Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

July 4th in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico--go or no-go?

July 4th in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico--go or no-go?

Old Apr 20th, 2014, 07:46 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
July 4th in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico--go or no-go?

Has anyone traveled to Puerto Rico during the July 4th holiday? Having never been, I don't know how crowded/touristy it is on a regular basis. We're not the cruising/all-inclusive-style travelers and are instead looking for an authentic experience in Old San Juan--interested in history, culture, architecture, great food/wine, beautiful views. Always up for an adventure--hiking, exploring the rain forest, kayaking. Beach time is lower on the list but will want some [especially a sunrise/set]. Would love feedback on whether or not the island will be overcrowded given the holiday and/or favorite experiences. Traveling as two couples, mid- to late-30s.
ksjtravel is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2014, 08:25 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
San Juan is a big busy city, so it's crowded even when there is not a holiday. It gets more cruise ships than almost any other place in the Caribbean, and it's a magnet for everyone, bith locals and visitors, on weekends. On July 4 I think more locals will head to the beach since it will be so hot. But Old San Juan is not a destination for a quiet weekend. But Puerto Rico has a lot to offer. Just be aware that this is the heart of hurricane season.
doug_stallings is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2014, 10:32 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 35,301
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
I've been there over the 4th. It wasn't any more crowded than other times I've been there (not as crowded as Easter time, for instance). I'd agree with Doug that the beaches will be more crowded - the one mistake I made when I was there on the 4th was to be driving from Fajardo to Condado on the actual 4th at around noon. Major traffic jam. Doug says that Old San Juan is not a destination for a quiet weekend but I didn't read anything in your post that indicates you want a "quiet" weekend. In fact, Old San Juan and Puerto Rico in general fits your description of what you are looking for perfectly. The island is pretty big and as a whole it won't be "overcrowded." Also, I wouldn't describe the beginning of July as the heart of hurricane season, although anytime you visit the Caribbean in the summer there is a small chance of a hurricane.
tom42 is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2014, 02:02 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The heart of hurricane season is mid-September. ;-)
eastenderusvi is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2014, 06:44 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Many thanks to you all for the feedback!
ksjtravel is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
melSDCA
Caribbean Islands
3
Sep 25th, 2019 10:22 AM
SME03
Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
1
Feb 8th, 2015 10:24 PM
txtravelgirl
Caribbean Islands
10
May 20th, 2013 05:02 PM
bycbook
Caribbean Islands
5
Jan 30th, 2010 03:23 AM
hjarso
Caribbean Islands
5
Jul 24th, 2006 06:25 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -