Discover the top 8 must-visit destinations in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a destination that continually offers new experiences.

On your first trip to Puerto Rico, you'll explore famous attractions and historical sites. But you'll return for the hidden gems—venturing beyond the bioluminescent bays and the renowned beaches.

Exploring Puerto Rico requires some planning. A rental car and local insights can enhance your experience. With over 300 miles of stunning coastline, the best spots are scattered across the island.

For urban explorers, San Juan boasts a lively arts and museum scene. The capital effortlessly transitions from beach vibes to speakeasy nights. Here’s a guide to navigating Puerto Rico.

1. Loíza

Ideal for live music

Loíza offers numerous fantastic spots to enjoy live bomba music. Begin your adventure in Piñones, where you can explore the kiosk strip and indulge in tasty fritters, such as the renowned empanadillas de jueyes (crab empanadas) and the savory plantain-and-ground-beef dish known as pionono. El Boricua is a local favorite, so be sure to arrive early as lines can get long.

Next, swing by El Imán Bar to enjoy live bomba music and watch the bailaores (flamenco dancers) perform increasingly challenging moves to impress both the drummers and the audience.

Insider tip: Bomba events are often casual and spontaneous. For the best insight into schedules and activities in the area, check out Corporación Piñones Se Integra, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Loíza's cultural heritage.

2. Isla Verde

Perfect for craft beer enthusiasts

While Medalla beer seems to dominate the ads in Puerto Rico, it's not the only option. Though it’s a popular local light lager priced between US$2 and $5, places like Ocean Lab Brewing Co. in Isla Verde have turned Puerto Rico into a hotspot for Caribbean craft beer aficionados over the last 15 years.

Local breweries throughout the island blend traditional European methods with modern American techniques to craft beers featuring unique island flavors such as passion fruit, quenépa (Spanish lime), and mango. At Ocean Lab Brewing Co., be sure to try the refreshing Mayawest lager and the Mambo passion-fruit wheat beer.

Insider tip: Over at Boquerón Brewing Co in the beach town of Cabo Rojo, you'll find some fantastic fruity experimental beers and ales. For an especially unique taste, head south to Señorial Brewing Co in Ponce to sample their rare quenépa fruit beer.

3. Santurce, San Juan

Ideal for street art and museums

Due to its central location and rich musical and cultural history, the Santurce neighborhood in San Juan has long served as a hub for artists. Each year, the Santurce es Ley festival transforms the area into a vibrant street party, inviting top muralists and graffiti artists from Puerto Rico and beyond to enhance local buildings with their artwork.

For the best art, make your way to the Tras Talleres and El Gandul sections of Santurce. You can find similar initiatives in Yauco, such as Yaucromatic, and impressive art installations in Ponce that showcase the island's dynamic creative scene.

This San Juan neighborhood also boasts some of the most intriguing museums on the island. Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, an architectural gem in the heart of the district, or explore the more avant-garde Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, located in the city's sole brick building.

Insider tip: The island is dotted with small museums dedicated to preserving local history and events. One of our favorites is the Museo de Artes Populares de Caguas, which highlights traditional Puerto Rican folk art and craftsmanship.

4. Old San Juan

Perfect for rooftop bars

While much of Old San Juan is picture-perfect, it's the hidden rooftop bars that steal the show, offering some of the trendiest spots to relax, many with stunning views of the island's legendary sunsets.

Some top choices include La Catedral at the Decanter Hotel, where you can sip afternoon cocktails while admiring the architecture of the Catedrál de San Juan. Another great option is Scryer Rum & Barrelhouse, a tasting house featuring a rooftop lounge that serves rum cocktails and offers insights into the distilling process. For a lively atmosphere, La Vergüenza, with views of the La Perla neighborhood, is the perfect place for salsa dancing and live music.

5. Arecibo

Ideal for history buffs

Frequently missed by travelers, Arecibo is one of Puerto Rico’s oldest towns. Founded in 1616, it has undergone many transformations, from a pirate haven to a hub for significant astronomical research at the now-closed Arecibo Observatory. Although the town center has seen better days, a new generation of business owners is gradually revitalizing its historic buildings into innovative restaurants and bars.

On weekends, visit La Buena Vida on Calle Gonzalo Marín for craft beers and unique, made-to-order pasta dishes. Afterward, stop by W Bar on Avenida de Diego, a hidden whiskey bar adorned with stylish tropical decor. If you're still craving food, Ocean View Food Park features fusion cuisines, including the renowned ramen from Mr. Don and fried chicken from Tori House.

6. El Yunque

Ideal for wild swimming

As the only rainforest within the US National Parks system, El Yunque is home to numerous plant species and a network of life-sustaining rivers, many of which are perfect for swimming.

Hiking trails in Puerto Rico vary in difficulty, but for a wild swimming experience, take the Angelito Trail—a 20-minute trek along a muddy path that leads you to the Río Mameyes.

Other great spots for wild swimming include the Las Paylas River, featuring a thrilling natural slide that drops you into a peaceful pool filled with fish, as well as Las Tinaja. It’s best to book a guided tour to access these locations due to unstable terrain and moderate climbing required.

Insider tip: Always check the weather before visiting a river. Avoid going if it's raining, as flash floods can be deadly. Look out for debris like mud and sticks in otherwise clear waters as a warning sign of possible flash floods.

7. Cordillera Central

Ideal for hiking

With its lush green scenery, swirling fog, and crisp air, the Cordillera Central mountain range offers some exceptional hiking experiences. Be prepared for afternoon showers, so don’t forget to bring a rain jacket.

To experience the most scenic walk, begin in Cayey, just off the Luis A Ferré Expressway. Once you arrive in Guavate, make sure to stop at one of the many restaurants serving Puerto Rico's iconic dish: lechón (whole-hog roast).

Continue up Mountain Road #1 to take in the picturesque rolling hills and rocky peaks. You'll find numerous chinchorros (food stalls) along the way to Aibonito, where you can enjoy mojitos, tacos, and artisanal drinks.

Insider tip: Start your journey early in the morning to allow plenty of time for stops along the route. The charming town centers of Aibonito, Coamo, and Orocovis provide delightful dining options and a glimpse into local history.

8. El Poblado de Boquerón

Ideal for partying

A tranquil seaside village during the week, El Poblado (meaning town square) in the Boquerón area of Cabo Rojo transforms into a vibrant street festival on weekends. Expect live music, karaoke, and mouthwatering street food.

Savor a meal at Pelican’s Boquerón restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of local specialties like fried fish and mofongo (fried plantain mash with garlic and olive oil). Then, hop between bars in the square and dance the night away. Recharge with a large bacalaíto (codfish fritter) from the cart in the square—you won't regret it.