I am a Puerto Rico local and I’ve put together this comprehensive list so you don’t miss a single thing. This post will cover all the best places to visit in Puerto Rico, plus some hidden gems that only a Puerto Rican would know.
If you’re looking for even more trip-planning guidance after you read this article, then check out my full Puerto Rico ebook guide!
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41 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
Old San Juan
Walk a historical city that mixes ancient and modern times.
📍 Google Maps | 👉My Guide to Staying in San Juan
Old San Juan is full of history, food, and culture. In this relatively small area, you will find many of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico.
Old San Juan offers the best of both worlds: a historical landscape for history buffs, and modern energetic nightlife for party lovers.
As you walk through the cobblestone streets, make time for some of the best activities to do in San Juan like visiting the San Juan’s Gate, La Capilla del Cristo, El Paseo la Princesa, and La Fortaleza.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system.
📍 Google Maps | El Yunque National Forest Website
Known as the only tropical rainforest in the United States national forest system, El Yunque National Rainforest is one of the best Puerto Rico destinations for nature lovers. You can explore dozens of hiking trails, rivers, viewing towers, and some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico, like La Mina Falls and La Coca Falls.
Bookmark my full El Yunque rainforest guide for tips and practical info for your visit.
Vieques
A Caribbean paradise with breathtaking scenery, just off the coast of the main island.
📍 Google Maps | Vieques Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Vieques
There is a lot to stuff do in Vieques. Besides boasting a bioluminescent bay, Vieques has some of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico, including Playa Negra, the only black sand beach in the country, and other paradisiacal beaches like Navío Beach, Sun Bay, and La Chiva.
History enthusiasts can’t miss the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse and the Fortin Conde Mirasol Museum, the last Spanish fort built on the American continent.
Rio Camuy Caves Park
Discover a unique underground world in the Rio Camuy Caves System.
The Rio Camuy Caves are one of the unique places to see in Puerto Rico. The Rio Camuy Caves were created by the Camuy River, the third-longest subterranean river in the world. The cave system sports 220 caves and caverns with massive stalactites and stalagmites that will impress any traveler.
For more caving adventures, check out my guide to the 11 best caves in Puerto Rico.
Playa Flamenco, Culebra
Relax under the palm trees of a paradisiacal beach.
📍 Google Maps | My Guide to Staying in Culebra
Boasting white sand and turquoise calm waters, Playa Flamenco in Isla Culebra makes the ideal getaway trip. Not only is it one of the paradisiacal beaches in Puerto Rico, but it’s also one of the top beaches in the world.
To get there, you’ll need to plan a visit to the small Culebra, which lies a 45 minute ferry right off the main island.
👉 Don’t want to stay in Isla Culebra overnight? If you’re staying in San Juan you can take a day trip to Flamenco Beach via one of these day trip tours to Culebra island.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Discover a fortress with more than four centuries of history.
📍 Google Maps | El Morro Guide
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also called El Morro, is a 16th-century fortress built by the Spaniards to defend the country from sea attacks. El Morro is one of Puerto Rico’s iconic landmarks for its historical value and amazing architecture.
Ponce
Immerse yourself in the history of the South Pearl city.
📍 Google Maps | Best Hotels to Stay in Ponce
Although partially similar to Old San Juan, Ponce sports its unique charm and travelers will find many things to do in Ponce, like visiting the oldest firehouse in Puerto Rico, feeding pelicans in La Guancha, and admiring the Flaming June painting in the Ponce Museum.
Rincón
Beach hop between the best beaches of this west coast city.
With all the things to do in Rincón, you can experience your dream Caribbean island vacation. Besides having breathtaking sunsets, you’ll also find that many Rincón beaches are perfect for surfing and watching humpback whales. The city’s center sports great restaurants, galleries, and souvenir shops.
If you go, be sure to bookmark my guide to the best places to stay in Rincon.
Mosquito Bay, Vieques
Kayak in the brightest of the world.
📍 Google Maps | Vieques Website
Owner of the title for the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay in Vieques is one of the places to go in Puerto Rico. While this is not the only bio bay in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay is the most stunning (and the best-preserved after Hurricane Maria).
👉 Pro Tip: Getting to Vieques from the main island can be stressful if it’s your first time visiting Puerto Rico. Instead of driving yourself, you can book this transfer from San Juan to the Ceiba ferryso you can forget about following the GPS and enjoy a guided ride instead.
Isla Verde
Stay in beachfront resorts a few minutes from the airport.
Isla Verde is where to go in Puerto Rico if you want to stay close to the airport, but still get a taste of the beautiful beaches. This beachfront neighborhood has top-notch hotels, popular restaurants, and the best nightlife on the island.
Santurce
Embrace the rich culture of the artsy neighborhood of San Juan.
Santurce is San Juan’s modern cultural center where young travelers and culture enthusiasts can enjoy art, performances, and shows in theaters, music halls, and even the streets of the city.
Condado
Brand stores, fine dining restaurants, and the beach all in one place.
If you’re looking for brand stores, luxury hotels, beach bars, and fancy restaurants without missing out on the beach view, then Condado is for you. This district is home to some of the best hotels and restaurants on the island with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
🧳 Always Forget to Pack Something? Just use my Puerto Rico Packing List to check off everything you need to bring!
La Parguera
Swim or kayak in a glowing bioluminescent bay.
📍 Google Maps | La Parguera Lajas Website
La Parguera in Lajas is one of the most famous places in Puerto Rico for having one of the bioluminescent bays on the island. Once in La Parguera, you can’t miss the chance to taste the local cuisine in El Malecón or go scuba diving in La Pared.
📆 When Should You Visit Puerto Rico? Check out my guide to the best time to visit Puerto Rico by month to learn the best seasons and times of year to vacation in Puerto Rico.
Piñones
Eat everything you can at Puerto Rico’s fritter capital.
Piñones is Puerto Rico’s fritter capital! You’ll find dozens of Puerto Ricans in every kiosk enjoying traditional Puerto Rican foods like alcapurrias and bacalaítos. Piñones is also famous for its beach boardwalk and La Pocita de Piñones, a family-friendly beach.
Las Cuevas de Desecheo
Dive into a unique underwater cave system.
Desecheo Island is one of the least known Puerto Rico attractions that should be on the list of every diving enthusiast. While Desecheo is an uninhabited island forbidden to any visitor, the surrounding coral reefs and underwater caves are open for exploration.
🚗 How to Get There: You won’t find tours to Desecheo on your typical booking site. If you don’t want to miss the experience, you can only visit by booking a tour with Taino Divers.
The Pork Highway in Guavate
Taste the most popular dishes in this gastronomic route.
La Ruta del Lechón, also known as The Pork Highway, refers to a route in Cayey with dozens of kiosks and restaurants that sell the most popular Puerto Rican dish, roast pork, along with other local dishes like arroz con gandules.
Luquillo Beach
Sunbath on the beach while eating a Puerto Rican snack.
Luquillo Beach is one of the top Puerto Rico tourist attractions for multiple reasons including its location close to El Yunque, strong surf, facilities, and its food kiosks that sell every traditional Puerto Rican dish.
🏖️ Want More Beaches? I wrote another epic guide to all the best beaches on the island. Bookmark it now and come back after you’ve read this article!
Manatí
Fall in love with this city’s natural beauty.
Although most other travel guides won’t mention it frequently, you’ll find a lot of fun things to do in Manatí for outdoor enthusiasts like water springs, natural pools, caves, biking trails, and beautiful beaches.
👉 Need a local guide? This hidden gems tour takes you to all the best places of Manatí, including the Guayaney Spring.
Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Admire the best view on the west coast.
📍 Google Maps | Cabo Rojo Website
Although Los Morrillos Lighthouse itself holds historical value, the main draw of this popular attraction in Cabo Rojo is the surrounding scenery with cliff and rock formations that seem like out of a movie.
Mar Chiquita
Soak in the waters of a natural beach pool.
Mar Chiquita is a natural pool formed by rock formations in Manatí. A few years ago, it won the Travel Lemming Emerging Destination award as one of the top emerging destinations in North America.
Besides swimming on the beach in Mar Chiquita, visitors can’t miss the view from the top of the rock formations.
Isla Culebrita
Snorkel with sea turtles in the Caribbean.
Isla Culebrita, a small island that belongs to Culebra, hides one of the top beaches in Culebra, where you can swim with sea turtles and see the best coral reefs in the entire Caribbean.
🚗 How to Get There: You can only get to Culebrita by private boat. If you’re already in Culebra, you can book this Culebrita boat day trip to spend the day snorkeling with turtles on the eastern coast.
La Placita de Santurce
Mingle and party with the locals.
La Placita de Santurce is a nightlife spot in San Juan where you can eat at some of the best restaurants in San Juan and meet local Puerto Ricans surrounded by a lively atmosphere full of music, and dancing.
Cueva del Indio
Explore a cave with Taino petroglyphs.
A history buff must visit Cueva del Indio if he’s wondering where to go in Puerto Rico. Located on the coast of Arecibo, Cueva del Indio displays ancient Taino petroglyphs left behind hundreds of years ago.
👉 Read Next: Best Places to Visit in US Virgin Islands
Casa Bacardi
Tour the largest rum distillery in the world.
📍 Google Maps | Casa Bacardí Website
The Bacardí Rum Factory near San Juan is one of the popular tourist attractions in Puerto Rico. Known for its long history, connoisseurs can take a tour to learn about the rum-making process, do tastings, or take mixology classes.
San Germán
Stroll through the second oldest city in Puerto Rico.
San Germán is the second oldest city in Puerto Rico and it offers wanderers full insight into the past lifestyle of the Spaniards on the island. The historic city center sports two churches from the 17th century, cobblestone streets, museums, and excellent restaurants.
Guanica State Forest
Hike through the beauties of a national forest.
The Guanica State Forest is one of the largest natural reserves in the world and a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventurers. An alternative to El Yunque National Rainforest, hiking in the dry forest and swimming in the surrounding beaches are popular activities in Guánica.
Cueva del Viento
Descend into a world of stalagmites and stalactites.
Isabela is home to some interesting natural attractions, in particular La Cueva del Viento. You have to hike 30 minutes deep inside the Guajataca Forest to get to the cave, but the views inside it are worth the trip.
👉 Pro Tip: Make sure to ask the park rangers for information, as there are many trails inside the forest. Don’t forget to bring flashlights with you and to wear shoes with a good grip.
Castillo de San Cristóbal
Roam through the hidden passages of a military fort.
📍 Google Maps | Castillo San Cristóbal Website
Even if El Morro is more popular for its history, San Cristobal Castle also holds an important place in the military history of Puerto Rico. While El Morro protected the island from the sea attacks, the San Cristóbal Castle defended the territory from land attacks.
Carolina Beach
Kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel at a familiar beach.
Carolina Beach is perhaps Puerto Rico’s most popular urban beach. Just a short drive from the airport, the beach offers tourists a water park for kids and watersports rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. While there, check out my list of fun things to do in Carolina.
Gozalandia
Dip into a refreshing waterfall’s pool.
Gozalandia is a natural water park in San Sebastian with a splendid waterfall that is both fascinating and easy to access. You’ll find a designated parking lot and stairs down to the waterfall.
Seven Seas Beach
Camp on a delightful beach.
Seven Seas Beach is one of the top Fajardo attractions for its golden sand, calm waters, and facilities like bathrooms, showers, and gazebos. The beach is also a popular Puerto Rico camping spot.
👉 Love Snorkeling? Seven Seas is one of the favorite spots in Fajardo for snorkeling. If you’re a beginner, take this snorkeling tourto see the reefs on the beach.
Aguada
Visit the Vatican city of Puerto Rico.
The city where it’s believed both the Spaniards and the Americans entered Puerto Rico, Aguada has charming beaches, historical buildings, the only Earthship on the island, and multiple farms where you can buy local products.
Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve
Find the hidden beauties of a nature reserve.
Nature reserves are the best part of Puerto Rico to visit for budget-friendly and non-crowded activities. The Punta Tuna Reserve in Maunabo boasts a historical lighthouse, impressive cliffs, and beachside hiking trails to enjoy a stress-free day.
The Written Stone
Find the carved drawings left by the Taino.
Known as La Piedra Escrita, the written stone is a huge boulder that stands in the middle of a river in Jayuya. What makes it unique is the dozens of Taíno petroglyphs carved in it that reflect the island’s ancestors’ lifestyle and beliefs.
Bahía Viva Cataño
Hop between the picture-perfect spots of Cataño.
Cataño’s beachfront offers entertainment for all the family. This beachfront boardwalk with a view of Old San Juan, boasts multiple picture-perfect spots, fishing bridges, food stalls, restaurants, bars, and a playground for kids.
San Cristóbal Canyon
Adventure into the deepest canyon of the Antilles.
Located between Aibonito and Barranquitas, this 500 feet deep trench hides the Usabón river, dozens of waterfalls, impressive cliffs, and a beautiful forest. You should visit the San Cristóbal Canyon only with guides as it’s more challenging than El Yunque National Forest.
Jobos Bay Reserve
Kayak in the Black Sea of Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Jobos Bay Reserve Website
The second-largest estuary in Puerto Rico, the Jobos Bay Reserve offers nature lovers options for hiking, kayaking in the “Black Sea” lagoon, or swimming on the beach. Keep in mind some trails are outgrown after Hurricane Maria.
👉 Local Tip: Another way to discover the Jobos Bay Reserve is through a boat tour. This Private Day Sale Tour takes you to all the highlights of the reserve and customizes the experience for every visitor.
Hacienda Tres Angeles
Drink a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
📍 Google Maps | Hacienda Tres Angeles Website
Besides drinking a cup of fresh coffee at Hacienda Tres Angeles in Adjuntas, coffee lovers can take a coffee-making tour every Saturday at 10:00 am with a previous reservation. It’s one of the top coffee farms in Puerto Rico.
Cayo Santiago
Travel to a cay with a peculiar population.
Cayo Santiago is a small island that is famous for its unusual population: Monkeys! Also called Monkey Island, the cay is home to hundreds of monkeys that tourists can see on a boat tour.
Vaca Negra
Learn about cheese making and craft your own cheese at Vaca Negra.
Vaca Negra in Hatillo offers a great cheese-making experience for foodies visiting Puerto Rico. You’ll learn how different cheeses are made, see the coagulation and curd separation process for yourself, and then prepare your own cheese. Personally, I got to make Ausubal, a Swiss alpine-style cheese.
After you’re done making cheese, you’ll finish your session by tasting and pairing Vaca Negra’s cheeses. Stop at their coffee shop to buy more cheese and a coffee mug before heading out.
Utuado
Jump from beautiful caves to indigenous archeological sites in this mountainous town.
Utuado is an outdoor haven for adventure travelers. This mountainous town hosts impressive caves, canyons, and rivers, and there are plenty of experiences to be had. In particular, local companies like Tanama River Adventures offer rappelling and tubing tours.
History fans should visit the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center to appreciate the most important and best-preserved Taino archeological site in the Caribbean.
If you’d like to stay overnight, then I recommend camping at any of the town’s farms to get the best star-gazing in Puerto Rico. Although the mountainous roads are somewhat challenging to navigate, Utuado’s attractions will not disappoint.
FAQs About Visiting Puerto Rico
How many days do I need in Puerto Rico?
Travelers need from 7 to 10 days to explore Puerto Rico’s main attractions and the surrounding islands and cays. If you would like to cover attractions off the beaten path, extending your Puerto Rico itinerary to two weeks is ideal.
Is Puerto Rico expensive?
Puerto Rico ranges on the higher side of the price range. Even if there are many free things to do, car rentals and hotels in Puerto Rico aren’t as cheap as in other destinations in Latin America. Travelers can step out of the tourist area to find better prices for restaurants and hotels.
What is the most beautiful part of Puerto Rico?
What should you avoid in Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, it’s recommended for visitors to avoid driving in the central area of the island if they aren’t skilled with driving on curvy and narrow roads. See our full Puerto Rico driving guide for more info.
What are the nicest parts of Puerto Rico?
The nicest parts of Puerto Rico include western Puerto Rican cities like Rincón, Aguadilla, Aguada and Cabo Rojo. Other nice parts include El Yunque National Forest,Ponce,Guánica, Utuado, Vieques and Culebra.
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Thanks for reading my list of 39 places to visit in Puerto Rico! From white sand beaches to historical fortresses, Puerto Rico offers something to every visitor. Don’t miss Travel Lemming’s list of my favorite 68 things to do in Puerto Rico.
What’s the thing you’re looking forward to visiting? Scroll down and leave a comment!
