Paulina & Faaez
Things To Do
Old San Juan
Spanning 500 years of history, Old San Juan is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic and treasured places in Puerto Rico. Wander the cobblestone streets to soak up the unique architecture and colorful streets. You’ll find fun local shops and lively restaurants and bars scattered throughout the old city. Free golf carts called Garita Carts can take you around the most important landmarks such as El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Cuartel de Ballajá, La Fortaleza, among others.
Calles Artísticas Santurce es Ley
Colorful, vibrant, and artsy, that is Santurce! Reminiscent of Miami's Wynwood Arts District or Chicago's West Loop, this San Juan district's fizzy personality is the result of a community of artists coming together year after year to "fix-up" a forgotten neighborhood. The community of artists grew into a movement motivated by the idea that art can change and heal buildings as well as people. Santurce sits just 10 minutes outside Old San Juan where many artists claim that the street art movement started developing in Puerto Rico, and a tour around its streets can show you why.
Distrito T-Mobile
With over a dozen places to eat, an urban park, state-of-the-art technology, open spaces, and more, this trendy spot is ideal for experiencing Puerto Rican art, flavors, rum culture, music, dance, adventure, and overall vibrancy. The best part? It is all in one place and within walking distance. Think of it as the Caribbean Times Square under a roof.
La Placita
The location was founded more than 100 years ago as a two-tiered market square. The market was a place where people could buy fruits, vegetables, meat, and much more. Nowadays, during the day it functions as a market place with some open restaurants. In the evening, beginning at 6:00 pm, the famous Placita de Santurce fully comes to life. You'll find recognized restaurants and local kiosks that sell fried foods like empanadillas, alcapurrias, and bacalaítos. The atmosphere is livelier from Thursday through Sunday, when locals flock here to hang out, have drinks, and dance salsa.
Playa Ocean Park
Paulina grew up going to this beach and it is our "go-to" beach every time we are in PR. Be adventurous and try some kite surfing or sit back, relax and take in the scenery. Make sure to bring some cash as locals frequently walk around selling home made fritters and ice cream sorbets!
Piñones
Just minutes from San Juan and the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), you can find the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Piñones. Full of delicious authentic street food, made in the traditional fogón, the many little chinchorros (small dining stands) offer fritters made from plantain, fresh fish, oysters, and a lot sazón. You can also buy cold coconut water, drink it from the coconut itself, or try the crabmeat alcapurrias and bacalaítos (codfish fritters). The weekend is particularly busy if you want to find a bustling local scene. If you want to relax before you eat, be sure to bring your swimsuit and dive in at a nearby beach (wait 45 minutes after eating before you swim).
Guavate
If you want to experience what locals do to have fun during the weekends, eat authentic tasty food, and enjoy inspiring panoramic views, then Guavate is a must. Guavate, part of the town of Cayey in the center of the Island, is well known for its lechoneras, outdoor eateries specializing in slow-roasted pork. Located high in the mountains, you’ll find amazingly tender pork, live music, a friendly atmosphere, and cooler temperatures.
El Yunque National Forest
Located in Río Grande, on the east side of the Island, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species like the coquí frog, and beautiful scenery, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs of Taíno deities. Only a one hour drive from San Juan, you can either navigate it on your own or take a guided tour to get to the most popular locations. Choose between hiking, ziplining, or horseback riding, and fall in love with the astonishing view from the top of the forest overlooking the region’s lush valleys.
Ponce
Abundant in historical and cultural riches, Ponce — also known as the La Perla del Sur — is one of the largest and most populous cities in Puerto Rico, second only to San Juan. Ponce's attractions are as extraordinary as they are diverse. In this charming southern city, you can visit a famous castle, tour standout art museums, toss a coin in the Fuente de los Leones, and stroll the streets of the town square Plaza Las Delicias. Outside of the city, soak up some sun on Puerto Rico’s beautiful southern beaches, or take a boat ride to an enchanting islet.
La Parguera
La Parguera is an idyllic seaside destination found in Puerto Rico's southwestern region. In the town's main square, you will find a lively atmosphere filled with food kiosks, live music, and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. Unlike the rest of the seaside destinations found around the island, La Parguera doesn't have any beaches, but instead, it is surrounded by pristine cays. You can reach the cays by renting your very own small boat or arranging transportation with any of the local tour providers. Some of La Parguera's most visited cays are Cayo Enrique, Mata La Gata, and Cayo Caracoles. One of the island's three bioluminescent bays is also located at La Parguera
Rincón
Surfing and sunsets — that's what Rincón is all about. About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from SJU airport, Rincón is a place where visitors can enjoy laid-back vibes, beautiful beaches, and great places to eat. Known as the "town of beautiful sunsets," Rincón is located on the westernmost tip of Puerto Rico and takes pride in providing the most breathtaking twilight on the Island. During the winter, you might also spot migrating whales along its shores.
Cueva Ventana
Discover the amazing natural beauty and learn about the history of the island’s indigenous people — the Taíno – with a visit to Cueva Ventana, one of Puerto Rico’s most famous natural attractions in Arecibo. Cueva Ventana is part of a natural formation of limestone, known as karst, in the north region of Puerto Rico. There you’ll find pre-Columbian petroglyphs and stone engravings, hiking trails, and the cave’s iconic window-like opening that looks out over the lush surroundings. This is one of the most popular destinations on the island for both locals and visitors alike. To learn more about the flora and fauna, enjoy a guided hike led by trained biologists.
Mar Chiquita
Mar Chiquita is one of the most popular natural pools in the north coast. The half-moon opening is created by two limestone outcroppings that allow the intense turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean to rush in. The place is ideal for swimming and soaking in the sun, but there isn’t much shade, but umbrellas and chair rentals are available. There are some food trucks and stands during the weekends where you can find authentic Puerto Rican fritters and refreshing drinks.
Toro Verde Adventure Park
In the mountains at the center of the Island is a modern marvel of adrenaline-pumping adventure known as “The Monster,” a 2.5-kilometer zip line that is one of the longest in the world.
Bahía Bioluminiscente
The brightest bioluminescence effect in the world can be found on the magical island of Vieques, but don't take our word for it— it was recognized by the Guinness World Record in 2006. Vieques's breathtaking Mosquito Bay has also been designated as one of the 2020s Seven Wonders of the World by Condé Nast Traveller.
Vieques and Culebra
Vieques and Culebra are two nearby islands you should definitely add to your list of places to see. Vieques, known as la Isla Nena, is located 15 nautical miles from Fajardo, on the east side of Puerto Rico. Culebra is 19 miles from the coast. Both islands have some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find anywhere and are frequently included on lists of the world’s best beaches. Whether you take a ferry or travel by air, the trip is not too long and a visit can be made as a day trip, for an overnight, or longer. You can camp on the white sand in selected areas of Flamenco beach (Culebra), or stay at a local bed & breakfast or rental house. Experience the bioluminescent bay in Mosquito Bay (Vieques), walk around the small towns, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe.