Dreaming of tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and great food? Puerto Rico should be at the top of your list. I recently had the pleasure of spending three nights and four days in beautiful San Juan, and I’m excited to share all the highlights of my trip! Here’s how my escape to Puerto Rico went.
The Perfect Stay: La Concha Resort
At La Concha Resort, I enjoyed oceanfront views and a room with stunning sights of the water. The resort itself has a cool vibe. They’ve successfully combined luxury and relaxation into one, and waking up to the sound of waves was exactly the recharge I needed. And believe me – I needed a recharge. From lounging by the pool or strolling along the beach, La Concha was the perfect location to return to after exploring San Juan.
Sipping on History: Bacardí Rum Distillery
One of the first stops on my adventure was the Bacardí Rum Distillery. This tour is an absolute must for anyone visiting Puerto Rico who loves a little drink! It was fascinating to learn about the history of Bacardí, from how it all began to how it became the iconic brand we know today.
The tour also included a tasting, which was a great highlight. Our tour guide and Bacardi aficionado showed us how to make two delicious drinks – a mojito and a jungle bird. It was my first time hearing about the jungle bird, but it was actually delicious. I never knew rum could have such a range of flavors, but Bacardí delivered!
La Placita: The Heart of San Juan’s Nightlife
When the sun sets in San Juan, the city comes alive, and nowhere does it better than La Placita. This historic market transforms into a hub of restaurants, bars, and music after dark. I loved walking through the plaza, soaking in the atmosphere, and stopping by different spots to grab drinks and enjoy the live music. It’s the perfect place to take in the lively local culture. Now I have not been to New Orleans yet, but judging from the pictures, La Placita has a similar vibe.
Old San Juan: A Step Back in Time (and Heat!)
I also couldn’t visit Puerto Rico without visiting Old San Juan. This historic part of the city feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and centuries-old fortresses. However, while it’s undeniably beautiful, it was also incredibly hot when we visited! We barely made it up one hill—thankfully, we found a small but mighty restaurant called Casa Luna, where we cooled down and refueled with some delicious shrimp tacos and empanadas. This cozy spot was a well-deserved reward after the climb – even if it was a small hill.
Dancing on the Beach: Salsa Class
A fun excursion during our stay was a salsa class right on the beach! Learning to salsa with the ocean breeze and warm sand beneath our feet was such an incredible experience – now I will say, the beach was a bit rocky, literally. However, the instructor made the class so much fun, and we laughed, danced, and even managed to pick up a few moves by the end of it. So this is something I really recommend trying if you’re in Puerto Rico—it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Find the classes here.
Delicious Eats: My Favorite Restaurants
Now, let’s talk about the food! Puerto Rico is a culinary paradise, and I tried so many delicious dishes during my stay. The absolute standout for me was Havana Bar and Grill. I had the most amazing pasta there, and the flavors were out of this world. Each bite was rich and comforting, and it quickly became my favorite meal of the trip.
I also indulged in local ice cream and gelato from a couple of shops I discovered along the way. These sweet treats were perfect for cooling off in the warm Puerto Rican weather, and I highly recommend seeking out some dessert while you’re exploring!
Navigating San Juan: A Tourist’s Reality
While Ubers were incredibly affordable—usually around $5—we found ourselves spending quite a bit of money on everything else. San Juan is a popular tourist area, which means prices for food, drinks, and activities can be higher than expected. That being said, it was all worth it for the experiences we had, and the people we met were so kind and personable. Everyone we encountered was warm and welcoming, making our time in Puerto Rico even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
My trip to Puerto Rico was everything I hoped for and more. From the beautiful La Concha Resort to the vibrant streets of Old San Juan and the electric nightlife of La Placita, it was an unforgettable experience filled with culture, history, and incredible food. I will definitely be back—Puerto Rico has truly stolen my heart!
As always, #LetsGetToTheGoodPart, and feel free to check out my last blog post here.
