music videos there.