Don’t miss out on a great winter getaway with our list of things to do in Puerto Rico. This tropical paradise has something for everyone. The activities below should help you fill in any itinerary gaps. Also, see the link for our 7 day Puerto Rico itinerary at the end for more ideas.
1. El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest Service. It’s located in a mountainous region which makes it great for hiking. Plus, the frequent rain showers are refreshing if you’re on a more difficult trail. Watch your step as many of the trails can get slippery.
You can schedule a tour guide to drive and escort you around the park, or choose to navigate the park yourself. If you go the self-guided route make sure you stick to established trails, bring appropriate gear, and be careful. Be prepared to take tons of photos of the plants, animals, and stunning waterfalls. As you make your way up into the mountains you’ll be rewarded with far stretching views of the island, as long as it’s not too foggy.
This is a must-see itinerary activity to have a complete Puerto Rico vacation experience. It was easily our favorite day spent in Puerto Rico.
2. Beaches, Beaches, and more Beaches
Puerto Rico is well known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Get ready for full relaxation mode as you enjoy the warm sand, peaceful sounds of the waves, and refreshing ocean breeze.
Some of the most popular beaches are Flamenco Beach, Sun Bay Beach, Isla Verde, and Luquillo Beach. Staying near a different beach? No worries, this list is not inclusive of all the great Puerto Rico beaches. There are simply too many to list and you really can’t go wrong with most of them.
3. Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
Puerto Rico is rich with history. One of the best examples of this is the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, referred to as just El Morro. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 16th century. The main purpose of the fort was to protect the San Juan port. It was controlled by the Spanish until 1898, when it was taken over by the United States. Consequently, the United States military occupied the fort until 1961, when it was turned over to the National Park Service.
Visitors are able to walk the fort and experience the narrow passages, views from the guard towers, and artifacts in the museums. It is well worth the admission ticket. Plus, you’ll be able to use your ticket to also enter the Castillo de San Cristobal on the same day.
4. Old Town San Juan
Old San Juan gives you a glimpse into old island life with the colorful buildings, narrow streets, and old forts. It’s the perfect spot to walk aimlessly and uncover it’s hidden spots of beauty. Eventually, you’ll end up in a restaurant for some local cuisine and a refreshing cocktail.
Bonus: If you’re a ship enthusiast, you’ll likely get to see some large boats and cruise ships moving in and out of the harbor.
5. Scuba Dive or Snorkel
Like many Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is the perfect place to scuba dive or snorkel. You’ll have plenty of local dive shops to pick from if you want to rent gear. Otherwise, if you plan ahead and bring your own snorkel gear, many beaches will have lots of interesting things to see right offshore. Just be careful of the current and follow any local rules.
Additionally, it’s possible to get your Open Water certification at many of the dive shops if you want to scuba again in the future.
6. Bacardi Tour
One of the most famous Puerto Rico vacation activities is to tour the Bacardi factory. Bacardi is one of the most famous rum brands in the world and has a long history in Puerto Rico.
Schedule a tour to learn about their history, find your ideal rum, and sample some drinks along the way. It is a short drive from central San Juan if you have a rental car, otherwise a taxi or Uber will work.
Tours can be booked on Bacardi’s website here.
7. Enjoy Puerto Rican artwork at a museum
Looking to get a break from the heat? Don’t leave Puerto Rico without taking in some of the artwork. While a lot of street art is present when walking around San Juan, the island also has a lot of more traditional art to offer.
The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, in San Juan, will open your mind with countless inspiring pieces from local artists. Additionally, they also have a large collection of artwork from artists outside of Puerto Rico that are worth seeing. They even had a Banksy on display when we were there. Lastly, they have a beautiful garden behind the museum that makes for a peaceful place to relax and reflect.
8. Sample the food scene
It wouldn’t be a proper Puerto Rico vacation if you don’t sample the local cuisine. Puerto Rico has a delicious food scene and lots of restaurants to choose from. Try to avoid some of the touristy restaurants by asking locals what their favorite restaurants are.
We’ve found that our Uber drivers, AirBNB hosts, or other random locals we meet during our travels have the best recommendations. Plus, these restaurants tend not to overcharge like the tourist based restaurants. Tip: Try Mofongo if you like plantains, but haven’t tried it already.
9. Go Surfing
Puerto Rico’s year-round warm waters make it a great option for surfing. Whether you’re already an expert, or interested in getting lessons, the island will cater to your needs. Many shops will also let you rent boards if you want to try it out, but don’t want to commit to lessons.
Waves are at their peak from October to February. While you can surf from almost anywhere on the island the best spots are located on the Northwest side. Check out Rincon, Aguadilla, or Isabela for some of the more popular surf beaches.
10. More extreme options: Wind Surfing or Kite boarding
Surfing not extreme enough for you? Perhaps you should try out wind surfing or kite boarding. Try at your own risk but these two options are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
This can even be done right from the beach in San Juan. These activities will be a little more guided due to the inherent danger involved, but that doesn’t take away from the fun. If you’re unsure, you can get a preview of instructors working with clients as you walk many of the beaches. Not only will it be a once in a lifetime experience, but it will also make for a pretty great story.
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