Puerto Rico Island

Travel Guide

Puerto Rico Island
Puerto Rico Island
Puerto Rico Island
Puerto Rico Island
Puerto Rico Island

Discover pristine beaches, explore caves and hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the relaxed local culture of this Caribbean island.

Puerto Rico has a rich history, pristine white-sand beaches and forested mountains, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Puerto Rico is made up of several islands and keys Puerto Rico Island is the largest island and the main hub. 

Explore Puerto Rico’s fascinating cultural and indigenous past in the Old San Juan district in San Juan, the capital city located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico Island. Major historic attractions include El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) and Fort San Jeronimo (Fortin de San Gerónimo de Baquerón). To learn more about contemporary local culture, visit the Museum of the Americas (Museo de Las Américas) and Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico).

Enjoy traditional cuisine and cocktails at one of the island's many fashionable bars and restaurants. The Ocean Park area offers beachfront dining and a relaxed island atmosphere. Venture further afield to try regional street food at Luquillo Beach, where there are dozens of kiosks selling typical snacks, such as pinchos (chicken, pork or shrimp kabobs) and tostones (fried green plantain).

Much of Puerto Rico Island is covered in forest that is excellent for hiking. Explore the network of caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park (Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy), or hike through waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest.

All along the coast you’ll find stunning beaches. Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach are just minutes from downtown San Juan. The island’s tropical climate means it’s warm enough to dip into the ocean year-round. The height of tourist season is December through April be aware that hurricanes can crop up the rest of the year.

Puerto Rico is serviced by the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, and can be reached from destinations across the Americas. The public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited to parts of San Juan, so you’ll need to rent a car or travel by taxi if you want to explore the countryside.

Where to stay in Puerto Rico Island

Isla Verde

Isla Verde

4/5(28 area reviews)

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and first-class casinos? A visit to Isla Verde might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Carolina Beach and Isla Verde Beach.

Isla Verde
Mata de Plátano

Mata de Plátano

If you're spending some time in Mata de Plátano, Luquillo Beach and Azul Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mata de Plátano
A panorama view of the fortifications approaching the harbour entrance in San Juan, Puerto Rico on a bright sunny day

Cangrejo Arriba

If you're spending some time in Cangrejo Arriba, Balneario de Carolina and Isla Verde Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Cangrejo Arriba
Condado skyline, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Miramar

3.5/5(13 area reviews)

Characterized by quiet streets and mature shade trees, this historical district boasts the Puerto Rico Convention Center, Isla Grande Airport, and Club Nautico. Just a short distance from Old San Juan and Condado, future plans include improved walkability and train connections.

Miramar
Hato Rey Norte

Hato Rey Norte

Hato Rey Norte is a destination travelers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Roosevelt Station or Hato Rey Station to explore sights like Plaza las Americas.

Hato Rey Norte
Panorama view overlooking El Yunque Rainforest on the island of Puerto Rico, the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System.

Zarzal

While visiting Zarzal, you might make a stop by sights like El Yunque National Forest and Coco Beach Golf and Country Club.

Zarzal
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

4 out of 5
200 Coco Beach Blvd. Highway 955-I Río Grande
The price is CA $382 per night from May 11 to May 12
CA $382
CA $491 total
May 11 - May 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Río Grande. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,946 reviews)
Great resort! The first half of my trip was for business, and I extended for a personal vacation. The property is beautiful and I appreciated how it was sprawling. The golf cart transportation came in handy when walking to the lobby. The rooms were lovely and well appointed. Every staff member was ...

Reviewed on May 5, 2026

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
The Royal Sonesta San Juan

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

4 out of 5
5961 Isla Verde Avenue Carolina
The price is CA $505 per night from May 11 to May 12
CA $505
CA $671 total
May 11 - May 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Carolina. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,368 reviews)
No rules were implemented. No children in hot tub should mean that! relaxing i was hot in head with football while kids were unattended in hot tub. i’ve been there before and same thing happened. Our fault we went during spring break so pool was over run with unruley kids with no parents to be seen. ...

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

The Royal Sonesta San Juan
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

4.5 out of 5
1309 Ashford Avenue San Juan
The price is CA $491 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $491
CA $643 total
May 25 - May 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,579 reviews)
Breakfast was horrible since I have a food allergy. Outdated pools and rooms! Why would you have a kids slide in the same pool as a swim up bar?

Reviewed on May 7, 2026

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Mona Loiza Apartments Complex

La Mona Loiza Apartments Complex

3 out of 5
Calle las Marías San Juan San Juan
Stay at this apartment in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and Netflix. Popular attractions Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort and Condado Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (579 reviews)
All in all it was good. Area, view, and such. Two cons is the water temperature not really getting or staying hot and the cleaners didn’t seem to really clean the floor. A deep mop cleaning is needed.

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

La Mona Loiza Apartments Complex
Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

2.5 out of 5
7 Calle Gardenia, URB. Biascoechea Carolina
Stay at this aparthotel in Carolina. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (189 reviews)
All was good. Restaurant and pool on roof were very nice.

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
Patio Elba Boutique Hotel

Patio Elba Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
1657 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos San Juan San Juan
Stay at this aparthotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (288 reviews)
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The staff was friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the beds were very cozy. I also enjoyed the amenities and the convenient location. Everything exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely ...

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

Patio Elba Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Puerto Rico Island

Explore a world of travel with Expedia