Ready to explore an amazing place? Puerto Rico is waiting for you! There are endless things to do in this Caribbean hotspot, and no matter what kind of traveler you are, you’re sure to find something fun. Here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico to get you started.
After all, this island is a wonderful place to visit and it has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for adventure, there are a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. Love the beach? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the waves. Nightlife lovers will find no shortage of places to party into the night. And foodies will discover some amazing new flavors (not to mention the world’s best rum!).
Whatever your interests are, put Puerto Rico on your list. We promise it won’t disappoint!
Related: 25 Interesting Facts About Puerto Rico
Must-See Puerto Rico Destinations
This Caribbean Island isn’t called the Island of Enchantment for nothing. It has the best places to visit for newbies and seasoned travelers alike. Check out this curated list of tourist attractions in Puerto Rico that might tickle your fancy.
1. Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Located in Cabo Rojo, the Los Morrillos Lighthouse is the perfect place to view the salt marshes and lagoons surrounding it. Watch the waves crash against the cliffs while the guides give you a tour around the place. Though there are 14 lighthouses around Puerto Rico, Faro Los Morrillos is one of the most visited and most beautiful structures on the island.
2. Mosquito Bay
Mosquito Bay, located on Vieques Island, is just one of the three bioluminescent bays in PR, but it’s also the brightest! Here, you can book a kayak tour at night to enjoy the magical lights of the ocean. You might also enjoy Laguna Grande in Fajardo, which is the most visited of the world’s four bio bays due to its proximity to San Juan. One other option is La Parguera in Lajas, where you can ride a glass-bottom boat for that Insta-worthy photo!
3. El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. It’s a popular spot for hiking, camping, swimming, and picnicking with the kids, especially during the dry season of December through March. However, watch out for the possibility of flooding at the El Yunque Rainforest during the rainy season of April through November.
4. Flamenco Beach
If you want to experience clear waters, sea turtles, and other marine life, don’t miss out on visiting Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island. This beach is ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world! It’s a popular destination not only for its white sand, coral reefs, and clear tortoise waters, but also because of the historical army tanks left by the U.S.
5. La Fortaleza
Get your historical and cultural fix when you visit La Fortaleza (The Fortress). Built between the 16th and 20th centuries, this fortress was designed as a typical military colonial architecture that helped protect the city of San Juan. La Fortaleza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with San Juan National Historic Site. If you want to know more about the rich history of Puerto Ricans, we also recommend visiting other historic buildings in PR, like Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, both also located in San Juan.
6. Arecibo Observatory
Previously closed to the public because of its collapse in 2020, Arecibo Observatory is eager to welcome visitors again! The Arecibo Telescope was once the largest radio telescope in the world before being surpassed by China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). You may have even seen Arecibo featured in television shows like X-Files and movies like Contact, GoldenEye, and Species.
Of course, there’s so much to do in Puerto Rico that you might even want to extend your stay.
A few more of the best things to do in Puerto include booking a day trip tour to Cueva Ventana, Camuy River Cave Park, or Cueva del Indio. Likewise, enjoy an exhilarating adventure at Toro Verde Adventure Park coupled with a laid-back trip to Museo de las Americas.
Oh, and let’s not forget that Puerto Rico is one of the top destinations for lawyers who want to take a relaxing vacation while completing their CLE hours.
Yep, you read that right! Destination CLEs offers a vacation trip to Puerto Rico, among other scenic destinations, where attorneys can obtain CLE credits in the most beautiful places on the planet.
Related: 10 Amazing Reasons to Travel to Puerto Rico
Food Hubs
In between your water sports, sightseeing trips, and day tours, don’t miss out on the incredible food that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! Let’s take a closer look at a few of the many food adventures you simply need to try in Puerto Rico.
7. Jose Enrique
First, if you’re looking for a unique experience while in PR, you’ve got to dine at Jose Enrique. This quaint house is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. They offer delicious upscale Puerto Rican cuisine from a world-renowned chef. Interestingly, Jose Enrique doesn’t have a set menu, so you get to experience a different dish every time you visit.
8. Piñones
In the Piñones neighborhood just outside of San Juan, you can sample the many authentic food kiosks along the street. Some of the many Puerto Rican foods you’ll get to try include chinchorros, traditional sticky rice bowls, and alcapurrias. This beachside highway is filled with food trucks and stalls that will keep your belly filled to the brim while you enjoy a relaxing day under the sun.
9. La Guancha Boardwalk
The La Guancha Boardwalk is a great place for kids and families. You can find arcade games to occupy the kids while you munch on different snacks alongside a small but beautiful beach. Here, you can also rent a pedal boat to explore the waters and feed the tarpons. Plus, here you can cruise along the boardwalk and get ice cream from the famous King’s Cream Helados!
10. Deaverdura
Located on the top of the streets of Old San Juan, Deaverdura is a must-go for families. You’ll definitely feel at home at this tiny restaurant because Puerto Ricans are famed for being hospitable and friendly. Though there’s no set menu at this restaurant either, the staff will let you know what’s available and you can be sure you’ll get a taste of local cuisine freshly prepared just for you!
11. The Pork Highway
The Pork Highway is extremely popular with meat-lovers. Here, you can expect to see open spits with roasting pigs along the stretch of road. Aside from the mouth-watering roasted pig, you can also try out local specialties like tostones and pastelon at the Pork Highway.
Plus, if you think there are too many choices when it comes to food in Puerto Rico, you can always book a food tour so you can sample the whole gastronomic package straight from a local!
Related: 10 Best Things To Do in Carolina, Puerto Rico
Shopping Trips
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the many opportunities Puerto Rico offers for shopping sprees to buy souvenirs, memorabilia, and interesting local finds. Though there are a lot of shops around PR, let’s take a look at the most popular shopping areas.
12. Old San Juan
You can never go wrong with the many artisans and tourist shops in Old San Juan. Even if you just want to window shop here, you’ll likely find at least one cute trinket you’d love to bring home. There are also a few designer outlets here like Guess, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.
13. Plaza Las Americas
If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, we highly recommend visiting Plaza Las Americas. It’s actually the biggest shopping mall in the entire Caribbean! However, don’t try to navigate this place without a map. This mall is spread across about 2.2 million square feet of space, so you’re sure to end up either lost or dizzy without a map!
Conclusion
There’s simply too much to do in Puerto Rico!
On this beautiful island, you’ll never run out of day and night tours, beautiful beaches, salsa dancing, mouth-watering food, or exciting live music.
Are you ready to explore Puerto Rico?
With plenty of activities to choose from, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation with this list of the 13+ best things to do in Puerto Rico.
If you’re a lawyer, start planning your trip today by booking with Destination CLEs!
So, what are you waiting for?
Click here to book your next Eduvacation℠ and get packing!
Related:
- 25 Interesting Facts About Puerto Rico
- 10 Amazing Reasons to Travel to Puerto Rico
- 10 Best Things To Do in Carolina, Puerto Rico
