7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for San Juan, Puerto Rico
Day 1: Old San Juan Historical Sites. Start exploring San Juan by visiting the historical sites in Old San Juan: El Morro Castle, San Cristobal Castle, and La Fortaleza. These sites offer picturesque views of the ocean and a glimpse into the rich history of Puerto Rico. End the day by trying out traditional Puerto Rican cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 2: Beach Day at Balneario de Carolina. Spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun and playing in the water at Balneario de Carolina, a family-friendly beach known for its soft sand and calm waters. After a day at the beach, head to the nearby outlet malls for some shopping.
Day 3: Arecibo Observatory and Cueva Ventana. Start the day with a trip to the Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest radio telescope, to learn about space exploration. Next, take a short hike to Cueva Ventana, a natural cave with stunning views of the valleys and hills of Puerto Rico.
Day 4: El Yunque National Forest and Bioluminescent Bay. Visit El Yunque National Forest, a rainforest with trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. In the evening, experience the magical Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo, where the water illuminates with the movement of marine life.
Day 5: Camuy Caves and Crash Boat Beach. Journey to northwest Puerto Rico to visit the Camuy Caves, a vast network of underground caverns with impressive rock formations. End the day at Crash Boat Beach, a popular spot where you can swim, snorkel, and relax in the sun.
Day 6: Catamaran Tour and Old San Juan Sunset. Take a catamaran tour from San Juan to see the island from a different perspective. The tour includes snorkeling, swimming, and a visit to a secluded beach. Return to Old San Juan to catch the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.
Day 7: Fort Buchanan and Plaza Las Americas. Start the day with a visit to Fort Buchanan, an active military base that offers a museum and exhibits showcasing Puerto Rico's military history. End the trip with some last-minute shopping at Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean.
Time and Costs Estimates
El Morro Castle (1-2 hours, free)
San Cristobal Castle (1-2 hours, free)
La Fortaleza (1 hour, free)
Balneario de Carolina (4-6 hours, $4 entrance fee)
Bioluminescent Bay (2-3 hours, $40-$60 per person)
Camuy Caves (2-3 hours, $19 adults, $14 children)
Crash Boat Beach (4-6 hours, free)
Catamaran Tour (4-6 hours, $100-$150 per person)
Fort Buchanan (1-2 hours, free)
Plaza Las Americas (2-4 hours, prices vary)
Total estimated costs: $300-$500 per person
Transportation
Travelers can get around San Juan and its surrounding areas via car rental, taxi, or public transportation. The local bus system, AMA, is economical and convenient, with routes that cover most major attractions. Travelers should also consider Uber or Lyft as options. Car rental and taxi costs vary, with car rentals starting at $40 per day and taxi fares at $1.50 per mile.
Useful Tips
If you have extra time or want to add more activities, consider visiting the Bacardi Rum Factory or taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Culebra or Vieques. If you have less time, prioritize the activities that most interest you and consider combining activities within the same area to maximize time.
Airports
San Juan, Puerto Rico has one main international airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). SJU is located just a few miles east of San Juan's city center and offers direct flights to and from major destinations such as New York, Miami, and Toronto.