When most people think of a perfect summer they envision a tropical destination, sunny beach days, and exciting adventures. Luckily, Puerto Rico can check off most, if not all, the items on a perfect summer bucket list. Although there’s really no such thing as summer – or seasons for that matter- on this island, summer is the perfect time to visit Puerto Rico. It’s officially the “low season” when less tourists visits so you’ll be able to find flights and hotel at lower rates, plus all the tourist attractions will be less crowded than in the “high season.” Take advantage of the Puerto Rican sunshine and visit the best beaches on the island, explore your way through breathtaking jungles and caves, shop till you drop, and so much more! There’s something for everyone on the Island of Enchantment! Check out our list of our favorite ways to spend the days in Puerto Rico.
Take a Stroll Through Old San Juan
Exploring Old San Juan is perhaps one of the very best ways to spend a hot summer day. There is an endless list of things to do that will easily please everyone in your family. As the oldest city flying under the American flag, history lovers will adore the rich history found in the massive forts, all the way down to the blue cobblestone streets. Shopaholics can spend their time exploring the different stores and boutiques and find the perfect artisanal gifts to take home. Foodies can even eat their way through the city on one of our food tours and visit five different restaurants, all while learning about the city’s rich history! No matter what you decide to do, one of the best ways to end a hot summer day in Old San Juan is by flying a kite while the sun sets on the lawn of El Morro.
Shop ’til You Drop
Sometimes the best was to spend a hot summer day is by avoiding that hot summer sun. Luckily, it’s easy to do in Puerto Rico when there are two massive shopping malls that combined have just about every store you could ever think of, and even more that you’ve never heard of. Located about 10 minutes away from the airport, the brand new Mall of San Juan is extremely modern, features many stores that are exclusive to the mall, and has some of the best “mall food” you’ll ever find. The other popular mall, Plaza las Americas, is a classic choice for any shopping lover. It’s been open since the late 60s but is still many Puertorican’s favorite and is even the largest in the Caribbean!
See The Window of Puerto Rico
There’s light at the end of the tunnel – or cave in this case – on this adventurous summer activity. Located in Arecibo, Cueva Ventana, (“Window Cave”) is simply one of the best views in Puerto Rico. The cool temperatures inside the cave make visiting this spot a perfect summer thrill. But be prepared – this isn’t your grandma’s nature walk. Although the walk is fairly easy, you will have to walk uphill, navigate through a slippery cave, and may even see a few bats! But it’s all worth it for the amazing view at the end. You can go with a tour guide or on your own with friends or family.
Catch Some Waves
Home to the 1968 World Surfing Championships, Rincon is the perfect place for anyone looking to catch some waves. Although the best time of the year to find 25-30ft waves are in the winter months, Rincon is perfect in the summertime for beginner surfers, snorkeling, scuba diving, and stunning sun sets. But if you’re trying to catch some “gnarly waves” then don’t worry – the late summer months are known for producing huge waves thanks to late summer storms. They don’t call Rincon the “Caribbean’s Hawaii” for nothing!
Explore a Tropical Rain Forest
Beat the heat and spend your day hiking the only tropical rain forest in the United States at El Yunque. Thanks to the constant rain (you are in a rainforest after all!), shade from the massive trees, and watering holes located throughout the forest, El Yunque is a great way to spend a summer day in nature without being too overwhelmed from the summer heat. There are easy and hard trials, depending on what you’re looking for. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the forest or go on your own.
Shine at the Bio Bays
See the stars twinkle above and below you at one of the famous bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. Okay, so there may not actually be stars in the water, but that is sure what it looks like. At the bio bays, travelers can kayak with a tour guide up to a lagoon full of tiny, single celled dinoflagellates that glow like fireflies in the water when the water is disturbed. This make for a truly once in a lifetime experience, since there are only a handful of these bays in the world (but Puerto Rico is lucky enough to have three of them!) This is a great activity for the whole family, and since you can only see it at night you get to stay out of the hot summer heat.
Isla Verde
It wouldn’t be summer without a beach day! When you’re vacationing on a tropical island, going to the beach is as easy as snapping your fingers. But not all beaches are created equal. That’s why we recommend taking a visit to Isla Verde, one of the city’s best beaches. The soft white sand, sparkling water, light waves, and miles of shore make this a great place to get that perfect Caribbean tan! If you’re seeking more of an adventure, you can even go jet skiing or kite sailing.
Culebra
If being on one tropical island isn’t enough, then go to another! Culebra, which means snake in Spanish, is located just 17 miles east of Puerto Rico and is one of Puerto Rico’s best kept secrets. Take a plane, ferry or even rent a catamaran that will take you from the mainland directly to Flamenco beach. And this isn’t any old beach. Flamenco Beach has been consistently voted one of top beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why thanks to the turquoise water, white sand, and beautiful mountains surrounding you. The best part about this natural wonderland is that you can do so many summer activities on this tiny island, like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, bike riding, camping, and hiking. The best way to truly experience all that Culebra offers is by staying on the island, but trust us, once you take one look, you’ll never want to leave!
Fly Like Superman
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s you flying through the trees like Superman! At Toro Verde Adventure Park you can beat the heat and feel the wind blowing in your hair as you soar through the longest zipline in the world, according to the Guinness World Record. This is a must do for any thrill seeker. Reach speeds up to 65 miles per hour over a length that is longer than 28 football fields combined. You’re palms may be sweaty once you’re off the zipline, but it won’t be from the heat if you know what we mean!
Piñones
No shoes, no shirt, no problem. Taste the real flavors of Puerto Rico in Piñones. This one mile stretch of beach lined kiosks is an absolute can’t miss if you’re looking to try the very best of local foods while having a relaxing beach day. Pinchos (aka skewers), bacalaitos, and alcapurrias (taro and plantain fritters) are just some of the delicious local delicacies that you can find in this tropical foodie paradise. Talk a walk down the road and have your choice at over 20 kiosks, then go take a dip in the natural tidal pools formed by the beach. After you’ve eaten your weight in Puerto Rican food take a stroll or bike ride on the boardwalk and get a perfect view of the beach. If you want a truly local experience, then Piñones is the place for you.
