San Juan, Puerto Rico: Things To Do, Places To Stay, And What To Eat!

By Sierra Mayhew March 23, 2019April 3, 2019 0 Comments

Visiting San Juan this week is definitely the highlight of my 2019 (so far!). The people there were amazing and there were so many beautiful things to see. I really recommend traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico because there are so many things to do and the weather is almost always perfect. And don’t just stop there! Many people in the group that I traveled with explored the many different parts of Puerto Rico like Guayama, Pineda and Loíza.

The only season I would avoid visiting Puerto Rico is hurricane season because there is a lot of rain and mosquitos (late summer through December). I came at the perfect time. Traveling in March meant that every day was a beauty on the island with endless things to do. There were some random downpours of rain similar to what I experience when I go to Florida but it was nothing to worry too much about.

I was traveling in Puerto Rico for my journalism class which meant I was in touch with many locals and frequent visitors of the island. I got the scoop on everything that you really can’t miss when you travel to San Juan. As you know, I can’t travel to somewhere amazing without sharing it with you. These are the can’t miss things to do, restaurants and hotels for when you travel to San Juan.

EXPLORE

When visiting Puerto Rico, most people will spend most of their time at the beach. I recommend visiting Condado Beach, it’s known for being the best! You also have to check out Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world and located in Old San Juan. I also loved the Farmer’s Market in Old San Juan (which takes place on Saturdays from 8am-1pm) if you are in the area. Castillo San Felipe del Morro really can’t be missed as well! If you are up for a long drive, there is a fluorescent water reservoir for kayaking called Bio Bay just about an hour outside of San Juan. End your visit with a tour of the Bacardi Distillery where you get to learn how to make your own cocktails.

FOOD

Puerto Ricans are known for their classic dishes like Mofongo (a local dish with fried and mashed plantains) and Arroz con Habicheula (rice and beans). I was able to try both since I am a vegetarian which was great! Many of the island’s restaurants focus on meat and fish dishes so if you are a vegetarian, you may find some difficulty navigating some menus across the island. I have listed the best places I visited for food (some of which were great as a vegetarian and some were not!) No matter what your dietary restrictions are, you probably can eat plantains. Traditional Puerto Rican restaurants offer many different ways to eat them! They are so delicious and I especially like the fried option (of course lol). I traveled with a group of students and we were very price savvy so all of these places are reasonably priced. There are so many different types of restaurants on the island that are so delicious! Check out my favorites:

—Lote 23—

My absolute favorite place we ate! The last night, my entire group headed to this food truck area for dinner. It was perfect because there are many different dietary restrictions in our group and they had absolutely everything we could possibly think of eating. There are food trucks with every type of food and drink you could possibly want. I wish I had heard of it sooner because I would have gone there every night.

—Obrigado: Organic Cafe & Açai Bar—

This was a great place for vegetarians to go! They had so many good and healthy options, some with meat and some without. Lots of salads, pizzas and bowls. The best thing I ate there was definitely the acai bowls. Delicious and tasted like ice cream.

—Pirilo Pizza Rustica—

I had been wanting to check out this place from the moment that we landed. Everyone thought I was crazy coming all the way to Puerto Rico to eat pizza! This is a locally owned business that is great for groups so don’t count it out just because it isn’t traditional. It is a great place in the center of Old San Juan for a quick bite to eat.

—Señor Paleta—

The most popular ice cream option on the island is Señor Palenta. A twist on the classic scoop, they serve everything in popsicle shape. They also have a truck at Lote 23 if you want to hit two birds with one stone. If you are dairy free, this is a great place to visit. Definitely check it out!

—El Jibarito—

This is the traditional Puerto Rican food you need to try. Located in the center of Old San Juan, they are known for the best traditional food. Their menu is simple and while I was unable to eat a full meal there as a vegetarian, I loved the plantains. To get a bite of the traditional options while in Puerto Rico, this is a can’t miss.

—Stuffed Avocado—

Another great option for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. With three locations in the San Juan area, including one in Old San Juan. This is a great place if you are looking for a quick meal. They create salads and bowls centered around an avocado. It is like chipotle but for avocado bowls, DIY your meal.

STAY

I stayed with my group outside of San Juan but I visited many of the greatest hotels in the city so that I could recommend the best options for you guys! Here is what I found out:

—El San Juan Hotel—

$$$$

This was definitely the most beautiful hotel I visited. A friend of mine stayed here and recommended it to me. I was so in love with it. The lobby is classic and beautiful with an amazing wood finish that reminded me of my home. It is definitely on the pricey side but is definitely worth it. Amazing views of the water!

—Casa Sol Bed & Breakfast—

This is a spot that a friend visited. It is in the heart of Old San Juan owned by a couple who take amazing care of their guests. If you want to get an authentic experience when traveling to San Juan you definitely have to check out this place. They are also on Airbnb and have the best pricing. The place is sustainable and was even helpful to locals during Hurricane Maria since it runs on solar panels.

—La Concha—

$$$

This is another spot a friend stayed at! It was a great modern feel and definitely a good place for families or young people. It is another spot with a beach and lots of pool spaces for downtime. There is a lot of color to this resort and it is located amongst many restaurants and hotels. The concierge also suggested a lot of San Juan, Puerto Rico: things to do.

—San Juan Marriott Resort & Casino—

$$$

I was drawn to this hotel by the gelato place outside. This is another great beachside resort located just a few blocks away from La Concha. It is a huge location with so many amenities within. This would definitely be best if you are traveling with a family.

I will definitely be traveling back to Puerto Rico so I can get more beach time! That is definitely the best activity to participate in when you are visiting the island. Enjoy your visit to San Juan and please let me know in the comments if you try out any of my recommendations.

Xx Sierra