San Juan is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and adventure. When visiting San Juan, you might think of the famous old forts or beautiful beaches, but renting a car allows you to explore the city and nearby attractions conveniently. Whether it's your first time or a return trip, there are plenty of unique experiences that will make your journey memorable. Keep reading to discover some of the best things to do in San Juan.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these activities will help you experience San Juan like a local.
Puerto Rico is one of the few places in the world where you can experience bioluminescent water year-round, and the closest glowing lagoon to the capital is Laguna Grande in Fajardo, about an hour’s drive east of San Juan. In this serene mangrove-fringed lagoon, microscopic organisms emit a blue-green light whenever the water moves, creating a breathtaking natural glow during nighttime kayak tours. For the brightest display, visit during a new moon when the sky is darkest, and the bioluminescence shines at its strongest.
Once on the tour, guides lead you through narrow mangrove tunnels until you emerge into the open lagoon. Each stroke of your paddle sets off a swirl of neon-like sparkles. This unforgettable bioluminescent adventure is one of Puerto Rico’s must-do activities. The best part is that you can easily fit it into a short weekend in San Juan. Just book an evening tour, drive out to Fajardo, and let nature put on a show you’ll never forget.
When visiting San Juan, one of the most unforgettable experiences is exploring its 500-year-old fortresses, which make San Juan one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas. The iconic stone defenses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal were constructed in the 16th century to safeguard the bay. Today, they are a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring tunnels, ramparts, and hidden chambers. Inside San Cristóbal, you can even step into a World War II bunker, which was added when the U.S. military used the fort for coastal defense.
As you walk along the ramparts, you’ll feel the ocean breeze and take in panoramic views of the Atlantic, while the massive cannons and fortress walls tell stories of centuries of battles. There are plaques that explain each structure, from barracks to dungeons. The forts are also connected to Old San Juan’s colourful cobblestone streets, so you can seamlessly explore the historic town before or after your visit.
Dive into Puerto Rico’s African heritage by learning Bomba, a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican dance that has been practiced for over 400 years. Bomba is far more than a dance. It is a cultural expression of resilience, identity, and joy, where dancers and drummers communicate through rhythm.
In a Bomba class, you’ll feel the pulse of the drums and learn how each dancer’s movement “calls” the drummer, who responds instantly. Originating in communities of African descendants, Bomba became a symbol of resistance against oppression. You can take Bomba workshops in Loíza, the cultural heart of Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, or at community centers and dance schools in San Juan. Classes typically run for about an hour and are beginner-friendly, so no dance experience is required. A skilled instructor will teach you the basic steps, explain the cultural background, and may introduce you to some of the six main Bomba stles.
One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through its food. Puerto Rican cuisine is a delicious blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. The island’s most iconic dish is mofongo, a savoury ball of mashed plantains mixed with garlic and crispy pork rinds, often filled with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. You can order mofongo almost anywhere. However, the most immersive experience is to join a cooking class or food tour where you actually make it yourself.
In Old San Juan, some tours even let you smash the fried plantains in a mortar and pestle, creating mofongo the traditional way. During a food tour, you’ll likely sample other staples such as arroz con gandules (Puerto Rico’s official national dish) or sip a freshly made piña colada. Still, mofongo tends to steal the spotlight. After mashing plantains with garlicky sofrito and shaping them into a perfect mound, you’ll enjoy a deeply flavourful, hearty meal.
Just outside San Juan, you’ll find nature at its most thrilling in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the entire U.S. National Forest System. About an hour’s drive east of the city, this lush paradise is filled with hiking trails, rare wildlife like the coquí frog, and countless waterfalls.
One of the forest’s most unforgettable experiences is the chance to slide down a natural waterfall chute into a crystal-clear river pool. On select guided tours, you hike through the jungle to a waterfall where centuries of rushing water have smoothed the rocks into a natural slide. This waterfall slide feels like a real-life jungle water ride, and it’s both exhilarating and safe when guided by professionals.
Many tours include helmets and show you the best places to jump, swim, and explore. Wear sturdy water-friendly shoes, as the trails can be muddy and uneven. And remember, El Yunque is a rainforest. Sudden showers can raise water levels quickly, so tours may be rescheduled if conditions aren’t safe. The drier winter and spring months offer the best accessibility.
Escambrón Marine Park, located at the far end of Escambrón Beach, is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. It is one of the island’s best urban snorkelling spots. You can swim in clear turquoise water while a wild sea turtle glides gracefully beside you. A natural reef, along with several man-made reef structures, protects the area and creates a calm lagoon where colourful tropical fish and coral formations thrive.
With just a mask and snorkel, you can spot parrotfish, angelfish, and a few friendly green sea turtles grazing on seagrass. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment from local shops. The lagoon is usually shallow and calm, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone new to snorkelling.
Guided tours are also available for those who prefer extra assistance. The turtles here are accustomed to swimmers, so you may see them surface for air nearby. Just remember to keep a distance and never touch or chase them. Escambrón Beach has lifeguards, facilities, and plenty of space to relax after your swim. Even if you’re planning only a quick weekend in San Juan, a morning snorkel at Escambrón offers a chance to see Puerto Rico’s marine wildlife up close.
If it’s your first time in San Juan, don’t miss diving into Puerto Rico’s legendary rum tradition. The island is world-renowned for its rum, and San Juan gives you access to some of the finest. While many visitors head to Casa Bacardí, a more unique and intimate experience awaits at the historic distillery in Bayamón, just outside the city. This is Puerto Rico’s oldest rum producer, and their guided tastings let you sample rare spirits, including their five-star rum, aged for up to 40 years in oak barrels.
During the tour, you’ll stroll through the old family hacienda, take in the sweet aroma of the barrel rooms, and learn how raw sugarcane becomes world-class rum. Guides share stories about the distillery’s 19th-century origins and point out antique equipment, like the original copper still.
After the educational portion, the tasting begins. You can sample younger rums, aged golden blends, and premium dark varieties, each offering its own unique notes of vanilla, oak, caramel, or spice. Many tours conclude with a complimentary rum cocktail, enjoyed on the open-air patio. Even if you're not a big drinker, tasting such rare rum in its birthplace is a unique experience. Sip responsibly, especially if you’re driving.
If you’re an adrenaline lover, a trip to an adventure park in Orocovis needs to be on your list. Located in the central mountains about 1.5 hours from San Juan, this park is home to the longest zip line in the Americas. This steel cable stretches an astonishing 1.57 miles (around 2.5 kilometres). It is roughly the length of 28 football fields lined up in a row. Due to its extreme height and length, riders can reach speeds of up to 95 mph as they soar over the treetops. You’ll be strapped into a full-body harness in a face-down Superman position.
At the launch platform, expect some butterflies as you look out over the vast landscape. The staff will carefully secure you, offer a safety briefing, and provide goggles and a stabilizing parachute. Then comes the unforgettable moment of nearly two full minutes of flight time. You'll hear screams and laughter echo across the hills as riders conquer El Monstruo. The park also features other ziplines, suspension bridges, and rope challenge courses.
La Placita is a lively square by day that transforms into a huge street party by night. Officially known as Plaza del Mercado de Santurce, it is in the Santurce neighborhood and is surrounded by bars, clubs, and restaurants. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the streets around the plaza overflow with people ready to dance, mingle, and enjoy the city’s energy.
You’ll hear a mix of salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and hip-hop blasting from different corners. Some people dance right on the sidewalks, and others walk around with drinks in hand. To experience La Placita, start with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, then wander toward the plaza as the music picks up. Street vendors often sell snacks like empanadillas or pinchos. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance. Puerto Ricans are incredibly welcoming, and someone might even show you a basic salsa step on the spot.
For a laid-back, mouth-watering adventure, head to Piñones, a coastal area just east of San Juan known for its unbeatable local street food scene. The Piñones Boardwalk (Balneario de Piñones) is a long stretch of road lined with dozens of food kiosks. Open-air stands and colourful shacks serve classic Puerto Rican snacks and dishes. This is a food-lover’s paradise where you can truly eat like a local.
Try alcapurrias, deep-fried fritters made from grated green bananas and yautía stuffed with seasoned meat. You’ll also find bacalaítos (giant cod-fish fritters), pinchos (BBQ-glazed meat skewers), empanadillas (lobster, beef, or cheese turnovers). Many kiosks offer picnic tables or bar counters where you can sit, eat, and sip a cold beer or fresh coconut water.To explore Piñones at your own pace, it’s best to rent a car in San Juan because taxis are limited in this area. The drive takes only about 20 minutes.
Each of these unique experiences will show you a different side of San Juan and Puerto Rico. Mix and match them to suit your interests. You could be kayaking under the stars one night, hiking in the rainforest the next day, and dancing salsa by the weekend. No matter which activities you choose, you'll come home with amazing stories and a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich culture and natural wonders.
Rent a car in San Juan with Final Rentals and pick up your rental vehicle directly at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Choose from a wide selection of well-maintained cars, SUVs, and family vehicles. Enjoy instant booking confirmation, transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and free cancellation. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
