Things to do in Puerto Rico, San Juan, Isla Verde Attractions
There is always something to see and do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guests will discover a wide variety of top rated attractions located a short distance from the ESJ Towers.Discover lush tropical rain forests, historic forts and buildings, plus a variety of museums, shopping centers and golf courses. Spend a lazy day relaxing on a shimmering beach or enjoy sampling the sweet syrupy flavors of the famous Puerto Rico rums.
Central American and Caribbean Games.
From July 17 to August 01, 2010XXI Central American and Caribbean Games
The host city for the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games is Mayagüez Puerto Rico. Mayagüez is located at the western coast, known as "Porta del Sol". Being the host of the Games translates into a unique and valuable opportunity to fraternize with our fellow countries of Central America and the Caribbean, to open our hearts as a people, and to continue writing the history of the Games.
http://mayaguez2010.com/
Dancing Salsa
Viva la Salsa... Live it, Feel it, and Learn it!
Place | Location | Telephone | Days, Hours & Perks |
| Logans Irish Pub | San Juan (Cupey) | 787-274-0781 | 1 hour of salsa Class FREE Mondays 9:00-10:00pm |
| El Criollo Sport Bar & Restaurant | Guaynabo | 787-720-0340 787-531-4271 | 2 hours of Salsa Class FREE Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00pm |
| Nuyorican Cafe | Old San Juan | 787-366-5074 | Wednesday - Sunday 11:00pm-3:00am |
| Picante Lobby Bar & Lounge | Courtyard by Marriot, Isla Verde | 787-791-0404 | 1 hour Salsa Class FREE Thursdays - 8:00pm-9:00pm |
| Drums | Isla Verde, Carolina | 787-253-1443 | Thursdays - 8:00pm-9:00pm |
| Ajili Mojili | Condado | 787-725-9195 | Thursdays - 8:00pm-9:00pm |
| Diego's Cantina Bar | Hato Rey, San Juan | 787-758-0908 / 787-318-4827 | Thursdays & Fridays 6:00pm-1:00am 10% Discount on large Gropus |
| San Juan Marriot (Lobby) | Condado | 787-722-7000/ 787-409-2288 | Fridays & Saturdays Live Tropical Music |
| Pepin's Café | Punta Las Marías, San Juan | 787-728-6280 | Fridays: 5:00-6:00pm |
| La Placita | Ponce de León Ave., Santurce | Plaza rounded with clubs and bars | Live Tropical Music Fridays & Saturdays |
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Scuba Diving.
Puerto Rico offers a magnificent ocean temperature of 81ºF and underwater visibility averages from 75 to 100. feet near the beach. Offshore it is easily 100 feet or more! We are diver's paradise.Best shore diving spots in the Island include: Crash Boat beach, Shacks in Isabela, Cerro Gordo beach in Dorado and "La Pocita" in Escambron beach.
The Western region of Puerto Rico, known as Porta del Sol, comprises the very best dive spots in the island. A few miles off the coast of Guánica and La Parguera (in Lajas). Also in the East region you can experience exciting dives at Diablo - northeast, off Fajardo, you can expect coral gardens in 50 feet of water. The Pinnacle - northeast, off Humacao is also a very well known diving spot. At this location you can expect a coral chimney soars from 165 feet to just 20 feet below the surface and is sheathed in corals and sponges. If you are a beginner or are in need of a refresher course, professional SCUBA instructors are available.
Deep Sea Fishing.
If fishing is your passion then hook up with us on one of the most luxurious fishing vessel in Puerto Rico a 48' Hatteras "The Legend" and be on board with one of the most top notch captains on the island, Captain Joe Castillo. The Legend is docked in San Juan Bay Marina just minutes from metropolitan hotels.In less than 25 minutes you will be 1 to 5 miles from shore fishing in waters 6000 feet. The Puerto Rican trench otherwise nicknamed "Blue Marlin Alley" is famous for Blue Marlins caught between the months of July through September. We are also available for tournaments throughout the island and can do charters all around the island as well as USVI, BVI, and even Venezuela! [Top]
Snorkeling & Day Sail.
Depart from mayor hotels for the major exhilarating day of your vacation. Board the top of the line catamaran "Barefoot IV" for a leisurely sail to uninhabited Icacos island. Swimmers as well as non-swimmers take advantage of professional instruction in snorkeling. Explore, shell collect, or swim offshore in crystal clear waters. A complimentary picnic lunch with healthy choices, prepared and served on board by the crew including complimentary piña coladas and rum punch. For a special treat the catamaran anchors 200 offshore over a living coral reef where you can view the underwater wonders with the help of your guide.
Surfing Little Malibu.
Another famous beach in Puerto Rico is Playa Higuero which served for the world surfing championships. Playa Higuero is a world-class surfing beach also known as "Little Malibu". The beach of Playa Higuero commonly experiences 16 foot wave breakers waiting to challenge even experienced surf boarders. There are many more beaches, one more beautiful than the other, on Puerto Rico. Some of them are secret, hidden spots like Rosado Beach, a quiet little cove providing the ultimate place to escape the busier beaches of Puerto Rico. The access to Rosado Beach can be a bit tricky. Our staff will be happy to provide you with more information about the most beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico, and how to get there best. [Top]Calendar of Events
June
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San Juan Bautista Day,
island wide. Puerto Rico's capital and other cities celebrate the island's patron saint with weeklong festivities. At midnight, sanjuaneros and others walk backward into the sea (or nearest body of water) three times to renew good luck for the coming year. June 24. -
Aibonito Flower Festival,
at Road 721 next to the City Hall Coliseum, in the central mountain town of Aibonito. This annual flower-competition festival features acres of lilies, anthuriums, carnations, roses, gardenias, and begonias. For more information, call tel. 787/735-3871. Last week in June and first week in July.
July
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Luis Muñoz Rivera's Birthday,
island wide. A birthday celebration commemorating Luis Muñoz Rivera (1829-1916), statesman, journalist, poet, and resident commissioner in Washington, D.C. July 15. -
El Gigante Marathon,
Adjuntas. This 9 1/4-mile (15km) race starts at Puerta Bernasal and finishes at Plaza Pública. For more information call tel. 787/829-3310. Sunday before July 25. -
Loíza Carnival.
This annual folk and religious ceremony honors Loíza's patron saint, John (Santiago) the Apostle. Colorful processions take place, with costumes, masks, and bomba dancers (the bomba has a lively Afro-Caribbean dance rhythm). This jubilant celebration reflects the African and Spanish heritage of the region. For more information, call tel. 787/876-1040. Late July through early August.
August
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Cuadragésimo Cuarto Torneo de Pesca Interclub del Caribe,
Cangrejos Yacht Club. This international blue-marlin fishing tournament features crafts, music, local delicacies, and other activities. For more information, call tel. 787/791-1015. Mid-August. -
International Billfish Tournament,
at Club Náutico, San Juan. This is one of the premier game-fishing tournaments and the longest consecutively held billfish tournament in the world. Fishermen from many countries angle for blue marlin that can weigh up to 900 pounds (408 kilograms). For specific dates and information, call tel. 787/722-0177. Late August to early September.
October
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La Raza Day (Columbus Day),
island wide. This day commemorates Columbus's landing in the New World. October 12. -
National Plantain Festival,
Corozal. This annual festivity involves crafts, paintings, agricultural products, exhibition, and sale of plantain dishes; neuva trova music and folk ballet are performed. For more information, call tel. 787/859-3060. Mid-October.
November
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Start of Baseball Season,
in Hiram Bithorn Park in San Juan and throughout the island. Six Puerto Rican professional clubs compete from November to January. Professionals from North America also play here. San Juan is also slated to host some of the games for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in 2009. -
Festival of Puerto Rican Music,
San Juan. An annual classical and folk music festival, one of its highlights is a cuatro-playing contest. (A cuatro is a guitar-like instrument with 10 strings.) For more information, call tel. 787/721-5274. First week in November. -
Jayuya Indian Festival,
Jayuya. This fiesta features the culture and tradition of the island's original inhabitants, the Taíno Indians, and their music, food, and games. More than 100 artisans exhibit and sell their works. There is also a Miss Taíno Indian Pageant. For more information, call tel. 787/828-2020. Second week of November. -
Puerto Rico Discovery Day,
island wide. This day commemorates the "discovery" by Columbus in 1493 of the already inhabited island of Puerto Rico. Columbus is thought to have come ashore at the northwestern municipality of Aguadilla, although the exact location is unknown. November 19.
December
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Old San Juan's White Christmas Festival,
Old San Juan. Special musical and artistic presentations take place in stores, with window displays. December 1 through January 12. -
Bacardi Artisans' Fair,
San Juan. The best and largest artisans' fair on the island features more than 100 artisans who turn out to exhibit and sell their wares. The fair includes shows for adults and children, a Puerto Rican troubadour contest, rides, and typical food and drink - all sold by nonprofit organizations. It is held on the grounds of the world's largest rum-manufacturing plant in Cataño, an industrial suburb set on a peninsula jutting into San Juan Bay. For more information, call tel. 787/788-1500. First two Sundays in December. -
Las Mañanitas,
Ponce. A religious procession that starts out from Lolita Tizol Street and moves toward the city's Catholic church, led by mariachis singing songs to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the city's patron saint. The lead song is the traditional Mexican birthday song, Las Mañanitas. There's a 6am Mass. For more information, contact Ponce City Hall (tel. 787/284-4141). December 12. -
Lighting of the Town of Bethlehem,
between San Cristóbal Fort and Plaza San Juan Bautista in Old San Juan. This is the time that the most dazzling Christmas lights go on, and many islanders themselves drive into San Juan to see this dramatic lighting, the finest display of lights in the Caribbean at Christmas. During the Christmas season. -
Hatillo Masks Festival,
Hatillo. This tradition, celebrated since 1823, represents the biblical story of King Herod's ordering the death of all infant boys in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Men with colorful masks and costumes represent the soldiers, who run or ride through the town from early morning, looking for the children. There are food, music, and crafts exhibits in the town square. For more information, call tel. 787/898-4040. December 28. [Top]
Golf.
Majestic fountains and waterfalls, impressive lakes, precious creeks and colorful gardens that would transport players to a true Eden nurture the beauty of this golf course. This course has been designed to become a seat of international championships, able to host events such as the prestigious PGA Tour. Complementing this first class golf course is the El Legado five star clubhouse. After playing the 18th hole, which will be the first "Island Green" in Puerto Rico, the players will pass under an impressive waterfall that will take them to the clubhouse. Along the way, they will see other players practicing their skills on a special green surrounded by water in the shape of the island of Puerto Rico. The clubhouse has been specially designed to accommodate all players needs and expectations. Within the complex visitors will be greeted with a five star restaurant, a comfortable member's room, a bar serving gourmet dishes and refreshments coupled with a comfortable sitting area. Attached to the clubhouse, a spacious semi-roofed terrace overlooks holes 9, 18, and the tees for holes 1 and 10. The clubhouse will also have a room full of Chi Chi's memorabilia, a pro-shop, area for lockers and a unique store. Additional amenities will include convenient areas for equipment storage, golf- carts and a modern pressroom. EL LEGADO GOLF RESORT will have a golf school directed by Chi Chi Rodriguez himself. Training facilities will be complete with an innovative driving range, three practice greens and putting area.http://www.ellegadogolfresort.com [Top]Sight Seeing
CAMUY CAVE PARK & ARECIBO OBSERVATORY.
This tour takes you to the Northwestern Puerto Rico, part of the third largest underground river cavern system in the world. You'll enjoy a safe, guided tour of the marvels.
From sinkholes and cathedral-like caverns to views of the mysterious river and its eons-old stalactites and stalagmites. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes! This tour also takes you to where you will see the largest radar/radio telescope. Operated by Cornell University, the telescope probes the ionosphere, examines planets and monitors natural radio emissions from distant galaxies, pulsars and quasars. A stop will be made for lunch (not included). www.Castillotours.com
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EL YUNQUE RAIN FOREST.
There are many ways to see the rain forest, but Castillo has the best.
This half day daily excursion has you viewing typical native towns until you begin your ascent on a modern road through rapidly changing vistas of amazing vegetation. Tree orchids, giant ferns, wild flowers, and tropical hardwoods frame, spectacular waterfalls and views of the entire northeast coast. You'll stop at the most beautiful - and photographable - sights.
www.Castillotours.com
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RAIN FOREST AND LUQUILLO BEACH.
Prefer to combine the Rain Forest adventure with an afternoon at one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Luquillo Beach is a huge crescent of white sand lined with coconut palms with the mountains and El Yunque as the backdrop. The water is calm and comfortable, the perfect place for families. Changing facilities are available.www.Castillotours.com
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RUM DISTILLERY AND OLD SAN JUAN.
You'll leave from your hotel for a half day of fascinating fun. First you'll enjoy a guided tour of Bacardi, the world's largest rum distillery, where you can sample the goods or buy some liquid souvenirs.
Then you'll visit one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world, Old San Juan. The entire city is a National Historic Preservation site! Included in the trip is a 30 minute stop at 500-year old fort. www.Castillotours.com
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HORSEBACK RIDING.
Enjoy a 1 1/2 hour ride mounted on gentile, well trained horses. Ride through the foothills along the beach of the El Yunque Rainforest or secluded Beaches of Isabela.
(Long pants and tennis shoes.)www.Castillotours.com
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PONCE THE PEARL.
Ponce is Puerto Rico's second city and because of its unique beauty is known as the "Pearl of the South". You arrive in about an hour on a scenic expressway through the central mountain range.
You'll visit in Ponce: The Tibes Indian ceremonial Park with Museum re-created Indian huts, ball park and ceremonial plaza, and Seralles Castle, the city's stately plazas and mansions and its famous red and black firehouse. Admissions are Not included. A stop is made for lunch (not included) during this full day you.www.Castillotours.com [Top]
El Yunque National Rain Forests.
El Yunque is a mountainous tropical rain forest teaming with lush giant tree ferns, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. As the only tropical rain forests under the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque offers nature lovers a variety of outdoor offerings. Picnic on the banks of the gentle river pools, or wind through the hidden hiking trails surrounded by the high-pitched whistles of the Puerto Rican tree frog. Visitors wanting to learn more about El Yunque should head to the El Portal Rain Forest Center located at the entrance of the park. Go to www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean for visitor info.Old San Juan.
The allure of Old San Juan comes from its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial buildings and breathtaking fortresses that seem to magically take visitors back in time to its days as a thriving military stronghold. Situated on a narrow island northwest of the mainland, Old San Juan provides a historic and cultural tour into the heart and soul of the island. Notable attractions include the Plaza de San José, where the bronze statue of Ponce de Léon stands proud, Casa Blanca Museum, National Gallery, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal. [Top]Bacardi Rum Distillery.
One of Puerto Rico's claim to fame is its long rum producing history. The island produces more than 27 different types of rum, including light bodied, premium aged and flavored rums. The Bacardi Rum Distillery, established in 1936 in northern Catano, is the largest rum distillery in the world. Visitors are treated to guided tours of the facilities, a trolley ride to the Bacardi family museum and a sampling of some of Bacardi's most popular rums. Visit www.casabacardi.org.Fort San Felipe del Morro.
Fort San Felipe del Morro or El Morro proudly sits at the entrance of the San Juan Bay. Built by Spanish engineers in 1539, El Morro was used by Spanish soldiers to protect the city from seaborne enemies. Situated on the northwestern most point of the islet of San Juan, El Morro is a six level stone structure complete with hidden passageways, impressive 60-foot stone walls, and dome-covered overhangs called garitas. Go to www.nps.gov/archive/saju/morro.html for more information. [Top]
Museum of Art of Puerto Rico.
The 1920s neoclassic building of the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico houses the artworks of prominent Puerto Rican artists from the 16th century to the present. Museum facilities include a 400-seat theater, two galleries, and a conservation department featuring numerous interactive art displays. Don't forget to check out the outdoor Botanical Sculpture Garden for a glimpse of the island's native plants and trees. For visitor information, go to www.mapr.org.San Juan Bay Marina.
The San Juan Marina is a private boat harbor founded in 1977. Located in the San Juan Bay, the San Juan Marina offers easy access to the most exclusive restaurants, hotels and casinos in Old San Juan. The marina features private docking spaces, a club house and central plaza. Occasionally, the San Juan Marina hosts boat shows, races and regattas. Visit www.sjbaymarina.com. [Top]Puerto Rico Convention Bureau.
The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau is a non-profit organization in charge of marketing Puerto Rico as a top meeting and convention destination. Contact or visit one of the bureau's offices in San Juan and throughout the U.S. for help with convention, exhibition, sports or group event planning. Contact info available at www.meetpuertorico.com.Plaza las Américas.
Plaza las Américas is truly the center of it all, a shopper's delight and a dining and entertainment hotspot. Located in Hato Rey, the Plaza de Américas is the largest mall in the Caribbean with a selection of over 300 retailers. Eat at one of the shopping center's 40 restaurants or catch the latest flick at the Caribbean Cinema. Plaza las Américas shopping center even houses a US Post & Passport Office, a full-service drug store and a 12-story health care facility. Go to www.plazalasamericas.net for more info. [Top]Fine Arts Center Luis A. Ferré.
Known locally as the Centro de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Center Luis A. Ferré is a modern art facility featuring the island's best plays, operas, ballets and concerts. It is composed of two main theaters, an intimate experimental theater as well as a bar and lounge area for pre-event conversation and cocktails. Be sure to take the time to appreciate the many artistic stained glass, murals and sculptures found throughout the grounds. For schedule and information, visit www.cba.gobierno.pr.
Plaza Carolina.
Plaza Carolina is the second largest shopping mall in Puerto Rico and is situated just minutes from the capital of San Juan.It features over 240 department stores, trendy boutiques and specialty shops as well as a food court offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Visit www.simon.com/mall. [Top]
Minillas Government Center.
Located in Santurce, the Minillas Government Center, also known as the Roberto Sánchez Vilella Government Center, houses some of Puerto Rico's most important government offices. The Department of Consumer Affairs, the Permits and Regulations Administration, the Planning Board, the Corporation for the Arts, the Family Department, the Government Development Bank, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Highways Authority and the PBA are all located here.Pablo Casals Festival.
Classical music enthusiasts should not miss the Pablo Casals Festival, an annual concert event in honor of late virtuoso cello player Pablo Casals. The music festival brings together some of the brightest musicians from around the world to the Fine Arts Center Luis A. Ferré in San Juan. For schedule and program information, visit www.festcasalspr.gobierno.pr. [Top]
Puerto Rico Golf Courses.
Tee off surrounded by warm ocean breezes, shimmering ocean and clear blue skies. Puerto Rico features some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. Among some of the more popular Puerto Rico golf courses are the Dorado del Mar, Fort Buchanan Golf Club, Sugar Cane Course and the Caguas Real Golf Course. In 2008, Puerto Rico hosted the first Puerto Rico Open, a professional PGA TOUR golf tournament played at the Trump International Golf Course in the nearby Rio Grande.Puerto Rico Convention Center.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center is the largest convention center in the Caribbean. Its state-of-the-art architecture, high-tech facilities and close proximity to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions make it a top pick for exhibitions, conventions, meetings and group events. Go to www.prconvention.com, for more information. [Top]Camarero Race Track.
Named in honor of the famed Puerto Rico thoroughbred, the Camarero Race Track is the spot to catch live horse racing action. Situated in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, the Camarero Race Track enjoys being the only racetrack in all of Puerto Rico. Camarero Race Track offers horse races five days a week and hosts the Triple Crown and the Serie Hípica del Caribe, a series of five international races. Visit www.hipodromo-camarero.com.Coliseum of Puerto Rico.
The ultra-modern Coliseum of Puerto Rico is a top entertainment venue in Puerto Rico. The flexible event space holds 18,000 people and offers state-of-the-art sound, lighting and theater systems. Rock out to the hippest concerts or attend a fast-action sporting event. Other Coliseum of Puerto Rico events include performing arts, family shows and even conferences. For schedule of events, visit www.coliseodepuertorico.com. [Top]
Auxilio Mutuo Hospital.
The Auxilio Mutuo Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Puerto Rico. Located in Hato Rey, near the ESJ Towers, the hospital provides general health care and specialized treatments. Visit www.auxiliomutuo.com.San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
The San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is located in Carolina, Puerto Rico. It is conveniently located five minutes from the ESJ Towers resort and three miles from Old San Juan. The San Juan airport is an international gateway, offering domestic flights within Puerto Rico and major U.S. cities as well as flights to international destinations. Managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the San Juan airport sees about four million passengers per year fly in and out of San Juan. Visit www.san-juan-airport.com. [Top]
University of Puerto Rico .
Founded in 1903, the University of Puerto Rico is the island's premier public institution of higher education and research. The university offers 11 campuses and three research intensive campuses found throughout Puerto Rico. The university's main campus is located in downtown Río Piedras and is distinctly recognizable by the soaring clock tower which watches over the city. Visit www.upr.edu.Ashford Medical Center.
The newly renovated Ashford Medical Center was founded in 1963 and offers complete medical services in Condado, three miles from the ESJ Towers. Visit www.ashfordmedical.com. [Top]
