Key Locations to visit in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan:

This place will have you singing despacito, despacito suavecito in no time! Old San Juan “viejo San Juan”, is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, and the most visited place in Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is is picturesque in every way, known for its rich history, five-century-old forts, romantic ambiance, elegance, exquisite food, party atmosphere, and hidden treasures. This is the United States oldest city!!!

Condado:

This is where the rich come to stay and play (unless they are over in Dorado) The great things about Condado are that it is close to everything. If you want to “be seen” this is the place to people watch.  A quick cab right to the airport, bike ride to Old San Juan (or scooter ride these days), try kayaking in the Condado Lagoon, and you are always a few steps from the ocean or lagoon! The best restaurants, bars and hotels and high end shops are found here.

Guaynabo:

We would say Guaynabo is the most US like city on the island. It reminds us very much of a American suburb, but still 10-15 mins from the beach, all the creature comforts. Guaynabo has a number of cafes, restaurants, outdoor plazas, fashion stores, traditional kiosks in the Tablado del Rio (an entertainment area), well known food trucks and many other attractions for visitors and tourists. If you are looking to move to the island for keeps, Guaynabo is super high on our places to consider.

Ponce:

Facts about Ponce include, Founded in 1692, Ponce is named for Juan Ponce de León y Loayza, the great-grandson of the famous Spanish explorer and first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León. Known as “the Pearl of the South” people from Ponce LOOOVE Ponce, and then there is the rest of the island. This part of the island was inhabited by the Taino people before being settled by the Spanish. Ponce is famous for the Letras Gateway, incredible local cuisine, scenic hills, and great views of the ocean. Great cultural stops and more are to  be found as well.

Naguabo:

Naguabo is a sleepy seaside town with a lot to do including including La Paseadora Cruise to Monkey Island, Montana Explora – Tour, Hacienda Amaekia, Montana Explora, Borincano Tours.  Walk along the Malecon in town, and eat some of the best freshly caught seafood in the island! The lobster here are like tasty aliens from another planet. 

Luquillo:

Do you like calm waters? The main reason many people visit Luquillo is it’s gorgeous beaches! Luquillo has miles of beaches, and you can walk from one beach to the next. Some are better for swimming and others are preferred by surfers and sea turtles. Get ready to relax either way, and experience great food, drinks and more on this east coast treat!

Culebra:

You want to go to a bucket-list place? This is it! Culebra is a haven for those interested in getting closer to ocean life while snorkeling or diving. There is a huge National Wildlife Refuge here, and very few people live on the island….mostly because it was a training facility for the US GOVT at one time…thus all the abandoned tanks around the island that make for amazing photo opps. If you want to see incredible crystal blue waters with endangered sea turtles and seabirds, this is the spot.

Vieques:

Sometimes you just gotta take it from the mouths of the experts. “Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and with dozens of undeveloped beach coves, one can experience the true meaning of tropical bliss. This small Puerto Rican treasure is also home to the largest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean.” Enough said right. This is a rare treat that many Puerto Ricans don’t even get to experience.

Rincon:

We call the place Gringolandia these days. Rincón is known as Pueblo del Surfing (the surfing town) and El Pueblo de los Bellos Atardeceres (the town of beautiful sunsets). Rincón was founded in 1771 by Luis de Añasco. With numerous beaches to choose from, this western hub is also a haven for those who love the water.

Aguadilla:

Looking for a great place to check out? The northwest point of the island attracts tourists in the winter for its surfing beaches, scenic sunsets, and nearby points of interest on the west coast. Many locals and surfers in the know will argue that Aguadilla rivals the more known surfing town of Rincon.

Cabo Rojo:

One of our favorite beaches on the island Playa Buye, is in Cabo Rojo. Cabo Rojo offers great beaches, countless local family-owned restaurants with fresh seafood served daily, golf, excellent tarpon and deep-sea fishing, a natural reserve, and the most scenic hike on the island.

Yauco:

Yauco is a city and municipality in southwestern Puerto Rico, centered on the city of the same name. The city has some nice family owned restaurants and popular shopping locations. Yaucromatic is an urban art and mural initiative aimed at increasing the number of visitors to Yauco. The art is colorful and bright, and you can’t help but smile when you see it. Be sure to add Yauco to your list of places to stop as you travel the south coast of Puerto Rico.

Dorado:

According Discover Puerto Rico, Dorado’s mesmerizing golden coastline, lavish resorts, and three immaculate Robert Trent Jones-designed golf courses, make this an amazing choice of those seeking relaxation, privacy, and plenty of stunning natural beauty. We don’t count on Discover Puerto Rico for tourism advice, but we generally agree with this statement.

Orocovis:

Toro Verde is here, and that place is incredible!!! The heart of Puerto Rico is a paradise for adventure lovers. An ideal destination for adrenaline junkies! Orocovis is located in the geographical center of Puerto Rico. … Lovers of the outdoors also flock to Orocovis for camping. The temperature is cooler in the mountain villages and the air always seem fresh.

Cayey:

This is an incredible place to get to in Puerto Rico…..and one you might have your ears popped in.  Cayey is known as “La Ciudad del Torito” (town of the little bull) and “La Ciudad de las Brumas” (city of the fog). … Cayey is famous for its two twin peaks known as “Las Tetas de Cayey,” (the teats of Cayey), nicknamed for their similarity to a female body part, which were formed by volcanic activity.

Utado:

The center of our island is an amazing place. Utuado is home to the important Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, one of the Island’s most precious Taíno legacies stretching back more than 800 years. The park has 10 ceremonial plazas, numerous well-preserved petroglyphs, a small museum that exhibits Taíno artifacts, and a botanical garden.