148 Best Sights in Puerto Rico

This huge stone fortress, built between 1634 and 1783, guarded the city from land attacks from the east. The largest Spanish fortification in the New World, San Cristóbal was known in the 17th and 18th centuries as “the Gibraltar of the West Indies.” Five freestanding structures divided by dry moats are connected by tunnels. You're free to explore the gun turrets (with cannon in situ), officers' quarters, re-created 18th-century barracks, and gloomy passageways. Along with El Morro, San Cristóbal is a National Historic Site administered by the U.S. National Park Service; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. Rangers conduct tours in Spanish and English.

Cayo Icacos is one of about 10 small islands that make up the Cordillera Nature Reserve just off the coast of Puerto Rico. It's a beautiful beach with good snorkeling offshore. Icacos can only be reached by a 15- to 20-minute boat ride, so pack whatever you might need for the day. Several tour operators in Fajardo offer day trips here, or you can hire a boat in Las Croabas. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

Oversized flora, rushing streams, and powerful cascades are just some of what you'll find in El Yunque, which gets 100 billion gallons of precipitation annually. Two of the island's highest picos (peaks), El Toro and El Yunque, are also here, rising over 3,500 feet amid the more than 28,000 lush acres that encompass four major forest types, roughly stratified by elevation.

These ecosystems are home to thousands of native plants, including 150 fern and 240 tree species—88 of them rare and endemic, 23 of them found here exclusively. There are no monkeys or large cats (and no poisonous snakes, either). Rather, El Yunque is populated with small creatures, some of which—like the cotorra (the island’s greatly endangered green parrot) and the culebrón (Puerto Rican boa)—exist nowhere else on Earth.

The bird-watching is especially good after a shower, so, in addition to a rain poncho, pack binoculars to spot some of the forest’s 68 types, including the Puerto Rican tody, lizard cuckoo, and sharp-shinned hawk, as well as five species of hummingbirds. Rivers and streams provide aquatic habitats for freshwater snails, shrimp, and crabs. The forest's 1,200 species of insects—from ants to beetles to flies—provide food for some of the 14 different types of lizards, geckos among them. In the evening, millions of inch-long coquís (tree frogs) begin their calls.

The best way to experience all this nature is on a hike. The forest’s 13 official trails are short and easy to navigate. Although not as immersive as a hike, a leisurely drive-through is also gratifying. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful waterfalls; hibiscus, banana, and orchid plants; and the occasional vista. Be sure to stop and climb the winding stairs of Yokahu Tower for breathtaking views of the rain forest and the islands.  Advanced reservations are required.

Built by Salvador de Vives in 1838, this was one of the area's largest coffee plantations. It's a technological marvel: water from the nearby Río Canas was funneled into narrow brick channels that could be diverted to perform any number of tasks, like turning the waterwheel. (Seeing the two-story wheel slowly begin to turn is fascinating, especially for kids.) Nearby is the two-story manor house, with a kitchen dominated by a massive hearth and furniture that hints at life on a coffee plantation nearly 150 years ago. In 1987, the plantation was restored by the Puerto Rican Conservation Trust, which leads several tours each day (at least one in English; by reservation only, call several days in advance or reserve online). A gift shop sells coffee beans and other souvenirs. Allow an hour's drive on the winding road from Ponce.

In Coamo you can take a dip at the famous Piscinas Aguas Termales, the thermal springs said to have curative powers. There's a changing room at the end of a path. Note that parking is somewhat limited here, especially on weekends, when the attraction is visited by locals from all over the island. There's a gift shop with everything you need to enjoy the pools and bring memories home.

Part of the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre de Culebra, uninhabited Isla Culebrita is clearly visible from the northeast corner of Culebra. An essential day-trip excursion, this islet is a favorite destination for sunbathers, snorkelers, and boating enthusiasts. Isolation amid a palette of crystalline, turquoise waters, and dewy, lush greens makes for a one-of-a-kind natural experience. On weekends and holidays however, the island can get crowded. On the northern shore there are several tidal pools; snuggling into one of them is like taking a warm bath. Snorkelers and divers love that they can reach the reef from the shore and carouse with sea turtles, rays, and schools of colorful fish. Bring your sneakers: in about 20–30 minutes you can hike to the islet's peak, where the spectacular ruins of an old lighthouse await. Views of the surrounding Caribbean are sublime from the top of the structure, but you may not be able to climb its 54 steps; the lighthouse is currently being restored. Several tour operators offer excursions to the island.

This lovely Spanish-style villa—so massive that townspeople dubbed it a castle—was built in the 1930s for Ponce's wealthiest family, the makers of Don Q rum. Guided tours provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of a sugar baron, and a permanent exhibit explains the area's sugarcane and rum industries. Highlights include the dining room, with original hand-carved furnishings, and the extensive garden, with sculptured bushes and a shimmering reflection pool. A large cross looming over the house is an observatory; from the top, you can see the Caribbean.

Designed by Edward Durell Stone, who also designed the original Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Ponce's art museum is easily identified by the hexagonal galleries on its second story. It has one of the best art collections in Puerto Rico, which is why residents of San Juan frequently make the trip. The 4,500-piece collection includes works by famous Puerto Rican artists such as Francisco Oller, represented by a lovely landscape called Hacienda Aurora. European works include paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and Thomas Gainsborough, as well as pre-Raphaelite paintings, particularly the mesmerizing Flaming June, by Frederick Leighton, which has become the museum's unofficial symbol. The museum also offers special exhibits, three sculpture gardens, and a café.

In a city filled with neoclassical confections, this is one of the most elaborate. Alfredo B. Wiechers, who returned to his native Ponce after studying architecture in Paris, designed the house. Though small in scale compared with some of its neighbors, it makes a big impression with details like huge arched windows and a massive rooftop gazebo. No wonder that soon after it was completed in 1911 the Villaronga-Mercado family decided to make it their own. Check out the stained-glass windows and other fanciful touches. The house, restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, now operates as the Museum of Puerto Rican Architecture, so, in addition to original furnishings, you'll find exhibits on Wiechers and other Ponce architects of his era.

After El Morro in Old San Juan, this distinctive red-and-black-striped building may be the second-most-photographed structure in Puerto Rico. Built in 1882 as a pavilion for an agricultural and industrial fair, it was converted the following year into a firehouse. In 1990, it took on new life as a small museum tracing the history—and glorious feats—of Ponce's fire brigade. Kids love the antique fire truck on the lower level. Short tours in English and Spanish are given on the hour starting at 10; if the trolley is running, you can sign up for free tours of the historic downtown here, too. Helpful tourism officials staff a small information desk inside.

The not-so-secret Secret Beach is a heavenly cove for those seeking privacy. This tiny yet beautiful horseshoe-shape stretch of sand, reached via a rambling dirt road, is calm and secluded. You can find yourself completely alone or in the company of just a few couples embracing in the crystal clear water. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.

Consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this stretch has snow-white sands, turquoise waters, and lush hills rising on all sides. During the week, it's pleasantly uncrowded; on weekends it fills up with day-trippers from the mainland. With kiosks selling simple dishes and vendors for lounge-chair and umbrella rentals, it's easy to make a day of it. There's great snorkeling past the old dock. Tanks on the northern end of the beach are a reminder that the area was once a military base. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This beach is only a short drive from Dorado, and it matches the unique look of the natural pools surrounded by limestone walls one finds along Puerto Rico’s northern coast. This half-moon shaped, natural pool is one of the island's most visited, and the crashing waves are a spectacular sight.  Food trucks selling all of PR’s fave fried goodies are always set up here, and arts vendors come out on the weekends when the beach is busier. The water gets rough in the winter months, so swimming may not always be a good idea. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

About a 30-minute drive outside of Dorado you can find Poza de las Mujeres, another natural North Coast swimming hole protected by rock formations, which split the beach almost in two. On the left, the water is shallow, calm, and protected from the rougher waters outside the natural barricade. On the right, the rocks do not form a protective barrier and the water is much rougher year-round. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

East of Esperanza, Puerto Mosquito is one of the world's best spots for a glow-in-the-dark experience with undersea dinoflagellates—microorganisms that light up when the water around them is agitated. Local operators offer kayak trips or excursions on nonpolluting boats to see the bay's light show. Look behind your boat at the twinkling wake. Even the fish that swim through and jump from the water bear an eerie glow. The high concentration of dinoflagellates sets the bay apart from other spots (including in Puerto Rico) that are home to these microorganisms. The experience is best when there's little or no moonlight; rainy nights are beautiful, too, because drops hitting the water produce ricochets that shimmer like diamonds. Note that licensed operators are prohibited from leading tours on the day before, during, and after a full moon.

Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909, the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is one of the nation's oldest. The total protected area comprises some 1,500 acres of the island. It's a lure for hikers and bird-watchers: Culebra teems with seabirds, from laughing gulls and roseate terns to red-billed tropic birds and sooty terns. Maps of trails in the refuge are hard to come by, but you can stop by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office east of the airport to find out about trail conditions and determine whether you're headed to an area that requires a permit. The office also can tell you whether the leatherback turtles are nesting. From mid-April to mid-July, volunteers help monitor and tag these creatures, which nest on nearby beaches, especially Playa Resaca and Playa Brava.

The 316-acre reserve on a headland north of Fajardo is owned by the nonprofit Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. You ride in open-air trolleys and wander down boardwalks through seven ecosystems, including lagoons, mangrove swamps, and dry-forest areas. Green iguanas skitter across paths, and guides identify other endangered species. A half-hour hike down a wooden walkway brings you to the mangrove-lined Laguna Grande, where bioluminescent microorganisms glow at night. The restored Fajardo Lighthouse is the final stop on the tour. Its Spanish colonial tower has been in operation since 1882, making it Puerto Rico's second-oldest lighthouse. The first floor houses ecological displays, and a winding staircase leads to an observation deck. The only way to see the reserve is on a guided tour; reservations are required and can be made through the trust's website.

At the eastern end of Plaza Francisco Mariano Quiñones, this Spanish colonial--style building served as the town's city hall from 1844 to 1950. Once used as a prison, it is now houses the town's tourism office.

The gentle waters at this beach on Route 333 wash onto a wide swath of sand fringed with palm trees. This is one of the few beaches in Puerto Rico that meets the high environmental standards of the Blue Flag program. There is a designated area roped off for swimmers, and lifeguards remain on duty most afternoons. You'll also find picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and changing facilities. During high season there are beach-chair rentals, food vendors, and paid parking. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Families enjoy the tranquil waters, playground, and shelters for seaside picnics. The beach is within walking distance to the center of town. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

This government-run beach has a patch of honey-color sand shaded by coconut palms. An offshore reef generally makes surf gentle, so it's favored by families. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking; snorkeling.

One of Puerto Rico's prized Blue Flag beaches, this long stretch of powdery sand near the Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan has calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as restaurants just outside the gates. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers (fee); toilets. Best for: swimming.

Just east of Esperanza, this mile-long stretch of sand skirts a perfect crescent-shape bay. Dotted with picnic tables, this beach gets packed on holidays and weekends. On weekdays, when crowds are thin, you might see wild horses grazing among the palm trees. There is a small fee for parking, but often there is no one at the gate to take your money. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

As soon as the sun sets, large and small boats line the dock to take visitors out to view the Bioluminescent Bay. Microscopic dinoflagellates glow when disturbed by movement, suffusing the waves with thousands of starlike points of light. The bay's glow has been diminished substantially by pollution—both light pollution from nearby communities and water pollution from toxic chemicals dumped into the bay and constant boat traffic. This bay isn't as bright as the one in Vieques, but it's the only swimmable bio bay on the island. While it's not necessary to make a reservation—plenty of operators try to rustle up customers on the docks around sunset—Paradise Scuba runs the most reputable excursions in the area. Visit their dive shop for more information.

The eastern section of the Bosque Estatal de Boquerón is made up of miles of mangrove forests that grow at the water's edge. Boats from the dock in La Parguera can take you on cruises through this important breeding ground for seabirds. You can also organize a kayak trip.

This 9,900-acre United Nations Biosphere Reserve is a great place for hiking. An outstanding example of a subtropical dry forest, it has some 700 species of plants, from the prickly-pear cactus to the gumbo limbo tree, and offers superb bird-watching; its more than 100 species include the pearly-eyed thrasher, lizard cuckoo, and nightjar.

The popular Ballena Trail, which begins at the ranger station on Route 334, is an easy 2-km (1¼-mile) walk that follows a partially paved road past a mahogany plantation to a dry plain covered with stunted cactus. A sign reading "Guayacán centenario" leads you to an extraordinary guayacán tree with a 6-foot-wide trunk. The moderately difficult, 5½-km (3½-mile) Fuerte Trail leads to an old fort built by the Spanish Armada. It was destroyed in the Spanish-American War in 1898, but you can see ruins of the old observatory tower.

In addition to using the main entrance on Route 334, you can enter on Route 333, which skirts the forest's southwestern quadrant. You may also wish to explore the less-trafficked area west of the town of Guánica, off Route 325.

Hiking trails surrounded by wild impatiens lead up to the 3,900-foot Pico Guilarte and elsewhere in this state forest. Bird-watchers have 26 different species to look for, including the carpenter bird. If your interest is botany, you can find a variety of trees, such as candlewood, trumpet, Honduran mahogany, and Honduran pine.

Many trails have been affected by recent hurricanes, so hike with caution.

The main attraction of the 7,000-acre "Black Bull" State Forest is the island's crowning glory: 4,398-foot Cerro de Punta. Toro Negro also has the island's highest lake, Lago Guineo, as well as an impressive waterfall, the 200-foot Salto de Doña Juana. The best place to start is at the ranger station on Route 143. Ask the friendly staffers for a map; the trails—like the one that leads from the ranger station to an observation tower with views of the northern and southern sides of the island—are not always well marked. There are more trails east of the ranger station, at the Area Recreacional Doña Juana. Keep an eye out for exotic birds, such as the Guadalupe woodpecker. The reserve also contains a huge swimming pool (often out of service) built into a mountainside. Note that some trails have not been fully cleared or restored following Hurricane Maria's devastation in 2017.

The canyon may be difficult to find, but it's well worth the effort. Trails of tropical vegetation lead to a breathtaking waterfall. Tour guides can take you straight to the action while you learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this stunning region.