{"id":2187,"date":"2023-02-01T11:46:55","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T17:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/messysuitcase.com\/?p=2187"},"modified":"2023-02-02T06:43:55","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:43:55","slug":"puerto-rico-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/messysuitcase.com\/index.php\/2023\/02\/01\/puerto-rico-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"Puerto Rico Must-Do Experiences and Adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We’ve lived in Puerto Rico for only two months, and already a number of friends, and friends of friends, have reached out to us looking for recommendations or advice for visiting the island. I realize no one has time to go through our whole travel blog in search of ideas on what to do or see on La Isla del Encanto.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So if you’re coming to Puerto Rico and staying around the capital San Juan, here are a few of our favorite things to do, see and experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urban Beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re staying in San Juan, you will enjoy Isla Verde Beach, with its wide swath of sand and crashing waves. Ocean Park Beach is quirky and fun, but difficult to access unless you’re staying close by. We also recommend Balneario Carolina, or Carolina Public Beach, just east of Isla Verde, which features bathrooms, showers, shade trees, and beach bars. Admission is free, and parking is just $4. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle, and you can while away an afternoon in a beach chair with a mojito in hand while watching jets take off from and land at San Juan International Airport, right behind you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll west down the sand and enjoy lunch or dinner at Ocean Lab Brewing Company, which serves up really good pub food and a variety of craft brews on a large open balcony facing the ocean and the beach club below. (Make sure you enter from the street side; the beachside door is for members only.) Don’t miss the gift shop!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Balneario de Carolina: https:\/\/www.discoverpuertorico.com\/profile\/balneario-de-carolina\/7704<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ocean Lab Brewing: https:\/\/oceanlabbrewery.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urban Snorkeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can snorkel for sea turtles at Escambron Beach on Puerto de Tierra in San Juan. It’s not the best snorkeling on the island by any stretch, but it’s convenient if you’re staying in San Juan. And the chances of seeing a sea turtle are high!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scuba Dogs Dive Shop (for renting snorkel gear): https:\/\/scubadogs.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some truly spectacular snorkeling, go on a snorkeling day trip on a catamaran to Icacos Island, embarking from Fajardo. We did the Catamaran Spread Eagle II, and it was a blast. https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/ZwRNd2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viejo (Old) San Juan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Old San Juan is worth a day trip just to experience 500 years of history mingled with today’s rhythm of life. Enjoy strolling around the old city while you soak up the beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial architecture, shop for local crafts, and eat and drink Puerto Rican fare. Take in the historic sights, especially the iconic fort San Felipe El Morro, the governor’s residence La Fortaleza, and the Museum of the Americas. Definitely spend at least a day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View from El Morro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are some links to get you started in OSJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n