San Juan and Culebra

Description:

This cool and well decorated hotel is a great option if not the best in the Ocean Park area. The hotel is kept with extreme passion and resembles a rich families 1950s beach house. There's a swimming pool, plush gardens and beautiful fountains in the property. Rooms are tastefully decorated with rattan furnishings.

Description:

Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, this restaurant specializes in gourmet wraps and sandwiches, salads, and fruit shakes. Casual and fun, the energetic owner, Alex Garcia, is always around. Grab food to go on the way to the beach, or have it delivered right to your lounge chair.

Our Local Expert Says:

Locals prefer this beach to any other in San Juan. On weekends and holidays the beach directly in front of the main Ocean Park entrance is a little more crowded, but always festive.

Description:

The white sands at Ocean Park are more expansive, and the water calmer and clearer, than at nearby Condado or Isla Verde. Ocean Park is also strictly residential, so what the beach lacks in businesses it makes up for with people-watching. This is the local's beach. The winds at Ocean Park are world-renowned for kite surfing, so this is the spot for a first lesson, or to just observe. Before hitting the beach, stock up on food, beverages, and supplies at the nearby Kasalta bakery, and the many stores lining nearby Calle Loiza.

Description:

A Puerto Rican Sunday morning institution, La Bombonera offers huge mallorcas and other baked items. It's a well-kept secret, as is its ability to prepare excellent meals consistently. La Bombonera attracts huge crowds on weekends. Be sure to try the Puerto Rican coffee. Housed in an historical building, this operation's colonial décor provides for great atmosphere and a chance to mix and mingle with the locals.

Description:

African heritage has played a strong role in influencing Puerto Rican culture. This adobe-styled museum chronicles the history of Africans in Puerto Rico from the early days of slavery to modern day. Here you will find African art, literature, sounds, and pictures. Browse through nine exhibition rooms. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Educational and breath-taking, El Morro is the picturesque gem of Old San Juan and well worth the trek to its massive front doors.

Description:

Construction of El Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or just El Morro, was started in 1540 to protect the coast from invading enemies. The fort is the main attraction of Old San Juan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 16th century citadel is monumental in size and breathtaking to look at. The grounds that surround it make it an even more majestic place. Enjoy the area like locals do; by flying kites, eating piraguas (shaved flavored ice) or just laying on the grass, feeling the wind that comes from the Atlantic sea.

Our Local Expert Says:

Spectacular photo op of the harbor and the governor's mansion, then head right to El Morro, or follow the street down to the left, through the original gate of San Juan, and walk along the 500 year old walls along to the Paseo de la Princesa

Description:

Plazuela de la Rogativa's four statues (sculptured by Lindsay Daen) pay tribute to a San Juan legend. Dating back to 1797, as the story goes, a bishop and his congregation marched through the city singing hymns and carrying torches during a British attack, and as result were able to scare off the potential invaders. La Rogativa (Plaza of Religious Procession) is a great spot to rest your weary feet after a walking tour of the city, and affords an excellent view of the San Juan Bay.

Description:

Featuring paintings and sculptures from a variety of local artists, Galeria Botello is a delicate space in the heart of historic Old San Juan. The 350 year-old building that houses the gallery add to exquisite setting and vibe where locals and tourists go to enjoy an awe-inspiring selection of works.

Description:

The Catedral de San Juan is considered a 'Minor Basilica' by the Roman Vatican. It is located on Calle del Cristo, facing the plaza that's right next to the Convento Hotel. The cathedral's construction began in 1521 inspired in Gothic architecture. The vaulted tower, ceilings and its circular staircase are all original elements that can still be seen. The remains of Puerto Rico's first governor, Juan Ponce de León are interred here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Part artisan fair, part Mardi Gras

Description:

The first Tuesday of every month is the infamous Noches de Galeria in Old San Juan. Originally intended as a night for leisurely art-gazing and strolling, this is a raucous event that attracts huge crowds of diverse, and primarily young, locals. Heading out early before the crowds descend, you can still take peruse the many art galleries of Old San Juan, which keep their doors open until about 9-10pm, as well as check out artisan crafts along Calle San Sebastian. Then join in the festivities and people watch for as long as you can make it.

Description:

This cool and well decorated hotel is a great option if not the best in the Ocean Park area. The hotel is kept with extreme passion and resembles a rich families 1950s beach house. There's a swimming pool, plush gardens and beautiful fountains in the property. Rooms are tastefully decorated with rattan furnishings.

Our Local Expert Says:

Culebra is a sleepy, quirky island in true Caribbean fashion. To experience Puerto Rico's best beaches and snorkeling, a side-trip to Culebra is a must-do.

Description:

The smaller of the Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra is perfect for a 2-3 day excursion off the mainland. The landscape is dry and somewhat barren, but Culebra's beaches are the most stunning in Puerto Rico. Snorkeling and scuba are top-notch. Culebra's 2,000 residents are friendly and very laid-back. There are no big hotels or resorts on the island, but a range of small hotels and guesthouses offer something for everyone. Visitors can also pitch a tent on the maintained facilities at spectacular Flamenco beach.

Our Local Expert Says:

Culebra is a sleepy, quirky island in true Caribbean fashion. To experience Puerto Rico's best beaches and snorkeling, a side-trip to Culebra is a must-do.

Description:

The smaller of the Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra is perfect for a 2-3 day excursion off the mainland. The landscape is dry and somewhat barren, but Culebra's beaches are the most stunning in Puerto Rico. Snorkeling and scuba are top-notch. Culebra's 2,000 residents are friendly and very laid-back. There are no big hotels or resorts on the island, but a range of small hotels and guesthouses offer something for everyone. Visitors can also pitch a tent on the maintained facilities at spectacular Flamenco beach.

Description:

This cool and well decorated hotel is a great option if not the best in the Ocean Park area. The hotel is kept with extreme passion and resembles a rich families 1950s beach house. There's a swimming pool, plush gardens and beautiful fountains in the property. Rooms are tastefully decorated with rattan furnishings.

Description:

The Laguna del Condado or Condado Lagoon is one of San Juan's most beautiful and familiar landmarks. It stands between three districts: Old San Juan/Puerta de Tierra (Northwest), Miramar (South) and Condado (East). The lagoon is particularly loved by those who practice kayaking and several other watersports. There are also kayak rentals available on the perimeter of the lagoon. If you decide to partake in this sport, note that the rentals are often quite busy on the weekends. Admission is free.

Description:

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night reveleries, the menu spans American and Puerto Rican classics. The staff is older and somewhat weary, but always accomadating, the crowd is boisterous late at night, and the desserts are to die for.