Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico
Immerse yourself in the rich history of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Visit some of the city's historical landmarks -- including El Morro, Fort San Cristobal -- and marvel at its distinct character.
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Fort San Cristobal
One of the must-see tourist attractions in San, Puerto Rico, is the Fort San Cristobal. The fort, the largest Spanish fort in the Western hemisphere, was built in 1783 to protect the city against land attacks.
San Juan Beaches
Visit one of San Juan’s white sandy beaches. Ocean Park Beach attracts more single adults than families. Pine Grove Beach, Playa Santa, Caña Gorda and Carolina Public Beach are perfect for the best swimming. On the main island, the best spot for snorkeling is El Convento Beach. And for surfers, Rincón is the center of the island surf scene.
San Juan Skyline
Take a look at San Juan’s amazing skyline. We’re sure this isn’t what Spanish colonists imagined the city would turn into after they founded the city in 1521. Today, San Juan is one of Puerto Rico’s most important seaports.
Devil's Guerite
Most of San Juan’s walls have guerites or sentry boxes at various points. One of Fort San Cristobal’s sentry boxes, Devil’s Guerite (pictured), is one of the oldest parts of the fort, built in 1634. Local legend claims that a soldier disappeared randomly from the guerite.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan is the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico, and it is the historic colonial section of San Juan, PR. The small, narrow island lies in the north coast of Puerto Rico, and 3 bridges connect the island to the mainland.
El Convento Hotel
El Convento, an old convent constructed in 1650, was transformed into one of the best luxury hotels in Old San Juan. The hotel is located within walking distance of world-class museums, historic landmarks and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Cobblestone Streets
Take a stroll through the streets of San Juan. The city is characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets and flat-roofed brick and stone building dating back to the 16th and 17th century when Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule.
Colorful Architecture
Although Old San Juan is steeped in Spanish architecture, there are splashes on modern flair. From a high vantage point in the city, tourists can get a nice view of the colorful rooftops that give the old city distinct character.
El Morro
El Morro aka Fuerte San Felipe del Morro is another popular tourist attraction in San Juan. It is one of two forts inside the San Juan National Historic Site. This trail allows tourist to walk around the 6-story fortress built between 1539 and 1589. Travelers who enjoy a good history tour can also walk into the fortress’ depths, which include a maze of tunnels, barracks and prison cells.