169 Best Sights in Puerto Rico

This is the first handcrafted-rum distillery in Puerto Rico. They offer tours that come with rum tastings at the end. Their rum is infused with local ingredients like orange or coffee from Lajas. You can purchase bottles on-site. On Saturdays, they sometimes hold events that include live music.

At the top of Cerro Vigía—a hill where the Spanish once watched for ships, including those of marauding pirates—is this colossal concrete cross. You can climb the stairs or take a glass elevator to the top of the 100-foot cross for a panoramic view across the city. Purchase tickets at nearby Castillo Serrallés.

For years this cave was known among locals only, but thanks to social media, their well-kept secret is out. The attraction has since become commercialized, and now a local landowner charges admission along with a tour, flashlight, and safety helmet. Still, many travelers find the view worthwhile—it's not called "Window Cave" for nothing (be sure to bring your camera).

Protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this uninhabited island—about 20 km (13 miles) off the coast of Rincón—is home to lizards, rats, and rhesus monkeys, first introduced in 1967 from Cayo Santiago. Among divers, it's known for abundant reef and fish life. The main draw here is "Candyland," a rocky bottom that rims the island and slopes to 120 feet. Long tunnels and caverns covered with purple hydrocoral distinguish one formation known as Yellow Reef. With visibility of 150 feet, this is also a popular snorkeling spot. Other sites have plentiful fish and coral in shallower water just off Rincón's shores. Private boats or rentals are needed to access the island.

Named for the eerie green domes on a nearby power plant, this beach is extremely popular with surfers, with its consistent rights and occasional lefts. On a good surf day, arrive early if you want a spot on the sand. Though not recommended for swimmers because of the rocks, it's a great whale-watching spot in winter. The dirt road leading to the parking area is rather steep and difficult to exit. There are no facilities here, so plan accordingly. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing.

The white-marble Capitol, a fine example of Italian Renaissance style, dates from 1929. The grand rotunda, which can be seen from all over San Juan, was completed in the late 1990s. Fronted by eight Corinthian columns, it's a dignified home for the Commonwealth's constitution. Although the Senate and House of Representatives have offices in the more modern buildings on either side, the Capitol is where the legislators meet. Guided tours, which last about an hour and include the rotunda, are by appointment only.

This great beach draws large crowds on weekends to its rustic waterfront eateries and calm waters. You can rent small boats and kayaks here. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: partiers; swimming.

This Spanish-built lighthouse above the ferry dock in Isabel Segunda dates from 1895. It was built to guide vessels into the harbor, which is surrounded by a chain of dangerous reefs. Its red light is rumored to be visible from as far away as St. Croix and St. Thomas. In 1992, the elegant structure was carefully restored and transformed into a maritime museum that traces much of the island's history, including the visit by South American liberation leader Simón Bolívar. The tiny museum is open weekdays, but the lighthouse itself is worth a look any day.

On the island's northern coast, above Isabel Segunda, is the last military structure built by the Spanish in the New World. It was erected in 1840 at the order of Count Mirasol, then governor of Puerto Rico. Although it's tiny, it took more than a decade to complete, which meant Mirasol had to repeatedly ask for more money. (Queen Isabel, on being petitioned yet again, asked Mirasol whether the walls were made of gold.) The hilltop fort helped solidify Spanish control of the area, keeping British, French, Dutch, and Danish colonists away and dissuading pirates from attacking Isabel Segunda. In 1991, after sitting empty for several decades, it was transformed into a museum with a good array of artifacts from the Taíno and other cultures that thrived on this and nearby islands before the arrival of the Spanish. It also has an impressive collection of small arms, plus exhibits on the island's years as a sugar plantation and its occupation by the U.S. Navy. On occasion, it presents temporary exhibitions of works by contemporary artists.

El Portal de El Yunque, located at the entrance to the rainforest, is the newly renovated visitor center for El Yunque. Here, you can pick up maps and ask for information about current conditions in the rain forest. They have art exhibits made of reclaimed wood from the hurricanes, local artist shows, and daily ranger talks explaining unique aspects of the forest.

A beautiful example of Spanish-colonial architecture, the Faro de Arecibo is one of the loveliest lighthouses on the island. Dating from 1897, it sits on a bluff high above Arecibo. Although the museum inside the lighthouse has maritime treasures that will interest everyone in your group, the rest of the park is strictly kid stuff. There are scaled-down replicas of Christopher Columbus's Niña, Pinta, and Santa María, as well as replicas of the huts used by the island's original inhabitants, the Taíno Indians. On weekends, groups in traditional costumes play live music; you can watch the revelry from the sitting area of the café.

The area's most popular attraction is this neoclassical lighthouse, dating from 1881. The magnificent structure, built on a limestone cliff, has amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. It is open to the public, and you are free to hike around the rugged terrain or relax on La Playuela or one of the other pink-sand beaches nearby.

There are no facilities here, so bring water, food, and sunscreen.

This tiny but fascinating museum honors Felisa Rincón de Gautier, who served as San Juan's mayor from 1946 to 1968. Throughout her life, "Doña Felisa" worked tirelessly on various public causes, including women's voting rights and health care for the poor. Her preschools, known as Escuelas Maternas, were used as the model for the United States' Head Start program. Extremely well connected politically, both on the island and abroad, she was an egalitarian figure who rose to power at a time when women and politics were not mentioned in the same breath. Even if you have no interest in her story, stop by for a peek inside one of Old San Juan's historic houses. Guided tours in English or Spanish are available.

This nonprofit foundation serves many functions: museum; performance space; dance and music school; and archive preserving Puerto Rican contributions to music, dance, television, theater, film, and other aspects of culture. In a 300-year-old building once used by the Spanish as a meteorological lookout, you can view rotating exhibitions, hear live Latin music in the evenings, or take a bomba or plena dance class. A small store sells music by Puerto Ricans in every genre, from classical to salsa. Signed posters from El Gran Combo, Tito Puente, and Willie Colón—as well as Ricky Martin's platinum record—line the walls. Check the website or call ahead for the performance schedule.

Explore karst topography and subtropical vegetation at the 2,357-acre Guajataca State Forest, between the towns of Quebradillas and Isabela. On more than 46 walking trails you can see 186 species of trees, like royal palm and ironwood, and 45 species of birds—watch for red-tailed hawks and Puerto Rican woodpeckers. At the forest entrance there's a small ranger station where you can pick up a decent hiking map (get here early, as the rangers don't always stay until closing time).

This international award-winning farm cultivates locally grown cacao, from bar to bean. Guests can go on a walking tour of the property or sign up for special tasting events, like whiskey and chocolate pairings.

Hacienda Don Carmelo means different things to different people. To couples getting married, it's a gorgeous backdrop for a dream wedding. To jockeys and horse lovers, it's a school of equestrian art and a venue for the finest horse shows on the island. To visitors who stop by on the first Saturday of the month, it's a pleasant opportunity to take a break from the traffic on a walk through a 60-acre property with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The branches of a 130-year-old tree hold a beautiful tree house. If the property looks vaguely familiar, you might have seen it before: the hacienda appeared on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. You will, however, need to make a reservation if you want to access the property and go on a tour of its grounds.

One of several Conservation Trust properties around the island is a restored sugar plantation with a functioning steam engine that once powered the sugarcane press, increasing production fourfold. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hacienda requires an appointment for tours, but visitors with a little time will find it a worthwhile opportunity to learn a great deal about the bittersweet role of sugar in Puerto Rican and Caribbean history.

On Coamo's main square, the Iglesia Católica San Blás has a gorgeous neoclassical facade. Dating from 1563, the whitewashed building is one of the oldest churches on the island. Mass is still held here, but the church is open to visitors.

With its vaulted ceilings, this little church is a splendid example of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture. It was built under the supervision of Dominican friars in 1532, making it the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere. The body of Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who came to the New World seeking the Fountain of Youth, was buried here for almost three centuries before being moved to the Catedral de San Juan Bautista in 1909.

One of the prettiest churches on the southern coast, Iglesia San Antonio de Padua was begun in 1827, but not completed until 40 years later. Don't set your watch by the time on the clock; the hand-painted face is frozen at the time the church was "baptized." The bells in the tower were cast in gold and bronze in 1835. Mass is still held here, but visitors can come by any time.

Named for its shape, this island, which stretches for 3 km (2 miles) and is 8 km (5 miles) off the coast, has the best beaches near Ponce and some of the best snorkeling in southern Puerto Rico. Due to hawksbill turtle nesting (May–December), the island is protected by the Reserva Natural Caja de Muertos, but you can still swim, snorkel, and dive here. A 30-minute hike across the island leads to a small lighthouse dating from 1887. Scheduled boats aren't currently available, but some of the many boatmen at La Guancha will take you out for about $40 round-trip. You must pack what you need (food and drink) and remember to take your garbage with you! Amenities: toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

For about $5 per person, boats will ferry you to and from this small island just off the coast for a day of swimming and snorkeling. This island is unique for its fenced in ocean section, providing a safe area for families to swim surrounded by a pier. There are changing rooms and grilling areas. Amenities: showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This 75-acre forest of more than 200 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation is the Universidad de Puerto Rico's main attraction. Gravel footpaths lead to a graceful lotus lagoon and a bamboo promenade, as well as orchid and palm gardens. Not all plants and trees are labeled, so the garden is more of a tranquil retreat than an opportunity to learn about the vegetation. Trail maps are available at the entrance gate; the $5 tour is well worth it.

On the north side of Plaza Francisco Mariano Quiñones, this two-story home was built in 1871 for Tomás Agrait. (If you look closely, you can still see his initials in the wrought-iron decorations.) For many years it served as a center of cultural activities in San Germán. Today, it holds several shops.

Sitting atop the fortified city walls overlooking the harbor, La Fortaleza was built between 1533 and 1540 as a fortress, but it proved insufficient, mainly because it was built inside the bay. It was attacked numerous times and occupied twice, by the British in 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. When the city's other fortifications were finished, this became the governor's palace. Changes made over the past four centuries have resulted in the current eclectic yet eye-pleasing collection of marble and mahogany, medieval towers, and stained-glass galleries. It is still the official residence of the island's governor, making it the Western Hemisphere's oldest executive mansion in continuous use. Guided tours of the gardens and exterior are conducted several times a day in English and Spanish; call ahead, as the schedule changes daily. Proper attire is required: no sleeveless shirts or very short shorts. Tours begin near the main gate in a yellow building called the Real Audiencia, housing the Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica (State Historic Preservation Office).

Ponce's public beach is simple but lovely, with shallow water perfect for small children. You'll find bathrooms, a playground, and a few kiosks selling fried food. There's some shade under thatched umbrellas, but bring sunscreen. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: swimming.

Encircling the cove of a working harbor, the seaside boardwalk features a small lookout tower and kiosks where vendors sell local food and drink. The adjacent park has a large children's area filled with playground equipment and, on weekends, live music. The nearby public beach has restrooms, changing areas, a medical post, and plenty of free parking. On Sunday night, this place gets packed with locals strolling the boardwalk. If you're feeling adventurous, some kiosks sell baggies of fish meant for feeding the tarpons that surround the pier; just watch out for the greedy pelicans!

Deemed Puerto Rico’s most famous “slum” or “shantytown,” La Perla has a checkered past and visitors have long been advised to avoid it altogether because of drug activity. In 2011, a raid by the Drug Enforcement Agency removed many of those responsible from the neighborhood. Then in 2017, Luis Fonsi released the global hit Despacito, filmed in La Perla. Since then, tourists have been visiting more frequently, undeterred by warnings. The neighborhood is in a point of transition, and like other parts of the island has used street art to revitalize the architecture and engage residents. Stop by El Malecon to see murals and grab a tripleta from La Cantina on the way. If you are planning to visit, do not take pictures without permission and avoid carrying any valuables. To exercise increased caution, go with a walking tour or local guide and avoid visiting at night.