Things To Do
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
This Spanish fortress is a must see in Old San Juan! Work began on Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in the late 1530s to protect the Spanish conquistadors’ lands from attacks by seafaring enemies and the threat of pirates. In 1983, the fort was declared a world heritage site by the United Nations for its historical significance and for its impressive military engineering. Today, millions of tourists visit this site annually to learn about its historical importance in the region and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean from the top.
Castillo San Cristóbal
Castillo San Cristóbal is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. It's only a short walk from it's sister fortification, El Morro (described above). The iconic turrets of these Spanish fortresses provide great photo ops :)
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The forest has multiple trails you can hike, including 3 waterfall trails! Bring a bathing suit and water shoes if you'd like to bathe in the natural pools beneath the waterfalls. The forest also has a zipline if you're feeling adventurous! It's also a frequent favorite for people visiting Puerto Rico because of the beautiful scenery. So for those guests who have the time, we highly recommend making the trip about 30 miles east of San Juan. If you're not renting a car during your stay, tours with transportation from San Juan are available.
Condado Beach
No visit to Puerto Rico is complete without a trip to the beach! There are of course many great beaches in PR, but we're highlighting this one due to its popularity and proximity to Old San Juan. This beach has beautiful sands and waters, and is also close to lots of shops and restaurants, making it a great spot for tourists.
Casa BACARDÍ (and other rum tours)
Did you know that the piña colada was invented in San Juan, Puerto Rico? In 1954, this popular drink was first created at San Juan's Caribe Hilton. Visitors to the hotel's Caribar can order the original recipe drink as well as more modern takes on the cocktail. So add some extra fun to your visit by tasting some Puerto Rican rum! Rum is one of Puerto Rico's top exports and the island is often referred to as the "rum capital of the world." Rum companies Bacardí and Ron del Barrilito offer a variety of tours and cocktail experiences at their San Juan area facilities. Educational and boozy- doesn't get better than that!
Viejo San Juan
The location of the wedding venue, Old San Juan (or Viejo San Juan), is a famous tourist destination itself! The city has over 500 years of history and culture. With beautiful colored homes, Spanish colonial architecture, and a vibrant food scene, there's so much to do and see. Clicking on the 'View' button will take you to a website with popular sites and activities. Jessica's personal favorite is the Puerta de San Juan, a colorful entrance to the walled city built in the 16th century- be sure to check it out!