×
Go where the locals go in Puerto Rico. Hire a modern travel agent with ViaHero.

The 35 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico (Local Recs)

ViaHero
Updated January 24, 2022

When it comes to the best things to do in Puerto Rico, no one knows better than the people who live there.

So, we asked some locals about their favorite activities! Their suggestions range from eating freshly caught seafood to exploring colonial towns to hiking through a rainforest. 

With their help, we created this list of the 35 best things to do in Puerto Rico.

Looking for even more things to do in Puerto Rico? Work with a local to plan your trip. They'll help with everything from safety rules to restaurant recommendations. Learn more.

Table Of Contents

#1: Stroll the farmers' markets in Rincon

Open every Sunday from 8 am–2 pm, the Rincon Farmers Market is the perfect local spot to support Puerto Rico’s farmers and buy some of Puerto Rico’s legendary veggies. Plus, eating as the locals do helps a lot if you’re trying to take a cheap trip to Puerto Rico.

Don't miss out on local advice. Puerto Ricans suggest grabbing breakfast or a late afternoon snack here.

Local Tip:

The Rincon Beer Company has live music on Thursday nights!

#2: Wander through colorful Old San Juan 

No Puerto Rican adventure is complete without a day spent visiting Old San Juan.

Beautiful and historical, Old San Juan is packed with some of Puerto Rico’s coolest tourist attractions like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico's iconic fort. 

Local Tip:

La Factoría is THE cocktail bar in San Juan.

How ViaHero Works

Choose a local

Choose a local travel planner from your destination.

Message the local

Tell your local travel planner about your trip and preferences.

Get a guidebook

Your planner sends custom recs, itinerary, maps, reservations.

#3: Pop around Ponce, Puerto Rico’s “Jewel of the South” 

Located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, the city of Ponce is full of unique architectural gems and acclaimed museums. Don’t miss the Parque de Bombas firehouse, the Hacienda Buena Vista Museum, or the city’s beloved boardwalk, Tablado La Guancha.

Locals tell us that Ponce is also a great home base for day trips, as there are tons of unique places to visit within an hour radius. One of our Puerto Rico locals suggested checking out the lovely and isolated Gilligan's Island, which is about 50 minutes from Ponce. 

Local Tip:

You can buy feed to give to the tarpon (big fish!) at the boardwalk. It's a good activity to do with kids. 

#4: Discover Puerto Rico’s soul in San Juan

Whether you’re looking for a popping party or low key time in the sunshine, you’ll find it in San Juan, Puerto Rico's beating heart. Here, you'll find distinct neighborhoods like Santurce, beautiful beaches like Isla Verde and Condado, and of course, lots of incredible food.

Locals recommend checking out attractions that give this part of the island its character. They suggest visiting the beautiful Raíces Fountain along Paseo de la Princesa and feeding the pigeons at Parque Las Palomas.

What kind of traveler are you?
Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination?
Select your travel preferences below and let a local travel planner with ViaHero take it from there. Your personalized Puerto Rico recommendations, itinerary, and maps are just a few clicks away.

#5: Dazzle your senses at the beachside cliffs in Isabela

Only 20 minutes from the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico, the coastal town of Isabela boasts massive, surreal cliffs and rock formations. Locals suggest exploring spots that most tourists miss, like the abandoned Guajataca Railroad Tunnel or the pit cave of Pozo de Jacinto, both of which lead to white-sand beaches. Finish the adventure by getting some local advice about where to grab dinner—our Puerto Rico trip planners tell us that Restaurant El Platanal is a great stop for Puerto Rican fare.

#6: Hit up hidden gems in Parguera

We've mentioned Parguera's beautiful bioluminescent bay—and the area offers a lot more. Full of mangroves and a sizeable iguana population, this coastal town is only a 30-minute drive from the stunning Cabo Rojo Lighthouse on Puerto Rico's southwestern coast.

We adore Parguera's clear, calm ocean waters. If you're into scuba-diving, locals recommend signing up for a tour of the Parguera Wall to see some amazing coral reefs. 

"How did I ever not travel like this?! Ana’s local insight & planning was a game changer. It’s like having a digital concierge, travel agent, and local fixer all rolled into one!"
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal

#7: Fall in love with colonial San German

San German is a smaller, more manageable version of San Juan, but don’t let its size fool you—San German’s cobblestone streets and colonial-era churches are bound to charm. Locals say the best way to tour San German is on foot since the city’s 200 historic sites are within 30 minutes of each other. This is a spot where getting local advice is a good idea, as the city is less visited than San Juan.

#8: Check out the amazing nature in Fajardo 

A serene seaside town, northeastern Fajardo is off most tourists’ radars. Fajardo’s beaches, home to native manatees and turtles, don’t just border the western trails of El Yunque National Forest—the city is also a departure point for ferries to Vieques and Culebra, making it one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico.

(It takes only a glance at TripAdvisor to see that taking the ferry in Fajardo can be confusing. So get tips from a local who can explain how locals use the system.)

#9: Take in the beauty of Mayagüez

Mayagüez is known as the “Sultana of the West” for its gorgeous architecture and even more beautiful natural scenery. A 30-minute drive from Cabo Rojo on Puerto Rico’s southwestern tip, Mayagüez is also accessible by plane through the Eugenio Maria Hostos Airport. From there, you can access prime snorkeling spots like Desecheo Island and Isla de Ratones.

#10: Dive through Spanish shipwrecks 

Puerto Rico is known for its stunning blue waters, but even more amazing treasures lie beneath the surface. To snorkel past shipwrecks that date all the way from the 1500s, head over to Vieques or Rincon. You can also scuba-dive if you're certified. 

#11: Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Castillo San Felipe del Morro was built by the Spanish in the 1500s to protect San Juan. Since the fort is open daily from 9 am–6 pm, you’ll have plenty of time for incredible pictures on the castle walls. Enhance your trip with local tips. Our locals tell us that, once you've finished seeing the fort, it's fun to try kite-flying with families on the fort battlegrounds.

--

Are you into travel? History? Check out Yesterday in Travel, a podcast sponsored by ViaHero. One recent episode covered the "Great Migration" of Puerto Ricans to NYC: 

Be sure to follow Yesterday in Travel on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

#12: Surf with sea turtles in Rincon

Located on Puerto Rico’s western coast, Rincon is a magnet for leatherback sea turtles. If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico in the springtime, organize your vacation package around turtle nesting season (April–June)—then you can sign up for a tour to swim, snorkel, or scuba next to these gentle giants.

Local Tip:

Rincon is known as one of the best surf spots in the Caribbean.

#13: See the pre-Columbian carvings in Cueva del Indio

Nestled next to crashing ocean waves, Cueva del Indio is an ancient cave covered in petroglyphs from Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taino people. Locals tell us that since Cueva del Indio is close to Arecibo, it’s easy to make a combined day trip with La Cueva Ventana.

Local Tip:

The cave is hard to access. Before Hurricane Maria, visitors would use a ladder—which has since disappeared. You'll need to scramble into the cave yourself, which can be a challenge. 

#14: Stargaze at the Observatorio de Arecibo

Puerto Rico’s Observatorio de Arecibo is essentially a 20-acre dish-style telescope in the middle of the jungle. The interactive museum is especially cool to visit—and can be a neat stop if you want to visit Puerto Rico with kids

NOTE: The Observatory sadly was damaged at the end of 2020. Stay tuned for updates about repairs. 

#15: Look out for pirates and pink salt in Cabo Rojo

Perched atop Puerto Rico’s southwestern cliffs, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse looms over the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. Don’t be dissuaded by the bumpy, dirt road entrance—this off-the-beaten-path spot is easily one of Puerto Rico’s most dramatic landscapes. Locals recommend checking out Las Salinas, Cabo Rojo's dramatic pink salt flats. 

Local Tip:

You can climb the observation tower at Cabo Rojo for an incredible (pink!) view

#16: Marvel at the Taino Stonehenge

Taino Stonehenge is part of a sacred ceremonial site of the Taino, Puerto Rico’s indigenous people. With petroglyphs and craggy edges, this stone circle is an impressive reminder of Puerto Rico's vibrant history. Have a local add an English-language tour to your custom guidebook—the tour is led by local archaeology experts at the Caguana Ceremonial Park.

#17: Brave the ghosts in Puerto Rico’s military bunkers

Puerto Rico hosts many spooky World War II landmarks—if you know where to look. Locals suggest hitting up the El Morrillo bunkers next to the Humacao Nature Preserve or the abandoned Fort Buchanan in Bayamon. These WWII bunkers are not only historic—they also boast stunning jungle and ocean views.

#18: Catch a baseball game at Estadio Hiram Bithorn 

One of the coolest off-the-beaten-path things to do in Puerto Rico is to just sit back, have a beer, and enjoy some baseball. Locals tell us that although you’re most likely to see local Puerto Rican teams play, MLB teams pass through every now and then.

#19: Savor the food truck scene in Santurce

Santurce is San Juan’s up-and-coming artistic neighborhood—and no artsy hotspot would be complete without food trucks. Locals highly recommend the Miramar Food Truck Park (open daily from noon–11 pm) where you can try awesome fusion dishes like Peruvian ceviche at the Peru Rico Food Truck or fried cheese rolls at Que Toston.

#20: Get caffeinated in Puerto Rico’s Coffee Zone

A group of coffee plantations in the western mountains of Toro Negro, exploring the Coffee Zone is a great way to see Puerto Rico’s sights while diving into a tasty part of the island’s cuisine. With picturesque backgrounds, coffee plantations like Hacienda Tres Angeles belong at the top of any coffee lover’s Puerto Rico itinerary. Plus, you can feel good about exploring the island's coffee heritage—actor/playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda is behind a recent push to use coffee to revitalize Puerto Rico post-Maria.

#21: Treat yourself to incredible pork dishes along the Ruta de Lechon 

Just an hour south of San Juan, La Ruta de Lechon (“The Pork Highway”) is an actual stretch of highway just off Route 184. What makes it special? It’s packed with roadside restaurants that specialize in slow-roasted pig—almost always accompanied by cheap beer, live music, and plenty of dancing. FYI: you’ll probably want to rent a car for this one.

#22: Salivate over street food in Piñones

A quick drive from San Juan, Piñones is a small beachside town where street food is an art. Indulge in some classic Puerto Rican fried treats like empanadas, bacalaito, and alcapurrias—then picnic on the beach or enjoy the boardwalk alongside the locals. 

Local Tip:

Kiosko El Boricua is a great stop for traditional Puerto Rican food. 

#23: Chow down on Mayagüez’s world-famous bread

Puerto Rico is known for its delicious sweet bread, and Mayagüez has some of the best. Be sure to visit Massa Artisan Bakery and Cafe, the Ricomini Bakery, and Panaderia La Candelaria—your taste buds will thank you.  Locals also recommend grabbing some seafood in this seaside town. Benefit from local advice: Gonzalez Seafood comes highly recommended by our trip planners.

#24: Go on a Pina Colada taste test 

Two places in Puerto Rico claim to have invented the pina colada: The Caribe Hilton Hotel (which also happens to be one of the best beachside resorts in town) and Barrachina Restaurant (which happens to be near one of the best boutique hotels in Puerto Rico). 

Basically, you have no other choice than to taste pina coladas at both establishments. Tough, we know, but we don’t make the rules.

Local Tip:

Barrachina offers a varied menu of genuine Puerto Rican food, from appetizers to entrées. It also happens to be a perfect place for events and celebrations, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners and many more.

#25: Kayak magical Mosquito Bay 

After dark, the waters of Mosquito Bay light up in brilliant electric blues thanks to the millions of microscopic, bioluminescent critters that call the lagoon home. Mosquito Bay is located on the eastern side of Vieques Island. 

Benefit from local advice. Our trip planners tell us that you can't swim or snorkel in Mosquito Bay—but this is allowed in La Parguera, back on the main island. They suggest booking a boat tour to see the water light up at night. 

#26:  Discover unique hikes in Puerto Rico’s “dry forest”

Basically a desert next to the ocean, Bosque Estatal de Guanica is filled with beaches and cacti-covered cliffs. The dry forest is great for beach biking and hikes next to stunning Caribbean views. Since this southern forest is just a 40-minute drive from Ponce, it makes for an unforgettable day trip. Instead of traveling blind, ask a local for the best route to get there. (And for where to stop for a snack along the way.)

#27: Cool off at El Charco Azul swimming hole

A seemingly bottomless blue lake in eastern Puerto Rico, El Charco Azul is a favorite local spot for cooling off in the jungle with the locals. A great half-day trip, El Charco Azul is accessible via a short, clear jungle path. Since few tourists know of El Charco Azul, you’ll likely have this off-the-beaten-path Puerto Rico attraction all to yourself. It is a bit tricky to find, so utilize local advice from our trip planners on how to get there. 

#28: Scan the trees for parrots in El Yunque Rainforest

The only tropical rainforest in the US, El Yunque is both an awesome hiking spot and home to the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. Keep an eye out for the parrot’s bright red and green plumage, especially around the forest’s largest trees where the parrots make their nests. One of our locals called exploring the forest: "A rite of passage for any adventurer!"

#29: Venture through the Humacao Nature Preserve

An ecotourism must-do, the Humacao Nature Preserve is full of iguana colonies and coqui frogs. Free and open to the public, the preserve also features drastically different ecosystems, like swamps, lagoons, and beaches, and mangroves. Humacao was damaged during Hurricane Maria but has since reopened; for more information on hurricane recovery, check out this Puerto Rico tourism update.

#30: Adventure through Rio Camuy Cave Park

“Awe-inspiring” is an understatement when it comes to the Rio Camuy Cave Park, one of the world’s biggest cave systems. With over 200 10-story caverns to explore, there’s plenty to see for adventurers of all ages, making it one of the coolest places to visit in Puerto Rico.

#31: Climb La Cueva Ventana for an unbeatable view

A huge inland cave looking over the lush Arecibo Valley, La Cueva Ventana (“The Window Cave”) boasts one of the most iconic views of Puerto Rico. Every day between 10 am–4:30 pm, La Cueva Ventana tours are given by an official park guide—and our locals in Puerto Rico recommend signing up!

#32: Hang out with horses on the black sand beaches of Vieques

On the island of Vieques—a quick ferry or plane ride for Puerto Rico proper—you'll find black sand beaches populated by 2,000 horses. The horses are not really wild, but they do have *free rein* of the place. Say hello, snap some pics, and enjoy digging your toes in the unique black sands.

While on Vieques, Mosquito Bay (known for its incredible bioluminescence) is also definitely worth a visit—although a popular spot among tourists. Get tips from locals: our Puerto Rico trip planners recommend checking out the kaleidoscopic Playa Cofi (Seaglass Beach) if you hope to get off the beaten path. 

Local Tip:

Locals say that the ferry is the best way to get to Vieques, but prepare to wait in line.

#33: Wave hello to the monkeys living on Cayo Santiago (Monkey Island)

Home to hundreds of macaque monkeys, Cayo Santiago is just off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. Since the island is monkeys-only, you’ll need to wave hello from a boat or snorkel just offshore.

#34: Experience the unparalleled beauty of beaches in Culebra 

Culebra Island is a Puerto Rican highlight just off of the main island’s east coast. Among many other natural wonders, it’s home to Playa Flamenco, one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches. To get to Culebra, you can take a short flight from San Juan for around $100, or take a ferry from nearby Fajardo for $4.50. Use local advice to navigate with confidence. Our locals recommend double-checking the ferry times—and, if you're up for it, hopping on the early ferry at 6 am to maximize your time on the beach.

#35: Explore secluded beaches in Guanica

Located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, Guanica’s beaches are some of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets. Locals recommend setting aside a day or two for the real-life Gilligan’s Island (Cayo Aurora), full of mangroves and coral reefs. 

Still have questions about travel to Puerto Rico?
Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.
You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.

Looking for more info?