Caitlin & Vilen
Things To Do
Viejo San Juan
"Old" San Juan - with its abundance of shops, historic places, museums, open air cafés, restaurants, colorful homes, tree-shaded plazas, and its old beauty and architectural peculiarity, Old San Juan is a main spot for domestic and international tourism. The district is characterized by numerous public plazas, which are filled with local shops that sell traditional craftwork, sculptures and typical musical instruments. Old San Juan is known for its historical churches, such as San José Church and the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, which contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer and first European to discover modern day Florida, Juan Ponce de León.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
A fort built by the Spaniards when settled on the Island. Besides the magnificent fort, tourists are drawn to La Perla, a colorful neighborhood outside of the historic city wall.
La Factoría
Some of the best cocktails you will find in Old San Juan (and the world - Top 50 bar) and a super fun ambience to have yourselves a night! V highly recommends the Lavender Mule! Caity loves the Champeta (rum, pineapple, and ginger)!
The Cannon Club - Steinway Piano Bar
Step in the Cannon Club, and you’ll step into a world of style and sophistication. Adorned with Venetian chandeliers, authentic artwork, lounge seating and two Steinway pianos, it is the heart of The Gallery Inn. Live music is performed almost every night of the week, while famous musicians the world-over come to play in our Chamber Music Concerts. It is the perfect location to unwind with a drink and a bite at the end of your day.
Café Cuatro Sombras
One of our favorite coffee spots in Old San Juan! We start all of our trips to Old San Juan here. The cappuccino and the latte are the go-tos!
La Lanterna by Franco Seccarelli
Great place for dinner while in Old San Juan (:
Deshistoria: Birra & Empanadas
Our favorite empanadas in PR with an amazing beer selection!
El Conquistador Resort
This is an incredible resort to stay at if you would like to extend your trip for a family vacation or a couples retreat. Its located on the east side of Puerto Rico (~1-hour drive from San Juan) and allows for quick access to Culebra & Vieques islands via public ferry or private boat - great idea for a day trip.
Dorado Beach
Nestled on Puerto Rico’s lush and luxurious coastline, the re-creation of Dorado Beach blends the majesty of its natural setting and the richness of its 50-year heritage into a unique Caribbean beach resort designed to be explored and treasured. This is another great option should you choose to extend your stay for a family vacation or couples retreat.
Casita Miramar
Vibrant, colorful venue with outdoor dining serving inventive Puerto Rican dishes & craft cocktails. We spent our Thanksgiving here during our month away in PR! V fell in love with the Tres Leche cake at Casita Miramar (which was served at the Engagement Party).
Cool Hope Creamery
An amazing venue to share the best Ice Cream, and Brunch in Condado
Kasalta
Kasalta is a must for breakfast in Ocean Park. They offer a delicious fusion of Spanish and Caribbean cuisine and feature local favorites such as Cuban sandwiches and Spanish mallorcas. (Fun fact: President Barack Obama had breakfast here during his last visit to the island.)
Isla Verde Beach
Isla Verde was our home away from home for about a month in PR! One of our favorite beaches!
Alambique Beach Lounge
Great place to hop off the beach and grab lunch or a cocktail! Arguably the best ceviche in Isla Verde/San Juan.
Patio de las Flores
Best cocktails in the Isla Verde area - brilliant mixologists on staff! Though it's a rotating menu, V's and Caity's favorites are "A Great Idea" (rye whiskey base) and "La Llorona" (tequila w/activated charcoal), respectively!
Vieques
Take a ferry from Fajardo to stay for a day or even a week! V and I love this little Island!
Culebra
Culebra is a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico. In the northwest, Flamenco Beach is a long crescent of white sand and turquoise water backed by tree-covered hills. Nearby Tamarindo Beach offers clear waters full of fish, sea turtles and rays. In the southwest, Punta Melones beach is known as a viewpoint for dramatic sunsets. This place is absolutely amazing and totally worth the trip to stay for a few days or even a week! Just a ferry ride away!
El Yunque National Forest
Covering 28,000 acres and receiving more than 200 inches of rain per year, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US Forest System. Noted for its biodiversity, the forest is home to more than 400 different plant species. It has more than a dozen maintained trails for hiking, picnic pavilions, stone towers, rivers, waterfalls, and an interpretive visitors' center.
Art Museums
Puerto Rico has always had a rich art community dating back to Spanish colonial times. We host three world class museums of art, the Museo de Puerto Rico (MAPR), the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MAC) and the Museo de Ponce host both Puerto Rican and International artists and exhibitions.
Toro Verde Adventure Park
Located in Orocovis, it is a FUN place with the most incredible views of the mountains of Puerto Rico. Toro Verde became the largest aerial adventure park in the world with the longest zip-line on earth certified by Guinness World Records.
Bio Bay Kayaks
Bioluminescence is one of planet Earth’s best-kept secrets. Tiny organisms make the water glow at night. They found the perfect place to live in the Fajardo Bio Bay. Stir the water of the Bioluminescent Bay and lots of sparkles will activate. Glowing trails will swirl and flow with the water. Discover bioluminescence at the Fajardo Bio Bay. Enjoy a kayak tour through a mangrove forest with protected fauna. Learn about the reserve’s ecosystems and their importance for the planet. Watch and learn about the constellations at night. Go with the most professional Puerto Rico tour guides and get the best quality of service.