Explore Puerto Rico's history at Castillo San Cristobal, an impressive 18th-century fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the Old San Juan district. With its maze of tunnels, barracks, and ramps, this attraction will immerse you in Puerto Rico's past.
Take a hike in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. With its lush greenery, the forest has an otherworldly feel, and there are plenty of waterfalls to swim by, including La Mina falls.
A family-friendly beach with amenities such as public restrooms, kiosks selling Puerto Rican delicacies, rental equipment, and thanks to its offshore coral reefs, calm waters to swim. Luquillo Beach is located in a horseshoe-shaped bay and is perfect for swimming or simply sun soaking.
La Placita de Santurce is a lively district in San Juan with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy the colorful streets with live music and a festive ambiance. Try the local street food or relax with a cold drink under the beautiful trees along the sidewalks while the kids explore the area.
To ensure maximum mobility during your one day's journey, it is recommended that a car is rented, and the itinerary follows sequentially, starting from Castillo San Cristobal to La Placita de Santurce. Expect the travel costs for the entire trip to be around $60.
If you have more time at hand, you could consider going to Old San Juan to explore the architecture, forts, museums, art galleries, and excellent dining options. Also, check out Piñones, a recreational park with an impressive biking lane along the beach.
If you have less time, you could skip Castillo San Cristobal, and consider having lunch in the area around El Yunque National Forest or head towards Curves: Puerto Rico's man-made aquarium that is a top location for marine lovers.
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a major airport in Puerto Rico and is located in San Juan, just 5 miles southeast of the city center. It is the busiest airport in Puerto Rico and is served by most major airlines.