Top Places you cannot miss in Puerto Rico
Top places to visit to maximize your trip
Are you ready to go visit the beautiful Caribbean? If your idea of a perfect vacation is visiting beautiful beaches, colorful towns, rich culture, exploring rainforests, seeing amazing wildlife, and so much more… you are in the right place! Puerto Rico is a beautiful island, and there is so much to do there. You must visit it at least once in your lifetime. Puerto Rico is an amazing bucket list location that will give you an unforgettable tropical vacation experience.
There are many things you can do on this tropical island. You can enjoy your days on the beach, take part in high adrenaline ziplining and other outdoor activities, hike in a real tropical rainforest, take a walk-through history in the historic San Juan, drive along the coast, swim at the bottom of breathtaking waterfalls, and so much more.
This list of top places you cannot miss in Puerto Rico highlights a few of the most amazing sites on the island. There are so many other places on this tropical island that you can see.
Things to know before you go to Puerto Rico
Transportation:
Puerto Rico does not have the best public transportation. Yes, there are some buses you can use if you have more time to spend on the island, but these buses aren’t completely reliable and don’t go everywhere on the island. If you want to be able to see the entire island of Puerto Rico on your time it is highly recommended that you rent a car during your stay. Having a car will give you a lot of freedom and the ability to see everything you want on this beautiful island according to your schedule.
There are many places to rent a car in Puerto Rico. You can rent one at the airport and keep it for the entirety of your stay or you can rent on in the city if you only want it for a fraction of your stay. Do whatever makes the most sense for your goals on your trip to Puerto Rico.
If your goal is to just stay in San Juan you will not need a car because it is a very walkable city, but if you want to see the beautiful sites outside of the city I would recommend getting a car.
Reservations:
A lot of the recreational sites in Puerto Rico require a reservation and ticket in advance. They are relatively easy to get, but if you wait until the last minute, it might become hard to get a ticket at the exact time and date you want. Make sure to check the site’s official websites to see and confirm the availability and hours of the park.
Without further ado there are the top places you cannot miss in Puerto Rico!
Top places you cannot miss in Puerto Rico
1) Isla Verde Beach
Isla Verde Beach is one of the most popular and touristy beaches in Puerto Rico. It is a short distance away from Old San Juan and many of the resorts are on that beach. On Isla Verde Beach you can rent surf boards, jet skis, cabanas, food, fresh drinks and fruit, or even just swim on your own in the warm water. Whatever you choose to do you can find a lot of options on Isla Verde Beach.
This beach is very enjoyable because there is a lot going on and it was very close to the tourist areas which includes hotels, restaurants, bars, and even the airport. Keep in mind that it is very popular and will more than likely be crowded at all times.
2) Old San Juan
You cannot go to Puerto Rico and miss out on going around the historic town of Old San Juan. San Juan is the capital and largest city in Puerto Rico. It is located on the Northern coast of the island. In Old San Juan you can enjoy rich culture, vibrant and colorful buildings, you can take a walk through Puerto Rico’s history, try local food at the many bars and restaurants, visit historical sites, and so much more!
Some of the most popular things to do in Old San Juan are eating the local food at the plaza square, visiting the port, and walking alongside the colorful buildings of Puerto Rico. Old San Juan also has amazing restaurants and electric night life. Do not miss out!
3) El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque Rainforest is definitely a spot you cannot miss on your trip to Puerto Rico. It is the only tropical Rainforest in the national forest system. Stretching for nearly 29000 acres, this rainforest holds some of the most unique wildlife and wonderful hikes and waterfalls in North America. Make sure to research which hikes you want to go on before hand and which waterfalls you want to see. There are so many hikes and sites to go to in the rainforest that you will run out of daylight hours if you try to do them all. There is enough to do to stay all day in the rainforest, but it is important to plan ahead due to possible poor reception and lines during popular hours.
My favorite part about the rainforest was seeing the Puerto Rican Parrots and the beautiful waterfalls. Do not miss El Yunque Rainforest on your trip to Puerto Rico.
PLEASE NOTE BEFORE YOU GO: Make sure you go sign up in advance if you plan to go as spots are limited. You can reserve your spot on the El Yuque Rainforest
AS OF AUGUST 23 2023 you do no need a reservation, but check the El Yunque website to be safe.
Hours are limited to 9am-5pm. Visitors are not permitted to come outside of those hours.
4) Gozalandia
If you really want to see a waterfall that will truly wow you in Puerto Rico then you must go visit Gozalandia. Gozalandia is not just a waterfall, but it also has a beautiful pool at the bottom of the falls that you can swim in! Drive to Gonzalandia and take a small hike down to the falls. It is that easy! No need for a long or strenuous hike to see this breathtaking waterfall!
People do jump off the waterfall and swim around in the pool. Make sure you are always careful and make sure you stay safe around the waterfall. (or anywhere in Puerto Rico)
5) Visit neighboring beaches
It isn’t a true trip to Puerto Rico if you do not visit a few other of the gorgeous beaches around the island. There are so many to count! The more secluded beaches a little more off the beaten path in Puerto Rico will give you a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. These beaches are not all crowded and you might be the only one at some of them. There are so many different beaches, but here are some of my top ones for you to go visit. They are less secluded, but if you go to smaller ones near these they will bring you more exclusivity if that is what you are looking for.
On the west side of the island a few of my favorites are the beaches in Ricon. Ricon is also a beautiful town where you can relax in a hammock or on a palm tree, go to some restaurants, and so much more! Don’t miss out on Ricon!
On the East side of the Island of Puerto Rico I loved the beaches of Luquillo and Seven Seas beach.
Liquillo is more populated and has more going on. Seven Seas is more secluded. Either way they are both amazing beaches to visit.
You might even be lucky enough to see one of the native iguanas on your trip to a location less populated. I saw them more on the East Side of the Island, but they live throughout the island as well as in the city.
6) Visit neighboring Islands
If you have a little more time or a day to kill go visit some of the breathtaking small islands near Puerto Rico. These islands are nothing short of amazing and with just a short boat ride you will be arriving into paradise in no time.
Some islands to keep in mind are Culebra and Vieques. Both of them are easily accessible from mainland Puerto Rico.
7) Pink Salt Flats
If you have time to visit the south side of the island of Puerto Rico, make sure you do not miss the Pink Salt Flats. This place is known as Las Salinas or the Pink Beach. These Pink Salt Flats are a natural treasure in Puerto Rico, and they are one of the most visually interesting places on the island. The mesmerizing pink waters is a beautiful place to take photos and admire. This is not a place to swim or trash. Be very respectful of this place so it stays as beautiful as it always has been.
8) Rio Camuy Caves
Rio Camuy Caves is a cave In Puerto Rico. It is a getaway where you can do a multitude of outdoor activities such as zipline, river rafting. Don’t miss out on this escape to another world on the Island of Puerto Rico!
There is an entrance Fee to get into the caves. You must also make a reservation.
There are so many things to do in Puerto Rico, but you cannot miss these top 8 places. Fill your days and nights on this Island paradise. From chasing waterfalls, to relaxing on the beach, to discovering new wildlife, to swimming with the turtles and fish, to visiting the rainforest, to clubbing there is so much to do on this small tropical island. Don’t miss out and make sure to plan ahead so you can get the most out of your trip to Puerto Rico.
Have you been to all the places listed on this list to Puerto Rico? Which one was your favorite? Are there any other places that you loved that I missed? Leave me a comment or reach out.
Enjoy your trip to the beautiful Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico
