Puerto Rico Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Puerto Rico Island
San Juan Cemetery
Luquillo Beach
El Museo Castillo Serralles

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
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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 Carribbean Cinemas Fine Arts Miramar might round out your trip.

Miramar
Luquillo

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
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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
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Cupey

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cupey and surrounding area, you can visit Mercado de Rio Piedras and The Mall of San Juan.

Cupey
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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
The Royal Sonesta San Juan

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

4 out of 5
5961 Isla Verde Avenue Carolina
The price is ฿10,985 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
฿10,985
฿14,608 total
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Carolina. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,143 reviews)
Clean room and great amenities.

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

5 out of 5
1055 Ashford Avenue San Juan
The price is ฿11,828 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
฿11,828
฿15,755 total
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,621 reviews)
The staff was incredible! The room was beautiful

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1077 Ashford Ave Condado San Juan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿10,013 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
฿10,013
฿13,221 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,238 reviews)
Great service

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection
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 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. ...
6.6/10 (4,232 reviews)
from the hotel itself, the staff and the room, everything was exceptional. lots of things to do within walking distance and the room was very clean and beautiful and comfortable. HIGHLY recommend to future guests.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

ESJ Beach Hotel
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.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
“Great stay! The room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and the location was convenient. I would definitely stay here again.”

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

MANSION MIRAFLORES
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (21 reviews)
It was a beautiful room but no view, the description of the room was best scenic view, that was the down side and felt it was a little bit pricey. I also paid all bill for stay and cleaning and it was almost 4:00pm and have not got any info on the room. I have the front desk communicate with PMI ...

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025

ESJ by PMI Puerto Rico
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Puerto Rico Island