Summary
So you’ve decided to spend a weekend in Puerto Rico. Three days is enough to see plenty but nowhere near enough to see it all. How should you allocate your time? Relax; we’ve got you covered.
This three-day itinerary lets you enjoy a few different sides of Puerto Rico. You’ll start off in Old San Juan, the historic and cultural center of the island, and home to some of its best museums, monuments, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Day Two will take you out of the city, to a tropical rainforest, a beautiful beach, and a unique, finger-licking dining adventure. Your last day is reserved for the beach, the shops, and the casino.
Remember to pack the following:
- At least one good pair of shoes: the trails in the rainforest require good walking shoes, and you’ll want to be comfortable as you explore the old city.
- Light, summer clothes: It’s almost a sure bet that you won’t need coats and sweaters here.
- Sunblock: whether you’re walking the streets or lazing by the ocean, sunblock is your friend in Puerto Rico.
- Your camera: You’ll be happy you did.
Day One: Old San Juan
Unless you’re really trying to avoid it, you’ll be flying into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which is located in Carolina, about three miles away from San Juan. Assuming you get here in the morning, you’ll be checked in and ready to start your vacation before noon. Your first stop will be Old San Juan.
Itinerary
- Maximize your time in the Old City by taking a walking tour.
- When you’re ready for lunch, you’ll have a myriad of options to choose from. If you want to eat like a local, head to La Fonda del Jibarito on Sol Street for cantina-style Puerto Rican specialties.
- Spend the rest of your day in the Old City, where there is never a dearth of things to do. Browse through one of the city’s many art galleries; shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, or fashionable clothes; visit one of the many museums; or simply walk around and enjoy the ambiance of a city that was prospering before The Mayflower set sail.
- If you’re not too tired by the evening, consider a tour of “Night Tales of San Juan” with Legends of Puerto Rico. This fun, two-hour evening romp through the city’s streets and buildings is full of historical anecdotes, folklore, and ghost stories. At night, the streets take on a different vibe.
- Food options abound in San Juan. Walk down Fortaleza Street, where many hotspots have a lively bar and lounge scene after hours.
- If gambling interests you and you’re staying in the old city for the night, a visit to the Sheraton Old San Juan may be in order.
- Pick up your rental car (you can take a guided tour, but the flexibility of having your own car is advantageous). Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
- Take Route 3 east until it intersects with Route 191. You’ll see signs for the rainforest. (Interesting fact: on the road to the rainforest, in the town of Palmer, you’ll pass by the Palmer Bakery; this is a good place to pick up sandwiches and pastries for a picnic lunch.)
- Your first stop in the rainforest should be the El Portal Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and hiking trail information.
- Take the La Mina Trail to reach La Mina Falls, where you can wade in a refreshing pool and dive under a natural waterfall.
- Enjoy El Yunque (“The Anvil,” so-named for its flat plateau) at your leisure, but be prepared to depart by mid-afternoon.
- Make your way back to Route 3 and continue east until you see signs for Luquillo Beach. This picturesque, palm-tree-lined beach is a favorite among locals for its unspoiled view and excellent facilities. After the dense canopy of the rainforest, it’s another stunning scene.
- Returning to Route 3 towards the city, you’ll soon come across a line of Kiosks. Stop at this famous roadside institution and enjoy sampling various fried goodies and other snacks.
- Recharge and then dive into the nightlife in Isla Verde. Mist Rooftop Bar + Kitchen, located atop The San Juan Water & Beach Club, and Brava, the club at the El San Juan Hotel, are two must-visit spots after sundown.
- There are various beach options in San Juan. If you’re staying in Puerta de Tierra, El Escambrón public beach is nearby. For those in the resort strip of Condado or Isla Verde, the beach is right in front of you. Ocean Park Beach is a personal favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, while Punta Las Marías Beach is known for surfing.
- For your final lunch, try to make it to La Casita Blanca, a short cab ride away that is well worth it for authentic Puerto Rican home-cooking. Closer options include Pinky’s in Ocean Park for health-conscious wraps and shakes, and Ceviche House in Isla Verde for Peruvian dishes.
- Spend the remainder of your day indulging in some shopping. For souvenirs, refer to this list of shops. Jewelry seekers should head to Fortaleza and Cristo Streets in Old San Juan, while fashion enthusiasts can stroll along Ashford Avenue in the upscale Condado area.
- If shopping isn’t your preference, there is always a welcoming casino. In Isla Verde, consider visiting the Ritz-Carlton.
Day Two: Getting Out and About
Day Two has you getting out of the city and seeing a whole new side of Puerto Rico. There is no more dramatic change of scenery than the one from San Juan to the El Yunque National Rainforest.
Itinerary
Day Three: Rest, Relaxation, and Retail
Your last day in Puerto Rico is a time to take it easy, with the best way to do so being to hit the beach in the morning. It is advisable to do this early, allowing you to shower, check out of the hotel, and then enjoy shopping for souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, or anything else that catches your eye.
