I first visited Puerto Rico in 2021, shortly after the island reopened to tourists. Like many travelers during that time, I found myself drawn to its accessible location and outdoor adventures – a perfect escape when much of the world remained closed off.
What makes Puerto Rico special is how it offers something new with each visit. From the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of Old San Juan to the hidden waterfalls deep in El Yunque rainforest, the quiet beaches of Vieques, and the local food stands serving up fresh mofongo and seafood – this island packs an incredible amount of experiences into its modest size.
Ready to explore Puerto Rico but not sure where to start? I’ve combined my personal experiences from multiple trips with advice from local friends to create this carefully curated list of the island’s best spots.
- Best tourist destination: El Yunque National Forest
- Underrated hidden gem: Gilligan’s Island
- Best for families: Luquillo Beach
- Best for couples: Flamenco Beach, Culebra
- Best for solo travelers: Old San Juan
- Best for nature lovers: Toro Negro State Forest
Old San Juan
If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, Old San Juan should be at the top of your list. Set along the northern coast, this historic district charms visitors with its blue cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial buildings, and impressive fortifications dating back to the 16th century. The neighborhood is home to two major forts – Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal – plus countless local restaurants, art galleries, and shops housed in colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies.
El Yunque National Forest
Visitors flock to El Yunque National Forest for its role as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, but this natural wonder offers much more than just dense jungle paths. The forest spans 29,000 acres with numerous trails that wind past waterfalls, natural pools, and peaks offering views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. While many come for the popular La Mina Trail and its refreshing waterfall, the forest’s Yokahu Observation Tower provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape, and the Mount Britton Trail leads adventurous hikers to one of the highest points in eastern Puerto Rico. Even on rainy days, which are common in this ecosystem, the forest’s visitor center offers educational exhibits and films about the unique wildlife and plant species that call El Yunque home.
Culebra Island
If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean paradise, you need to visit Culebra Island. Located just 17 miles east of Puerto Rico’s mainland, this small island is home to Flamenco Beach – regularly ranked as one of the world’s best beaches with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Beyond the beach, you’ll find peaceful snorkeling spots teeming with sea turtles, quiet hiking trails, and local restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood.
Vieques Island
I always tell beach lovers heading to Puerto Rico to visit Vieques Island. Located just 8 miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, this small island paradise offers two of the Caribbean’s most unique experiences: wild horses roaming freely through the streets and Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
Flamenco Beach
Located on Culebra Island, Flamenco Beach stands as one of Puerto Rico’s finest coastal treasures. I first visited this crescent-shaped paradise in 2018, drawn by stories of its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand that stretches for a mile along the shore. The beach sits nestled between rolling green hills and swaying palm trees, with two abandoned military tanks from the 1940s slowly rusting away on its western end – now decorated with colorful graffiti art that has become an unexpected photo spot. The shallow, calm waters make it perfect for families, while the nearby food kiosks serve up fresh seafood and cold drinks to beachgoers seeking shade under the palm trees. A coral reef just offshore houses schools of tropical fish, making it a go-to spot for snorkeling enthusiasts who come to explore the underwater world.
San Juan National Historic Site
The San Juan National Historic Site stands as one of the most impressive military fortifications I’ve seen in the Caribbean. This massive complex of stone fortresses, built by the Spanish in the 1500s, wraps around the edge of Old San Juan like a protective embrace. When you walk through Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, you’re literally stepping on the same stones where Spanish soldiers once defended against pirates and rival empires. It’s not just a collection of old walls – these fortifications played a crucial role in protecting Spain’s control of the Caribbean for over 400 years. While the crowds can get heavy during peak hours, visiting early in the morning lets you explore the tunnels, ramparts, and dungeons in peace while taking in the endless ocean views.
Isla Verde Beach
Just a short drive from San Juan’s bustling downtown lies Isla Verde Beach, a golden stretch of Caribbean coastline that’s become a favorite among both locals and visitors. Unlike other beaches in Puerto Rico, Isla Verde combines the convenience of city life with the laid-back atmosphere of a beach getaway. The area is lined with high-rise hotels and beachfront restaurants, but somehow maintains its easygoing charm. You’ll find families building sandcastles in the morning, surfers catching waves in the afternoon, and groups of friends gathering for sunset picnics. Thanks to its location near the airport and excellent swimming conditions, Isla Verde has developed into a go-to spot for those seeking a beach day without venturing too far from San Juan’s amenities.
Rio Camuy Cave Park
The Rio Camuy Cave Park offers one of the most unique underground experiences I’ve encountered in Puerto Rico. This sprawling network of limestone caves and sinkholes was carved out over millions of years by the third-largest underground river in the world. When you descend into the cave system via trolley, you’ll find yourself in a different world – one where massive caverns stretch into darkness and ancient rock formations tell stories of the earth’s past. While it’s not the easiest attraction to reach, those who make the journey are treated to an up-close look at Mother Nature’s handiwork, complete with rushing waters, towering stalactites, and the occasional glimpse of the cave’s resident bats swooping overhead.
Luquillo Beach
Many visitors come to Luquillo Beach for its gentle, palm-lined shores, but this coastal gem offers more than just sand and surf. Located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast, the beach features clear, calm waters that make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the nearby food kiosks serve up local favorites like alcapurrias and fresh seafood. The beach’s distinctive crescent shape creates natural swimming areas protected from strong waves, making it especially good for families with children. Whether you’re looking to relax under a swaying palm tree, try your hand at body surfing, or sample authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, Luquillo Beach delivers a classic Caribbean beach experience without the crowds of San Juan.
Interesting Fact:
Local surfers have nicknamed Luquillo Beach “La Capital del Sol” (The Sun Capital) because it gets more sunny days than any other spot in Puerto Rico, making it a go-to destination for beach lovers year-round. The beach’s gentle waves and crystal-clear waters are perfect for beginner surfers, while the nearby food kiosks serve up some of the best Puerto Rican street food you’ll find on the island.
Mosquito Bay
When it comes to natural wonders in Puerto Rico, nothing compares to the magic of Mosquito Bay. This bioluminescent bay on the island of Vieques puts on a light show that seems almost impossible to believe – when you move through the water at night, millions of tiny organisms create an electric blue glow that illuminates everything around you. It’s one of only five bioluminescent bays in the world, and experts consider it the brightest. You can experience this natural phenomenon by kayak or boat tour, gliding through the dark waters as each paddle stroke creates waves of glowing blue light. While the name might not sound appealing, I promise the mosquitos aren’t actually a problem – it’s the microscopic plankton that create the real buzz here.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Standing tall on a rocky promontory in Old San Juan is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a massive stone fortress that’s been guarding Puerto Rico’s shores since the 16th century. Unlike many colonial structures in the Caribbean, El Morro, as locals call it, feels like a medieval castle transported straight from Europe to the tropics. Just walk along its thick walls, peer through the garitas (sentry boxes), and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to a time of Spanish galleons and pirates. Because of its strategic location, El Morro played a crucial role in defending the island from Dutch and English attacks, and you’ll find six levels of fortifications, each telling its own story of Puerto Rico’s military history.
Rincon
Want to catch some of Puerto Rico’s best waves? Head to Rincon, a laid-back surf town on the island’s western coast where palm trees sway and perfect barrels roll in from November to April. Known as the “Caribbean Pipeline,” this beach paradise draws surfers from around the globe to spots like Domes Beach and Maria’s. Beyond the waves, you’ll find yourself wandering through colorful streets dotted with surf shops and beachside bars, where locals mix up fresh passion fruit mojitos as the sun sets over the water. The area is also home to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, where you can snorkel alongside sea turtles and spot migrating humpback whales between January and March.
Gilligan’s Island
Ever floated in crystal-clear waters surrounded by mangroves? That’s just another day at Gilligan’s Island, a tiny slice of paradise off Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast. This small cay near Guánica feels like your own private escape, with shallow waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The natural channels between the mangroves create calm, pool-like areas where you can drift along watching fish dart beneath you. It’s one of the best spots for families looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the water, and the wooden gazebos scattered around the island make ideal picnic spots when you need a break from swimming.
Crashboat Beach
Crashboat Beach caught my eye during my first visit to Aguadilla in 2019. Located on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast, this former military pier turned beach haven draws both locals and tourists to its crystal-clear waters. Old concrete pillars from the original boat dock still stand in the water, creating an interesting backdrop for photos and serving as diving platforms for adventurous swimmers. The beach’s gentle waves make it perfect for snorkeling, where you can spot colorful fish darting between the pilings. A row of food kiosks lines the shore, filling the air with the aroma of fresh seafood and traditional Puerto Rican treats, while palm trees provide welcome shade for beachgoers seeking refuge from the Caribbean sun.
La Parguera
La Parguera has a special place in my heart as Puerto Rico’s most laid-back coastal town. This fishing village on the island’s southwest coast is where locals and visitors come together to experience the best of Caribbean life without the tourist crowds. What makes it truly special is its bioluminescent bay, where tiny organisms create a natural light show in the dark waters at night. During the day, you can hop on a water taxi to explore the nearby mangrove channels and small coral cays, or join the locals at the malecón (waterfront promenade) for fresh seafood and cold drinks. It’s not the most polished destination on the island, but that’s exactly what gives La Parguera its authentic charm.
Arecibo Observatory
Take a walk through space and science history at the Arecibo Observatory, once home to the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope. Though the main telescope collapsed in 2020, you can still explore the visitor center with its fascinating exhibits about space exploration, atmospheric science, and the observatory’s role in the search for extraterrestrial life. Watch a short documentary about the facility’s achievements, check out interactive displays about radio astronomy, and learn how scientists used this massive telescope to study distant galaxies. The scenic location in the karst mountains offers nice views of the surrounding landscape, making it worth the trip even if you’re not a science buff.
Cayo Icacos
Looking for a slice of paradise away from the tourist crowds? Cayo Icacos might be exactly what you’re searching for. This small uninhabited island off Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast feels like a secret escape, with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that make it perfect for snorkeling. You’ll need to hop on a water taxi or book a catamaran tour from Fajardo to reach this gem, but the journey across the turquoise waters is half the fun. Once there, you’ll find yourself in a world where time seems to slow down – there are no buildings, no restaurants, just pure nature at its finest. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring the coral reefs, spotting colorful fish, or simply lounging on the beach with nothing but the sound of gentle waves for company.
