San Juan, Puerto Rico: What to do When Visiting the Island

History, Beaches, and Bacardi

As winter drags on, it's important to find a way to beat the winter blues.  Puerto Rico offers an excellent escape to another country without the need for a passport. (Although, don't forget, we highly recommend you get a passport.)  

Starting with the history of San Juan, take a trip to the San Juan National Historic site.  As part of the National Park Service, you can earn your passport stamp by touring the fort and surrounding area.  Puerto Rico's location as the entrance to the Carribean created multiple attacks on the island.  The Dutch, during the time of intense trade across the region, also attempted at capturing San Juan, although they failed to do so.

The historical site offers beautiful views of the ocean as you wander the grounds.  The architecture provides glimpses into history as different sections were added or removed as the city transitioned powers over the course of its settlement.  

On the list of next historical must see places is the San Juan Bautista.  Located in Old San Juan, the cathedral is the Archdiocese of Puerto Rico.  This church hails as being the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest church in the United States.  Open to the public, the church is a great spot for architecture and a moment of reflection. 

Take some time to walk the streets of Old San Juan.  The brightly colored streets lined with the culture of Puerto Rico brings the city alive.  As you wander, make sure you find the home of the Pina Colada.  Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the favorite frozen drink!  The line can be long, especially if there is a cruise ship in port, so make sure you plan accordingly. 

Continue to wander the streets and keep an eye out for fun along the way!  Being able to see parrots in the "wild" isn't an everyday occurrence.  One of the greatest moments in traveling is finding the unexpected.  When the winter blues hit in the north, colorful birds along the street are a welcomed site.  As you wander, stop and try a local Limber, Puerto Rico's famous icy treat.  And make sure to snag some sweet plantains along the way.  And for a true Puerto Rican meal, stop at a local diner and try the Mofongo.

Take a tour of Casa Bacardi along the way.  Rum is famous in the Carribean, as the sugarcane trade helped make the liquor easy to access and trade across the islands.  Today, there are multiple distilleries on the island, but Bacardi remains the most famous. It's imported by countries across the globe, allowing everyone to have a taste of the island life.

And after all the exploration of the island take time to sit by the beach and take in the moments.  Puerto Rico is a busy island with a major city and a lot to do.  However, it's geography it's stunning. Beautiful beaches backdropped with mountains.  The island breeze in February makes the days warm but comfortable.  After full days of exploring, taking a break and enjoying the ocean is worth every moment.

Skip checking luggage!  Puerto Rico attire is simple.  Shorts, shirts, and swimsuits.  A sundress if you prefer.  With the use of some packing cubes you can save money on your flight by choosing to carry on only!  Not to mention there's zero chance your luggage gets lost along the way!  Click HERE  find your next carry on bag!
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