Better known as El Morro, this impressive citadel is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spaniards in the Caribbean during the 16th century. Made up by six staggered levels that integrate barracks, dungeons, and storerooms, this fortress was designed to protect the city from attacks made by sea and it still has some of the original cannons facing the ocean. In its history, El Morro was never defeated by the enemy.
Chocobar Cortés is an innovative gastronomic space where chocolate is incorporated into almost every dish and beverage. The space also celebrates the rich history of Chocolate Cortés, a family-owned company that has been manufacturing chocolate from farm-to-bar since 1929, and is a favorite of Puerto Rican and Dominican households.
Pirilo Pizza Rústica is a staple pizzeria in Puerto Rico with locations in Old San Juan, Ocean Park, and Dorado. They specialize in rustic-style pizzas, with an ample selection of artisanal beer, both local and international including tapas.
Located right across the street from the reception venue, Old San Juan's venerated cathedral is Puerto Rico's grandest religious building. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Puerto Rico, the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, and the oldest church on U.S. soil. The history of the church dates to 1521 and the earliest beginnings of the Spanish colonization of the island.
Enjoy a stroll along San Juan's most beautiful promenade— El Paseo de la Princesa. When visiting Old San Juan, this picture-perfect boardwalk is a must. You can start or end your stroll at the historic Puerta de San Juan, the official gate used during colonial times to guard and protect the old city. The Paseo de la Princesa is lined with beautifully adorned lamp posts and fountains as well as street vendors and hard-to-compete views of the San Juan Bay. Along the boardwalk, you'll also find the Princesa Gastrobar, a magical restaurant where patrons can enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food while surrounded by majestic trees. Princesa Gastrobar also has a complete bar specializing in Rums of Puerto Rico.
Built from 1634 until 1765, for centuries the Castillo San Cristóbal has been standing guard at the eastern gate of Old San Juan. The imposing fortress was built to guard the city from enemies approaching by land, serving as a counterpart to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The citadel covers over 27 acres and is the largest one made by the Spaniards in the New World. The vast esplanade is a great place to explore around and enjoy the beautiful view of Old San Juan. This whole system, which is San Juan National Historic Site of defense, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Street leading to the governor's mansion and a very cute photo spot!
This chapel was built between 1753 and 1780. Legend has it that the Chapel of Christ the Savior was erected to honor a miracle. It is said, that in the year 1750 the Cristo Street was host to a horse race where one of the participants could not stop his horse and fell off the cliff. The Secretary of Government at the time, Don Tomás Mateo Prats is said to have invoked the Santo Cristo de la Salud and that the young man who fell off the cliff was saved. And so, the Secretary of Government ordered the construction of the chapel on sight to honor the miracle.
La Placita de Santurce is where the district's quintessential nightlife thrives. A market place by day turns into a huge street party at night, with some of the best dancing and mingling in the city. When the sun goes down, you’ll find people bar-hopping and dancing until late. Be ready to practice your salsa dancing skills.
Often cataloged as a Blue Flag beach, El Escambrón is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather for a day of fun in the sun. This popular beach is protected by coral reefs that make the beach ideal for snorkeling and exploring some of Puerto Rico’s marine life. If snorkeling doesn’t spark your interest, you can walk along the scenic waves. Dubbed a metropolitan beach, El Escambrón is lined by golden sand and tall palm trees that provide shade and is only five minutes away from restaurants and food stands, as well as the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park.
At DISTRITO T-Mobile, you'll find seven unique dining experiences, with each restaurant offering an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. After you've enjoyed a delicious meal, head to one of DISTRITO T-Mobile's entertainment options, you can choose to go ziplining, catch a movie, or even enjoy a concert at the Coca-Cola Music Hall.
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.)
Visit the world's largest premium rum distillery by taxi, tour, Uber or take the ferry across the bay from Old San Juan. Enjoy a welcome cocktail at the waterfront Bat Bar Pavilion, then join a guided tour to discover how BACARDÍ rum is made, and learn about the family-owned company’s history of craft and innovation. Other experiences include a rum tasting tour, mixology class and bottling your own BACARDÍ. Historical Tour - First tour starts at 9:15 a.m., last tour starts at 4:30 p.m. Rum Tasting Tour - First tour starts at 10:00 a.m., last tour starts at 4:00 p.m. Mixology Class - First tour starts at 10:30 a.m., last tour starts at 4:30 p.m.
A great way to refresh your soul – and body – is planning a trip to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Tap into nature with a hike, bathe in natural pools beneath waterfalls, zipline through the mountains, or simply relish the stunning scenery. The forest spans 28,000 acres of land, houses more than 240 types of trees, 25 waterfalls, abundant rivers, unique birds, and native species like the coquí tree frog.
Located between the lush foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest and the crystal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is an action-packed ranch and a favorite adventure destination in Puerto Rico. In addition to their legendary adventures, Carabalí Bar & Grill serves steaks, seafood and the best of Puerto Rican cuisine. There is a Gift Shop for purchasing accessories, souvenirs, clothes and more.
At this estate and ranch, you can immerse yourself in the Puerto Rican countryside without ever leaving city limits. Hacienda Campo Rico is an all-in-one adventure destination, with activities such as horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, ATV riding, and more — all just 15 minutes from the airport.
Toro Verde Adventure Park is located in the town of Orocovis, about an hour and 45 minutes from San Juan and hidden between rolling mountains covered in dense forest. The area boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain views on the Island, which you’ll see flying beneath you, if you choose to go ziplining. Since the park opened in 2009, its network of ziplines and suspension bridges has steadily expanded, and now includes two enormous ziplines, The Beast at nearly 1.5 kilometers and The Monster, the second longest zipline in the world, at 2.5 kilometers.
Jack Nicklaus said that the 4th hole at TPC Dorado Beach East is one of the world's top 10 holes. Home to two courses, TPC Dorado Beach is a golfer's dream come to life. With the jaw-dropping natural beauty surrounding each of the two 18-hole courses (East and Sugarcane), exceptional golf holes, and superlative customer service – the caddies are outstanding – the luxury golf experience is among the best in the world.
La Playuela is commonly known as Playa Sucia and it is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo Rojo. With breathtaking views and plenty of wilderness to explore, this beach is part of the town’s nature reserve. This beach doesn’t have a strip of hotels or oceanfront businesses, but the striking landscape makes it a special natural wonder. It is the ideal place for beach-bumming and achieving that perfect sun-kissed tan. Playuela is just steps away from Los Morrillos Lighthouse and has limited parking, so make sure to get there early.
One of the most popular beaches in Guánica, Playa Santa has a broad white-sand shore brushed by crystalline waters and lined by coconut palm trees. It is a nice beach to relax and retreat, and you’ll find various kiosks offering kayak rentals and food stands at its entrance. There are no lifeguards or restrooms onsite.
Poza de las Mujeres is a beach that belongs to the Hacienda la Esperanza nature reserve in Manatí. It bears that name because in the 1600s to 1700s, when Puerto Rico was a colony of Spain, only high society women bathed in it. The beach is hidden among a mangrove and to get to it you have to go through a slightly swampy path. Its waters are crystal clear and the sand very soft. The beach has a rock formation which prevents the waves from crashing. It is a very beautiful landscape, which is why it has been considered one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
In southwestern Puerto Rico, near Lajas, is the quaint little village of La Parguera. In a few waterfront blocks you can sip mojitos, munch on a pincho, and shop for colorful souvenirs. Do not limit your excursion to the malecón (boardwalk), because just a few steps away you will find jovial bars and restaurants with drinks specials and amazing food. La Parguera is also a nature-lover’s paradise with ample opportunities for snorkeling, diving, hiking, birdwatching, biking, and so much more.