Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Spanish forts, a rainforest, glowing bays and beaches, without a passport for US citizens.
See top-rated activities »About Puerto Rico
There are things to do in Puerto Rico for every kind of traveler, which is one reason it is the most visited island in this guide. It is a US territory, so Americans need no passport and the dollar is the currency, and San Juan has frequent flights from the mainland. Yet it feels thoroughly Caribbean and Spanish-speaking, with its own food, music and history going back five centuries.
Old San Juan, founded in the early 1500s, is a walled city of blue cobblestones and pastel houses on a narrow peninsula. Castillo San Felipe del Morro guards the harbor entrance at its tip and Castillo San Cristobal protects the land side; both are part of San Juan National Historic Site, run by the National Park Service, and the lawn in front of El Morro is a favorite place to fly kites. Between them, the streets are lined with churches, plazas, shops and restaurants, and the city walls make a fine walk at sunset.
East of San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system, with waterfalls, viewpoints and trails. Popular areas can require advance reservations at busy times, so check the Forest Service site before you go. Puerto Rico also has three bioluminescent bays, where microorganisms make the water glow at night: Laguna Grande near Fajardo, La Parguera on the southwest coast and Mosquito Bay on Vieques, considered among the brightest in the world. Swimming is not allowed in them; you see the glow from a kayak or boat, best on moonless nights.
Across the bay from Old San Juan, Casa Bacardi in Catano offers tours and tastings at a large rum distillery, reached by a short ferry ride. Off the east coast, the islands of Culebra and Vieques have quiet beaches, including Flamenco Beach on Culebra, often ranked among the best in the Caribbean. In the city itself, Condado and Isla Verde have the beach hotels, and Santurce has street art, the Placita market and an energetic bar scene.
Don’t Miss
Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, with city walls and ranger programs.
Waterfalls, lookout towers and trails in the US forest system's only tropical rainforest.
Rum tours, tastings and mixology classes across the bay from Old San Juan.
One of the brightest glowing bays in the world, seen by kayak or electric boat.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Puerto Rico
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Caribbean may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Puerto Rico — FAQ
Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?
Not if you are a US citizen traveling from the mainland or another US territory. Bring a government-issued photo ID that meets current federal requirements for domestic flights.
How do I see a bioluminescent bay?
On a guided kayak or boat tour at night. The glow is strongest on dark, moonless nights, and tours are often canceled in bad weather, so plan it early in your trip.
How many days do I need in Puerto Rico?
Four or five days covers Old San Juan, El Yunque and a bioluminescent bay. A week lets you add Culebra or Vieques or the southwest coast.
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