7 Days of Puerto Rico for First Time Visitors

Day 1: Tropical Vibes in the Metro Region

The day you arrive in San Juan, get an authentic taste of the Caribbean by heading straight over to the Piñones neighborhood in the nearby town of Loíza. This picturesque strip of oceanfront kiosks and restaurants is just a 15-minute drive out of the city (and about five minutes from the airport). You can opt to have a sit-down lunch at one of the many restaurants like Hook'd, Donde Olga, or El Nuevo Acuario (among others) and enjoy fresh local seafood platters like whole-fried red snapper, shrimp-stuffed mofongo, or garlic mahi mahi. Or go kiosk-hopping (what locals call chinchorreo) and grab your first taste of Puerto Rican fritters like alcapurrias, bacalaítos, and piononos. Be sure to wash them down with an ice-cold beer or fresh fruit frappe.

Change into your swimsuit – if you haven't already – and head over to La Posita, a quiet beach framed by a rock formation that creates a giant shallow tide pool. Spend the afternoon floating in the water, lounging on the sand snacking on fritters, and taking in that ocean breeze before heading to your accommodation.

Day 2: Dive Into Culture

Your first day was pretty relaxing, so it's time to embrace Puerto Rican culture fully and have an immersive day of fun and learning in Old San Juan. The "walled city" is a must stop for every first-time visitor (and most repeat visitors as well). Explore 500-year old Spanish forts like the Castillo San Felipe del Morro; visit historic museums like Casa Blanca Museum, a mansion built in the 1500s for Juan Ponce de León; and stop at landmarks like the Gate of San Juan and La Rogativa for the perfect photo op. 

Learn all about the Island's history and conquistadors by stopping at some important places like El Cuartel de Ballajá, where you'll find the Museo de Las Américas and specialty gourmet coffee shop Don Ruiz. You can also book guided tours or explore on your own. Be sure to make time to browse some of the small shops and galleries in the city, people-watch at one of the plazas, and cool off with a snowcone from a piragua cart or a popsicle from Señor Paleta. 

Lunch in Old San Juan

Walking up and down the blue cobblestone streets will surely work up an appetite. To enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican lunch, we recommend you visit Barrachina (one of the places that claims to have invented the famous piña colada), De Averdura, Café Manolín, or El Jibarito, where you can find hearty or light meals representing the Island’s distinctive culinary traditions. For something a little different, visit Chocobar, where everything is made with a hint of chocolate, or Pirilo, home of artisan pizzas and a wide selection of craft beers. 

Day 3: West Coast Bound! 

Ready for a road trip? After a long day in San Juan and a night of partying, some sightseeing is overdue! Have brunch at the hotel or a nearby bakery (Sobao by Los Cidrines in Condado or Las Canarias in Isla Verde do not disappoint), gather your belongings, and set your GPS to Rincón… the westernmost point of the Island. 

Río Camuy Cave Park

Your road trip to the west should include a stop at Río Camuy Cave Park, an iconic cave system with astonishing views of the Island's countryside. At this popular destination, you can enjoy a guided hike where you'll learn about the Taínos, as well as the Island's native flora and fauna. 

Day 4: Embrace the Laidback Vibes

You're in Rincón, the surfing and sunset capital of Puerto Rico, so it only seems fitting to enjoy a day of laidback activities after a day of driving and sightseeing. Start your day at Barefoot Yoga, an open-air studio where you can take a gentle yoga class surrounded by nature. You don't have to make a reservation, although it is recommended if you want a private class tailored to special requests. 

For breakfast head uphill to The English Rose. This is undoubtedly the most popular breakfast place in Rincón, so try to make a reservation before arriving. Their menu offers local cuisine, as well as English and American dishes; they also serve vegetarian and vegan options. The view from the terrace is second to none.

On the Water

Keep up the relaxed lifestyle by taking a surfing or sailing lesson with Sail Rincón or Rincón Surfing School. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner, you can dive in and learn to catch some waves with expert instructors. The schools rent out equipment such as surfboards and paddleboards for you to enjoy at the beach later. If you’re more into land-based activities, book a riding tour with Pintos "R" Us and explore Rincón on horseback

Day 5: Ponce, the Pearl of the South

You've hit the north and west coast, now the south awaits. Get on the road again and set your GPS to Ponce, where you can visit a few landmarks along the way, like the Porta Coeli Church in San Germán, the second oldest church in Puerto Rico and one of the most important religious art museums on the Island. 

Once in Ponce, take a guided tour of the town square where you'll see landmarks like the iconic Parque de Bombas, an old firehouse-turned-museum right in the city's plaza. Nearby, you can find various sculptures of lions, the Fuente de los Leones (lion fountain), the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the mayor's residence. While you're there, be sure to try the famous helados (ice cream) at King's Cream.

Day 6: Day Trip Options 

You have plenty of options for things to do before your departure. Coffee hacienda or sailing trip? The choice is yours. 

Coffee Haciendas

Just outside Ponce, take a trip to Hacienda Pomarrosa or Hacienda Buena Vista, two modern coffee plantations where you can learn all about the process of coffee growing and roasting in Puerto Rico. And if you’re looking for interesting accommodations, stay in one of Hacienda Pomarrosa cabins that are surrounded by lush tropical surroundings and have ocean views.

Day 7: We'll See You Again! 

On your last day on the Island, you can hit the hotel's pool or go to La Guancha for one last taste of Boricua life. You can book a flight from La Mercedita Airport in Ponce (PSE) or drive back to depart from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).