Fondly referred to as the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico offers many things to do, plus amazing cuisine, beautiful beaches, and friendly people.
This makes the island a fantastic Caribbean destination for families and solo travelers.
In this article, we summarize 52 amazing activities that you can enjoy which we are confident will make your stay in Puerto Rico memorable.
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Puerto Rico – Beaches And Water Activities
The ocean is the heart and soul of Puerto Rico. The first thing that comes to mind when you say Puerto Rico is a sandy beach with palm trees and turquoise waters. Your vision is not far from reality, but the truth is that there are more things to do in Puerto Rico than just lying on the beach.
1. Sail to Culebra Island
This gem is located 20 miles from the coast of Fajardo and is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
2. Spend The Day on Vieques Island
Located 7 miles off the East Coast, Vieques Island is perfect for a getaway. The island is tranquil and is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
3. Visit Condado Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches located in San Juan. It attracts many tourists to the island and is near hotels and clubs in the city.
4. Take A Boat To Isla Palominos
Palominos is a small private island and a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility.
Isla Palominos can be accessed via boat, and it is about 10 minutes from the El Conquistador Resort. The waters are clean and beautiful, making it a real paradise.
5. Relax At Isla De Caja De Muertos
This is a serene uninhabited island, ideal to enjoy sunbathing, hiking, and swimming.
6. Relax At Playa El Combate
Situated in the Boqueron National State Forest, this beach is loved by locals. Its calm and shallow waters make it ideal for children.
7. Swim At Playa Crashboat
Another popular spot for beach lovers is located on the West Coast in Aguadilla. Its beautiful waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
8. Snorkel At Playa Caracas
Playa Caracas is a nice beach with clear, calm waters. It’s another pristine spot for snorkeling and enjoying the island’s marine life.
9. Enjoy The Thrill of Kitesurfing
Puerto Rico’s wind season usually begins after the hurricane season in December.
For kitesurfers seeking the strongest wind conditions, the months of January, February, March, and then June and July are ideal.
Isla Verde and Rincon are two of the preferred spots on the island. There are numerous schools available if you are a beginner.
10. Hike To Las Tinajas
Enjoy two beautiful waterfalls called Las Tinajas, situated on the East coast. The hike to the first fall is approximately a 20-minute long trek.
11. Take A Day Trip To Cayo Icacos
Bask in tranquility and quietness on the small uninhabited island off the coast of Fajardo.
Cayo Icacos can be accessed via a fifteen minutes water taxi ride. There are no amenities such as showers, changing rooms, or cafes available.
12. Kayak On Laguna Grande
This bioluminescent bay near San Juan in the Fajardo region is a perfect activity to enjoy at night.
Kayak tours are available to view this amazing lagoon that lights in the dark.
To preserve the organisms in the bay swimming is not permitted. Also, the use of products such as lotions and repellants, which could be harmful, should be avoided.
13. Hike To Juan Diego Falls
Also known as Charca Juan Diego in the Rio Grande, there are three majestic waterfalls ideal for bathing and relaxing. The most visited area is a spot with a picnic table and a 20 feet waterfall.
Top Things To Do In Puerto Rico Outdoors
If water activities are not your thing, or you just want to add some variety, Puerto Rico offers a lot of activities inland as well.
14. Visit The Toro Verde Adventure Park
Enjoy the beauty and nature of the island with zipline tours. Participants should be a minimum of four feet tall. There is also a restaurant on-site as well as a merchandise store.
15. Drive To Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center
Situated in Utuado, this site provides insight into the culture of the individuals who inhabited Puerto Rico before Spanish colonization.
16. Go To Mayaguez
Located on the West coast, this town is known for excellent scuba diving, fine dining options, and the Teatro Yaguez, a performing arts center.
17. Take Pictures At El Tunel de Guajataca
El Tunel de Guajataca is situated in the town of Isabela and is a magnificent place to take pictures.
The tunnel was built during the sugar era for transporting sugar cane from farms throughout Isabela.
18. Hike Cuevas Avenales Caves
Trek to rivers and caves where you can enjoy beautiful pools of water surrounded by nature.
19. Visit El Rio Camuy Caves
Situated in the Northwestern region of the island, these caves cover over ten miles. There are 17 entrances and 220 caves in total, making it the world’s largest underground cave system.
20. Kayak To Gilligan’s Island
For one of the best snorkeling experiences, head over to Gilligan’s Island where you can enjoy marine life.
21. Visit Yokahu Observation Tower
Constructed in the 1960s by Dr. Frank H Wadsworth, this 69-foot tower provides breathtaking views of the forest. The tower is within El Yunque National Rainforest.
22. Stop By Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
This historic landmark is the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere. Built around 1540, the structure is also the oldest on US soil.
23. Hike In El Yunque National Rainforest
This is the only tropical rainforest in the United States of America and a must-visit attraction.
Visitors can enjoy the forest by hiking, with the longest trail to the top being about a four-hour trek.
Alternatively, you can drive to scenic spots such as La Coca Falls. which can be enjoyed by the entire family.
24. Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
This lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The structure is on a high cliff so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Things To Do In San Juan Area – Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and the oldest city belonging to the US Territory. It’s also a charming city, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a lot of sunny days. There are many things to do in San Juan starting with exploring the Old Town. Let’s see some of them!
25. Pray At The Chapel of Christ
Located in the heart of San Juan, this is the perfect place to stop and reflect. Offerings are welcome.
26. Visit The San Juan Gate
This historic landmark is red in appearance and is known as Puerta de Aguas. It is 16 feet tall and 20 feet thick.
27. Walk The Paseo de la Princesa
Enjoy the city of Old San Juan with a relaxing stroll on this promenade. There are trees, benches, and sculptures which you can see and admire.
28. Explore The Oldest House In Old San Juan
Casa Blanca is the oldest building in Old San Juan constructed in 1521. Today, this structure serves as a museum with pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries.
29. Visit San Cristobal
Built during the period 1634 to 1765, this historic fortress is a must-visit spot to learn more about the history of the island.
San Cristobal was designated a UNESCO heritage in 1983 and covers a landmass of 27 acres. This fort was important to protect the island against foreign attacks.
30. Explore The Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this fort was a strategic point in the World Wars and hence an important part of American history.
31. Go Shopping
If you are searching for high-end products, the mall of San Juan is the place to visit.
There are several upscale brands such as Armani Exchange, Coach, Versace, Carolina Herrera, and Bulgari.
32. Stroll Fortaleza Street
Located in the middle of Old San Juan, this street is usually busy and filled with local restaurants and bars.
This is a great place to take memorable photos as well as to observe the architecture of the city.
33. Listen To Poetry
Go to a coffee shop and art gallery called The Poet Passage.
This is a location where poets share their artistry. It is a perfect venue to socialize and meet like-minded individuals.
Fun Things To Do in Puerto Rico With Kids
34. Celebrate Christmas
Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas in the world as festivities are celebrated for approximately 45 days. Therefore, it is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December.
Furthermore, during the festivities, Christmas markets are open with the lighting of kayaks to mark the season.
35. Stop By Parque de Bombas
Located in the town of Ponce, this is one of the most prominent landmarks of this city.
The building was used as a fire station but today serves as a museum.
36. Visit The Arecibo Observatory
View the world’s largest observatory that is used by scientists to research planets and star formations.
37. Stop By Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
This is located on North Eastern tip of the island. There is a mangrove swamp forest, beach, and bioluminescent room.
38. Visit A Coffee Plantation
Puerto Rico is home to numerous farms where coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.
Tours give individuals an opportunity to learn more about coffee production as well as enjoy beautiful hillside views.
These farms usually have a restaurant on site where you can purchase refreshments and, of course, coffee.
39. Spend The Day At Coqui Water Park
Located in the El Conquistador Resort, this amazing water park spreads over 2.4 acres, perfect for a day of family adventure.
The highlight of the park is the three high-speed water slides which are El Gigante Dormido, The Huracan, and Marohu.
Furthermore, there is also the La Mina Lazy River which is 80 feet long and provides guests with a relaxing floating experience as they admire the beauty of the El Yunque rainforest.
40. Visit The Museo De Arte de Ponce
This museum captures art from the 14th to 20th centuries. The most popular piece is the Flaming June painted by Frederic Leighton.
41. Stop By Hacienda Campo Rico
Hacienda Campo Rico is located about 10 minutes from the capital city of San Juan and covers 200 acres.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as ATV tours and horseback riding.
42. Spend The Day At Surf’N Fun Waterpark
Located in San German, Surf’n Fund waterpark has a lazy river, a wave pool, bumper boats, surf simulators, and other rides. What else could you wish for?
Food, Drinks & Nightlife
43. Visit The Madre Tierra Coffee Shop
If you are a lover of vegan food, then you will adore this vegan-friendly spot in Caguas.
Visitors can enjoy a wide and creative selection of vegan dishes from vegan pasta to vegan wines.
44. Visit Pork Highway
For all things Pork, on Highway 184 there are several food stalls dedicated to serving pork-inspired dishes.
45. Attend A Concert At Luis A Ferre Arts Center
This center is usually the venue for operas, theaters, and ballet performances.
46. Go To Jose Enrique Restaurant
For spectacular food in San Juan, this restaurant is highly recommended for fine dining and unique flavors.
47. Eat Local Produce At Mercado Santurce
Purchase local fruits and vegetables as well as fried fish, beans, and fresh fruit juices. The market is usually busiest on weekends.
48. Relax At Mercado de Rio Piedras
This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the San Juan area. You can also find a variety of vegetables, fruits, clothes, and shoes for sale.
49. Attend The Annual Pina Colada Festival
Puerto Rico is home to the drink Pina Colada. In commemorating this, national Pina Colada Day is celebrated during the festival in July annually.
Amidst the festivities, bars usually prepare numerous variations of the drink.
50. Eat The Local Delicacies
Some of the local treats that you should try on the island are Mofongo, Arroz Con Pollo, and Pastelon.
51. Salsa Dance At La Placita de Santurce
La Placita de Santurce is a popular nightlife spot to interact with locals on the island, eat, relax, and salsa dance in San Juan.
This area is a market during the day but transforms into an entertainment hot spot at night.
52. Visit Pinones
Pinones is a region located outside the San Juan area with numerous food stalls where you can enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine, drinks, and music.
La Posita is a beach in this area known for its calm and clear waters which makes it ideal for children.
Final Thoughts
From the list above, there are endless things to do on the beautiful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.
As an overseas territory of the United States of America, US citizens do not require a passport for entry.
The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November annually which affects the weather in the destination.
It is therefore prudent to consider travel insurance if you plan on visiting the island during this period.
Author Bio
Around The Caribbean is an online travel magazine dedicated to sharing information about the Caribbean islands. The content provides helpful and meaningful tips for individuals who want to relocate or vacation in the region.
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