When most people travel to Puerto Rico, they stay at resort on the beach near the capital. While this may be relaxing, this island has so much more to offer! We traveled all around the island and discovered all of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit.
We've made a list for you of all places to add to your itinerary. If you really want to see what the island has to offer, we suggest doing a bit of traveling, as there is so much to explore!
Here are 14 of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico for your next trip.
When finding the best places to visit in Puerto Rico, the first place people think of is the capital, San Juan. Being that the main airport of the island is located here, it makes for the perfect place to start or end your trip while traveling through Puerto Rico.
San Juan is full of history and beautiful architecture.
The best part of San Juan is definitely the Old Town, where you can really experience the vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history. Wander the colorful streets, check out the huge fortress, or try some of the local cuisine, you can never get bored in this great city!
Want to see more about the highlights of San Juan? Click here!
Want to check out some of the best tours in San Juan? Here are some fun ones:
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #2: El Yunque
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and one of the most popular rainforests in the world.
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No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a visit to this beautiful place. With an average rainfall of 120 inches a year, there is a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species.
For everything you need to know when visiting El Yunque, click here.
Suggested Read: Visiting El Yunque: The Only US Rainforest
Want to sign up for a tour that visits El Yunque? Here are a few you can check out:
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #3: Culebra
Culebra is a small island paradise situated 17 km off the coast of the main island of Puerto Rico. With Flamenco beach being one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Puerto Rico, and its rich marine life, this island is the perfect day trip from the mainland.
Culebra has one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Ferries run here very frequently from the town of Ceiba and only cost a couple of dollars. The ride is pretty short, making it very accessible, and there are also some hotels in the area if you'd like to spend the night.
Want to know more about Culebra? We have a full travel guide!
Suggested Read: A Trip to the Island of Culebra, Puerto Rico
Want to take a day trip to Culebra? Here are a few excursions you can check out:
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #4: Vieques
Vieques is another amazing island of Puerto Rico, which lies right near Culebra. The ferry runs from the same dock, and the ride is less than an hour.
Vieques is a must for those who want to see its stunning bioluminescent bay or its black sand beach, and is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. This island is perfect to spend a day or two, and has quite a few options for accommodation.
Want to know more about Vieques? We have a full travel guide!
Suggested Read: The Best Things to Do in Vieques, Puerto Rico
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Want to take a day trip to Vieques? Here are some fun excursions you can sign up for:
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #5: Fajardo
Fajardo is the most popular area on the East side of the island, and is known for its gorgeous beaches and lighthouse. Some of the best beaches to check out are the primary ones, Seven Seas and La Zanja, or the more pristine ones that you can hike to such as Playa Escondida and Playa Colora.
Head to El Malecon for more of a hidden gem right near Fajardo, and eat at the food truck, featuring some of the best sandwiches on the island. Monkey Island is another cool place to check out while you are in the area.
There are plenty of fun activities and excursions that you can do from Fajardo which you can check below:
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #6: Ponce
Ponce is the second biggest city in Puerto Rico, and is located in the South Central coast of the island. Check out the main square for Parque del Bomberos and one of the best ice cream cones in Puerto Rico. There is also a castle and a giant cross, where you can get the best views of the city.
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Want to see some seriously stunning beaches? Check out the array of islets that are scattered nearby Ponce. Want to dig a little more into nature? Head a little north to Adjuntas for the highest point of Puerto Rico, and some great waterfalls and swimming holes.
Ponce is not only one of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit, but a great one to use as a home base for a few days.
Puente La Hamaca is one of our favorite spots outside of Ponce.
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #7: Yauco
If you like color, than this is the spot for you! Inside the city of Yauco is a small neighborhood called "Yaucromatic" that celebrates the vibrance of art and culture with its colorfully painted houses, stairs, and even the odd tree. Local artists have created this project just a few years ago, and it is really a sight to see!
Suggested Read: 8 of the Most Colorful Spots in Puerto Rico
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #8: Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is located in the south-western corner of the island, where you can find some seriously beautiful nature, making it, in our opinion one of the very best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
Have you ever seen pink lakes? There are salt mines in Cabo Rojo that are an absolute must. Salinas de Cabo Rojo are located right off the side of the road, and can be entered free of charge. The bright pink pools can not be swam in, but nonetheless are a sight to see.
Cabo Rojo is also known for its stunning beaches, the colorful neighborhoods such as Boqueron and Buye, and another bioluminescent bay in the nearby city of La Parguera.
Suggested Read: 6 Reasons to Visit Cabo Rojo
Suggested Read: How to See Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #9: Mayaguez
Mayaguez is the largest city in the west of the island, and is home to the most famous bakery in Puerto Rico. Hang out in the main square, or head to the nearby islands of Isla de Ratones or Desecheo Island.
As some of the best places in visit in Puerto Rico are just a half hour to hour away, this is also a great place to base yourself. If you'd like to be well connected with the beautiful areas like Cabo Rojo or Isabela, than this is the spot for you.
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Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #10: Isabela
This was one of our favorite places to visit in Puerto Rico that we had gone to, especially since we didn't have any expectations. Scattered with great beaches, the best one to check out is near Umas. Here you can enjoy the relaxed surfer vibes and really just take in the great atmosphere. See those rocks? Climb up to experience dramatic splashes.
Want a splash of color instead? Head to Aguadilla, which is a small neighborhood that feature an area that is colorfully painted like that of Yaucromatic, and even has the streets around it covered in creative murals. Cerro Cabrera is definitely a place you will want to stop and take out your camera!
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Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #11: San Sebastian
Located just south of Isabela, is one of the places to visit in Puerto Rico if you want to skip the beach and have your daily dose of fresh water fun. Here you can find the stunning falls of Gozalandia, a beautiful lake Lago Guajataca, and Salto Collazo, which is another great waterfall to stop by.
Gozalandia Falls
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #12: Arecibo
Arecibo is a great place to stop for a few hours while traveling between the north west of the island and the capital. Here you can find a spectacular waterfall, as well as the famous "window cave". It features a large opening that looks like a window, and has dramatic views over the rainforest.
Some of our favorite places to visit in Puerto Rico are in Arecibo.
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #13: Aguadilla
Aguadilla is hands down one of our favorite places to visit in Puerto Rico. Great food, unique beaches, colorful buildings, and friendly locals! It's located just between Isabela and Mayaguez, and has plenty of things to do to spend a couple of days there.
Want to read all the reasons to visit Aguadilla? Click Here!
Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #14: Utuado
We've chosen Utuado as one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico due to just how beautifully colorful it is! Walk up the rainbow stairs, or stop by this Puerto Rican Flag building. Also stop by the small acai shop just one block over from the main plaza.
Utuado has some of the best art in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is full of lush greenery, turquoise waters, and breathtaking waterfalls. Want to know more about cool places to visit in Puerto Rico? We have a ton of other guides that you can check out.
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