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 picturesque in every way, known for its rich history, five-century-old forts, romantic ambiance, elegance, exquisite food, party atmosphere, and hidden treasures. Founded in 1521, San Juan is the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction!

Condado:

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

Guaynabo:

We would say Guaynabo is the most U.S.-like city on the island. It reminds us very much of an American suburb, but it’s still 10-15 minutes from the beach, with all the creature comforts. Guaynabo has many cafes, restaurants, outdoor plazas, fashion stores, traditional kiosks in the Tablado del Río (an entertainment area), well-known food trucks, and many other attractions for visitors. If you are looking to move to the island for keeps, Guaynabo is super high on our list of places to consider. (It’s also where Black List Tours got its start!)

Ponce:

Ponce was founded in 1692 and 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 Taíno 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 La Paseadora’s cruise to Monkey Island, Montaña Explora tours, Hacienda Amaekia and Borincano Tours. Walk along the Malecón in town, and eat some of the best freshly caught seafood on the island! The lobsters here are like tasty aliens from another planet.

Luquillo:

Do you like calm waters? The main reason many people visit Luquillo is its 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 at the famous kiosks 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 once a U.S. Navy training area. That’s why you’ll find 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 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.

Rincón:

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 a haven for those who love the water.

Aguadilla:

Looking for a great place to check out? The northwest point of the island attracts visitors 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 better-known surfing town of Rincón.

Cabo Rojo:

One of our favorite beaches on the island, Playa Buyé, is in Cabo Rojo. Cabo Rojo offers great beaches, countless 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. The city has some nice family-owned restaurants and popular shopping spots. Yaucromatic is an urban art and mural initiative aimed at bringing more 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 to Discover Puerto Rico, Dorado’s mesmerizing golden coastline, lavish resorts, and three immaculate Robert Trent Jones-designed golf courses make it an amazing choice for 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 and an ideal destination for adrenaline junkies. Orocovis sits in the geographical center of Puerto Rico, and lovers of the outdoors also flock here for camping. The temperature is cooler in the mountain villages and the air always seems fresh.

Cayey:

This is an incredible place to get to in Puerto Rico, and one where you might get your ears popped. 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 twin peaks known as “Las Tetas de Cayey” (the teats of Cayey), nicknamed for their similarity to a female body part.

Utuado:

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.