Beyond the city walls: San Juan as your gateway to Puerto Rico
Want to escape winter blues, yet still stay close to home? Book your next island getaway to Puerto Rico, where sun, sand, serenity are within arm’s reach. Along with the abundant natural beauty, colorful cuisine and deep-rooted culture and history, it is an easy getaway option for U.S. citizens– being a U.S. territory, no passport is required for citizens, and you can use U.S. dollars. Plus, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located in San Juan, has plenty of direct connections with major American cities.
During your adventures, make sure to savor all the colorful, varied cuisine that the island has to offer. To name just a few, we recommend tasting some mofongo, a traditional plantain with crispy pork, or lechon, a slow-roasted pork belly. Tostones (twice-fried plantains) are another popular snack you can munch on between excursions.
Keep reading to learn about major cities and sites that you can access from San Juan with Daytrip, each with its own unique sites and activities.
Routes:
View from the Paseo de la Princesa promenade, with the sweeping backdrop of a classic Caribbean sunset.
What to do in San Juan
San Juan is not just a hub connecting you to the rest of the island– there’s plenty to behold within the city limits, whether you’d like to see some history, take a stroll among the colonial-inspired streets, or taste some local delights.
Trace the U.S. army’s track
The city’s fortresses showcase the complex and brilliant defense against a variety of invaders in Puerto Rico’s four-hundred-year history. Castillo de San Cristóbal is widely considered to be a work of military innovation, with its surrounding deep moat and numerous tunnels. The US Army added a bunker in the early 1940s during World War II, which is currently the visitor’s center. Castillo de Morro is another fortress that is worth a visit. Regarded as the crown jewel of Old San Juan, the “nose of the island” was built as a fortified tower in 1539 to defend the island against the Dutch, the British, and pirates. Not so into military history? A visit to both is still worth it for the views alone.
Take a sunset stroll
Aside from plentiful military history, visitors cannot miss a stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa promenade. This is widely regarded as one of the most scenic strolls in the world, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine, history, artwork, and glimpses into Puerto Rican culture, all along a gorgeous backdrop of the San Juan Bay. The best time to go is just before sunset.
Once you’ve seen all that San Juan has to offer, Daytrip is here to transport you to other iconic cities and sites. With dozens of routes on our website and the possibility to customize your trip down to the departure date, time and stops, we’ve got you covered all over the island.
Connect with nature in the El Yunque National Forest
Waterfalls ebb and flow throughout this diverse rainforest.
The El Yunque National Forest covers a sprawling 28,000 acres and contains numerous hiking trails, forests and waterfalls. As the United States’ only national tropical rainforest, there are plenty of natural treasures within it that are suitable for novice hikers and intrepid adventurers alike. No matter which category you identify with, all visitors will be treated to lush greenery and some of the richest biodiversity in the Caribbean. There’s even a lagoon that you can swim in if you want to cool off along the way. This forest is featured on many of Daytrip’s routes connected to San Juan, as well as the Las Pailas Natural Water Slide and Juan Diego Falls within.
Rum adventures
Did you know that San Juan is also home to the world’s largest rum distillery? Casa Bacardi is situated just outside of San Juan and has a variety of experiences to offer its visitors. Whether you want to become a rum maestro through a guided tour, perfect your rum cocktail through a mixology class, or simply learn about the Bacardi family history, a day filled with adventure awaits.
Meander the colorful streets of Ponce
The Lion Parade in Ponce, a glimpse into the city's tradition of urban art.
Also known as La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), art and architecture lovers will delight in a visit to Puerto Rico’s second largest city. Ponce was once the island’s primary metropolitan center, and there are still a wide variety of activities to explore, from rum tasting, gallery browsing, and ferry connections to nearby islands. There’s the Ponce Museum of Art, which is widely regarded as the best art museum in the entire Caribbean, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an architectural marvel.
With Daytrip, it’s seamless to travel from San Juan city or airport and get to Ponce. You can book a direct transfer, or add sightseeing stops along the way to further enhance your travel experience.
Flow with the waves in Rincón
Surf's up! Water sports lovers have plenty awaiting them in Rincón.
Situated on Puerto Rico’s less-visited west coast, Rincón is perhaps best known for its outdoor recreation, beach activities, and historic lighthouses. Not only are there year-round opportunities to ride waves, there are numerous other seaside activities as well, such as snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and sea glass hunting. The iconic Faro Punta Higueras lighthouse is the westernmost point of the island, and will treat travelers to some unforgettable sunsets.
Traverse the island with Daytrip and experience destinations you otherwise might have missed.
Revel in Mayagüez
Step back in time in the historic main town square.
Nestled squarely between Rincon and Cabo Rojo is Mayagüez, the gateway to the Puerto Rican west coast. It’s a university town with various cultural events on its tree-lined Plaza de Colon, shopping opportunities, and various restaurants and cafes spanning its center. If you’re visiting around December, you’ll be treated to abundant festivities, events and decorations to ignite your Christmas spirit.
In about two and a half hours, you can get there on your own schedule with Daytrip.
If you have another Puerto Rican destination in mind but you don’t see it on our website, don’t worry— Daytrip offers the ability to customize hundreds of possible routes and stops, making the possibilities truly endless.
Bon voyage!