Are you considering taking a trip down to the beautiful Puerto Rico? The area has some gorgeous sites, both historic, natural, and man-made. You’ll discover stunning beaches, with water so clear you can see your toes. There are vast jungles filled with native animals you won’t see back home. The best places to visit in Puerto Rico can be missed if you don’t know where to look. With limited time to explore and take pictures, you better choose wisely on what to see. That is why we’ve compiled a list of top attractions in this charming Carribean island.
Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
1. San Felipe del Morro Fortress
If you are interested in the rich history of Puerto Rico, then consider this monumental 16th-century Spanish fortress. The fortress is even cliff-side, bearing pointing cannons. Not only is this a historic site, right in the convenient location of San Juan, but it gives you one of the best views in the city.
Tours are offered at the San Felipe del Morro Fortress, where you walk through various rooms and halls. The tour is completely free and starts every hour. Throughout the tour, you get plenty of scenic views through towers. This is definitely a must see for anyone looking for the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
2. Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
The cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, located in Old San Juan, and is the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista dates back to 1540.
It is also the holding tomb of the city founder, Ponce de Leon. The tomb itself contains a rich history, which you can ask about on your visit. The cathedral is easy considered one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. The cathedral still holds mass to this day, which visitors are always welcome to attend.
3. Old San Juan
Do you enjoy shopping, architecture, and colonial history? Old San Juan can give you all of those things in just one place. It is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, being a national historic landmark.
You will be amazed just walking down the streets and taking in everything you see. With charming colonial houses, you can take a step back into Puerto Rico’s vibrant history. Food in Old San Juan is known to be the best in the country, making it easily one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
4. El Yunque National Forest
Want to get away from the city life and all of the tourists? Then take some time to relax at the El Yunque National Forest. The national forest is a gorgeous rainforest and national reserve, specifically known for its rare trees and birds. It is the only rainforest in the Caribbean, located right on Rio Grande.
You can go with a tour group to learn more about what wildlife to look out for and what each species of tree is. Or take to the trails yourself to check out the crystal clear creeks and rivers.
5. Crash Boat Beach
When it comes to unique sights along with rich history, Crash Boat Beach is easily one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. This beach is located right in Aguadilla. It used to be a military port used to rescue downed airplanes. All that’s left behind now is a pier.
Still, locals and tourists alike use the spot for fishing, swimming, and diving into clear blue waters. There are two large sand areas that are like beaches, the perfect place to lie out in the sun and relax.
6. Museo Castillo Serrallés
A mansion located right in Ponce, Museo Castillo Serrallés was built in the 1930s for Juan Eugenio. One visit will give you a great historic overview of Puerto Rico as well as about the city of Ponce. You can take a tour to learn about the incredible history of the sugar cane and rum industries, as well as their rich proprieties.
You can take a tour to take in all the wonders of the house, and even grab a drink from the bar. This historic site deserves at least one visit, as it is easily one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
7. Hacienda Buena Vista
Hacienda Buena Vista is a coffee plantation also located in the city of Ponce, built back in the 19th century. You can still tour the unique estate of a top historic plantation.
Not only will you learn about the history of the plantation itself but you will also learn about the history of coffee and cocoa itself. They often hold workshops where you can learn more about the trades as well. For history lovers, the area is surrounded with antiques from the old days.
8. Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center
The Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center is one of the most important archaeological sites in Puerto Rico. Located in Ponce the Center is the best way to learn about the complex history of Puerto Rico.
Here, you can get in-depth information about the indigenous peoples of the area. You can learn about their daily lives and the different rituals they performed. You will learn about how they survived, including collecting fruit and through archery. You can learn about their politics, such as choosing a chief and how a chief’s burial should occur.
9. Jobos Beach
Jobos Beach is located in the town of Isabela and is considered one of the best beaches for learning surfing. Tourists and locals both use this beach to get some of the best waves on the island.
Even if you don’t feel like taking to the waves, this beach is the perfect spot for getting some sun and relaxing. The ocean view itself will take your breath awake and make the entire trip worth it. And even though you’re on a gorgeous beach, you can still grab food from small stands set up down the sand.
There are tons of gorgeous sites in this South American country, but these nine picks are guaranteed to be the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. Don’t miss out on all the rich history, gorgeous views, and vibrant culture. Let us know what you visited and what you enjoyed the most when coming back from your trip!