I know I said I would mainly focus on the US for my bucket list, but I couldn’t resist bringing up San Juan at least once (it’s a US territory so, I guess it kind of counts 🙂). This has been on my bucket list for such a long time and I actually got to go 2 years ago. It was definitely an interesting experience, especially with COVID regulations, but I would love to go back and visit some of the old (and new) spots! Since it is one of the oldest European cities in the Americas that was established in 1521, the Puerto Rican capital is a beautiful blend of cosmopolitan pursuits and colonial history.
The first thing I would do when you arrive is dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean and relax at the numerous beaches in San Juan. I highly recommend Condado Beach, which is only a short walk away from most hotels and resorts.
Although it isn’t safe for swimming due to strong undercurrents, it’s great for lounging and grabbing a bite at local street carts and traditional restaurants. However, if you are looking to cool off in the salty ocean, Escambron Beach is a great option for snorkeling, scuba diving, and getting great views of the shoreline.
Get transported back in time in Old San Juan, the heart of the colonial city. One thing that will definitely stick out are the castillos (“castles” in Spanish) and historic defense forts once used by the Spanish Empire’s military as early as 1533. Some notable ones include La Fortaleza (the first fortification) and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
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The majority of them are located at the San Juan National Historic Site alongside powder houses and three fourths of the old city wall.
However, history doesn’t just mean defense in Old San Juan. My favorite look into the past actually came from roaming the Calles (“streets” in Spanish) with the beautiful brightly-colored buildings and cobblestone/brick roads. Now, these buildings are homes, hotels, stores, and restaurants for tourists and locals to enjoy.
If you keep walking, you may even see the Plaza de Armas, the main square, complete with San Juan City Hall and the Puerto Rico Department of State. However, the main attraction has to be the round fountain with four statues; each one representing a different season.
The last place I want to bring up is the Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast. It’s a short ferry ride away and one of the most magnificent things you will see. If you go at the right time, the entire bay will be lit an electrifying blue thanks to Pyrodinium bahamense, a type of marine plankton that glows when agitated.
Sadly, I never got a chance to go due to some closures, but this site is definitely on “things to do” if I visit again.
Even though I already went to this beautiful Caribbean island, I would not mind going again to take in the color, culture and of course, paradise.
I can see why you couldn’t resist blogging about San Juan, it looks absolutely beautiful. I love how you made sure to mention the city’s Spanish heritage; seeing as it is one of the oldest European cities in the Americas. For me, the Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay looks the most intriguing. It looks like a once in a lifetime experience, seeing the bay glow in luminescent blue! Just looking at it makes me want to go right now. The Plaza de Armas is also quite interesting in the main square. I wonder if you took any of these pictures yourself, because if so you did a great job. Keep up the good work!