Things To Do
Viejo San Juan
No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without visiting Old San Juan. Filled with colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, local shops, and historic landmarks, it's one of the most beautiful areas on the island. Spend a day wandering through the streets, stopping for coffee, shopping for souvenirs, and taking in the incredible views of the ocean. Be sure to visit El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, two historic forts that have protected San Juan for centuries. The views alone are worth the trip.
Relax on Isla Verde Beach
If you're staying in Isla Verde, you're already in one of the best beach areas in Puerto Rico. The beach stretches for miles and offers soft sand, warm water, and beautiful views. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing day before or after the wedding. Many hotels offer beach chair rentals, water sports, and beachside food and drinks, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
El Yunque National Rainforest
If you're looking to spend a day exploring beyond the beach, we recommend visiting El Yunque National Forest or Toro Verde Adventure Park. Located about 45 minutes from Isla Verde, El Yunque is Puerto Rico's famous tropical rainforest and offers beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming spots, and incredible views. It's a great option if you want to experience some of the island's natural beauty and get outdoors for a few hours. For those looking for a little more adventure, Toro Verde Adventure Park is about 90 minutes from Isla Verde and is home to some of the longest ziplines in the world. Flying through the mountains above the rainforest is an unforgettable experience and one of the most unique activities Puerto Rico has to offer.
Cayo Icacos Catamaran Excursion
For the ultimate Caribbean beach day, we recommend booking a catamaran excursion to Icacos Island, located about an hour from Isla Verde off the coast of Fajardo. This small, uninhabited island is known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Most tours depart from Fajardo and include food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and several hours to relax on the island or explore the surrounding reefs. If you're extending your stay, it's a great way to spend a day enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery Puerto Rico has to offer.
La Placita de Santurce
La Placita de Santurce is one of Puerto Rico's most popular nightlife destinations and a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Originally established as a neighborhood market square, the area still operates during the day with local vendors, restaurants, and shops. As the sun sets, La Placita transforms into a lively social scene filled with live music, cocktails, dancing, and packed outdoor gathering spaces. The streets come alive with people moving between bars, listening to local bands, and even joining spontaneous salsa dancing. Whether you're looking for a casual drink, a late-night bite, or an energetic night out, La Placita offers a fun and authentic taste of Puerto Rico's nightlife and culture.
Bahía Bioluminiscente
One of Puerto Rico's most unique attractions is the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo, located about an hour from Isla Verde. Unlike a typical beach visit, experiencing the bay requires booking a guided tour, with most companies offering evening kayak excursions after sunset. The adventure begins with a paddle through a mangrove channel before opening into the bay, where tiny naturally occurring organisms create a glowing blue effect in the water with every paddle stroke and movement. It's a fascinating natural phenomenon that can only be experienced in a handful of places around the world. If you're extending your stay in Puerto Rico, this is one of the island's most popular excursions and an experience that many visitors consider a highlight of their trip. The linked excursion includes transportation to and from San Juan
Flamenco Beach
Frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra is known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, and powder white sand. It has been ranked as the #3 beach in the world by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. Getting there requires a bit of planning, but many visitors consider it one of the highlights of their Puerto Rico trip. From Isla Verde, you'll need to drive about an hour to the ferry terminal in Ceiba and then take a ferry to Culebra, followed by a short taxi ride to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a short flight from San Juan directly to Culebra. Because of the travel involved, we recommend setting aside 2 full days to visit. If you're extending your stay, Flamenco Beach is a true bucket-list destination and offers the kind of Caribbean scenery that most people only see in postcards. For those willing to make the trip, it's an experience you won't soon forget.