Dr. Amanda & Michael
Things To Do
Viejo San Juan
Old San Juan is a historic city with lots to explore! Its about a 15 minute drive, 35 minute walk, or 20 minute electric scooter ride from the hotel. Put "Doña Fela" in your GPS for the cheapest and best located parking garage.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro y San Cristobol
There are a few historic battle forts on the coast of Old San Juan. You can explore most of the grounds without paying - look for hidden hiking trails along the water! Get a kite and fly it on the lawn, or set up a picnic. If you don't make it here, don't worry - you can see Castillo San Cristobol across the street from the rooftop of the wedding venue!
Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without some rum! ~20 mins from hotel
Balneario de Dorado
"Balnearios" are small local beaches along the coast. This one in a small town called Dorado is a perfect beach getaway. The water is crystal clear with rainbow fish, parking is free and easy, and there are lots of bars and restaurants in case you get thirsty! ~30 minutes from hotel
Cerro Gordo
Cero Gordo is an awesome day trip! There is a beautiful balneario to spend some time on. There is also a cliffside hiking/biking trail with lots to explore and plenty of iguana friends. When we went it was free. ~45 minutes from hotel
El Yunque
"The Jungle" and a National Park. You can explore by hiking or ziplining! ~50 mins from hotel
Hacienda Carabalí
Is hiking too boring for you? Try horseback riding or taking an ATV through the rainforest instead! A favorite of our wedding planner. ~50 minutes from hotel.
Charco Azul
If you are willing to take an adventurous drive and *literally* go off the beaten path, you can find natural pools called "charcos" to swim and spend the day in. ~1 hour from hotel, experienced driving required.
Cueva del Indio
Explore caves and cliffs to find ancient indigenous petroglyphs! Highly recommended by our wedding planner. ~1 hour 10 mins from hotel.
Hot Spring Baths
Dormant volcanoes heat water in this area, which has been made into small pools. They are believed to have healing properties! Locals call this "the fountain of youth," which explains why when Amanda went, it was mostly full of old men (just thought you deserved a heads up). ~1 hour 20 mins from hotel.
Biobays
Puerto Rico hosts 3 out of 5 of the world's bioluminescent bays, which are areas with micro-organisms that glow in the dark! The company linked below is closest to the hotel and hosts nighttime kayak trips through these bays. Puertoricodaytrips.com has a moon calendar that can tell you the best time to go. Make reservations early because this books up! ~1 hour 20 minutes from hotel to Fajardo. (note: there are biobays in other parts of the island you can look into)
Culebra and Vieques
Puerto Rico has two "virgin islands" called Culebra and Vieques. For a day trip you can take a catamaran snorkel trip to Culebra, home of one of the world's most beautiful beaches called Playa Flamenco (~1 hour 30 mins from hotel to the boat dock in Fajardo). You can also fly to one of these islands and stay there if you are looking for an extended secluded getaway.
Roka Dura
Want to take a stab at driving through the mountains? Roka Dura is a good restaurant with mountain views. Make it a day trip by first going to nearby Toro Verde park - you can hike the trails through jungle mountains or zipline through the forest via Toro Verde Adventure Park. ~1 hour 30 mins from hotel. Hint: honk as you come around tight turns to alert other drivers that you can't see.
Caja de Muertos
Head to Ponce, a city in the south, where you can take a ferry to "Coffin Island" for beaches, short hikes, and snorkeling! Unlike most of the other islands, this is a desert island, so it is a unique landscape. The area where the boat docks, "La Guancha," has lots of tasty snacks when you get back. ~1 hour 45 mins from hotel.
Rincon
Cool surfer town with lots of beaches. This is where the locals go to vacation! ~2.5 hours from hotel.
Desecheo Island
One of the best places to snorkel or scuba. The pirate Black Beard used this island as a pit stop! The charter trip leaves from Rincon.