I'm from Puerto Rico and these are 11 activities I think every tourist should do around San Juan, from rainforest hikes to rum tastings

Jen RuizAug 30, 2022, 17:32 IST

Local Jen Ruiz recommends touring the neighborhood of Santurce in San Juan to see vibrant street art and murals.Courtesy of Jen Ruiz

Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning after years, there's always plenty to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Here's a list of must-do activities according to a local to help map out your travel itinerary.

I was born in Puerto Rico and when I moved back as an adult, the prevalence of internal tourism surprised me. The island is only 35 miles wide and 100 miles long, yet residents rarely feel the need to leave for a vacation. There's so much to do here that there's a government organization called Voy Turisteando that facilitates internal travel.

Within San Juan alone, there are 18 distinct barrios — neighborhoods — from the street-art hub of Santurce to the ritzy tourist strip of Condado.

Whenever possible, I recommend visitors get out in nature. Beyond the sunbathing beaches you'll find stunning cliffs, a tropical rainforest, natural-freshwater swimming pools, and views that include both treetops and the ocean.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Explore the forts of Old San Juan.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Learn about Puerto Rican culture in Loiza.

Raúl Ayala with vejigante masks he made at his family’s workshop, Castor Ayala Workshop, in Loiza.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Take a street-art tour of Santurce.

Murals at Barrio Trastalleres in Santurce, San Juan.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

You don't even have to go inside Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico to appreciate its artwork since the entrance itself is a magnificent mural. This is one of the premier museums in Puerto Rico with larger-than-life art installations, with topical social issues inspiring many pieces.

When I went, the art vividly elucidated topics including domestic violence, the diaspora, and feminism. There's also a 2-and-½ acre sculpture garden behind the museum where you'll see 13 statues and a 55,000-gallon koi pond.

Get an adrenaline rush at Toro Verde Urban Park.

Zip lineGetty Images

Take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest.

Shutterstock/Dennis van de Water

Try kayaking at night.

Paddle boarders on the water in Condado, San Juan.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Take a food tour of Old San Juan.

Tourists at Deaverdura restaurant during their tour with Spoon tours in Old San Juan.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Go rum tasting.

Guests at the maceration room at Hacienda Santa Ana, the home of Ron del Barrilito in Bayamón.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

Catch a game at the city's ultimate sports restaurant.

Arena Medalla in Distrito T-Mobile is an ode to Puerto Rican sports legends and one of the liveliest places to spend an afternoon or evening. It's more than a restaurant; it's a tribute to Puerto Rican triumph. Murals on the walls depict local legends in action, including Monica Pugh, the first athlete to win a gold medal for Puerto Rico at the Olympics. A statue of Roberto Clemente greets you at the entrance, along with the names of Puerto Rican Major League Baseball players, and a horizontal-flag installation serves as an indoor canopy.

They have live entertainment, beer pong, ping pong, darts, a life-sized Scrabble board, pool tables, and three private karaoke rooms. The menu includes burgers, chicken wings, tacos, and more — there's also self-serve draft beer.

Have a picnic by the bay or the beach.

The green area on the water at the Escambron in San Juan.Erika P. Rodríguez for Insider

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