10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Whether you’re a history buff, beach-goer, or adventurer, Puerto Rico has something for every interest. The island’s captivating mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty will have you coming back for more. There are some Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico as tourist or resident.

Start your day exploring Old San Juan, including El Morro – the iconic fortress that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, head to La Parguera for a night swim in one of the island’s three bioluminescent bays.

Explore Old San Juan

One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico is wandering the streets of Old San Juan. It’s an experience that will allow you to see the culture of the island from a different perspective.

As you walk around, make sure you check out Plaza de Armas (it’s one of the main squares of Old San Juan). Then head over to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This “fortalezza” (fortress) is an icon of Puerto Rico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also stop by the Museo de San Juan to learn more about the history of this beautiful city. This free museum also features a piece of street art that is often featured on travelers’ Instagram feeds.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, I suggest stopping by Cafe Manolin. This local favorite is known for their hearty Puerto Rican dishes and diner-style charm. Their bistec encebollado is something you don’t want to miss. Plus, they serve the best coffee in town!

Eat Lechon

Puerto Rico is a destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you love the beach, history, or cuisine, this island has it all.

If you’re craving the iconic dish, head to La Ruta del Lechon (The Pork Highway). This road is lined with rustic, open-air restaurants that serve roasted whole pork, or lechon asado. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience that transports you into the heart of the island’s culture.

Along with the savory lechon, you’ll likely be offered sides like mofongo (fried plantains), yuca, green bananas in vinaigrette, pigeon peas, cuajito (stewed pig stomach), and longaniza (spicy sausage). Make sure to bring cash, as most places will only accept the US dollar. When dining at a restaurant, you’re expected to tip your waiter 15 – 18%. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for the delicious food and service. When greeting locals, be sure to say “buen provecho” (“good appetite”). This is the equivalent of Bon Appetit in Spanish.

Watch a Bomba Dance

In Puerto Rico, where music is a national sport and dances sync to their beat, the drumming of bomba, a genre that originated in Africa 400 years ago, is a profound expression of Boricua culture. Like the rest of the Island, it’s a vibrant blend of Taino, Spanish and African traditions.

Brendaliz Cepeda and her group, Bomba de Aqui, carry forward the tradition. She’s passionate about it and uses the art to teach children about Puerto Rican culture, identity and history. Her focus reflects that of her grandfather, who sought to conserve and enhance the art.

In Loiza, a cozy seaside town in San Juan that claims to be the birthplace of reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee, the heartbeat of bomba is pounding strong. A phalanx of drummers play barriles, large conga-like drums, that churn out a steady beat as singers and dancers wear vejigante, traditional skirts. It’s a powerful, intimate experience to see how these rhythmic traditions are still alive. The best part: They’re for everyone to share. Puerto Rico’s cultural diversity is on display here in its most vibrant form.

Visit Samuel Lind’s Art Studio

Puerto Rico’s capital, Old San Juan, is a charming maze of cobblestone streets that are perfect for getting lost and exploring. Visit this enchanting city and take in the colorful buildings and regional dishes, it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss!

Head out of the city and onto the island’s west coast and you’ll find a paradise of golden beaches, food trucks, and small-town energy. Rincon is famous for having the best sunsets on the entire island – it’s definitely worth spending an evening here to witness the beautiful show.

Snag a spot at a local restaurant and try authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, from mofongo (mashed fried plantains) to alcapurrias (codfish fritters), and a refreshing paleta, the island’s famous frozen treat. You can also book a culinary tour with The Spoon Experience for a fun and educational way to learn about the food scene in San Juan. They will guide you through favorite family-run spots and restaurants, such as 1919 Restaurant inside the Vanderbilt Hotel.

Visit Pinones

Puerto Rico’s westernmost corner is a wild and beautiful place full of salt flats, limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and secluded beaches. This region’s unique ecosystem is a definite must-see on any Puerto Rican itinerary!

Stretched along the coast between San Juan and Loiza, Pinones is a pristine natural wonderland. This reserve includes deserted beaches; a coastal forest of palm, mangrove and sand dunes; two lagoons; and a salt marsh, all of which are home to 46 bird species and many of the island’s iconic iguanas.

Locals love coming to Pinones for family days out on the beach and getting their fill of a Caribbean lifestyle that’s steeped in traditions handed down from its African heritage. It’s also a great spot for a night swim in one of the island’s bioluminescent bays, which is best done during the new moon.

The best way to get around Pinones is by car, though public transportation is available as well. Make sure to bring cash — most vendors and kiosks require cash only. You can rent bikes and kayaks at the COPI Pinones Cultural and Ecotourism Center, located on the right side of Route 187 immediately after the bridge over Boca de Cangrejos.

The Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Rincon is a laid back beach town that offers a plethora of things to do. From horseback riding on the beach to hiking through lush forests Rincon has plenty of options for adventurers.

Rincons famous surfing beaches make it a top destination for local and visiting surfers. It’s best to visit during September – May to catch the biggest waves.

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The surfing scene is a big draw for many visitors to Rincon. This is where you’ll find world class waves that attract surfers from all over the globe. The town hosts an annual international surfing festival each November at Domes Beach.

A charming network of coastal trails invites hikers to explore miles of scenic shoreline on foot. The Punta Higueras Lighthouse is another scenic landmark that stands sentry over the coast.

If you are looking to do a day trip during your visit, take a boat ride to Puerto Mogan known as Little Venice. You’ll love exploring this charming village with its waterfront restaurants and canals.

best things to do in fajardo puerto rico

If you are a fan of eco-travel, Fajardo is the place for you! This coastal community is home to a wide variety of establishments that are focused on sustainability. This includes restaurants offering organic ingredients and hotels that are partially or completely off the grid.

The Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve is a top tourist attraction in the area. Its coral reefs, mangroves, rocky beaches, and forests provide an ideal opportunity to experience Puerto Rico’s ecological diversity in one location.

You can also take a ferry from Fajardo to Vieques, where you’ll find gorgeous pristine beaches like Sun Bay and Media Luna Beach. You can even kayak through a bioluminescent bay, such as Mosquito Bay, which is considered to be one of the brightest in the world.

best things to do in aguadilla puerto rico

The most popular thing to do in Aguadilla is to take a day to explore the brightly colored neighborhoods of the town. These murals are part of a larger project called Pintalto that is sweeping the island and is intended to beautify local communities. You can also go horseback riding along the beaches and through lush forests if you want to get a little more action-packed!

This is a great way to get away from the crowds and just enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It’s also a very relaxing activity and is a fun way to see the sights without putting too much pressure on yourself!

This was one of my favorite things to do in Rincon. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was super cool. There was music blaring and the service was awesome! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a place to eat that is a little bit off the beaten path.

best things to do in dorado puerto rico

The best way to explore Dorado is with a rental car. Public transportation is limited on the island, and renting a car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and see more of the town.

Surfers will love Dorado’s pounding waves. Surf shops offer lessons and rentals for all levels. The town also hosts an international surfing competition every November at Domes Beach. During this time the waves are at their best.

Other activities in Dorado include golfing, outdoor parks, and museums. Dorado is home to one of the most luxurious resorts in Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve.

Dorado has a thriving local art scene. Visit the downtown area to find street art featuring important figures, social themes, and the Puerto Rico flag. There are many artisan shops and galleries to visit as well.

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While there is so much to see and do in Rincon, some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico include relaxing on its pristine beaches, soaking up the Caribbean sunsets, and enjoying local food. The laid-back ambiance of this beach town attracts surfers, free-spirited travelers, and tourists looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle.

The capital of surfing, Rincon is home to a variety of beaches that cater to all skill levels. Domes Beach and Maria’s Beach are some of the most popular spots for surfing. Alternatively, you can ride horses along the coast for a unique view of the coastline. It’s also a great way to make memories with your family and friends.

best things to do in isabela puerto rico

Many visitors to Isabela are drawn to its secluded beaches and natural attractions. Popular activities include surfing at Jobos Beach and exploring the Guajataca Tunnel. Those who enjoy hiking and horseback riding can also find plenty to do in the area.

There are a number of beautiful beaches in and around Rincon. Sandy Beach is a gorgeous tropical beach with loads of palm trees and turquoise water. Domes Beach is a great spot for surfers and hosts an international surfing competition in November.

Those who prefer to snorkel can explore the Tres Palamas Marine Reserve. This underwater habitat is home to a variety of sea life including coral and tropical fish.

There are some stunning waterfalls in the region as well, especially Gozalandia Falls. This waterfall has a paved trail, wooden steps, and two swimming holes. It is a more touristy spot than some of the other waterfalls in Puerto Rico, but it is still a beautiful place to visit.