Old San Juan is a must see. Great for a daytime stroll around the forts (El Morro) and the colorful streets or a night out. Recommendations: 1. La Factoria - Wonderful cocktails and wine. Place gets packed on a weekend night. 2. Marmalade - for the foodies - commonly known as the 'nicest' restaurant in puerto rico. Set menus. 3. Pirilo Pizza - If looking for a pizza with a local twist, walk in Pirilo. 4. Any and all bars - So many places to pop in for a cocktail or Medalla, the local beer. The locals are always friendly.
Condado is the primary resort area of urban San Juan. A few spots that are worth visiting are listed below. The prices of the hotels can be relatively high during this time of year and it does feel like a city but many of the best food options are here. 1. Ocean Park Beach - most popular beach for the locals and our favorite beach in San Juan ( heavily favored over Isla Verde). If staying in San Juan, this is your go to beach. Plenty of vendors along the beach. Don't forget sunscreen. 2. Calle Loiza is full of boutiques, kiosk-like restaurants, and bars. Very much a local scene that is more off the beaten path than nearby Ashford Avenue where most of the resorts are.
Brian's favorite restaurant in the world (climbing Bailey's list, too). Also named by Food & Wine and Travel - Leisure as one of the 30 world's best restaurants. Although it recently moved to a more mainstream area from the famed "Placita" area a few blocks away, the quality of the food and the energy remains. They do accept reservations.
Chic restaurant within the famed Placita neighborhood. Have a walk around to the main square and take in the local dancing before or after your meal.
Island off of Puerto Rico with many hidden beautiful beaches. A special place. There is a ferry that can take you there that runs multiple times a day from Fajardo or you can take a quick flight to the island (6 or 8 seater planes, which is an experience in itself). You'll want to rent a car on Vieques so you can explore yourself. This is true island living, not resort living.
While Vieques might be the preferred destination all things considered and a number of incredible beaches, Culebra has one of the best beaches in the world (Flamenco). If you are only going to make a daytrip to see the quiet side of Puerto Rico, Culebra is more manageable than Vieques as you don't need to rent a car. Stop in town at Mamacita's or the Dinghy Dock for lunch. It can be very crowded on a holiday so pick your day carefully and book your ferry tickets in advance.
The USA's only tropical rainforest. Suggest a visit if you have not been before. Most traveled spot, Coco Falls, should be re-opened post-Maria prior to our wedding date.
Puerto Rico is one of the few places in the world that you can find bioluminescent bays. Microorganisms in the water light up as a defense mechanism when disturbed. It is a fantastic activity - however, the brightness is significantly impacted by the schedule of the moon. A silver lining of Covid is that our revised date aligns with the moon calendar for this to be a very worthwhile activity.