San Juan Things To Do

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.

Originally constructed in the 1500s, this church has been repaired and rebuilt numerous times. An attractive example of medieval architecture, it’s also the resting place of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.

This white mansion, once home to Ponce de León’s descendants, dates to 1521. Now a museum, it houses rooms decorated in period furniture and artifacts from 16th- to 18th-century Puerto Rican history.

Go behind the scenes in the history of rum production at Bacardi’s factory. The informative, if somewhat cheesy, tour ends with complimentary cocktails.

Charter a shore or boat dive from San Juan to explore Caribbean marine life like grouper, butterfly fish, arrow crabs and—if you’re lucky—sea turtles.

Bounded by Ocean Park and Santurce, Isla Verde is mainland Puerto Rico’s best beach. Buy a cocktail or a coconut and settle in for a day of serious sunbathing, or join the locals surfing, parasailing or jet-skiing.