Things to do in  San Juan

With its jungle-fringed lagoons, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters, the small, uninhabited Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos) is one of Puerto Rico’s most idyllic island getaways. Just a short boat ride from Fajardo, it’s the largest island of the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve and a popular day-trip destination, where you can escape to secluded beaches to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest under the protection of the US Forest Service, as well as the largest nature reserve in densely populated Puerto Rico. Situated in the mist-wreathed Luquillo Mountains—where year-round precipitation ensures green landscapes and a healthy diversity of animal life—El Yunque rainforest is home to the rare Puerto Rican parrot and the coqui frog, whose distinctive croak provides El Yunque’s soundtrack.

Old San Juan’s brightly hued buildings and cobblestone streets make strolling the historic neighborhood a must. Although it's biggest attraction is the San Juan National Historic Site—famous for the sprawling fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal—Old San Juan's charm invites visitors to stay thanks to lively squares, colorful streets, and downright delicious piña coladas.

Built in 1521, San Juan Cathedral(Catedral de San Juan Bautista) is one of the highlights of Old San Juan. The second-oldest cathedral in the Americas, this landmark in the heart of Old San Juan has an impressive array of religious and historical artifacts. The church is still operational, with services held throughout the week.

The 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro stands just north of Old San Juan, within the San Juan National Historic Site. Known locally as El Morro, the fortress on the northwestern tip of the islet of San Juan kept watch over the Atlantic and protected the city and the Bay of San Juan from incoming enemies for centuries. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The blue-and-white Santa Catalina Palace (Palacio de Santa Catalina), otherwise known as La Fortaleza (The Fortress), is the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico. Situated in Old San Juan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site occupies a spot that was long one of the most contested strategic positions in the Caribbean.

The Bacardi Rum Factory (Casa Bacardi) is entwined with the history of the Caribbean itself, and the factory’s visitor center traces the company’s early roots as a small distillery in Cuba through American Prohibition, the Cuban Revolution, and beyond. Today, Bacardi is a well-known brand with a global presence, and its factory in Puerto Rico is the largest premium rum distillery in the world.

San Juan Bay sits in the heart of the city of San Juan, with plenty of sites, neighborhoods, and attractions along its shores. The most iconic spots are the pair of fortresses that face each other at the bay’s mouth. On the eastern side sits El Morro, and across the way, the Islas de Cabras National Park boasts the San Juan de la Cruz Fort.

The historic San Juan Gate (Puerta de San Juan) was built in the 1630s and was once the main point of entry into the city for those arriving at the port by sea. Today it’s primarily used as a starting point for walking tours of the city, as it serves as the main entryway into the charming neighborhood of Old San Juan.

Luquillo Beach, also known as Balneario La Monserrate, is one of Puerto Rico’s safest beaches. Not far from the popular El Yunque National Forest, the beach attracts locals and visitors with its crescent of fine sand and swaying palm trees. The warm, gentle Caribbean waters here make it the ideal spot for swimming, wading, and family-friendly fun. Kiosks along the beach offer a taste of Puerto Rico, with fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.

The Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo) is a small, 18th-century sanctuary tucked away at the end of a pedestrian street in a corner of the old walled city of San Juan. Built to commemorate what believers say was a miracle, the chapel has become a place to pray and leave offerings, which decorate the walls.

Located just outside the city walls south of Old San Juan, the Paseo de la Princesa is one of the most pleasant and popular walks in the city. Dating back to 1853, the lovely pedestrian promenade is lined with trees, antique street lamps, benches, gardens, sculptures, and fountains, and offers wonderful views of San Juan Bay.

Standing guard at Old San Juan’s eastern gate is Castillo San Cristóbal. Built to protect San Juan against land attacks, the ancient Spanish fort is now part of the San Juan National Historic Site. It is the largest Spanish fortification built in the New World and offers spectacular views of the bay and nearby Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

White sand and sparkling blue water make Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) the perfect Caribbean snapshot. Tucked away on the island of Culebra, these soft sands and turquoise waters are perfect for both beach lounging and snorkeling adventures. Flamenco Beach is named for the flamingos that once roamed the island, although these days, you might not spot any of the pink-feathered fliers. But you can view a variety of marine life, including turtles, in Flamenco Beach's clear waters.

Laguna Grande is one of only three places in Puerto Rico where bioluminescent plankton is consistently found. During the day, this mangrove-lined lagoon in Fajardo looks like others along the tropical Puerto Rican coastline. But come nightfall, the bioluminescent pool glows fluorescent thanks to pyrodinium bahamense, microscopic plankton that thrive in its shallow Caribbean waters and glow when disturbed.