Often called the “Island of Enchantment,” San Juan, Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean destination for U.S. travelers for many reasons. First, there is the ease of travel; U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter this U.S. Territory. Not only is this great for non-passport holders, but without customs and immigration travel is considerably less stressful.

San Juan offers the best of both worlds for U.S. travelers, in that it has a healthy combination of American amenities, stores and services, along with its own distinct culture and tropical exotic flavor. Everyone can be happy here, whether they are looking for recognizable shopping and restaurant names or the most local, unique experiences. Spanish and English are both official languages, and the U.S. dollar is the local currency.

SLEEP

The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is in one of the best places to stay in the city, set on beautiful Condado Beach within walking distance to dozens of shops and restaurants. A relaxing pool area has a wading section for tots and curving waterslides for older kids; there is also plenty of adult entertainment, from live music to the casino, where you can take free gaming lessons.

EAT

When it comes to eating, there are several great spots in Old Town that are frequented mostly by locals and provide authentic dishes at extremely reasonable prices. For breakfast, check out Cafeteria Mallorca (300 Calle San Francisco); it’s been in business over 50 years and the 94-year-old owner is still around most days. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong at El Jibarito (275 Sol Street), a modest yet charming restaurant that may serve the absolute best Mofongo, a local specialty. I had the scrumptious Puerto Rican tamales, which are made with plantains instead of masa and stuffed with wonderfully moist, flavorful pork or chicken.

PLAY

Outside San Juan, Río Camuy Cave Park is a massive underground labyrinth accessible by trolley where you can see illuminated spiral sinkholes, cathedral caves and an underground river. At El Yunque Rainforest you can hike through a lush jungle of vines, plants, trees, waterfalls and wildlife.

No Caribbean vacation would be complete without getting on, and into, the water. There are lots of options in San Juan, from diving to windsurfing, or simply swimming; Puerto Rico is also one of the only places in the world with several bioluminescent bays, where millions of microscopic organisms light up the water during daily shows.

SHOP

Shoppers have found their mecca: San Juan is home to Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, featuring over 300 stores that sell everything from designer clothing and fine jewelry to pottery and antiques. Or, check out the charming streets of Old San Juan, lined with amazing local boutiques and art galleries. Calle San Francisco and Calle del Cristo are major retail venues. And since you’re in Puerto Rico, don’t miss the world-famous rum. Don Q Rum Museum and Gift Shop gives demonstration, tastings, and of course offers plenty of varieties to take home; this is the rum of choice for most Puerto Ricans.

DO

The magnificent walled city of Old San Juan is the place to explore Puerto Rico’s fascinating history, where you can walk on 16th century ramparts and visit colonial fortresses that are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best way is by bicycle–it offers the perfect mode for getting around quickly and easily, while seeing much more than possible by vehicle. I had a fantastic time pedaling around with Nancy Cruz-Sotomayor and her bike touring company, Rent The Bicycle. Their road cruising bikes are easy to operate, the city is not difficult to navigate, and Nancy can customize a tour to your liking. The best part is that you can stop and check out something more closely or take photographs whenever you want.

SECRETS/FINDS

San Juan is a great family destination. Museo del Nino, the children’s museum, blends fun and learning in their interactive exhibits; on the third Sunday of each month, Teatro de los Niños offers a free event in Paseo la Princesa, with puppet shows, clowns, games and live music. Be sure to stop for a limber, a traditional iced treat in flavors like coconut and cherry.

More information about visiting San Juan can be found on the Puerto Rico Tourism website.

As we enjoy the last of blissful sunny days, cookouts, and playing in the sand, we want you to share a photo of your Favorite Beach Vacation with us. You might win a free $250 (USD) Visa gift card which you can use for any upcoming travel plans you might have. Click here to learn how to enter.

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Image 1 – The view of Condado Beach and San Juan from a room at the Marriott Stellaris Resort

Image 2 – The Don Q bartender pours a sample

Image 3 – Bicycling is the best way to get around Old San Juan

All photos original works by Shelley Seale