Planning a trip to Puerto Rico soon? I celebrated my birthday here with friends for a mix of beach lounging, rooftop dancing, and delicious eats—and San Juan delivered on every front. Whether you want laid-back vibes or all-night adventures, this list of things to do in San Juan on vacation has a little something for everyone in your crew.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my San Juan travel itinerary, too!
11 Things to Do in San Juan
Go to the Beach
This is one of the most fun things to do in San Juan, no matter your mood. And when you're on an island, you spend most of your time at the beach, right? We had plenty of fun on San Juan's beaches, from snorkeling on Playa Escambron to jet skiing on Isla Verde Beach and relaxing on Condado Beach. These top beaches near downtown San Juan are perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, and more.
Read my list of the best beaches in San Juan!
Eat Authentic Puerto Rican Food
I mean, if you don’t try mofongo at least once, did you even go to Puerto Rico? The food scene here is rich with flavor and history—whether you’re at a roadside lechonera, a bustling market, or an upscale restaurant inside one of the hotels in San Juan Puerto Rico.
We feasted and I highly recommend eating your way through the city as one of the must-do things in San Juan if you're a foodie or at all culturally curious.
Here are my San Juan restaurant recommendations!
Drink a Piña Colada
San Juan is the birthplace of the iconic piña colada cocktail, so you simply must try one--with or without rum--while you visit. Barrachina is the original piña colada spot, but my favorite one came from Raices!
This is a cheap, fun, and tropical thing to do on vacation in San Juan Puerto Rico, and it pairs perfectly with island heat and sandy toes. Cheers to vacation mode activated!
Take a Daytrip to Culebra
This was one of my favorite excursions—an early morning ride from San Juan to Fajardo followed by a boat to Culebra, home of Flamenco Beach, which was ranked #2 among the best beaches in the world when we visited!
The sand is soft like flour, and the water is impossibly clear. Our day trip from San Juan to Culebra is one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico for good reason.
Read what to know before visiting Culebra for a day!
Tour Old San Juan
Walking the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan is like stepping into a postcard with colorful colonial architecture and historic fortresses, plus lovely water views.
We explored Castillo San Felipe del Morro, had brunch, and popped into art galleries and boutiques. There are so many fun things to do in Old San Juan for all ages, from historical sites to charming little shops.
Pro Travel Tip
Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a power bank to keep your phone charged for all the photo ops!
Of course, I have a detailed Old San Juan itinerary for you!
Learn to Salsa
Learning to salsa in San Juan is a rite of passage due to Puerto Rico's influence on the genre's creation in Cuba. You'll make memories and be prepared to spin at the clubs--maybe even meet a new dancing partner. Win-win-win.
We took this beginner class in Condado, and even though I was with friends, it was one of the most fun and romantic things to do in Puerto Rico.
Party at La Placita
If you’re looking for Puerto Rico nightlife, La Placita is where the dancing literally spills out into the streets. We were drawn back multiple nights.
La Placita is comprised of several different bars and clubs that we hopped to and from one after another. We came for the cocktails and the perreo, and were not disappointed. Each spot has a different vibe, and you can grab drinks, midnight snacks, then an Uber back to your hotel to keep things safe. Ask me how I know!
Make sure you look the part when you party with curated Puerto Rico outfit ideas + packing list!
Visit Loìza
Loíza is special. Just take a short drive from San Juan, Loíza for vibrant Afro-Puerto Rican culture and gorgeous, lesser-known beaches.
We saw beautiful vejigante masks, danced to bomba drumming, and supported local artisans. It’s an essential add-on to your itinerary if you're looking for non-touristy things to do in Puerto Rico that are deeply rooted in local tradition. This day trip is really a hidden gem and has a special place in my mind.
Plan your visit with my list of things to do in Loíza!
Tour the Bacardi Rum Factory
Take a ferry across the bay to the famous Casa Bacardí, to learn how the iconic rum is made—and yes, you can sip plenty along the way. The mixology class is worth the splurge if you're into cocktails or just want a cute boomerang for IG.
And it's a cool indoor thing to do when it rains or if you just you need a break from the beach. The view of Old Town from across the water? Absolutely worth it.
Hang out in Hip Santurce
I found Santurce to be artsy and full of creative energy—perfect for a chill afternoon. We wandered through local markets and museums, and ended the night with dancing and craft cocktails.
It’s one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico if you want to go where the locals go. Definitely a more cool and cultural change of pace compared to touristy areas like Old San Juan and Condado.
Shop at Plaza del Mercado
While in the neighborhood, you must visit the Plaza del Mercado de Santurce for an authentic, local experience.
By day, it's a lively market filled with produce, handmade goods, and Caribbean vibes—perfect if you're staying at an Airbnb or VRBO and want to cook. Grab a freshly-made batida and thank me later!
On weekends, it turns into a food and music hub that's cheap, fun, and totally local. I almost didn't recognize it when it turned into La Placita at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Juan is generally considered safe. We didn't experience any issues that made us feel unsafe as travelers. Like any large city, especially a tourist destination, use your common sense and the same safety practices you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, and exercise reasonable caution.
In my non-expert opinion, absolutely. Many parts of the city cater to tourists but there is plenty to see and do beyond the resorts--or on the resorts if that's your vibe.
More Favorite Moments from this Trip
I hope you'll enjoy as many of these things to do on vacation in San Juan, PR as you can--and soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
