23 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

What to say about landmarks in Puerto Rico- they are simply incredible- a treat for any tourist! Puerto Rico houses rich culture, and history, numerous sandy shores, and breathtaking beaches that are fun to explore.

It is not the insane amount of beachfront only that makes Puerto Rico a traveler's favorite destination- rather it is the variety and quality of the sandy stretches that surely make one's trip cherishable.

Let us tell you about some memorable landmarks that you must add to your Puerto Rico itinerary. From Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan to La Guancha Boardwalk in Ponce, here is everything you need to know.

1. Bahía Bioluminiscente

We are starting off our list of famous places in Puerto Rico with Bahía Bioluminescence or commonly known as Mosquito Bay which happens to be the world's brightest bioluminescent body of water.

Sitting on the south side of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, this bay flaunts a bright blue glow in the darkness. Whereas many locals associate the blue lights with spirits or ghosts, they are a work of tiny organisms known as dinoflagellates- a microscopic species, present around 700,000 per gallon in number, converting internal chemical energy into the light together.

The best time to witness this amazing phenomenon is during the night time of course, with less or no moonlight as the bioluminescence dazzles its visitors in near or total darkness. However, if you are planning to wear bug spray with DEET while you plan to visit the bay, DON'T DO IT as it harms the bioluminescent organisms.
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2. Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of those rare landmarks in Puerto Rico that preserves its legacy within the Americas and the Caribbean.

Standing tall for around 500 years on the corner of the islet of Old San Juan, this pivotal military engineering marvel served as a primary military outpost, first for Spain and later for the United States. The good news for the tourists is that El Morro welcomes visitors seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Let us fill you in with some clothing tips. If you visit El Morro during the summers then we will recommend you wear shorts, loose, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen as most of the fort's inner courtyard is exposed, so it gets quite hot during sunny days. Skirts and dresses are not an appropriate option as the fort's surroundings are quite windy. On a rainy day, wear your sturdy footwear.
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3. El Yunque National Forest

Buckle up your shoes and get ready to explore one of Puerto Rico's most beloved natural gems and the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.

Yes, next on our list of things to do in Puerto Rico is El Yunque National Forest. What makes this forest special is its diverse ecosystem, hundreds of unique plants, and animal species. Who knows you might get to see Puerto Rico's famous coqui frog.

Walk across the La Mina Trail and you will reach La Mina Falls, the infamous set of waterfalls present in the park.

If you are daring enough to slip from the tropical heat, do consider swimming in the park's swimming holes and soak in the natural wonders surrounding the holes such as giant tree ferns, a rich variety of flora featuring bromeliads, sierra palms, and orchids.

Also, make some effort to climb up one or both of the stone towers to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.
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4. Castillo de San Cristóbal

Castillo de San Cristóbal is one of the significant landmarks in Puerto Rico that is visited by millions of tourists every year.

This notable fortification stands proud on the island of Tenerife since 1765 and served as the main defensive building on Santa Cruz Bay to guard the city against enemies approaching by land during the Battle of San Juan in 1797.

The historic citadel is the largest one ever built by the Spaniards in the New World as it covers around 27 acres. This widespread esplanade is a prime spot to explore the panoramic beauty of Old San Juan.
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5. Flamenco Beach

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without soaking in some sun on its picturesque beaches. Flamenco Beach has made a mark in our top picks for the famous places to visit in Puerto Rico because it is known for its diving sites, swimming areas, sparkly sandy stretch, and of course, shallow turquoise waters.

A popular beach destination for both Culebra and Puerto Rico, this picturesque spot stretches nearly over a mile around a horseshoe-shaped, sheltered bay.

You will also get to explore here two rusting carcasses of old M4 Sherman tanks, once possessed by the US navy that they left behind while departing from Flamenco Beach in 1975. Flamenco Beach has served as a prime weapons-testing ground by the US Naval for more than 30 years.
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6. Cueva Ventana

This is yet another natural site in our list of picturesque landmarks in Puerto Rico - Cueva Ventana - a giant cave overlooking the Río Grande de Arecibo valley from the top of the limestone cliff in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Also known as the 'window cave', it is where you can discover astonishing natural beauty, explore the history of the island’s indigenous people — the Taíno, and experience a refreshing hiking adventure.

You will be amazed to witness stone engravings, pre-Columbian petroglyphs, the cave’s iconic window-like opening, and the panoramic hiking trails sandwiched between lush surroundings. The cave is also connected with hidden spots, several tunnels, and smaller caves that you can explore during your tour.
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7. Cayo Icacos

The next landmark to add to your bucket list of stunning landmarks of Puerto Rico is Cayo Icacos-most picturesque and the largest of the cays making up La Cordillera Nature Reserve off the northeast tip of Puerto Rico.

Once you get there, you will fall in love with this Puerto Rico's most popular cay as this unspoiled, relaxing beach will welcome you onboard with unbelievably clear blue waters accentuated with diverse and abundant underwater life.

Turquoise waves crashing lightly against the white sand sprayed with bits of seashells portray a postcard-perfect view. Cayo Icacos is also an ideal snorkeling site.
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8. Isla Culebrita

On the hunt of discovering the famous landmarks in Puerto Rico, let's head towards Isla Culebrita- a small, uninhabited island sitting off the eastern coast of Culebra.

The whole island covers around 10 square miles and has been defined by six barrios (districts). If you decide to stay on Isla Culebrita, be ready to embrace the island life to the fullest (a glorious once-in-a-lifetime opportunity).

While it might be a setback for some tourists that there are no chain hotels present on this small island, you will find many vacation rentals and small inns that serve the best to make tropical getaways feel like home.
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9. Toro Verde Adventure Park

Let's treat your nerves with some adrenaline rush as out of the best things to do in Puerto Rico - you are going to a place that is built for brave hearts and energetic souls - Toro Verde Adventure Park.

Featuring unforgettable ziplining experiences developed strategically inside an ecological adventure park, it also hosted Jimmy Fallon's special episode “Desde Puerto Rico” in January.

If you choose to go ziplining over “The Monster,” a 2.5-kilometer zipline, or The Beast, or “Escape If You Can”, you will fly over the most breath-taking mountain views on the island. Do note that you need to make reservations before visiting the park.
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10. Arecibo Observatory

Formerly named the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory and also known to the world as the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, we are taking you to an observatory located in Barrio Esperanza, Arecibo that operates under the US National Science Foundation.

Operational since 1963, it features a gigantic platform rising out of a tropical forest, suspended high above a gigantic radio dish. The site met a horrific accident in Dec 2020 when a 900-ton receiver platform fell hundreds of feet and smashed through the radio dish.

You can enjoy here a self-guided tour to explore 3,500 square feet of exhibits and also watch a 20-minute movie in the auditorium called Beyond the big dreams to know about the work done at The Arecibo Observatory.
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11. Sitio Histórico de San Juan

Next up in our picks for the best landmarks in Puerto Rico is Sitio Histórico de San Juan - a National Park Service-managed historic site in the old San Juan section of San Juan.

Built in 1979, this site is home to many of Puerta Rico's strategic attractions such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, bastions, powder houses, and three-fourths of the old city wall.

When you reach here, do climb Castillo San Felipe del Morro, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of San Juan and Castillo San Cristóbal, built to guard San Juan against land attacks. Not to forget to book a Jet Ski tour of the bay too.
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12. Cueva Del Indio

Here comes another prehistoric rock site in our list of places to visit in Puerto Rico.

Located in La Piedras near Arecibo, this amazing site boasts incredible views of the Atlantic with great Insta-perfect picture opportunities. Initially discovered in 1982, the history of this cave dates back to pre-Columbian days.

Here you can hunt down the Taino petroglyphs and explore the stories of what happened to them so many years ago. Do wear good sturdy shoes and long pants as the rock is very sharp limestone, wet, and slippery. Do walk down the trail leading to the volcanic rock and the beach.
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13. Museo de arte de Puerto Rico

Now in our list of things to do in Puerto Rico, we are featuring The Museum of Art of Puerto Rico - an art museum present at Santurce, a barrio of San Juan.

Equipped with 18 exhibition halls, it is dedicated to enriching the lives of its diverse visitors through rendering access to and promoting the appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of the visual arts from not only Puerto Rico but the whole world.

Here you can explore the collections depicting Puerto Rican art from the sixteenth century to the present or participate in cultural and educational programs to help visitors understand the role of the visual arts in the human experience and their contribution to the conception of curatorial legacy.

Spread over an area of 130,000 sq. feet, this celebrated museum sits in a grand neoclassical building that once served as the city's Municipal Hospital. Its gardens carry 16 sculptures and more than 100,000 plants.
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14. Playita del Condado

Here comes another beach in our picks for picturesque landmarks in Puerto Rico - Playita del Condado- present at the end of Ashford Avenue in Condado.

While many consider this destination a hit favorite due to its clear and crystal-like aquamarine waters, we rate it as dangerous for swimmers due to strong currents and large waves at the beach.

If we look at the traits of the beach, it welcomes its visitors with fine golden sand and plenty of trees working up for plenty of shade in the morning and early afternoon. In front of this historic site lies the panoramic views of Fortin (Fort) San Geronimo.

You will also find many good vendors across the beach and many restaurants serving exotic food along Ashford road. The beach has also been updated with lifeguards and showers. If you opt for snorkeling here, you will be thrilled to spot small seashells spread all over the ocean floor.
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15. Museo de Arte de Ponce

Museums are where you get to know about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the people of the places that you tour.

Puerto Rico houses some of the most celebrated museums in the world and Museo de Arte de Ponce is one of them. It is one of the most visited places in Puerto Rico that are hard to be missed.

Located on Avenida Las Américas in Ponce, Museo de Arte de Ponce is home to a vast collection of European art along with notable works by Puerto Rican artists.

These collections number up to 4,500 artworks featuring the ninth century C.E. to the present in the form of pre-Hispanic and African objects, decorative arts, Puerto Rican folk art, sculptures, prints, paintings, photographs, drawings, decorative arts, sound art, contemporary ceramics, and videos.

Do you know what will excite you the most? The sight of Roy Lichtenstein’s impressive 25-foot-tall sculpture Brushstrokes or Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ Head of the Oldest of the Three Kings.
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16. Isla Palominos

We bring another enthralling beauty to our list of must-visit landmarks in Puerto Rico- Isla Palominos-located near the coast of Las Croabas in Cabezas barrio to the east of Puerto Rico. This stunning island makes for a perfect snorkeling spot.

This tiny tropical escape charms its visitors with a balmy breeze, white-sand beaches, and clear Caribbean water. Here you can expect nothing more than to relax in an ultimate peaceful environment as there is not much to explore other than the craggy coastline, seagrass beds, and island’s coral reefs.

You can enjoy a selection of Caribbean dishes and cocktails served by Iguana’s Café.
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17. Faro los Morrillos

Also known as Los Morillo's Light, Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is one of the historic landmarks of Puerto Rico that strikes tourists with its laidback beauty.

Located in the municipality of Cabo Rojo since 1881, Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is a historic lighthouse accentuated with quite simple decorative elements including an unelaborated cornice, a lenticular lens, and the old cast-iron, copper, and glass lantern equipped with the original illuminating apparatus.

You can enjoy breathtaking views at the lighthouse. Just walk outside the fence of the lighthouse and be awed by the picturesque view (be careful not to walk too close to the edge).

Note: The lighthouse is still operational as it helps ships in safe navigation through the Mona Passage starting from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
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18. Black Sand Beach

We know that our list of infamous things to do in Puerto Rico contains many beaches but we can't help it. Puerto Rico is a land of beaches.

Now we will talk about Black Sand Beach or as the locals call it - Playa Negra. It is one of the most beautiful yet dramatic beaches that you will locate in Puerto Rico.

This unique beach offers quite a sight for beach lovers- traces of black volcanic material spread on the beach, contrasting with deep golden shades, and being kissed by the foamy waters simply enchants the sand lovers.

Rock cliffs, beautifully shaped driftwood, and desert-like bushes also play a crucial role in adding to the elegance of the beach. It is due to its awe-inspiring landscape that Victoria’s Secret Angels recently filmed the Victoria’s Secret Swim Special on this panoramic location.
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19. Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center

A wonder built by the Taíno around 1270 AD, this 800-year-old archaeological site resides in Caguana barrio, Utuado, Puerto Rico.

While on your trip to the famous landmarks in Puerto Rico, give this historic site a priority as here you will find more than 30 of the courts called Bateyes where Taíno Indians used to host ceremonial ball games- something similar to lacrosse or soccer.

Inside you will also find a small museum displaying archaeological exhibits, Indian artifacts, and a botanical garden featuring plants planted by the Taínos that they used to harvest their food such as cassava, corn, sweet potato, and yautía.
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20. Museo de las Américas

Located inside the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, a site dedicated to the military barracks during the Spanish colonial times- Museo de las Américas is one of the historic landmarks in Puerto Rico that preserves the legacy of this amazing destination.

You will be thrilled to explore inside the museum some of the temporary exhibitions along with three permanent collections (Conquest and Colonization, Our African Heritage, and Folk Arts in the Americas) promoting the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico.

Those who prefer to invest in folk art can participate in Domingo de Artesanos, an exhibition where local artists are encouraged to showcase their artwork.
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21. Cascada Gozalandia

We are updating our list of awe-inspiring landmarks in Puerto Rico with another natural gem- Las Cataratas or Gozalandia or a secret waterfall. You have to bring on an adventurous mode to unravel this secret treasure.

This pretty waterfall can be found in the town of San Sebastian. What makes this waterfall special is the pool at its bottom where the tourists love to swim in deep and clean waters. You can also discover an underwater cave by swimming on the right of the waterfall.

This beauty cashed a celebrity status when it was featured in “A Perfect Getaway.” Wow!
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22. Cascada la Mina

Here comes another natural wonder in our list of enthralling landmarks of Puerto Rico- Cascada La Mina- a natural pool, perfect for swimming enthusiasts that they can access by trailing on a steep, waterside path through the rainforest.

This exquisite waterfall drops over 35 feet, coming out of a jumble of huge rocks that ends up making a lovely pool on its foot where hikers love to swim in the refreshing water.

The site is equipped with several covered picnic shelters containing picnic tables, a barbeque, and running water taps too. Please do not take consumable products with you there.
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23. San Cristobal Canyon

We are wrapping our guide for the famous landmarks in Puerto Rico with another striking natural wonder of Puerto Rico - San Cristóbal Canyon.

Sandwiched between Aibonito and Barranquitas, it is the deepest canyon present in all of the Antilles Islands. Mark our words - this canyon is one of the trickiest destinations to reach so plan ahead or to be on the safe side, contact a tour company. Your efforts will be worth the scenes.

Enchanted mountains lined with plants and trees, rise out of rivers accompanied with beautiful waterfalls is just enthralling. For around 20 years, this canyon also served as the dumping site for metal and machinery.

Summary
How did you find our list of most memorable landmarks in Puerto Rico that you must not miss when you visit this incredible tourist spot?
Your trip to this unique walled city is equivalent to traveling back in time.

This second oldest town in America is lined up with blue cobblestone streets, military forts, and charming pastel-colored colonial architecture where you will be thrilled to witness a slower-paced yet modern life- surely an authentic Puerto Rican experience.

No matter if you are a cultural buff or history savvy or sightseeing enthusiast, Puerto Rico is the only destination that will absolutely suffice for your wanderlust.
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