I asked a friend who grew up in Puerto Rico, who had just returned from visiting family there who are rebuilding after Hurricane Maria, how we could best help Puerto Ricans at this point. His quick reply was: “Tourism”. Hey, I can help with that. I’m a travel agent.
You can visit Puerto Rico, with no passport required, and enjoy both old world charm and a tropical Caribbean island experience in one spot.
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, sits on the island’s Atlantic coast. Its widest beach fronts the Isla Verde resort strip, known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos. Walk the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to see the colorful Spanish colonial buildings. 16th-century landmarks, including El Morro and La Fortaleza, are massive fortresses with sweeping ocean views. The Paseo de la Princesa is a lovely bayside promenade with gorgeous vistas of the San Juan Bay that dates back to 1853.
With its many museums and galleries, Old San Juan is rich with Puerto Rican art and crafts. The happening Santurce district is home to the preeminent Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. The city is known for its salsa music, as well as its food, with options from down-home joints for lechón asado (roast pork) to upscale restaurants showcasing local seafood. Beaches range from busy Condado and Ocean Park to quieter Balneario Escambrón and Piñones. The weather is 80° year-round. And, a free tourist trolley serves the city.
There was a great article and video by Whitney Tressel from @WhitneyTravels in BudgetTravel.com in May on “7 Reasons to Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico” that just might inspire you to start planning a trip.
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