Puerto Rico Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Reserva Natural Playa Grande - El Paraiso showing general coastal views, a beach and a sunset
San Juan Cemetery
Luquillo Beach

Discover pristine beaches, explore caves and hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the relaxed local culture of this Caribbean island.

Puerto Rico has a rich history, pristine white-sand beaches and forested mountains, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Puerto Rico is made up of several islands and keys Puerto Rico Island is the largest island and the main hub. 

Explore Puerto Rico’s fascinating cultural and indigenous past in the Old San Juan district in San Juan, the capital city located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico Island. Major historic attractions include El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) and Fort San Jeronimo (Fortin de San Gerónimo de Baquerón). To learn more about contemporary local culture, visit the Museum of the Americas (Museo de Las Américas) and Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico).

Enjoy traditional cuisine and cocktails at one of the island's many fashionable bars and restaurants. The Ocean Park area offers beachfront dining and a relaxed island atmosphere. Venture further afield to try regional street food at Luquillo Beach, where there are dozens of kiosks selling typical snacks, such as pinchos (chicken, pork or shrimp kabobs) and tostones (fried green plantain).

Much of Puerto Rico Island is covered in forest that is excellent for hiking. Explore the network of caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park (Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy), or hike through waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest.

All along the coast you’ll find stunning beaches. Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach are just minutes from downtown San Juan. The island’s tropical climate means it’s warm enough to dip into the ocean year-round. The height of tourist season is December through April be aware that hurricanes can crop up the rest of the year.

Puerto Rico is serviced by the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, and can be reached from destinations across the Americas. The public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited to parts of San Juan, so you’ll need to rent a car or travel by taxi if you want to explore the countryside.

Where to stay in Puerto Rico Island

Isla Verde featuring sailing, a beach and boating

Isla Verde

4/5(2 area reviews)

Visitors to Isla Verde rave about its stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and first-class casinos. You might also want to make some time to see Carolina Beach or Isla Verde Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Isla Verde
Cine centro de todo

Hato Rey Norte

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Hato Rey Norte. Plaza las Americas is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Roosevelt Station or Hato Rey Station to see more of the city.

Hato Rey Norte
Condado skyline, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Miramar

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Miramar. A stop by Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico or Laguna del Condado might round out your trip.

Miramar
A panorama view of the fortifications approaching the harbour entrance in San Juan, Puerto Rico on a bright sunny day

Cangrejo Arriba

If you're spending some time in Cangrejo Arriba, Balneario de Carolina and Isla Verde Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Cangrejo Arriba
One heck of a beach

Mata de Plátano

If you're spending some time in Mata de Plátano, Luquillo Beach and Azul Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mata de Plátano
San Juan, Puerto Rico. January 2021. People is resting on San Juan's Ocean Park Beach after a day's work just before sunset.

Parque

While visiting Parque, you might make a stop by sights like Playa Ocean Park and Calle Loiza.

Parque
La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1077 Ashford Ave Condado San Juan
The price is ฿14,530 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
฿14,530
฿18,364 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,471 reviews)
The check in process is so slow. The line to check in was long and they do nothing ahead of time to speed things up. Check in is at 4:00. Our room wasn’t ready until 6:30 PM. We asked for late check out to extend us the same courtesy but they said no, the card says check out is at 12 but they say ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection
El Conquistador Resort

El Conquistador Resort

4 out of 5
1000 Conquistador Avenue Fajardo
Stay at this beach hotel in Fajardo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,250 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

El Conquistador Resort
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino

3.5 out of 5
8000 Tartak Street Carolina
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿8,927 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
฿8,927
฿11,457 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Carolina. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a casino. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,441 reviews)
We had a great experience. The hotel was clean and all the staff were great. We thoroughly enjoyed the happy hour and breakfast. Our only suggestion would be to keep the pool bar/restaurant open later. We would have loved to stayed out there for a pre-dinner snack. Overall, would stay again and recommend ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ESJ by PMI Puerto Rico

ESJ by PMI Puerto Rico

3.5 out of 5
6165 Avenida Isla Verde Carolina
Stay at this aparthotel in Carolina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Condado Beach and Pan American Pier are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (82 reviews)
Easy access

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

ESJ by PMI Puerto Rico
MANSION MIRAFLORES

MANSION MIRAFLORES

3 out of 5
452 C. Bouret San Juan San Juan
Stay at this villa in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Condado Beach and Pan American Pier are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
Es un lugar muy agradable. Tiene todo lo necesario para tu comodidad. La lavanderia esta pequeña pero muy funcional, con maquina para comprar jabon y cambiar monedas. Wifi, y utensilios de cocina. El unico problema que tuvimos es que no tiene suficiente estacionamiento. Los espacios de estacionamiento ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

MANSION MIRAFLORES
ESJ Beach Hotel

ESJ Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
6165 Isla Verde - Ave Carolina Carolina
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Carolina. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (4,412 reviews)
There was no hot water the entire stay, no towels exchanged, no trash removal . When notified the front desk they had no other rooms , said hot water was broken and not fixable. Offered us to shower in the gym locker room across the property

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

ESJ Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Cities near Puerto Rico Island