Puerto Rico Things To Do

When it’s pitch dark, paddle out to one of these bioluminescent inlets (in Fajardo, Parguera, and Vieques) and jump into the water. Your entire body will glow, caused by the defense mechanism of the dinoflagellates that swim in the water. Vieques is said to have the best “bio-bay” in the world; note that tours don’t take place the two nights before and after a full moon.

The elegant, comprehensive museum is worth the drive to the west side of the city. The permanent collection highlights local artists ranging from the 18th-century to contemporary; you’ll also find a five-acre sculpture garden, children’s interactive gallery, and smart gift shop. A meal at Pikayo, chef Wilo Benet’s on-site restaurant, will show diners all that Criollo (Spanish for Creole) cuisine can be. Also nearby is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, a collection showcasing modern works from Latin artists throughout the Americas.

The 28,000-acre preserve is almost as much mountain as it is rainforest, so get ready for some serious hiking. You’ll hear the Coqui (pronounced co-KEE), a tree frog named after its squeaking mating call.

Explore the vestiges of iconic El Morro and, a half-mile east, San Cristóbal, two massive forts dating from 1539 – and used by the U.S. army until 1951 – at this protected Old San Juan site. Hiding behind the battlements is a maze of tunnels, barracks and spiral staircases, while a blanket of green grass dotted with kite flyers extends toward the city.

Discover the history of the Bacardi family – which has its roots in Cuba but was exiled here in the ’50s – and order a Cuba Libre (rum and Coke) at this museum tour on the site of the distillery.

Ride a trolley into these majestic caves, carved out eons ago by the Rio Camuy River, which still runs through them. The sound-of-body can sign up for spelunking trips through adventure-tour operators; the weak-of-heart will be more than impressed with the trolley tour. The total number of visitors each day is limited, so book early.

The area around the new Puerto Rico Convention Center, not far from Condado and Old San Juan, houses a growing number of shops and restaurants, such as the Ficus Café – though not until it's completed in 2010 will the place really start to hop.

On a pleasant night, scenesters should cruise the boutique Normandie Hotel’s club-lite outdoor bar for a drink. The hotel was built to look like an ocean liner, and the bar, its upper deck.

Learn about San Juan’s military history and catch stunning ocean views at imposing, European-style stone forts El Morro and San Cristóbal. Built by the Spanish to protect the island, the fortifications also served as WWII army bases.

Housed in an airy, renovated hospital building from the 1920s, this museum features a collection of Puerto Rican art from the 17th century to the present.