San Juan, Puerto Rico Travel Guide: Old San Juan Adventures, Snorkeling, and Must-Try Eats

For adventure lovers into good food, ocean thrills, colorful history, and walkable streets, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the place to be. The place is a Caribbean escape, but being a U.S. territory, it means that citizens don’t need a passport, and your US cell phone works. Domestic flights are easy to catch, and you don’t have to worry about foreign exchange.

Old San Juan is by far the star here. In this guide, we will walk you through the historic heart of the city, which stands out with its rainbow-colored colonial buildings, massive forts, and cobblestone streets. Snorkeling spots nearby and local eats add to the city’s appeal, making it a must-add to any adventurer’s bucket list.

What Makes San Juan Perfect for Adventure Travelers?

San Juan brings it all together: culture, water activities, and a vibrant nightlife. This sweet and intricate balance makes San Juan a dream destination for a lot of adventure travelers. Old San Juan itself is compact and can easily be explored on foot. Most of the sites are within a 2-mile radius.

Being a Caribbean country, Puerto Rico and San Juan in particular are reliably warm throughout the year. The temperature averages 80s°F on most days. The destination is also welcoming to adventurers because of the widespread use of English and Spanish.

Although it’s warm much of the year, the best time to visit San Juan is December-April. June to November is hurricane season in San Juan, so it is advisable to check the weather advisory if you travel around this time.

San Juan’s accessibility blows most Americans’ minds when they realize how easy it is to travel there. You can catch a direct flight from many US cities and fly into the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. From here to Old San Juan, Uber or an official taxi are great options so you can start your exploration immediately you land.

Where to Stay: Central and Convenient (In or near Old San Juan)

The crown jewel of your San Juan visit should be to tour the Old Town. To maximize your time exploring the town on foot, opt to stay in or around Old San Juan. Accommodation is easy to find here. Many of the historical colonial buildings have been renovated and turned into guesthouses with balconies, perfect for soaking in the breeze from the sea in the evening. There are also boutique hotels that have just as much character as the old colonial buildings.

Exploring Historic Gems in Old San Juan

Old San Juan is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As such, it has various must-see spots you will find amazing to visit as an adventure traveler. They include;

1. Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

This iconic six-level fortress offers panoramic views. Activities you can do here include kite flying on the massive lawns with locals and exploring tunnels and sentry boxes.

2. Catedral de San Juan Bautista

The final resting place of Ponce de Leon. Its beauty and serenity are captivating. The cathedral, despite being one of the oldest in the Americas, is pristinely maintained.

3. Castillo San Cristobal

Another fortress that helped to protect San Juan from invaders. It is just a short 15-minute walk from the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. From here, you can see stunning views of the city and the coast.

4. Paseo de la Princesa

A scenic waterfront promenade that provides the best ambience for a relaxed evening stroll. The location is the ideal place to reflect and meet locals.

Add More Thrill to Your Adventure with Snorkeling

The El Escambron Marine Park is a 30-minute walk from Old San Juan. You can easily fit it into your itinerary and enjoy some underwater fun. Reconnect with nature by swimming alongside sea turtles, tropical fish, and rays.

Scuba Dogs, a PADI 5-star center, lets you book these snorkeling trips hassle-free. They have positive reviews and an awesome reputation. Their half-day tours provide you with full instructions for snorkeling, safety gear, and a knowledgeable guide who understands marine life.

Where to Eat: Local Flavors You’ll Crave

We can’t talk about San Juan and fail to talk about its food. Puerto Rican is comforting, fresh, and delicious, the perfect way to stay energized during your adventure. In Old San Juan, these two spots are a must to stop by.

1. Ladi’s Place: At Ladi’s, you can enjoy the ocean views while dining on the oceanfront. For most people visiting San Juan for the first time, the Mofongo at Ladi’s are a must-try, Puerto Rican favorite.

   
   

2. El Hamburguer: This legendary roadside hamburger shack goes back to the 1970s. Their big juicy burgers with Puerto Rican twists are excellent just after snorkeling.

   
   

In San Juan, you’ll find many other exciting food stands with local delicacies that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey of discovery.

Evening Vibes and More Adventure

As night sets in, San Juan’s nightlife comes to the fore. The streets are well-lit, allowing you to take slow evening strolls. Salsa bars come alive, and music fills the air as revelers dance the night away. If you’d prefer something more chill, a rooftop hangout is a welcome way to enjoy the evening’s cool breeze.

For a more immersive experience, consider taking the ferry across the bay to Casa Bacardi. Here, they operate rum tours and mixology classes that will turn you into a pro before heading back to the U.S.

When you go out for a fun night, or two. Check with the bars and clubs for the nights they have contests and giveaways. You might be lucky enough to win a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes like Catherine.

Practical Tips to Make Your Trip Smooth

There are some things you can do to make your San Juan, Puerto Rico, trip smooth. These are;

• Staying hydrated and applying sunscreen.

• Holding U.S. currency in cash for easy in-person transactions.

• Much of San Juan is generally safe but always take standard precautions and stay aware.

• Packing light to allow room for more flexibility and spontaneity.

San Juan is a one-of-a-kind destination combining history, amazing food, adventure, and more into one travel package. Whether you will be flying kites at El Morro, indulging in seafood with locals, or snorkeling with a turtle, this destination has it all. So, don’t wait, book that flight and get to San Juan.

For another great Caribbean option, see our guide to Aruba.