What to do in Puerto Rico

[natasha5687]

We have been to PR a couple of times and will be going again for a week in August. We have done the following

1. Bacardi Factory
2. El Morro
3. El Yunque
4. Casinio
5. Visiting Old San Juan
6. Beaches
7. Outlets

We find ourselves pretty relaxed on the island and can have fun not doing much at all. We are a group of 9 ranging in age from 6-72. What would you suggest that we have not already done?

 

[mspeggysue911]

Not too long ago I was looking into going to San Juan also and the things I had mapped out to do are basically all the things on your list.

They do have a guy, I don't remember his name now but you can find him on Trip Advisor, who does custom tours and you pay by the hour. You tell him what kinds of things and places you want to see and he takes you where ever you want to go. They stop for lunch and they even take pictures they give you at the end of the tour.

I wish I could remember the name of his tour company. but all his reviews were great reviews.

If I remember it was pretty pricey, something like $100 an hour but that was up to a certain amount of ppl. I think his van is a 15 passenger van.

 

[durrod]

Have you been at San cristobal fort? This is the one at the entrance of old San Juan.

If you go west of the island you can go to different beaches yo have never been before like Crash boat in Aguadilla, since you are there you can go to Las cascadas water park and an ice skating rink.

What about the Arecibo radio Observatory, (I recommend checking for info like times and appointments before going) close by there is also the caverns and in Arecibo you have also a light house and more beaches next to the light house.

On the south part of the island near Ponce (about two hours from SJ HWY 52) you can visit an interesting Old style plantation (Hacienda) called Hacienda buena vista (reservations required) never been there but its on my list. They do limited tours in english. Just do an online search to find out more. There reservations filled out fast and can be done online. After there, in Ponce you can visit the central plaza and the old Ponce firehouse with their distintive red and black colors. This would be a great place to visit out of the main path...

Those are some of my sugestions...

 

[durrod]

Let me know if some of my ideas work for you.

 

[twinmommy19]

For shopping in Puerto Rico - we prefer the mall over Old San Juan which is often very crowded and the outlets there are overpriced IMO. The mall there is kept very well - it also has a very nice movie theater inside (we've gone to the movies a few times as it provides a nice break from the sun). Note that in order to get to the mall, you would need access to a car.

 

[natasha5687]

Let me know if some of my ideas work for you.

Durrod,

I will certainly let you know. The waterpark is sounding like a winner.

 

[durrod]

If you decide to stay a couple nights on the area, check out villa tropical oceanfront apartments. They have excellent reviews and pictures on tripadvisor. This is located on the
Isabela coast, this is close to aguadilla and aguadilla airport.

 

[dansimms]

Culebra

I am a big fan of Culebra. Take the short hop flight there. Check the beaches out on the internet. They look that good in person too. Mamasitas is nice, relaxed and reasonable. More natural beauty here than what I found on the main PR Island.

 

[DeniseM]

Please note that this question was posted in July, and her trip was in August...

 

[pharmgirl]

We are thinking of puerto Rico for first time, have only been in airport on way to caribean islands

Any thoughts on Dorado beach area? Want nice surroundings, not too far from airport, but nice area is most important

 

[natasha5687]

We are thinking of puerto Rico for first time, have only been in airport on way to caribean islands

Any thoughts on Dorado beach area? Want nice surroundings, not too far from airport, but nice area is most important

Dorado where we stayed in August. It will take you about 35 minutes to get to Dorado from the airport. Some things that we enjoyed while there were the beach for sure, Aricebo light house, Casa Bacardi, and Pinones. A trip back into San Juan or out to the Rainforest are not too bad a drive. We rented a private home in a beach community. If you would like details just PM me and I will put you in touch with the owner. Dorado as a whole was a very enjoyable area and a reasonable place to stay if you want to go sight seeing.

 

[pharmgirl]

Also now looking at Palmas del Mar area, seems very nice,closer to rain forest and not that far from san Juan
Any comments on Palmas del mar [not looking for TS but will probably rent]. have used our TS for this year - but have a few lock offs and maybe something will pop up in the 60 days but really would like 3 BRs - unlikely

 

[natasha5687]

Also now looking at Palmas del Mar area, seems very nice,closer to rain forest and not that far from san Juan
Any comments on Palmas del mar [not looking for TS but will probably rent]. have used our TS for this year - but have a few lock offs and maybe something will pop up in the 60 days but really would like 3 BRs - unlikely

Travel time in PR will be largely depedant on what time of day you travel. I have never stayed in Palmas de Mar so I cant comment on it. You really cant go wrong with PR. I always rent on homeaway.com. never had any issues.