-With incredible beaches and historic cities, Puerto Rico is a must-visit island destination.
By Carley Rojas Avila | Published on November 10, 2023
Everyone from reggaetoneros hunting out Bad Bunny’s favorite party places to starry-eyed honeymooners drawn by posh beach resorts can agree: Puerto Rico easily lives up to its name as the Isla del Encanto, the Island of Enchantment. A slew of new flights to the island offered by Delta and other major carriers are kicking off this winter, making it easier than ever to enjoy a trip to this tropical paradise — no passport needed.
Part of the joy of a visit to Puerto Rico comes from scouting out its hidden beaches, visiting tiny, white-sand islets, and hiking to the jungle waterfalls that other travelers missed. With the help of locals and insiders from PADI, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we’ve assembled a list of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico, from the best surf spots to winding cave systems and the best places to chow down on local dishes like alcapurrias and mofongo.
The historic heart of Puerto Rico’s capital, Old San Juan is vibrant beyond its colorful colonial architecture or its iconic “Umbrella Street,” Calle de la Fortaleza. Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old mansions before arriving at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Spanish fortress crowning the western tip of the historic neighborhood and offering spectacular ocean views. End a day of exploring with local bites at one of the neighborhood’s countless rooftop restaurants or with a drink at La Factoría, named the best bar in the Caribbean in 2023.
