Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

People from the United States who want to find the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico often go there. It is a lively Caribbean spot full of history, beaches, and culture. With just an ID, you can visit this U.S. territory since it is a U.S. territory and there are direct trips from places like New York, Miami, and Chicago. This guide covers the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, from the colorful cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the turquoise waters of Isla Verde.

It includes information that other guides don’t: entry fees, hours of operation, safety tips, nearby attractions, food suggestions, and ways to get there. This is your guide to a trip you’ll never forget, whether you want to see old forts or enjoy mofongo.

Best Time to Visit for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

When you visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, affects how much you enjoy the things to do there. The island has a tropical climate with normal temperatures of 85°F (29°C) all year. However, people, prices, and rain change with the seasons.

The best time is from the middle of December to April, when it is dry and hot. With sunny weather, it’s great for outdoor activities like fort tours and days at the beach. It rains about 3 to 4 inches a month. In January, there is the San Sebastián Street Festival, which has dance, music, and shops with handmade goods. If you book early, the price may go up by 20 to 50 percent.

It’s less crowded and hotels cost up to 30% less from May to June or September to November if you’re on a budget. In El Yunque, the flowers bloom from May to June. From September to November, there are deals, but it rains up to 8 inches a month. Hurricanes are more likely in July and August, which is the wettest month of the year. Storms are short, though.

Tip: Check the U.S. National Hurricane Center for fall news. Families like spring break (March–April) because it works with school plans. Bring light clothes, sunscreen that won’t harm the reef, and DEET to keep bugs away.

Transport Guide for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

It’s easy to get to and from San Juan, which makes it easier to get to the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. Direct American, Delta, or JetBlue planes leave from more than 50 U.S. towns and go straight to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). From motels in Isla Verde or Condado, the airport is 10 to 15 minutes away.

You don’t need a car in the city because public transportation and ridesharing are cheap. To get to tourist areas from the airport, a cab costs $17 to $20 flat rate. Metered rides start at $0.15/km plus $1.50 base. Uber and Lyft are safer for solo tourists and cost $10 to $15 to get to Old San Juan.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the free Old San Juan Trolley goes around important places every 15 to 20 minutes. The light train Tren Urbano ($1.50/ride) runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and links to Bayamón. Buses from AMA ($1.50) go through cities; for beaches, take A5 or C53.

A rented car from Enterprise at SJU costs $40 per day and is good for day trips to El Yunque. However, San Juan’s traffic and parking fees of $10 to $20 per day can be annoying. Wear strong shoes when you walk on the cobblestones in Old San Juan. Taxis for groups leave from the airport for $50 to $100.

For plans of public transportation, use the Uber app and the Discover Puerto Rico app. Please do not drive at night outside of tourist areas.

Safety Tips for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

It’s easy to get to and from San Juan, which makes it easier to get to the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. Direct American, Delta, or JetBlue planes leave from more than 50 U.S. towns and go straight to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). From motels in Isla Verde or Condado, the airport is 10 to 15 minutes away.

You don’t need a car in the city because public transportation and ridesharing are cheap. To get to tourist areas from the airport, a cab costs $17 to $20 flat rate. Metered rides start at $0.15/km plus $1.50 base. Uber and Lyft are safer for solo tourists and cost $10 to $15 to get to Old San Juan.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the free Old San Juan Trolley goes around important places every 15 to 20 minutes. The light train Tren Urbano ($1.50/ride) runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and links to Bayamón. Buses from AMA ($1.50) go through cities; for beaches, take A5 or C53.

A rented car from Enterprise at SJU costs $40 per day and is good for day trips to El Yunque. However, San Juan’s traffic and parking fees of $10 to $20 per day can be annoying. Wear strong shoes when you walk on the cobblestones in Old San Juan. Taxis for groups leave from the airport for $50 to $100.

For plans of public transportation, use the Uber app and the Discover Puerto Rico app. Please do not drive at night outside of tourist areas.

Things to Do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, for history buffs. You can walk around its 500-year-old walls, bright houses, and views of the ocean in one to two days. Cobblestones, which are made from crushed gravel, need shoes with good grip.

Read Another Content: USS Midway Museum Tickets

Stroll the Colorful Streets and Plazas

Shops, entertainers, and the “Umbrella Sky” picture op can be found on Calle Fortaleza. With its plaza and piragua sellers, Plaza de Armas is a lively place for locals to be.

• Hours: Streets open 24/7; plazas best dawn-dusk.
• Fee: Free.
• Tip: Visit 8-10 a.m. to avoid cruise crowds. Snap pics at Calle San José’s flag mural at sunrise.
• Nearby: La Fortaleza (Governor’s Mansion), free tours Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (reserve ahead).
• Best Time: Mornings for cool air; evenings for sunsets.
• Food Rec: Café Mallorca’s Mallorca sandwich ($5-8) crispy, cheesy delight.

Paseo de la Princesa’s waterfront promenade is perfect for dusk strolls.

Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

This cliffside fort repelled pirates like Sir Francis Drake. Tour tunnels, cannons, and kite-filled lawns.

• Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (last entry 5 p.m.); closed major holidays.
• Fee: $10/adult (16+), free for under 16; $35 annual pass. America the Beautiful Pass ($80) covers it.
• Tip: Bring water sunny but breezy. Audio guides ($5) or ranger ghost stories add fun.
• Nearby: Paseo del Morro trail (free, 1-mile cat-friendly walk).
• Best Time: Late afternoon for sunset views.
• Food Rec: Empanadillas from vendors ($3) or Marmalade Restaurant’s fusion ($30-50/entree).

Visit Castillo San Cristóbal

Less crowded than El Morro, this fort offers moats, drawbridges, and city vistas.

• Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Fee: Included in $10 Historic Site pass.
• Tip: Climb Devil’s Sentry Box for photos; allow 2 hours.
• Nearby: Puerta de San Juan gate (free exterior view, 10-min walk).
• Best Time: Mid-morning to beat heat.
• Food Rec: La Jibarita’s mofongo with shrimp ($15-20), 15-min trolley ride.

See Catedral de San Juan Bautista

The Americas’ oldest cathedral (1521) features St. John relics and stained glass.

• Hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun mass varies.
• Fee: Free (donations welcome).
• Tip: Light a $1 candle; no flash photos.
• Nearby: Calle del Cristo’s boutiques.
• Best Time: Weekday mornings for calm.
• Food Rec: Chocobar Cortés’ chocolate mofongo ($10-15).

Discover Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

In Santurce, this museum showcases Puerto Rican art from Taino to modern.

• Hours: Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Thu until 8 p.m.); closed Mon/holidays.
• Fee: $15 general; $12 residents/students/seniors; $5 kids/military; free Thu 2-8 p.m., second Sun monthly.
• Tip: Free guided tours (English/Spanish) at 11 a.m. weekends. Sculpture garden is a shaded gem.
• Nearby: Santurce Art District’s murals (5-min walk).
• Best Time: Thursdays for free entry.
• Food Rec: Vianda’s criollo dishes ($25-40) or on-site arepas ($8).

Best Beaches for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

San Juan’s 2-mile coastline offers free public beaches with 80°F water, perfect for the top things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Condado Beach

Urban, lively, with calm lagoons and high-rises.

• Hours: Dawn-dusk.
• Fee: Free; chair/umbrella $10-20.
• Tip: Snorkel the reef ($15/hour gear). Skip weekends for fewer crowds.
• Nearby: Caribe Hilton (piña colada’s birthplace, $15/drink).
• Best Time: Early morning.
• Safety: Lifeguards; watch summer jellyfish.
• Food Rec: El Alambique’s piña coladas, tostones ($10-15).

Ocean Park Beach

Local, relaxed, dog-friendly with volleyball.

• Hours: Always open.
• Fee: Free.
• Tip: Morning yoga; bring towels basic facilities.
• Nearby: Parque del Indio Ceremonial (Taino ruins, free, 10-min walk).
• Best Time: Weekdays.
• Safety: Calm waters; lock valuables.
• Food Rec: Leroy Seafood’s ceviche ($12-18).

Isla Verde Beach

Resort-lined, powdery sand for luxury vibes.

• Hours: Public 24/7.
• Fee: Free; resort day passes $50+.
• Tip: Jet skis $60/30 min; family-friendly.
• Nearby: El San Juan Hotel’s casino.
• Best Time: Sunset.
• Safety: Patrolled; swim near flags for currents.
• Food Rec: Pinky’s Westside Grill’s ocean-view burgers ($15-25).

Day Trips for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

Explore beyond the city with these adventures, accessible by car ($40/day) or tours ($50-100/person).

Hike El Yunque National Forest

The U.S.’s only tropical rainforest boasts waterfalls like La Mina.

• Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; visitor center 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Fee: Free forest; $8 El Portal Visitor Center (reserve via recreation.gov).
• Tip: Book timed entry online. Wear water shoes; listen for coqui frogs.
• Nearby: Luquillo Beach (20-min drive, free, food kiosks).
• Best Time: Dec-Apr for drier trails.
• Transport: 45-min drive; tours $80 with pickup.
• Food Rec: Luquillo’s Kiosk #20 for mojitos, alcapurrias ($5-10).
• Safety: Moderate trails; check weather for flash floods.

Tour Bacardi Distillery

Learn rum history, taste flights, or mix cocktails.

• Hours: Tours daily; English 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Spanish weekends 12:30 p.m.
• Fee: Legacy Tour $45 (18+); Mixology $90.
• Tip: 21+ for tastings; shuttle from San Juan available.
• Nearby: Cataño waterfront (ferry to Old San Juan).
• Best Time: Afternoons for bay views.
• Transport: 20-min drive; Uber $20.
• Food Rec: On-site rum cake ($8); El Conquistador’s pernil ($20).

Kayak the Bioluminescent Bay

Paddle Laguna Grande in Fajardo for glowing waters.

• Hours: Tours 6-9 p.m. (new moon for max glow).
• Fee: $65-80/person with gear/transport.
• Tip: Long sleeves for bugs; no flash photos.
• Nearby: Seven Seas Beach.
• Best Time: Summer for brighter glow.
• Transport: 1.25-hour drive; tours include pickup.
• Food Rec: Roadside fried fish ($10).
• Safety: Guides provide life jackets.

Food Recommendations for Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine plantains, pork, tropical fruits is a highlight of things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Try mofongo, lechón, and tostones.

• Casual: Raíces in Old San Juan for arroz con gandules ($15-25).
• Upscale: Vianda or Santaella in Santurce for modern mofongo ($25-40). Reserve ahead.
• Street Food: Alcapurrias at La Alcapurria Quemá ($3-5); pernil sandwiches at El Rancho Original ($8).
• Sweets: Piraguas or mallorcas from carts.
• Nightlife: La Placita de Santurce for salsa and empanadas ($5-10); La Factoria’s cocktails ($12).

Vegetarians: Arroz con habichuelas. Budget $20-50/day per person. Tip 15-20%.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico for families?

Beaches like Ocean Park, free fort tours for kids under 16, and El Yunque hikes.

Is Old San Juan walkable for things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico?

Yes, cover it in 1-2 days. Start at Puerta de San Juan, end at El Morro (3-5 miles).

Do I need a car for things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico?

Not in the city use trolleys/Uber. Rent for day trips like El Yunque.

How much for a 4-day trip to San Juan?

$800-1,200/person: flights $200-400, hotel $150/night, food/activities $100/day.

Are there free things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico?

Yes: beaches, Paseo de la Princesa, cathedral, and street strolling.

San Juan offers history, nature, and flavor for an epic adventure. With this guide to the things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, you’re ready for a seamless trip. ¡Buen provecho!