21 Free Things to Do in Puerto Rico (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Local Culture | Beaches, Rivers, & Waterfalls | Sites & Attractions
With all the free things to do in Puerto Rico, your vacation doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars.
In fact, lots of things to do in Puerto Rico are outdoors and don’t require you to spend a single dime. You’ll also find that many museums and festivals are free or cost just a small fee.
As a Puerto Rico local who loves to explore on a budget, l can tell you there is plenty to see and do for free in Puerto Rico, and I’m about to tell you all about it! Let’s get into it:
Best Free Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Old San Juan
Walk the cobblestone streets and discover unique sights, small shops, and museums.
Old San Juan is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico, and it’s also free. It boasts colonial architecture and fortresses such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
In Paseo de la Princesa, Calle del Cristo, and Calle de la Fortaleza, you’ll find numerous landmarks like La Fortaleza, Capilla del Cristo, and the San Juan Gate.
And while El Morro itself is only free for a few dates of the year (check out the calendar!), flying kites on its esplanade is one of the best activities in San Juan.
Old San Juan is always buzzing with local artisans, festivals, performances, and visitors taking pictures. The cobblestone streets and the city walls add a historical element even to a typical sunset stroll.
Besides the architecture, Old San Juan also has some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Puerto Rico. One of my preferred ones to eat on a budget? Café El Punto.
👉 Pro Tip: Book a free walking tour through the historical district provided by the municipality.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States forest system and houses waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife you can experience for free.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 888 – 1880 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily La Mina Recreational Area | Entrance: Free
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system and with so many attractions and diverse biodiversity, it’s not a surprise that it has competed as one of the top natural wonders of the world. What’s more, you can explore it for free.
The main attractions of El Yunque National Rainforest are located on PR 191, including one of my preferred waterfalls in Puerto Rico, the Juan Diego Falls.
El Angelito Trail, El Toro Wilderness Trail, the Rio Sabana Recreation Area, and Puente Roto are dispersed throughout other areas of the rainforest.
Unlike La Mina Recreation Area, located on PR 191, some of these don’t have a closure time, which means you can visit with your family every day at any hour.
👉 Pro Tip: The gate to La Mina Recreation Area on PR 191 closes when the forest reaches its capacity. If you can’t enter, visit the attractions in Río Sabana Recreation Area or El Angelito Trail.
Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge where you can go birdwatching, hiking, and cave hunting.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (305) 587-7856 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri, 7:30 am – 2 pm Sat, Closed Sun
The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge offers so much to do that it’s almost impossible to believe it’s free to visit. The refuge boasts hiking trails, salt flats, lagoons, mangroves, and coastal cliffs where you can see the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.
At this same point, history enthusiasts can see one of Puerto Rico’s iconic lighthouses, known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse, built in 1882. The area has a high diversity of both endemic and migratory bird species, so make sure to bring along your binoculars to spot them.
One of my preferred spots in the refuge is Cueva Jagüey.
👉 Local Tip: Even if access to vehicles in some areas is limited, there are alternative pedestrian entrances you can take to explore the refuge.
Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers great views of the northeast coast and an interesting long hike in a coastal dry forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 722-5882 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. Not only does it boast a few of the best Puerto Rico beaches, but it’s home to multiple ecosystems, including one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Even if Para La Naturaleza manages the site and offers tours in the area, the entrance to the nature reserve is completely free. Visitors looking for a nice hike in the dry forest can either access it through the gate or Seven Seas Beach.
Cueva del Indio
One of Puerto Rico’s most popular caves hides centenary petroglyphs left behind by the Taino.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open always if accessed through the beach
Many visitors mistakenly believe they need a tour or have to pay to visit Cueva del Indio in Arecibo.
But, history enthusiasts on a budget don’t have to miss this spot as the entrance to the nature reserve is free. The official entrance to the nature reserve is through Playa Inés where you can park on the roadside.
After entering the beach, you’ll have to walk to your left over the rock formations to get to the cave.
You can only enter the cave through a small aperture in the wall next to the natural stairs. Since the place is frequented, you’ll find someone you can follow.
I, however, don’t recommend this route if you have mobility issues or are traveling with kids. If that is the case, pay for parking right at the caves’ entrance.
Guánica Dry Forest
This dry forest is home to beautiful beaches, historical ruins, and endemic species.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 787 821 5706 | Hours: 7:30 am – 4 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon
The Guanica Dry Forest on the south coast is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Rico for outdoorsy people.
The multiple trails from the visitor center lead to the best highlights of the subtropical dry forest, including a viewpoint from the highest point of the reserve known as El Vigia.
But, you will also find popular beaches on its coast, including Playa Tamarindo, one of the best places to visit in Guánica. If you’d like to take a shortcut, you can drive to most attractions on PR 333.
Best Local Culture
La Placita de Santurce
Showcase your best salsa dancing skills in La Placita de Santurce.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Salsa Class on Viator
Salsa dancing is a popular cultural activity in Puerto Rico, and in La Placita de Santurce, you’ll experience it at its best. La Placita is a normal marketplace during the day and a nightlife center after dark.
It’s easy to find a local dance partner to dance salsa with. On the weekends, salsa bands take over the space and entertain guests with live music.
That said, visit the nearby Piso Viejo in Calle Loize if you’re a beginner at salsa as you can take free salsa lessons every Thursday. As with most free events, you do need to make a reservation, so make sure to call ahead.
Noches de Galerías
Dive into Puerto Rican art and culture through these weekly and monthly art exhibitions.
Noche de Galerías, nights during which local galleries opened to the public for free, in Old San Juan, aren’t running anymore, but art lovers will find similar activities in other towns on the island. On the second Friday of the month, resident artists who are part of the Casitas project open their art galleries to the public in Bayamón.
Similarly, in Mayagüez, every Wednesday of the month, “Entre Café, Música y Arte” takes place in the town square. There, local artists, artisans, and musicians meet to entertain visitors.
Other great local art nights include Noches de Artes in San Germán on Saturdays, Noche de Galería in Rincón every Thursday, and Noche de Artesanías every Wednesday in Isabela.
Piñones
One of the best beaches on the island, top-notch food, and a beachfront boardwalk make Piñones a budget-friendly stop.
Piñones is the capital of Puerto Rican food and Puerto Rican culture. While the delicious food isn’t free (but still cheap), touring the area, listening to live entertainment, beach hopping, and walking the boardwalk are some of the many things to do at Piñones.
Families can enjoy the small cove known as La Pocita, and party enthusiasts can grab a drink and do karaoke at a local bar.
You can also hike the Piñones State Forest’s trails, which connect multiple beaches, forests, and the lagoons along the coast for free.
Noche de San Juan
Visit the beach with hundreds of locals on June 23 to get rid of bad luck.
Noche de San Juan is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular festivals. Puerto Rico celebrates Noche de San Juan on June 23rd. During the festivity, hundreds of Puerto Ricans crowd the beaches at night.
The festival is in honor of Saint John the Baptist’s birth, who is the patron saint of Puerto Rico. At midnight, Puerto Ricans walk into the water and plunge backward three, seven, or twelve times to get good luck and get blessed.
Even if it’s a festival based on a religious belief, these midnight swimming traditions, along with other local festivals, are family-friendly events.
Fiestas de las Calle de San Sebastián
Dance along parades and lively crowds at this local festival.
Held the third weekend of January, the San Sebastián Street Festival is unmissable if you’re into festivals.
This cultural and family-friendly festival takes over Old San Juan with numerous street performances, artisans, parades, and music presentations.
The festival is considered the official closing of the Christmas season. Visit early to enjoy bomba and plena presentations and buy local crafts. Or visit at night to catch the concerts and immerse yourself in Puerto Rico’s nightlife.
Beaches, Rivers, & Waterfalls
Charco Azul
This waterhole is hidden within the Carite State Forest in the Puerto Rico mountains.
Don’t feel like hitting the beach? Well, you’re in luck as you’ll find countless rivers and waterholes to refresh yourself in Puerto Rico. Charco Azul is one of these, and it’s located within the Carite State Forest. This waterhole is known for its turquoise color, which gives it its name.
Families with kids can easily do the 10-minute hike from the entrance. However, as with most Puerto Rico rivers, there aren’t any on-site amenities, and you’ll need to bring everything to spend the day outdoors.
Buyé Beach
Shallow and clear, Buyé Beach is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s beaches are top attractions in Puerto Rico to add to your itinerary and stay on a budget. Beaches are free to visit as they are public, and the parking is either free or cheap. Among these beaches, you’ll find Buyé Beach in Cabo Rojo.
Part of the Guaniquilla Nature Reserve, Buyé is one of the best Puerto Rico beaches, offering shallow, clear waters to swim in.
The long beach offers different experiences depending on which spot you visit. The sandy beach across Beach Buyé Resort has amenities and more crowds, while other areas are calmer with relaxing landscapes.
Cueva Arenales and Charco Azul
Discover a system of caves and swim in a river in the town of Vega Baja
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour to Cueva Arenales on Viator
When it comes to free outdoor adventures, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer. One of my favorite free experiences in the archipelago is Cueva Arenales and Charco Azul in Vega Baja.
The sci-fi-looking cave extends over the turquoise waters of the Morovis River. Locals like to dive from different parts of the caves, but you can also swim calmly through the waters while also admiring the landscape.
The river also forms another two caves known as Cueva Larga and Cueva Malanga, which are a short hike from the Cueva Arenales. There is also a deep-blue waterspring which originally gave the name to the area for its bright turquoise.
In short, you can easily spend a full fun day exploring these caves and swimming in this river. If you aren’t familiar with this type of activity, I do recommend booking a tour to Charco Azul.
👉 Local Tip: Always check the weather when visiting, as the area is prone to flash floods. Keep in mind some parts of the river are deep, so don’t venture on yourself if you don’t know how to swim.
Mar Chiquita
Soak in the sun and warm waters of this natural cove in Manatí.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour to Mar Chiquita
Without doubt one of my preferred beaches in Puerto Rico, Mar Chiquita is beautiful cove with turquoise waters and golden sand worth checking out if you’re looking for budget-friendly outings.
Located in Manatí, this beach offers a relaxing natural scenery and some amazing sunsets. During the low tide season in spring and summer, the beach gets crowded, but it’s the best time to do some snorkeling along its rock outcroppings that form it.
If you’re into photography, bring along your camera, and hike along the coast and through the rock formations to snap some magazine-worthy shots.
While visiting on your own is easy and free, you’ll find numerous tours that include a stop at this beach and at other Manati attractions in a single day.
La Poza del Obispo
Admire a spectacle of crashing waves in this natural cove in Arecibo.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour to Poza del Obispo
Much like Mar Chiquita, Poza del Obispo is a natural cove where families like to escape Puerto Rico’s heat.
Although the rocks outcroppings form a natural barrier, the waves crash against the rocks, letting water pass through them and creating a wave pool.
The water is clear, and you can see small fish swimming around. The only downside of this beach is its limited space and lack of shade. But in exchange, you get a mesmerizing spectacle of crashing waves.
It does get very crowded on the weekends, so come prepared to constantly bump into someone while swimming on Saturday afternoons.
Visiting is totally free (there is no parking fee!), but, if you’re not renting a car to get there, you can book this cave and beach tour on Viator, to enjoy the attraction.
Best Sites & Attractions
Parque de Bombas
Parque de Bombas is a national historical landmark with a colorful and unique facade.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 840-1045 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Parque de Bombas is one of the most popular Puerto Rico landmarks. Known as the first fire station in Puerto Rico, Parque de Bombas is now a museum you can access for free.
Inside, history enthusiasts will find an antique fire truck and firefighter equipment. But, most visitors stop by to take a photo in front of the station’s unique red and black structure.
Once downtown, stroll through the city and explore the best things to do in Ponce.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza is one of the best preserved examples of early colonial architecture in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 721-7000 ext. 2358- 2211- 2323 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Mon- Fri, Closed Sat-Sun
La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use on the American continent, is open for visits. La Fortaleza was the first fortress built in San Juan to protect the city from attacks.
Although it was adapted to be the permanent governor’s residence in the 19th century, the historic building still preserves two of its original towers from the 16th century.
A free tour will allow you to see the interior patio, the towers, the state stairs, and the gardens of the building. Yo do need to make a reservation ahead of time and wear appropriate clothing for visiting. You can learn more about your visit in our La Fortaleza Guide.
Casa Blanca
The first residence built in Old San Juan offers the best views of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 725-1454 | Hours: 8:30 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon-Tues | Entrance: $5
What was meant to be Juan Ponce de Leon’s residence is nowadays a 16th and 17th-century-themed museum that reflects Puerto Rico’s history. Although Puerto Rico’s first governor didn’t see his finished home, the structure is well known for being the first residence in the islet of Old San Juan.
It’s even older than La Fortaleza and El Morro.
The museum itself has a small fee to enter, but you can take a free self-guided tour through the gardens. Photographers will love capturing one of the best views of the city.
San José Church
Recently restored, this church has murals, frescoes, and 16th-century gothic style architecture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 918-3800 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Wed-Fri and Sun, 11 am – 7:30 pm Sat, Closed Mon-Tus
The streets of Old San Juan are home to various historical churches and cathedrals. However, the San José Church is a gem that went through a 20-year renovation and is now open.
Considered the second oldest church on the American continent, the San José Church dates back to the 16th century, being one of the few examples of Spanish Gothic architecture sites on this side of the world. However, the church also showcases baroque and Renaissance architecture.
Inside, art enthusiasts will find the church to be almost a museum and will rave about the mermaid frescoes on the ceiling.
Yaucromatic
Sitting on a hill in Yauco, this neighborhood is a macro-mural.
You don’t need to pay a museum fee to enjoy Puerto Rican art. Puerto Rico offers an impressive display of street art in downtowns, highways, and small neighborhoods. Yaucromatic in Yauco is one of the many places you can visit for free.
This neighborhood in Yauco displays a mosaic of colors and murals. On the weekends, it is also common to find street vendors in the area. Other popular street art zones for art lovers are Boquerón, Santurce, Aguadilla, and Yabucoa.
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Now you know how to save money during your next trip with these free things to do in Puerto Rico! If you’d like to dive deep into the best of Puerto Rico, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.
Thank you so much for your suggestions! I’m looking forward to visiting so many places while there!!🤗