Things To Do
Beaches recommended by Laura (MOH)
• Playa Chatarra - Piñones, Loiza • La Punta, Luquillo • Balneario La Monserrate or Luquillo Beach • Poza Las Mujeres - Manatí (only at the small beach side) • Playa Montones - Isabela • Crash Boat - Aguadilla • El Rompe Olas Beach - Aguadilla • Buyé Beach - Cabo Rojo • Playa Azul Joyuda - Cabo Rojo • Playa Sucia - Cabo Rojo • Playa Puerto Nuevo - Vega Baja • Seven Seas - Fajardo • Ocean Park- San Juan (CAUTION) • All Arecibo beaches (CAUTION) • Isla Verde Beaches (CAUTION) By Boat: • Icacos Cay - Fajardo (WaterTaxi) • Culebra - Flamenco Beach (Ferry) • Vieques - Sun Bay, Blue Beach, Red Beach (Ferry) • Guilligan - Guánica (WaterTaxi) • Cayo Caracoles - Lajas (WaterTaxi) **CAUTION: If the beaches have big waves the recommendation is to stay out, if the beach is not shallow you have to be very cautious, strong currents are very common when there are big waves. Most of the beaches in this list are shallow and calm.
Food recommendations
La Placita de Santurce (preferably noon to early night, gets to crowded at weekends) Los Kioskos de Luquillo - after beach if nearby Bungalu Rooftop - Rio grande - after beach if nearby Drift - Loiza - after beach or during the day Pa’ Pical - Isla verde - after beach
Craft Beer places
Ocean Lab Brewing - Isla Verde, Carolina Cervecería Del Callejón - Old San Juan Taberna Lúpulo - Old San Juan Taberna Boricua - Hato Rey, San Juan El Tap - Calle Loiza, San Juan Brew! - Rio Grande Fok Brewing - Caguas Cerveceria Takabru - Guaynabo La Esquinita Jardín Cervecero - Bayamon El Nido - Bayamon Beer Me Home - Bayamon Cold Blood Quebradillas BoxLab Brewing - Aguadilla Papa Rupe Brewing - Ponce 100x35 Beer Boutique - San Juan Bonding Beer Garden - Carolina, Canovanas
Bar hopping places/nightclubs
Bar Hopping Places: Old San Juan: Tabera Lupulo La Verguenza La Factoria Monoestereo Los 3 Cuernos Pira Rum El Batey Bari Calle La Cerra (Santurce) : Esquina El Watussi La Barrita de la 15 El Patio de La Cerra Las Palmas Bar El Marullo Other Places: 173 Grados - cocktails Bar La Unidad - cocktails T-Mobile District Fifty Eight - night club 7eight7 - night club Club Brava - night club
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Take a hike to their many waterfalls, see unique birds, native species like the coquí frog (try to notice them as you walk, their sound is what gave them their name), and beautiful scenery. *Kids friendly
Viejo San Juan
As the second oldest town in America, Old San Juan is a gateway into the core of Puerto Rican history and culture. Important landmarks include El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Cuartel de Ballajá, and La Fortaleza. You can also take guided tours to learn more about the history of the many 500-year-old buildings and local cuisine, and even visit where one of the most popular drinks was born, the world-famous piña colada. *Kids friendly
Piñones
Just minutes from San Juan Airport (SJU), you can find the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Piñones. The many little chinchorros (small dining stands) are full of delicious authentic street food and offer fritters made from plantain, fresh fish, oysters, and a lot of sazón. You can also buy cold coconut water to drink straight out of the coconut or try the crabmeat alcapurrias and bacalaítos (codfish fritters). Both of these are Kevin's favorites. Also, the beach in front of it is friendly and calm because it has a reef barrier. Ask Paula or the Maid of Honor Laura for the perfect spot to park and avoid the crowds *Kids friendly
La Parguera
A trip to La Parguera in Lajas might be a two-and-a-half-hour journey from San Juan, but it is worth it. If you are an adventurer, you can snorkel in the nearby bioluminescent bay, experience some of the Island’s best scuba diving, go hiking, biking, or birdwatching, or charter a boat to see dozens of tiny mangrove islands. *Kids friendly
Cabo Rojo
It is located about 3 hours from San Juan. This coastal gem has dramatic landscapes and protected beaches of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, making it quite popular among locals. Some of the places to visit: are Los Morrillos Lighthouse, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, also worth exploring the nearby hiking trails, as well as a natural bridge, salt flats (which have been a site for salt production since 1511), and panoramic views of salt mountains. Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable and light clothes. Likewise, carry sufficient water and snacks, as there are no restaurants or kiosks in the area. The salt flats and the lighthouse are closed to the public on Mondays.
Isabela and Rincon
About 2 hrs from San Juan, two main cities are known for their surfing culture. It is a fun day trip to visit both towns and take in their way of life. Rincón is known as the "town of beautiful sunsets," during the winter, you might also spot migrating whales along its shores. Isabela beaches accommodate surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers. There's a state forest for hiking and even luxury resorts with exceptional cocktails. These towns have something for everybody, as long as your goal is to relax and unwind.
Vieques and Culebra
Vieques and Culebra are two nearby islands you should definitely add to your list of places to see. 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. In Fajardo you can take a ferry or travel by air, the trip is not too long, and a visit can be made as a day trip, an overnight, or longer. Experience the bioluminescent bay in Mosquito Bay (Vieques), walk around the small towns, or relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Cayo Icacos
If you are looking for crystalline blue water near San Juan. Take a day trip to Icacos. Drive to Fajardo, and there you can find a water taxi (cheapest), the earlier you arrive, the better chance you have to go. Or join a catamaran charter trip that usually includes food and drinks. If you opt for a water taxi, keep in mind that there are no facilities on the island, so be sure to bring enough food and water, garbage bags, and even a beach umbrella to shelter you from the sun. *Kids friendly