Things To Do
El Jibarito
Locals pack into this colorful restaurant at lunchtime for down-home comida criolla, the traditional Puerto Rican cooking that pulls from the island's Spanish, African, and Indian heritage. Ignore the slightly cheesy décor—e.g. ceramic conquistador plaques—and instead focus on the tostones (fried plantains) and the mofongo (mashed fried green plantains with red snapper), which are easily the best in Old San Juan. Everything's cooked to order by the owner's wife, Alda, and the portions are big enough that you might not need dinner.
La Bombonera
Recently renewed and reopened, La Bombonera retains the classic look of an old style cafe. It is beautiful and accommodating, the food is simple and very good, try their famous mayorcas and lemonade.
Paseo De La Princesa
El Paseo de La Princesa, the most beloved promenade in Puerto Rico, dates back to 1853. This beautifully restored walk is a favorite place for locals day and night and welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world. As you enter, you’ll notice the walls that once served to protect this marvelous city which are part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Paseo La Princesa offers great sightseeing, food, culture, history, and beautiful sculptures along the way. There are gorgeous vistas of the San Juan Bay, an art exhibit stop, and at the end of the walk, you’ll enter through the San Juan Gate into the heart of the Old City.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
While in San Juan, you can’t miss San Juan National Historic Site, which include two of the most spectacular landmarks in Puerto Rico, the forts of Castillo San Cristóbal & Castillo San Felipe del Morro. San Juan National Historic Site Castillo San Felipe del Morro - San Juan - Top Things to Do in Puerto Rico SAN JUAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE While in San Juan, you can’t miss San Juan National Historic Site, which include two of the most spectacular landmarks in Puerto Rico, the forts of Castillo San Cristóbal & Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Castillo San Felipe del Morro (known as El Morro) is one of the most beloved landmarks on the island rich in history, where many cultural events are held. Most Puerto Ricans have fond memories of flying a kite on the lawn, a must do while here.
Castillo de San Cristóbal
While in San Juan, you can’t miss San Juan National Historic Site, which include two of the most spectacular landmarks in Puerto Rico, the forts of Castillo San Cristóbal & Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Castillo San Cristobal is the largest of the two, a lot of fun for kids as they tour the tunnels, views are spectacular.
Raíces
The taste of our island can be enjoyed in each of our specialties.Accompanied with our "mofongo", fried green plantains or our typical rice and beans, you and your companions will experience the thrill of the unmistakable flavors of Puerto Rico. Enjoy all of our comfort and homely ambient. Wether for lunch, dinner or to have a friendly drink, our kind personnel will make from your visit a memorable experience,you will remember, share, and surely will want to repeat. At Restaurante Raíces we await you with the warmth and hospitality of our culture.
El Yunque
The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.
Campamento Piñones
Piñones (Half-day trip) Piñones, dubbed the cradle of Afro-Puertorrican culture, is a small barrio located 20 minutes away from the San Juan metro area. Here there is a rich diversity of people, music, and food nestled along the beautiful north shore. This area is full of "kioskos" or "chinchorros" known for having fritters made in the traditional wood-burning "fogones". Directions- Drive East on Route 187. Visit COPI - a community organization by and for the people of Piñones, to rent bikes, kayaks, or walk in the community board.
Bahía Fosforescénte
There are only four (Bio bay) bioluminescent bays and one lagoon in existence on Earth! Very few people, even Puerto Ricans, are aware of our little known, bioluminescent lagoon. This lagoon is the best place to appreciate this phenomenon, being a closed environment, allowing the microorganisms to flourish in bigger concentrations! This glowing effect can be appreciated at any given night. http://www.pureadventurepr.com/tour/bio-bay-kayak-tour/ https://www.kayakingpuertorico.com/home/tours/bio-bay-kayak-tour/
Arecibo Observatory
For decades the Arecibo Observatory held the record of largest radiotelescope in the world until 2016, when China finished construction now holding the title, still the Arecibo Observatory is named the most powerful radiotelescope in the world. High in the karst region of the town of Arecibo, one of the most interesting man-made wonders in Puerto Rico and the world.
Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy
Even if you’re not into caves, you’ll be mesmerized by the Camuy River Cave Park, one of the most impressive natural attractions of Puerto Rico. Camuy River Cave Park is the third largest underground river in the world and not to be missed. You can do both the Cave Park and the following Arecibo Observatory in one morning or afternoon. Getting Here: Driving time from San Juan is about an hour with traffic. See maps on pages for directions. Time Needed: You can do both the Cave Park and the Arecibo Observatory in one full morning or afternoon.
Cueva Ventana (Caves)
Photos are a disservice to Cueva Ventana, the scene you encounter at the window after hiking through the forest and passing through the dark cave is truly rewarding. The tour guides are bilingual and very friendly. Need to Know: Average physical shape is necessary to make the walk. You’ll be stepping on boulders that service as steps once inside the cave, so be sure to wear appropriate non-slip sneakers / hiking boots (no sandals).
Museo de Arte de Ponce
Museo de Arte de Ponce is the most prestigious art museum in Puerto Rico, one of the most well known across the Caribbean. “The Ponce Museum of Art is recognized worldwide as an important center of European art in America, and continues to offer its visitors a rich panorama of Western art, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. Two strong points within the European collection are Baroque art and Victorian painting.” Permanent Collection “The permanent collection consists of 4,500 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, ceramics, three-dimensional objects, photographs, engravings, drawings, videos and installations of sound art. The works of art span 30 centuries (from 900 BC to the present) and come from Europe, America, and Africa. In 1956 Luis A. Ferré established a foundation that bears his name and acquired his first group of European paintings for the future museum in Ponce that opened in 1959.” Don’t miss the impressive and captivating Flaming June by Frederic Leighton.
Faro Punta Higüeras
The Rincon Lighthouse Park is a nice point of interest, a starting point for a variety of things to do to fill a day at a relaxed pace. The park itself is very simple, the views is the reason to come here. During various holidays and special events, the ambiance is more festive with music, artisans, food trucks and special activities for the whole family. During the winter months, both locals and travelers alike visit the lighthouse hoping to catch the sights of humpback whales. Bring your lounge chair or beach towel, just down from the lighthouse you can get a front seat to watch surfers at Domes Beach. Domes is a great place to watch the sunset, but just about anywhere along the shore you can enjoy it. There are plenty of restaurants nearby for a nice lunch or dinner by the water or higher up on the hills, many offering breathtaking views. Time Needed: Half Day. Full Day to explore the area or enjoy the activities at a relaxed pace.
Casa Bacardí
Casa Bacardi is the World’s Largest premium rum distillery. This is one of the most popular tours in the San Juan / Metro Area. Casa Bacardi offers a Historical Tour, Rum Tasting Tour & Mixology Tour, you can book directly on their official website, or book a tour with local operators which include transportation. The gift shop is excellent.
Faro Las Cabezas De San Juan
Las Cabezas de San Juan is located on the municipality of Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico. Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico offers guided tours, you’ll hop on the trolley with knowledgable guides making the experience educational and fun. You’ll make a stop on secluded beach with a thick carpet of polished pebbles with sights of playful curly waves, sorry no swimming allowed. You’ll stop for a walking tour along the forest where you can learn about the importance of mangroves, observe birds and get up close to native plant species. The best is truly saved for last when you arrive to the lighthouse for great stories and the best views on the east coast of Puerto Rico. From the platform, you’l’ll able to see the offshore islands and cays, the shores of Fajardo, the bioluminescent bays and as neighboring islands. Tour the nature reserve early afternoon, get dinner and end your day touring Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay at night.
Hacienda Buena Vista
Come up to the mountains and follow old channels up to the waterfall that gave its name to Hacienda Buena Vista en Ponce. What used to be an important coffee plantation was also the scenario of a unique relationship between land, water and slavery.Today, at the heart of the former hacienda is a carefully restored historical site containing structures more than a century old and a hydraulic turbine that’s the only one of its kind in existence. Completely refurbished and in working condition, the turbine is still powered by the water of Río Canas and serves as the main engine for other machines of the time.Come watch them work and feel how the force of the river was transformed into movement to process food products. Enjoy the breeze under the canopy of a subtropical forest and go along with a history and nature expert to learn about the shaded polyculture of coffee, cocoa, oranges, plantains, and other fruits.
Cuartel de Ballajá
In 1976 the government of Puerto Rico acquired the Ballajá Infantry Barracks Building from the federal government of the United States of America by way of a transfer with a commitment to restore and use the building for cultural, educational and touristic purposes.In 1986 the restoration of The Barracks began under the "Plan de Reforma Interior de la Zona Histórica de San Juan". The restoration work was realized from 1990 to 1993. In 1992 "El Museo de las Américas" (Museum of the Americas), was founded, with various exhibitions pertaining to the cultural history of Puerto Rico and the Americas. The building is on the first list of historical monuments prepared by the distinguished architect Mario J. Buschiazzo in 1955, who describes it as follows:"It is one of the most important buildings of an era in which Spain defended, at great expense and energy, one it's last domains of the Americas. It occupies a space of 7,700 square meters, on three floors around a vast courtyard."
El Hamburguer
This is the Go To spot for burgers if you are in San Juan. It is a good sized place that is always packed. The burgers are kinda like large meatballs with a good char on them. If you want lettuce, tomatoes, onions and/or pickles then you have to order a ‘salad.’ Everything is delicious, fairly price and quick considering the crowd. It is worth a stop if you are in the area and craving a great burger.
Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan
The building was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century in the market square of the Capital City of Puerto Rico. This place was famous, not only because of the variety of goods that could be acquired, but for the cafes where gatherings were held among the intellectuals of the time. It is a neoclassical style structure. It has a rectangular shape that is characterized by two large naves in its west and east wings which have been converted into exhibition halls and in a small theater. In the north wing there is a multi-purpose room for workshops and activities. In the center it has a large interior courtyard, surrounded by magnificent archways (arcs). Its rooms have hosted both national and international visual artists of great prestige, as well as novice artists that represent the latest art trends. Similarly, it has hosted craftsmen and social/cultural institutions.
La Mallorquina
The 160-year-old restaurant is known for its family-style cocina criolla, or traditional Puerto Rican feasts: seasonal favorites include lechón (suckling pig), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and pasteles (yucca and meat wrapped in a banana leaf).
VIP Adventures Puerto Rico
VIP Adventure has more than 15 years of experience in the field of touristic activities around the island and event planning for top companies in Puerto Rico. Our company concept is based on three important aspects: outstanding experience: unique activities, human and nature relation and the best personalized service to create your best tour experience in Puerto Rico. We provide a selection of adventures catalog, so you can book the adventure that you are looking! From the beautiful San Juan to the amazing eastern coast Fajardo and the exclusive islands of Palomino or Icacos. Our excellent service will fulfill your personal, corporate and residential lifestyle needs. We are well known to personalize your adventure and corporate event and make it the best experience out there!