Visiting San Juan for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Hi, I'm Jen!Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Hi, I'm Jen!Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.
With a rich history and culture, celebrated cuisine, and natural beauty spanning picturesque beaches and tropical rainforests, there’s plenty to see and do in San Juan. Here’s our list of must-dos and must-sees for first-timers.
Hit up the beaches
Make the most of San Juan's island location.
For a fun day the sun, don't miss one of the many beaches and islands around San Juan. Popular beaches included Condado Beach and Escambron Beach, while popular islands include Culebra and Vieques. Relax on a beautiful beach, catch some waves, or go snorkeling or scuba dive at the nearby coral reefs.
Explore Old San Juan
One of the city's best neighborhoods.
There’s a reason Old San Juan is one of the most popular places to visit in Puerto Rico. With a history dating back to the 16th century, the area is full of colonial Spanish architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant colors, and plenty of charming shops and restaurants. Don't miss highlights such as Castillo de San Cristobal, El Morro, and Paseo de la Princesa.
Sample local flavors
San Juan's cuisine is worth traveling for.
San Juan is home to a rich mix of flavors, thanks to its Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences. Try popular dishes like mofongo and tostones on a food tour or on your own. And don't forget to try the local beverages while in San Juan, either. Sip a piña colada in the place where it was invented or take a tour of the Bacardi factory.
Visit a tropical rain forest
San Juan is more diverse than you might think.
El Yunque is the only rain forest in the US, and it's home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna. In addition to its rich biodiversity, there’s plenty to do and see in El Yunque, with miles of hiking trails, treetop walkways, waterfalls, and scenic vistas all around.
Experience the bioluminescent bays
There aren't many places in the world where you can.
There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescent plankton can be found consistently, and there are three close to San Juan: Fajardo, Mosquito Bay, and La Parguera. Experience the magic of setting the water aglow as you swim, snorkel, or kayak through the plankton in the bays at night.
More things to do in San Juan
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