What should my family do while we are in San Juan?

Question

We will be there from 3pm to 12 am in the summer. Its a stop on a cruise. What should we do, where should we see? I don't want to shop. Anyone know any good beaches? Thanks :)

Answer 1

It is ashamed you dont have more time there, because PR has so much to see & do. There is El Yunque Rain Forest, Camuy Caves, Arecibo Telescope, the bioluminescent bay (glows in the dark), Culebra & Vieques Islands & much more. Keep that in mind if you ever decide to come back.

Anyway for this time, I would suggest going to Old San Juan & take a walking tour, I think they do them until around 6. They will walk you through the cobblestoned streets & take you to all the historical sights including El Morro Fort, which is a must see. You can stop at Isla Verde beach, its sort of like Miami Beach. But I would suggest saving the beach for your other stops, b/c PR has so much to see & San Juan is not PR's best beaches. Then in the evening go to an authentic restaraunt that serves puerto rican food. It is very delicious. You can get some pina coladas too. And maybe watch some live salsa bands play. Enjoy!!

Answer 2

That port time doesn't give you a lot of options, unless you want nightlife-type things, which I assume you don't.  One thing I've read about, but not done, is a "SJ at Night" tour that sounds nice.  You're not really going to have time to do beaches.  The fort is nice, but you may not have enough time [I think it closes at 5 maybe?].  Window-shopping in the maze of cobblestone streets might be fun - check out the "butterfly" store, if it's still there.

I'd suggest you go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call", then "San Juan".  You can see what other cruisers recommend.

Answer 3

Old San Juan hands down!

Luquillo is the best beach in PR but you may not have the time to go there.

Answer 4

The port of call is actually in Old San Juan, so you should try to stay in the general area, unless you plan on renting a car and taking to the roads in PR, which are not well marked.  The Hard Rock cafe is about 3 blocks from the ship terminals, but obviously there are a lot of small restaurants and bars in the general area.  There's also a lot of small shops full of knick-knacks, trinkets and various things that only tourists would think of buying. ;)  

You could walk from the terminal to the Spanish fort, "El Morro" but it is a hike.  It's also at an incline on old cobblestone roads that were built by the Spanish 100 years ago.  It looks pretty, but it's tiring to walk on if you're not used to walking on that type of surface.  You can always take a cab too.  The fort is very cool and you'l be surprised how big it is.

The best seafood in PR is fairly close by.  The restaurant is called Atlantica, and it is the best seafood in Puerto Rico - period.  The seafood is freshly killed, and the prices are very reasonable.  Try the Paella, it's the best.  There are two locations, one is just west of El Morro.  The other is in the Isla Verde area.  You will need a cab to get to either, but it is well worth the trip.

People complain each time I mention this but you have to be very careful in Old San Juan especially after dark.  There's a really dangerous public housing within walking distance of the terminal, and unfortunately they target tourists.  Puerto Ricans always slam me for pointing this out because they think it makes them look bad, but it's been like that forever and won't change.  Virtually the entire metropolitan area of San Juan, is overrun with homeless people.  You will be hassled for money everywhere you go, stay away from them at all costs.  You also have to be very careful, again at night, walking by the Fort because there is a squatter colony there called, La Perla, which is a street drug market, as in illegal drugs.  Seeing people with guns in that area is commonplace and if you don't know your way around, you could get into a bad situation.  Unfortunately, it is right next to the Fort.  Again be very careful.

Answer 5

In addition to the suggestions posted above, be sure to check out what tours the cruise ship has to offer.

Answer 6

San Juan.... with that time!! Dang not too much am afraid....hmmm tried to escape to outside the Metro Area  but before you leave  try to visit The Old San Juan( Parque de Las Palomas, The Cathedral, Casa Blanca, El Morro,el Fuerte San Geronimo, el Museo de las Américas, among others. Also If you have family or know someone over here I will suggest that you should Las Cabezas de San Juan located in Fajardo or the Corredor del Noreste is very beautiful !! Maybe for next time try visiting other sites like las Cuevas de Camuy or some of the conservation Haciendas protected by the Fideicomiso ( you can scheduled a visit to one of their places actually there is one in the Old San Juan la Casa de Ramon Power is located in the Old San Juan) their website is fideicomiso.org. Hope this works! Oh before you leave try visitng Piñones if you are not a fan of creasy food they also have seafood plates.

Answer 7

need more info. is a weekend ?

ages of the family members ?