Guide to Puerto Rico: Travel Tips & Must-See Destinations (2024)

Table of Contents:

1. Important Considerations Before Planning
2. For Travelers Ages 35+: Places and Experiences Recommendations
3. For Travelers Ages 18 to 34: Places and Experiences Recommendations
4. Best and Unique Experiences for All Travelers

Important Considerations Before Planning

1. Old San Juan can be done in one day and parking can be tricky. It is best to stay here if you just want to have walking distance restaurants, bars, and shopping locations and aren’t really planning on venturing out.
2. If you plan on exploring the outside metro area with a rented car, it is best to stay in Condado, Ocean Park, or Santurce areas. Those areas are just better starting points. Ask for parking options when booking accommodation.
3. Make sure someone feels confident driving and following maps. You can do a lot within a week in PR, but experiences are in different parts of the island so plan logistics according per day, per region, and activity.
4. Condado is best for luxury hotels. Ocean Park is best for Airbnbs and small boutique hotels next to the beach. Santurce is best for young travelers looking to connect with locals.
5. If you plan to stay in the metro area, you can use Uber. Rent a car if you want to do many road trips.

For Travelers Age 35+: Places and Experiences Recommendations

Caribe Hilton Hotel

The Hilton is a great combination of being in a resort while also being close to key nightlife environments. The Caribe Hilton boasts one of the few private beaches for guests and members. It is a 5 min uber drive away to Old San Juan, Condado, and Santurce.

PR Building Society for Tours of Old San Juan

If learning about history is a priority in your travels, book through their Facebook group Old San Juan tours. All are led by leading academics in Puerto Rico.

Rent a Yacht on Old San Juan Bay

There are different tour companies that you can rent a private yacht for a day boating experience in the Old San Juan Bay. Prices range depending on the type of boat and dining and drink experience offered.

El Escambrón Beach

If authentic and local experiences are more your vibe, head to this beach. Here you can also find different activities like exercise and yoga groups since it is algo a public park.

Rio Grande Resorts

If being outside the metro area and upscale/luxury settings are your focus, Río Grance is a tourist favorite destination. There are beaches, golf courses, spas, and more to just relax and enjoy.

Municipality of Isabela

If you want to enjoy more local, but still beautiful scenery, the municipality pf Isabela is a popular destination. This is a great area to find your preferred accommodation and explore areas loved by locals.

Indigenous reserves in Utuado and Mayagüez

If you are interested in learning about our indigenous community and their historic legacy and heritage, there are historic sites, tours, and museums to visit. These can be cool day trips for a unique experience. These are called the Parque Ceremonial Caguana and Batey Delfin del Yagüez.

El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is special since it is one of the few rainforests in the US. The recommendation is not to drive since parking is very limited. Some trails are also closed off and some can be tricky if it recently rained. So best to do short trails if you’re a beginner. Additionally, it is more of an experience for a hike and a cute waterfall, not necessarily to spot wildlife.

Dorado, Ritz Carlton

If you are a high-end traveler, this is the premier luxury experience in Puerto Rico.

Cavernas de Camuy

If eco-tourism is an activity you enjoy, a day trip to these caves can be a fun and unique experience to book.

For Travelers Age 18 to 34: Places and Experiences Recommendations

Stay in Santurce or Condado Near Numero Uno Beach Spot

Ocean Park beach is very popular for both locals and travelers. Those areas are usually within walking distance of that beach and boast coffee shops, restaurants, brunch spots, and a youthful nightlife. Condado is more high-end while Santurce is more grunge, hipster, local vibe.

Jet Ski in Isla Verde or San Juan Bay

Another thrilling activity can be to book jet ski experiences on either of these beaches.

Explore the Nightlife

Puerto Rico is known best for low-key nightlife in the sense it is not big on clubs. But do not fret! Even if it looks casual, people dress how they want! Here are some cool places:

• La Placita
• La Disquera, Calle Cerra
• Botanico, Calle Cerra
• Esquina Watusi, Calle Cerra
• La Nueva Escalera, Ponce de Leon
• Lala Luxury Restaurant by Bad Bunny, Mall of San Juan
• La Factoría, Old San Juan

A note: San Juan has a 2pm curfew. Many locals then head to a hotel nightclub or bar area or the Avenida Isla Verde Strip for after hours bars.

Best and Unique Experiences for All Travelers

Culebra or Vieques

The island municipalities off the mainland named Culebra and Vieques are beautiful but can be a trip in themselves. You can drive and take a ferry off the East coast or take a 30-minute plane ride from San Juan. Culebra has the coveted natural pools of Culebrita island tour, which should be booked in advance with @pureadventurepr. Vieques has a beautiful bioluminescent bay. Each island is remote and, unless you plan to camp, food and lodging are expensive, but note nightlife outside your lodging is very local and low key.

Mi Musica Bar and Grills and Mariott Condado

If you’re a social salsa dancer, Mi Musica (Calle Loíza) is great for a local experience. The Mariott Lounge for hotel salsa music and dancing.

Gilligan’s Island, Guánica

A very beautiful beach where you can place your chairs inside the water and relax. Need to get on a boat to get there. Requires good planning and arriving early.

Icacos, Fajardo

Very popular for locals is to go on a Saturday or Sunday on a day trip to this beautiful sand dune off the coast of Fajardo called Icacos. Rent a boat or if you’re connected with a friend plan a day trip. The vibe is boats, loud music, drinks, swimming, reggaeton and salsa.

Other Beaches, Rivers, and Eco-Tourism Spots

• Salto Barreal, Penuelas
• El Verde, Rio Grande
• Onze Brazas, San Sebastian
• Buye, Cabo Rojo
• Caja de Muerto, Ponce
• Las Cataratas, Naguabo

(Pictured is Cataratas, Naguabo)

¡Salud y Éxito!

Daniela Barquet