Old San Juan is one of our favorite cities in the world. With a culture bursting with warmth and character – and food, architecture, and history to match – it’s impossible not to fall immediately in love when you arrive. That said, there’s always more to a place than its most famous city. So, we asked fellow travelers about their favorite day trips from San Juan – and now we have a very serious to-do list!
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Las Cabezas and Fajardo
While growing up in Puerto Rico, I used to visit Old San Juan every year on a school field trip. One particular year, things got out of the ordinary and my class ended up visiting a different San Juan. This one is located in the east part of the island in the town of Fajardo. That was the first time I was face to face with the wild beauty of Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve.
You may not know this but the Spaniards originally called Puerto Rico San Juan Bautista (St. John The Baptist). When they were approaching the island from Spain they knew they were close because they were able to see Las Cabezas (The Heads), two headlands extending into the ocean.
The reserve protects a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, a dry forest, coral reefs, tide pools, and beaches. Two hour guided tours are offered Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are required.
While in the area, you can stop by the famous Seven Seas Beach, which counts with facilities, businesses renting snorkeling gear and shacks selling tasty food. Other beaches in the area include Colora (or Colorado), Cabeza Chiquita, and Escondida. Notice that Colora offers ideal surfing conditions during winter.
Head to Las Croabas area for more eating and drinking options (Las Vistas Cafe and El Bohio are good recommendations). In addition, this is the place to find an operator that can arrange a kayaking trip to the bioluminescent bay (you may need to stay the night for this activity).
Keep in mind that from Las Croabas you can take a water taxi to some incredibly beautiful islands off the coast (Icacos, Palominos, Palominitos). Fishing and catamaran trips can be booked here as well (or at the nearby Fajardo Marina).
In short, this part of Puerto Rico (38 miles from San Juan) is gorgeous. You will not regret stopping by.
(Contributed by Ruth at Tanama Tales)
Piñones
Twenty minutes outside of San Juan, off the beaten path and full of life is the VERY local Piñones. Located in the town of Loiza, the beachside community of Piñones is known for cheap beer and the best frituras (fried goodness) you will find on the island.
Take your pick of one of the roadside kiosks; any will do. Check out the fried heavenly treats behind the display window and pick out a few for a taste test. Relax, grab a Medalla for cheap, bask in the sun and salty air, and lose yourself in the salsa music playing in the background.
Time to burn those calories. Rent a bike for $10 from COPI, which is located across Boca de Congrejos Bridge (look for the green fence on the right). Cycle down the boardwalk bordering the ocean, worlds away from the bustle and noise of San Juan.
Piñones still has severe storm damage; much of the boardwalk is still in disrepair, as you can see in this picture. Contrasting beauty with devastation.
(Contributed by Jenny B at Traveling Party of 4)
Vieques
It is hard for me to explain in so few words the beauty of this unique and breathtaking island off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Known as one of The Puerto Rican Virgin Islands, Vieques Island is beyond spectacular.
With the brightest bio bay in the world, a black sand beach, and a foodie’s paradise, Vieques may be more worthy of a weekender or even a week of bliss.
Book a quick early morning 30-minute flight over from San Juan. Or if you have a rental car, drive over to Ceiba (about an hour from San Juan), and catch a seven-minute flight over and back for $80. Best. Flight. Ever.
Jeep rental is the best way to get around on Vieques, and most rental agencies will drop off the vehicle at the airport for you.
After your greeting from the wild horses and their foals, set off for nourishment at Panaderia Lydia in Isabel. Get there quickly because there may be an impressive queue for a taste of the heavenly pastries, bread, and hot coffee.
Here is what you will discover on the breathtaking island of Vieques.
- Surround yourself with the beauty of the ocean at one of the many palm tree-lined beaches of Vieques. My favorite is Sun Bay.
- Snorkel in the warm crystal clear Caribbean water.
- Go horseback riding on Playa Negra (the black sand beach).
- Stroll the newly reconstructed Malecon in Esperanza and eat fresh seafood at any of these top restaurants: El Quenepo, El Guayacan, Bili, or Bananas.
- Explore the magical 400-year-old Ceiba tree.
- Visit Playa Grande Sugar Plantation Ruins.
- Taste the Local Rum at Crab Island Rum Distillery.
If your day trip turns into night, you will have the opportunity to experience the sunset over the main island, the most awe-inspiring blanket of stars in the sky, and kayak in the brightest bio bay in the world. A day trip to Vieques Island will only leave you wanting more, so next time stay a while.
(Contributed by Jenny B at Traveling Party of 4)
El Yunque
Located about a 40-minute drive outside of San Juan, El Yunque makes for the perfect day trip. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the National Forest System.
Depending on how much time you have you can easily spend a few hours or even a whole day here.
There are a few ways to experience El Yunque.
If you are active, you must go on a hike. One of the most popular hikes in El Yunque is La Mina Trail. The trail is short (only .7 miles) however it is a difficult trail. One of the highlights of this trail though is La Mina Falls. You should allow approximately 2 hours including time at the falls for this trail.
Another must-visit is the Yokahu Tower. Make your way to the top of the tower where you will be awarded with views of the rainforest all around. On a clear day you can even see out to the sea. Definitely worth the climb.
A day in El Yunque is not complete without seeing some waterfalls. There are two waterfalls that are easily accessible from the road. La Coca Falls is the most famous and you will be sure to see many crowds admiring these beautiful falls. You can take photos right from the road however some will opt to climb the rocks to get a closer shot. Just be careful if you choose to do this. The rocks are very slippery. You can get a beautiful picture right from the road.
If La Coca Falls is too crowded then keep driving until you get to the Juan Diego Falls trailhead. While you cannot see much from the road, the falls are only a five-minute walk away. Once a well-kept secret, today many people come to see these falls since they are so easily accessible.
What people don’t know is that Juan Diego Falls is actually made up of several falls. There are guides that will take you to the upper falls but the climb is very slippery and muddy so use your discretion if you decide to try to get to the upper falls.
When visiting Puerto Rico, make sure you set aside a day to enjoy everything that El Yunque has to offer. Even just a drive through the forest will take your breath away. It is absolutely stunning.
(Contributed by Poor in a Private Plane)
Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is the perfect day trip from San Juan for so many reasons. From the pink salt flats, to beautiful cliffs to remote beaches, there is so much to see and do while here that you won’t want to miss anything.
Cabo Rojo is located about two hours from San Juan on the southwestern side of Puerto Rico and can easily be reached by car. It’s completely free and in order to visit, you’ll want to put Las Salinas Cabo Rojo into your GPS for the trip. This will take you right to the visitor center at the start of the park.
Your first stop should be to the pink salt flats – Las Solinas. You can make a stop at the visitor center, then head to the pink salt flats. On a sunny day, they shine bright pink and are truly breath taking! After visiting the salt flats, head to the lighthouse where you’ll see some incredible cliffs overlooking a beautiful beach. Climb down the rocks, or park your car down the hill, and enjoy the remote beach where you’ll sometimes even find a manatee or two on the fresh water side! This area is truly a hidden gem of Puerto Rico and should be on everyone’s list.
(Contributed by Meghan, The Traveling Teacher)
Culebra and Flamenco Beach
If you’re a fan of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water as far as you can see, and marine wildlife within spitting distance, make a stop at Culebra. This tiny island off the coast of Puerto Rico is home to Flamenco Beach, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Happily, even though this beach isn’t quite as touristy as many beaches near Old San Juan, it’s well-equipped with food stalls, restrooms, and changing areas.
If simply basking and enjoying the scenery isn’t quite your thing, you can snorkel at a safe distance from sea turtles while you’re visiting Culebra, and explore protected reefs with experienced guides.
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