J & J
Things To Do
Viejo San Juan
Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm. Jose and Jackie's engagement photos were shot all over San Juan. They love walking around the area and exploring all the great little stores, bars, restaurants and taking photos in all the photo op areas - Umbrellas in Calle de la Fortaleza, the black Puerto Rican flag door (La Puerta de la Bandera) in Calle San Jose and the large Painted Puerto Rican flag in Calle de la Virtud.
Piñones
A picturesque ocean drive from Carolina to Loíza where you can enjoy local dining experiences and practice what Puerto Ricans call chinchorreo. Sample delicious specialties while you hop from food stand to food stand and go back and forth to the beach. Enjoy the peaceful waves at La Pocita or Vacía Talega, two secluded beaches where you can go swimming or soak in the sun. Jose and Jackie love to grab some quick eats at the little kiosks. There are also some nice restaurants/bars with beautiful ocean views. Be careful though, parking can be a little crazy.
Ron del Barrilito - Hacienda Santa Ana
To find the best Puerto Rican rum, follow the stars. Every single bottle of Ron del Barrilito holds premium rum that has been crafted by hand, using the same methods since 1880. It’s always been made in very small batches. Absolutely no artificial ingredients or colorings are used. It’s aged to perfection in vintage, Spanish white oak sherry barrels. Book a tour and learn how Puerto Rico's finest rum is made. Even take a Mixology class like Jose and Jackie did, learn the history behind the classic Pina Colada and how to make the perfect one -you won't regret it! So fun!
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
San Juan National Historic Site preserves stories of great ambition and aspirations. Countries fought for control of this tiny yet strategic island for centuries. Generations of soldiers have lived and worked within the forts. Visitors today are as inspired by these stories as they are by the beauty of the architecture and the ingenuity of design and engineering of this World Heritage Site. Visit where Jose and Jackie took their photo for the Save the Date! Learn all the history and be amazed by the stories. Be careful not to blow away, it can be pretty windy!
El Yunque Rainforest
Covering 28,000 acres, and receiving more than 200 inches of rain per year, El Yunque National Forest is noted for its biodiversity. It has more than a dozen maintained trails for hiking, picnic pavilions, stone towers, rivers, and waterfalls. ( tickets are needed, reserve ahead of time) El Angelito Trail is recommended for a pleasant hike that ends in a beautiful river. You do not need tickets for this trail. Check out Expedia for great tour options. Be prepared to get down and dirty. Jose and Jackie really loved jumping off the cliffs into the waterfalls - muster up the courage and take a jump too!
Playa de Luquillo
Balneario Monserrate, often referred to simply as Luquillo Beach, is a long cresent of fine sand, with plenty of mature palm trees for shade, and El Yunque National Forest in the background. Due to a fringing reef, there are no waves to speak of, so it's a perfect beach for young kids. The beach has some food kiosks, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and lifeguards. There is a small fee to park in the gated parking area. About 16 minutes away from El Yunque Rainforest is the town Jackie's familly is from. Jackie loves the beach here and the multiple little food kiosks. You can also find Piraguas (Puerto Rican shaved ice), Icey's, Paletas (ice popsicles) and fresh coconuts being sold on the beach.
Rio Tanama
Take your Puerto Rican vacation to new heights with this Tanama Forest eco-adventure. Explore water-filled caves, float down a freshwater river, and hike through a limestone canyon, where you have the option to go cliff-jumping. Whichever challenge you choose, certified guides assist you and provide all safety equipment, so you can relax. Jackie and Jose enjoyed being adventurers. It's a long day of walking, climbing and swimming so be prepared for a good workout!
Culebra
The culture and architecture are just as colorful as the waters of the bright blue sea. Visit the pristine award winning Flamenco beach in Culebra. ( ferry tickets are needed leaving from Ceiba, reserve ahead of time). Bring your bikinis and lots of sunblock! You can either plan a day trip here or spend a few days. Jackie recommends just booking a day trip through Expedia that offers transportation so you don't have to worry about the timing of the ferry. But either way, try to make it here!
Rincon
Rincon is best known for two things—surfing and sunsets. Beaches are small (meaning no huge resort beaches) and no matter how much of a Type-A personality you are, Rincon’s laid-back attitude and leisurely pace will soon win you over. Visit the town, Jose took Jackie their first time in Puerto Rico together. The couple recommends staying in an AirBnb as they are cute tropical beach homes.
Laguna Grande
Adventure through the amazing bio bay Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon). Located in Fajardo at the very northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, this bioluminescent bay has become one of the most visited places by locals and foreign tourists alike. You don’t want to miss it! Explore where Jose's family is from and experience the magic of bioluminescence. Cross your fingers for a cloudy night - that's when it's the most magical. (Jackie advises to wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid bug bites). Note - not for those afraid of the dark, bugs or open water.
Vieques Island
Peaceful, wild horses and pristine beaches. Visit the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world at Mosquito Bay in Vieques. ( ferry tickets are needed leaving from Ceiba, reserve ahead of time and bring some bug spray!)
Mar Chiquita Beach
Stunning beach surrounded by a reef that forms a natural "pond". Great for families and snorkeling. ( 21 miles from Dorado)
Dos Bocas Lake
Lake Dos Bocas is an artificial lake that was created on 1942 as a hydroelectric power plant and works as a water reserve. The lake features a creative culinary experience, five restaurants that you are taken to by boat. You can board the boat from a dock called El Embarcadero that departs every hour and makes stops at all of the restaurants. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes where you can enjoy nature, the beautiful lake and think about the delicious food you could indulge
Hacienda Muñoz
Beautiful farm with restaurant and coffee plantations. Their coffee is a three time Best Coffee People's Choice Awards winner. Tour the grounds and learn about the coffee making process. Remember to indulge in a hot cup of their java before leaving.