24 Fun Things in San Juan, Puerto Rico that Most Tourists Miss
There are so many fun things in San Juan beyond just sightseeing and beach days. When we were working on cruise ships we’d see crew members and guests alike time and time again do the same things. But we’re here to share with you that there is so much more to experience! The city is packed with creative excursions, unique tours, and interactive activities which all you to enjoy a different layer of Puerto Rico.
This guide focuses on the fun, hands on, and slightly different things to do in San Juan that don’t always make it into a classic itinerary. From workshops and cultural classes to quirky tours and one of a kind experiences, these activities are perfect if you’re looking to do something a little unexpected, especially if San Juan is a place you’re revisiting.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or already covered the main attractions, these fun things in San Juan, Puerto Rico add variety, excitement, and local flavor to your trip.
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Booking Fun Things in San Juan to Do
Before diving into all of the fun things in San Juan to experience, let’s talk a bit about what tourists typically see vs what locals do, and how these activities will differ from the ones you’ll find on most San Juan travel guides.
⭐️ What are the Most Popular Things in San Juan to Do?
The most popular things to do in San Juan for tourists usually include beach activities, major landmarks, and bucket list experiences. Visiting Old San Juan, relaxing on nearby beaches, heading to El Yunque Rainforest, and kayaking in a bioluminescent bay are often at the top of most itineraries.
You may have already seen our guide about the top things to do in San Juan, but this guide is completely different – here to share unique, and lesser known experiences in San Juan that go beyond the classic tourist itineraries.
🇵🇷 What Do Puerto Ricans Do for Fun?
Puerto Ricans love social, high energy activities that bring people together. Dancing, music, and outdoor fitness classes are all common ways locals spend their free time, especially near the beach or in historic neighborhoods.
Since Puerto Rico is hot year-round, it’s common to see locals hanging out at the beach, waterfalls, or other swimming spots to stay cool. It’s common for Puerto Ricans to travel in large groups, and also to make their own barbecues or picnics, and be playing music loudly.
Puerto Ricans are loud, upbeat, and super friendly, so you’re always guaranteed a good time when experiencing the places frequented by locals.
🎟 Booking Fun Things in San Juan
Most of the fun things in San Juan that we’re going to be sharing can be booked online, on sites like Get Your Guide and Viator. Most are located close to Old San Juan, Condado, or Isla Verde, and many have transportation included, or have pretty central meet up points.
Popular activities like bike tours and snorkeling tend to have multiple operators, and don’t need to be booked well in advance, while the more exclusive experiences like helicopter tours and glassblowing classes have very limited spots, and we’d recommend booking at least a few weeks out.
There are an endless amount of fun things in San Juan to do, so we’re sure you are going to have a full itinerary after seeing all of the different activities this city has to offer!
Fun Things in San Juan to Experience
Ready to experience all of the fun things in San Juan that most tourists skip? From unique sightseeing opportunities to creative workshops, these activities are perfect for travelers who want something a little different during their travels.
👀 Unique Ways to Sightsee in San Juan
These experiences are all about seeing the city from a different angle. They’re easy to book, beginner friendly, and perfect for travelers who want more than just your average walking tour.
🚁 Helicopter Island Tour
A helicopter island tour is one of the most epic ways to see San Juan and the surrounding coastline. Flying above the city gives you a completely new perspective on Old San Juan, the beaches, and the lush interior of Puerto Rico. This experience is perfect if you’re short on time but want something truly memorable.
🛺 Golf Cart Tour
A golf cart tour is a fun and relaxed way to explore Old San Juan without walking long distances. These guided tours take you through the historic streets while sharing local stories and history along the way. It’s a great option for first time visitors or anyone who wants an easy way to explore the city.
🛴 Segway Tour
Segway tours offer a fast paced but beginner friendly way to explore San Juan. Gliding through the streets lets you cover more ground while still enjoying the sights up close with a group. This is one of the most fun things in San Juan for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and activity.
🚲 Bike Tour
Like the segway tours, a Toro bike tour combines sightseeing with light adventure. These guided rides take you through scenic areas of the city while offering a more active way to explore. It’s a great choice for travelers who enjoy biking and want a fun way to move around San Juan.
👻 Ghost Tour
A ghost tour adds a spooky twist to San Juan’s rich history. Walking through Old San Juan at night while hearing legends and local stories is a totally different way to enjoy nighttime in the city, especially if you’re not keen on nightlife.
👩🏻🎨 Creative Workshops and Classes in San Juan
If you enjoy hands on experiences, San Juan offers a surprising number of creative workshops. These activities are relaxed, social, and a great way to learn something new while traveling.
👃🏻 Make Your Own Perfume Workshop
A perfume making workshop lets you create a custom scent inspired by the Caribbean. You’ll learn about fragrance notes and leave with a personalized souvenir from your trip. This is one of the most unique and creative things to do in San Juan.
🌬 Glassblowing Class
A glassblowing class offers a behind the scenes look at this traditional craft. With guidance from an instructor, you’ll create your own piece while learning about the process. It’s a memorable experience and leaves you with a really cool and different type of souvenir!
🎨 Painting Workshop
Painting workshops in San Juan are super chill and beginner friendly. These classes focus on creativity rather than skill, making them accessible to everyone, and you get to paint on items like tote bags, clutches, or a pillowcase. It’s a fun way to relax and take home something handmade.
🪵 Caribbean Driftwood Making
This is one of those activities that I have never seen elsewhere, making it a really fun and unique option for doing a different kind of workshop.
Caribbean driftwood workshops use natural materials collected from the island, making them also eco-friendly. You’ll create decorative or artistic pieces while learning about local techniques, connecting creativity with Puerto Rico’s natural environment.
🛍 Design and Craft a Raffia Bag
Okay this just may be the cutest workshops ever, with the coolest souvenir. Raffia bag is a traditional material here, and learning about the craftsmanship is super interesting. You’ll customize your own bag or hat while working with local artisans – a super fun and practical souvenir to bring home.
🌸 Floral Design Workshop
This is another one of the most fun things in San Juan when it comes to creating your own souvenir. Natalia Liriano, a renowned floral artist, teaches you how create a one-of-a-kind piece using natural flowers. It’s a colorful and low-key activity that feels both creative and cultural.
🍴 Experiencing Local Flavors in San Juan
These fun things in San Juan let you experience Puerto Rican culture, food, and music. They’re social, energetic, and perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in local traditions.
🍹 Mofongo and Mojito Workshop
This workshop shows you how to prepare one of Puerto Rico’s most famous dishes alongside a classic cocktail. If you’e looking to experience local flavors in San Juan, then this is a must. You’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Puerto Rican cuisine.
☕️ The Coffee Museum
Museo del Café in Ciales is a fun thing to do just outside of San Juan, especially for travelers interested in Puerto Rican culture and coffee.
The museum offers an immersive look at the island’s coffee history, from traditional cultivation methods to antique coffee making equipment, along with the chance to purchase freshly roasted local coffee.
There are guided tours from San Juan that include scenic mountain viewpoints, optional stops at Manatí Beach or outlet shopping, and flexible drop off options, making it an easy and well rounded day experience beyond the city.
🍺 Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour
Ocean Lab Brewery in Isla Verde is a fun thing to do in San Juan for craft beer lovers, offering a relaxed setting and a tasting flight of locally brewed beers, plus a small snack to enjoy alongside your samples.
Just outside the city, Finca Neo Jibairo in Río Grande adds a unique agricultural experience where you can learn about organic farming, tobacco cultivation, and local produce, with time to explore the cigar shop and enjoy drinks, artisanal pizza, and house cocktails.
There are guided tours that combine both stops, making it an easy way to experience Puerto Rico’s craft beer scene and farm culture in one well rounded outing.
😛 Dine in the Air
The FlyDining experience is one of the most fun things in San Juan for mixing dining and adventure. You get to have a gourmet meal at 150-feet above ground level. It’s iconic, exhilarating, and delicious, while boasting some stunning views all at the same time.
You can choose between a variety of dining experiences as well, from an early brunch to a more casual social hour or enjoy. a multi-course meal at sunset.
🪂 Adventurous Activities in San Juan
Looking for a bit of adventure during your trip? Well, these fun things in San Juan are some unique activities that the city has to offer, with. a burst of adrenaline.
🚲 Zipline Tour with Toro Bike
There are a ton of zip line tours in Puerto Rico, but there are few that have Toro bikes included. A new bonus added to some of the courses, this allows you to bike along a high line. It’s exhilarating, and provides beautiful views or the jungle sitting below.
🏎 Beach Tour in a Can-Am ATV
Blast the music and whip around in one of the most sleek and unique vehicles. It’s the perfect way to beach hop and enjoy Puerto Rico’s coast in style.
🧗🏻♀️ The Bull Maze Obstacle Course
Head to the Toro Verde Urban Park for a challenging activity – an indoor obstacle course with 41 obstacles of varying difficulty levels. Test your skills on rope courses, suspension bridges, rock climbing, and other challenges for a fun and different activity in San Juan.
👩🚀 Sea Trek Excursion
One of the most fun things in San Juan to experience is all that the Caribbean waters have to offer. There are actually over a dozen fun beach activities and water sports in San Juan that we’ve gathered, and those are for a different guide – however, the sea trek excursions deserves a place on both guides because it’s truly unique.
In this activity you get to explore underwater in a less scary way than Scuba diving. Sea Trek allows you to walk along the ocean floor while wearing a specialized helmet which supplies air. This makes it possible to experience marine life without needing diving certification or learning special breathing techniques. It’s fun and exciting, but much less scary if you’re not comfortable in deep waters.
🤸🏻♀️ Fun Wellness and Lifestyle Activities
These activities mix fitness, fun, and the outdoors, letting you enjoy local activities and staying active at the same time.
🌅 Sunset Salsa Class
A sunset salsa class is a classic way to enjoy some Latin flare, and it’s even more fun when it’s by the beach. These classes are beginner friendly and focus on enjoyment rather than perfection, making them a perfect vacation activity. It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in San Juan if you like a social experience and moving your body.
🕺 Puerto Rican Folklore Bomba Class
Bomba classes introduce you to one of Puerto Rico’s most important traditional dances. The experience combines music, rhythm, and history, making it the perfect mix of fun, education, and movement. It’s a powerful cultural activity and a great way to meet ofther travlers while connecting with local traditions.
🧘🏻♀️ Yoga Beach Class
With the ocean as your backdrop, yoga classes are one of the most restorative and relaxing things to do in San Juan. The sound of the waves adds to the relaxing atmosphere, making it a great way to start or end a day in Puerto Rico’s capital.
💃🏻 Zumba Beach Class
Zumba beach classes are upbeat and energetic, combining dance and fitness right on the beach. The tropical setting makes it feel more like a party than a workout, and no experience is needed – making it accessible for everyone.
🌳 Enjoying San Juan’s Nearby Nature
Outside of San Juan there are so many incredible local secrets to discover. While the rest of the tourists flock to El Yunque, the locals are busy hanging out in swimming holes like Charco el Hippie or some of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls like Planta Arecibo and Las Paylas. If you’re looking for fun things in San Juan’s outskirts, then don’t miss out on some of our favorite day trips.
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Fun Things in San Juan to Experience: Final Thoughts & What’s Next
There are so many fun things in San Juan to experience, and what we love is the sheer variety that the city has to Offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, cuisine, or crafts, there are activities for every type of traveler out there.
If it’s your first time visiting San Juan, then you should focus on the most popular activities, and also incorporate at least one of these for a bit more of a local twist to your visit.
A lot of people stop in San Juan for a day on a cruise and think they’ve seen it all. San Juan is a city that seems small, but is packed with things to do and see! You could easily spend a full month in San Juan and not get bored.
👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of the fun things in San Juan to experience, you probably want to know more about the city and island in general.
Here are some other Puerto Rico guides we have:
🍴 10 Best places to eat in San Juan
🚤 Top 16 things to do in San Juan
🚐 11 Day Trips from San Juan
⭐️ 10 Reasons to visit Puerto Rico
✈️ What you need to know about traveling to Puerto Rico right now
❣️ The 15 best places to visit in Puerto Rico
💧 The 15 best waterfalls in Puerto Rico
🍃 Visiting El Yunque National Park
🗺 The perfect road trip around Puerto Rico
📸 The 20 most Instagrammable places in Puerto Rico
⛵️ 20 Awesome experiences in Puerto Rico
🏝 Top 10 beaches in Puerto Rico
🎨 5 Reasons to visit Aguadilla
✨ How to see bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
🧂 6 Reasons to visit Cabo Rojo
💦 Las Pailas natural waterslide
🥾 Hiking Cerro Rodadero
🌈 8 of the most colorful spots in Puerto Rico
🤩 30 Amazing spots to see in Puerto Rico
🏝 Vieques Island guide
🏖 Culebra Island guide
With all of the fun things to do in San Juan, you’re sure to have an exciting and adventurous trip! We hope you enjoy a variety of unique activities, and have an incredible trip to this beautiful slice of the Caribbean. Have questions? Feel free to drop them below!
Want to learn more about visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico? We have a few other San Juan articles, as well as a ton of Puerto Rico guides for you to check out!
Are you ready to start planning the most incredible to San Juan, Puerto Rico? With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can now adventure more, and save money at the same time. Curious to know how it works? Take a look at a few of our travel planning packages or book your one on one consultation with us.
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