25 Epic Day Trips from San Juan (By a Local)

Although you’ll likely land and stay in the capital city, you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a few day trips from San Juan.

Most tourism in Puerto Rico revolves around San Juan, and with so many things to do in the capital city, you could easily spend your whole vacation exploring it. But, there is so much to discover beyond the city!

As a local and author of a Puerto Rico ebook, I can tell you the archipelago offers bioluminescent bays, mesmerizing beaches, and even the only tropical rainforest in the U.S., all within a few hours’ reach.

Feeling excited yet? These are my picks for the best day trips from San Juan!

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Best Day Trips from San Juan, Puerto Rico

🚗 Important Note: In Puerto Rico, public transportation is limited. You can take Puerto Rico tours to do day trips, but I suggest renting a car to move freely outside of San Juan.

El Yunque National Forest (Río Grande)

Located in the northeast of Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the only rainforest in the United States.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 to 60 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | El Yunque National Forest Website | El Yunque Guide | Tours to El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is possibly already on your must-visit list in Puerto Rico. And with reason!

The rainforest, located between multiple towns including Río Grande and Luquillo, has waterfalls you can swim in and hiking trails that reach the top peaks of the region.

But more than a natural and historical wonder, El Yunque also has recreational parks and haciendas like Hacienda Carabalí and El Yunque Zipline Park, where you can go horseback riding and ziplining.

If you really want to avoid the crowds without sacrificing the outdoor experience, head to the Cascada del Río Espíritu Santo, Las Paylas in Luquillo, or Rio Sabana Recreational Area in Naguabo instead.

Visit and you’ll realize why El Yunque is high on my list of the best stuff to do in Puerto Rico.

👉 Local Tip: Bring water, sneakers, a change of clothes, and good company. Don’t go on the trails alone since accidents are frequent.

Arecibo

With caves, petroglyphs, waterfalls, and lighthouses, Arecibo is a mix of nature and history.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 to 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps

Arecibo offers so much to do for outdoor lovers that a single-day trip is not enough to cover it all.

And despite housing some of the best places to go in Puerto Rico like Cueva del Indio and Poza del Obispo beach, the largest town in Puerto Rico doesn’t feel touristy or crowded.

During your day trip, combine the best of this town’s outdoor attractions with its history and explore Cueva del Indio and Cueva Ventana, two caves filled with Taíno petroglyphs. Stop at Arecibo’s Lighthouse instead if you’re traveling with your kids.

For a real off-the-beaten-path experience, I recommend visiting the three waterfalls at La Planta River.

The locals call one of these “Jurassic Park” for the similarity of the trail with a scene from the movie. Just keep an eye out for the weather and heavy rainfall.

🛏️ Need a hotel in San Juan? If you’re still wondering where to stay in San Juan, you should check out El Convento. This hotel in the heart of Old San Juan started as a convent over 300 years ago and it’s now a spectacular luxury 4-star hotel.

Vieques

Visit a bioluminescent bay, walk on a black sand beach, and see wild horses at this awesome island escape.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2.5 to 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Puerto Rico Ferry Website | Browse Vieques Bioluminescent Bay Tours

Vieques is nothing short of paradisiacal, and it awaits anyone expecting to unplug in the Caribbean.

Getting from San Juan to Vieques in a single day is a bit of an adventure, but I’ve done it myself, and I can tell you, it’s part of the fun.

Once there, rent a jeep and go beach hopping in Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find beaches for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.

For photography fans, I’d recommend stopping at the Black Sand Beach, the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse ruins, and the Isla Grande ruins for unique photo opportunities.

Finish your day kayaking in Mosquito Bay, one of the three Puerto Rican bioluminescent bays and the brightest bio bay in the world. 

But, plan to stay in Vieques overnight if you are visiting the bio bay, as there is just no way to get back to San Juan that late at night. It’s worth it though, as there is a lot of stuff to do in Vieques!

If you’re not taking the bio bay tour, going to and returning from Vieques in a day is totally possible, but not for the faint-hearted!

👉 Local Tip: Book your tickets for the ferry in advance.

Culebra

Home to one of the best beaches in the world, Culebra is a great day trip for some fun in the sandy sun.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 3 to 3.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Puerto Rico Ferry Website | How to Go From San Juan to Culebra

Culebra is probably what you picture when you think of a Caribbean oasis, and definitely does not disappoint!

This Puerto Rico offshore archipelago (yes! Culebra is an archipelago!) is known for its beaches with high underwater visibility and beaming marine life.

Visit Culebrita, Cayo Luis Peña, or Tamarindo Beach to snorkel with turtles.

Or go swimming in the infamous Flamenco Beach, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top beaches in the USA and the world. There you’ll find the iconic military tank on the beach.

The easiest (and stress-free) way to visit Culebra for a day is with a Culebra day trip tour, but you can also take the ferry yourself in Ceiba to get there and back in a day.

If you are a beach lover, plan to spend the night and read our guide to where to stay in Culebra to continue planning your trip.

Cataño

A San Juan day trip perfect for gastronomy tours, mixology classes, and rum tastings.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Bacardí Official Website

If you like gastronomy trips, then the best day trip from San Juan for you is to Cataño.

Start in Casa Bacardí with rum-tasting tours and mixology classes where you’ll learn how to make mojitos and piña coladas.

Don’t worry if you’re taking the ferry from San Juan! There is a shuttle that runs between Casa Bacardí and the ferry terminal.

After creating your own cocktails, head to Cataño’s Bahía Viva, a beach boardwalk with playgrounds and food kiosks ideal for spending the day with your kids.

Grab some local fritters at the food kiosks along the promenade, and don’t miss a photo with the Puerto Rican flag mural on the side of Aquí CBB, painted by artist Héctor Collazo.

By the end of the day, slow down at the Gustavo Adolfo “Pibe” Grana Rivera linear park, an outdoor space in Bay View where you can picnic, stroll by the coast, or dip your feet in the water.

👉 Local Tip: Hector Collazo has been painting one flag per city for a few years now. Head on a road trip to find the artist’s murals in each municipality.

Cayey

Eat roast pork along La Ruta del Lechon in Cayey.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 45 to 60 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

A day trip from San Juan just to eat all day? Totally worth it!

Food is the main attraction in Guavate, a neighborhood in Cayey known for its lechoneras, local eateries specializing in cooking roasted pork.

People hop from restaurant to restaurant while dancing, listening to music, and eating roasted pork, which is why it is known as La Ruta del Lechon or “The Pork Highway”.

Get planning with my Pork Highway guide.

After you eat, don’t miss the chance to swim in Charco Azul or hike through the Pine Tree Forest in Cayey.

🍽️ Read Next: The Best San Juan Restaurants to Eat At

La Parguera, Lajas

A fishing town in Lajas that attracts adventure seekers.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | La Parguera Website | 👉 Book a La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan

La Parguera is a neighborhood in the town of Lajas that adventure seekers will love.

You can start your day trip diving in La Pared, a Puerto Rico diving spot famous for its depth, black corals, and marine life, located off the coast of Lajas.

Go for a walk in Plaza San Pedro to find something delicious to eat before taking one of the many boat tours from La Parguera to the offshore islands of Mata La Gata, Cayo Caracoles, and Cayo Enrique.

The best thing to do in Lajas, though, is to swim in its bioluminescent bay! While not as bright as the one in Vieques, it’s still amazing and much more manageable as a day trip from San Juan.

Just sign up for this tour from San Juan, whose many 5 star reviews have earned it Viator’s coveted Badge of Excellence. 

🚢 Visiting on a Cruise? Check out my list of the best cruise excursions from San Juan port!

Cabo Rojo

A region in western Puerto Rico with dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and wildlife refuges.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2.25 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Cabo Rojo Website | How to Go from San Juan to Cabo Rojo | 👉 Book a tour to Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is situated on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico and it offers some of the best sunsets on the island.

Start by visiting the breathtaking Faro Los Morrillos, where you’ll get picture-perfect cliff views. Dedicate time to hike through the area to find hidden caves and a rock bridge worth photographing.

The weather in the area is hot! Luckily, you can visit Playuela nearby, which made my list of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

If you’re a beach bum, you’ll have a hard time deciding which of the best Cabo Rojo beaches to visit. But I recommend a stop at Buyé, Boquerón, Los Pozos, and Combate beaches.

Be sure to bookmark my guide to what to do in Cabo Rojo to learn what else to do in the town.

👉 Local Tip: This tour combines both a stop in Cabo Rojo and the bio bay in La Parguera, which is a great option if you’re short on time.

Luquillo

Sample the island’s traditional cuisine at the Luquillo food kiosks.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Luquillo unites both beach fans and foodies.

Right next to Luquillo Beach, you’ll find the famous Luquillo kiosks, where you can enjoy the island’s traditional cuisine.

Alternatively, head to Luquillo’s downtown to surf in La Pared Beach, a great year-round destination for surfers.

You’ll also find restaurants and gear rentals by the beach, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything with you.

Even if Luquillo’s beaches tempt you to beach hop all day, I recommend you step away from the coast to visit other attractions in Luquillo like Puente Roto, Angelito Trail, and Las Paylas, where you can escape the heat in El Yunque’s cold waters.

Ponce

A city home to historical buildings, landmarks, and the first firefighter station in Puerto Rico.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1.5 to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Ponce Historical City Tour

Do you love walking between historic buildings in Old San Juan, and want more? Then you need a day trip from San Juan to Ponce in the south of Puerto Rico!

Ponce’s best attractions include its many historical buildings and landmarks, but the most iconic one is Parque de Bombas, the first firefighter station in Puerto Rico.

Art and history lovers must go to the Ponce Art Museum and the Castillo Serralles Museum.

This last one belonged to the Serralles family, creators of Rum DonQ. Located near the museum, you’ll find the Japanese garden and Cruceta del Vigia, a giant concrete cross that used to serve as a watchpoint.

Finish your trip in Ponce by eating local food in La Guancha.

Rincón

Watch humpback whales swim in the Puerto Rican waters.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 to 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Rincón Website | San Juan to Rincon Transportation Guide  

Every year, between January and April, humpback whales swim in the waters of Rincón and often delight visitors on the shore with sightings.

You can watch them from Punta Higüeras Lighthouse Park, where you can also admire the lighthouse that has been guarding the shore since 1892.

If you happen to be in the town out of the whale season, you’ll find other things to do in Rincón like surfing on Maria’s Beach or snorkeling in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, one of the best snorkeling spots in Puerto Rico.

Orocovis

Experience outdoors with a thrilling twist in this mountainous town.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1.25 to 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps

Are you the friend in the group who always does crazy things and lives with YOLO as your life motto? Then choose Orocovis for your day trip from San Juan.

Orocovis is located in the center of Puerto Rico, and it’s where you’ll find Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park. Toro Verde is famous for having the longest zipline in America. The park also has suspended bridges, bikes on ziplines, and climbing towers.

Other outdoor adventures in the town include diving in Charco La Guitarra, or conquering the hike in Cerro Mime, too. But perhaps my favorite outdoor spot is the Doña Juana waterfall, which measures over 100 feet.

Try the longaniza too! Orocovis is known for having a gastronomic route filled with restaurants that prepare this delicious dish.

If you get the chance, stay camping at Orocovis for an amazing stargazing experience.

Utuado

Escape from the tourist crowds in the city of Utuado.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1.25 to 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Utuado Website | 👉 Book a Utuado Canyon, River & Waterfall Adventure

One of the best day trips from San Juan is to the not-so-touristy city of Utuado, where you’ll find lots of fun things to do.

If you’re an outdoor conqueror like me, book excursions to do rappelling, kayaking, or river caving in the Tanamá River. These excursions take you to Cueva del Arco and Cueva del Portillo, two of the best caves to visit in Puerto Rico.

For something less challenging, but still outdoorsy, visit the beautiful Cañon Blanco or Lago Caonillas. 

To explore the local gastronomy instead, choose from the many farms Utuado offers, including coffee farms and one of the few vineyards in Puerto Rico, Finca Vista Bella. You can make a tasting reservation to learn how locals make wine!

Isabela

An inclusive day trip from San Juan with rocky cliffs, caves, and beaches.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1.5 to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps 

Located a two-hour drive from San Juan, Isabela is one of the towns in Puerto Rico that offers diversity for all types of travelers in a group.

Go for a relaxing stroll on the 4km boardwalk that goes from the main street to a rock cliff next to Jobos Beach.

Next, visit the Guajataca State Forest, where you’ll find hiking trails, viewing platforms, and caves.

For a touch of history, stop at the Train Museum, the Ermita San Antonio de Padua ruins, and the Guajataca tunnel.

This last one was once a railroad in the 20th century but now you can find kiosks and a small kid-friendly trolley that runs through the tunnel.

Carolina

Very close to San Juan, Carolina is a great day trip for families with kids.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Carolina Website 

If you are just looking for a day trip close to San Juan, I suggest you explore the things to do in Carolina.

Start your visit at Carolina Public Beach, where kids can splash around at Aquasol, a small aquatic park right on the sand. Adults can enjoy water sports rentals, including kayaks and jet skis.  

A popular activity for kids is Museo del Niño, a two-floor museum with interactive exhibitions about science that will keep your kids entertained for hours.

Casa Escuté and Museo de Historia y Arte de Carolina downtown are some of the best museums in Puerto Rico.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find multiple farms, including Hacienda Campo Rico, where they can ride an ATV or go horseback riding. Other activities on the hacienda are ziplining sightseeing, and archery tag.

But worry not if you’d rather enjoy something more passive. Alternatively, you can visit Finca El Girasol, where you can pet farm animals and buy plants.

👉 Read Next: The Best Beaches in San Juan

Manatí

This coastal town is home to beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and historical landmarks.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 50 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Manati Website | Things to Do in Manatí

You’ve probably heard of the infamous Mar Chiquita Beach, but if you’re already planning to visit Manatí, I recommend spending a whole day exploring the beaches in this town.

Manatí houses La Poza de Las Mujeres, Playa Las Golondrinas, and Playa La Esperanza. But, one of my absolute favorites is Playa Las Golondrinas, located right by Las Golondrinas Cave and often less crowded than its neighbors.

If you’re into surfing, check out Playa Los Tubos and Playa Machuca. 

But Manati has much more than the coast. History lovers should definitely hunt down petroglyphs on Los Pozos Beach or head downtown to explore historical buildings like Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y San Matías Apóstol, the old market and casino, and the ruins of Casa Calaf. 

Or visit nearby Hacienda La Esperanza to learn about how Puerto Rican sugar estates operated in the 19th century.

Guánica

Home to Guánica’s Dry Forest, this reserve is home to unique species and mesmerizing beaches.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Guanica Social Media | Things to Do in Guánica

While it’s true that Guánica has a lot of history, most travelers visit the town in search of its nature. 

Located on the south coast, Guánica is home to Guánica State Forest, the largest dry forest in Puerto Rico, which covers most of Guánica and extends into Yauco and Guayanilla. 

The forest has lots of local and endemic species you can spot while hiking through the Lluberas Trail, Meseta Trail, and many other trails.

After hiking, I recommend visiting the town’s beaches to refresh yourself. While Caña Gorda and Playa Santa are the most loved by locals, I recommend Playa Ballena, or Playa La Jungla for a more natural and often secluded landscape. Playa Jaboncillo has a cute restaurant on its shore, and it’s also a great departing spot if you’re kayaking to Gillinga’s Island.

And if you’re willing to drive a bit out of town, Tamarindo Beach in Guayanilla is the best beach in the dry forest. 

Fajardo

This town has exquisite seafood, offshore islands, and a unique bioluminescent lagoon that comes to life during the new moon.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Fajardo Website | Things to Do in Fajardo

Fajardo is one of the most visited towns in Puerto Rico, as it’s home to Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent lagoon, and top-notch beaches like Seven Seas Beach.

If photography is your thing, immerse yourself in the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve to photograph the lighthouse, birds, and the mangroves surrounding Laguna Grande. 

You can spend the afternoon biking or rollerskating in Parque Pasivo de Las Croabas, where you can also taste the town’s infamous seafood at numerous restaurants and food kiosks. 

Got time for an offshore trip? Take a boat tour or water taxi to Fajardo’s offshore islands.

Guayama

At Guayama, history comes to life with historical churches, underground tunnels, and colonial-style houses.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Guayama Website

Located on the south coast less than an hour and a half from San Juan, Guayama has some of the best-preserved historical buildings in Puerto Rico.

For history buffs, check out Museo Cautiño, San Antonio de Padua Church, and Teatro Guayama. The latter is also a cultural center where you can catch local shows and festivals.

Then, visit Molino de Vives, Molino La Carlota, and Horno de Cal to see the remains of sugar estates from the 19th century in Guayama.

After learning all about its history, explore the outdoors in Guayama and sail through Jobos Bay.

San Germán

The second oldest settlement in Puerto Rico has some unique insight into how Puerto Rico came to be.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | San German Social Media

San Germán is another town rich in heritage and culture that you should visit if you’re a history fan. 

Located in the west region, San Germán is the second oldest settlement in Puerto Rico after Old San Juan, and therefore, it’s pretty similar to the capital city. 

Take a walk through San Germán’s town center and come face to face with colonial buildings and structures like the Porta Coeli Church, one of the oldest churches on the American continent.

I also recommend exploring the town’s multiple museums. Museo de Historia de San Germán houses relics, maps, and artifacts that depict the west coast’s colonization and foundation. 

Check out the Museum of Dominguez Pharmacy and Museo Alfredo Ramírez de Arellano too.

San Sebastián

Both history and nature enthusiasts can spend a day exploring this mountainous town.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | San Sebastián Website

San Sebastián is known for housing Gozalandia, one of Puerto Rico’s most popular and accessible waterfalls. Of course, the town has much more to offer.

If you like to explore the great outdoors, Salto Collazo and El Saltillo are two more great waterfalls. Or you can kayak with your kids at Refugio de Vida Silvestre del Embalse Guajataca, one of the best lakes in Puerto Rico for outdoor recreation.

I also recommend visiting the town center to discover unique historical gems. Museo de la Hamaca and Museo de Historia de San Sebastián are great museums worth checking out.

If you’re in Puerto Rico in January, catch Festival de la Novilla in San Sebastián, a festival with parades, food kiosks, and entertainment.

Yabucoa

In Yabucoa, the beaches and nature reserves are quiet paradises you’ll often have to yourself.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Yabucoa Social Media

Yabucoa is a coastal town with a small town center and large outdoors. In this town, you’ll find almost a dozen beaches and a nature reserve.

Bring your camera while you hike in Inés Mendoza Nature Reserve – you’ll love the breathtaking cliff views. Once there, go down to Playa Teresa, one of the most secluded beaches in town.

Hop between Playa El Cocal, Playa El Guano, Playa El Negro, Playa Lucía, and El Guayanés Beach to enjoy different beach experiences and different crowd levels.

For a great meal, stop at Dulce & Salao Restaurant.

Adjuntas

A mountainous town where you can find coffee farms, interesting museums, and fun festivals.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Adjuntas Social Media

Although getting there can be an adventure, especially if you’re not used to driving on mountainous roads, Adjuntas’ many attractions await those willing to take on the challenge. 

The town in the mountainous region of Puerto Rico houses hundreds of Puerto Rico coffee farms that you’ll love visiting on a family excursion. 

Adjuntas also offers a lot to do outdoors. Charco El Mangó and Charco El Ataud are two popular swimming waterholes in the area. 

You can also spend a day hiking at Bosque Estatal de Aguilarte or connecting with nature at Lago Garzas.

But, I honestly think a visit to Adjuntas isn’t complete without checking out Casa Pueblo, a community project and museum in the town center. 

Caguas

A city where culture enthusiasts will always find something to do.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Caguas Website

Regardless of the time of the year you’re visiting, you’ll always find a cultural festivity in Caguas. 

This Puerto Rico city is known as the heart of Puerto Rico and hosts “Los Sábados pa’ la Plaza” every Saturday. During this, you’ll find live entertainment, artisans, and food kiosks in the town center. 

On the last Friday of the month, you can catch the Al Fresco Culinary Show, ideal for eating your heart out and dancing the night away in Paseo de las Artes. 

Paseo de los Artistas is a similar activity on the third Saturday of the month during which local artists make presentations, exhibitions, and plays. 

Even if you’re not in town for those dates, you’ll find lots of culture and history in the local museums and the Caguas Botanical Garden. 

Salinas

Hike its mountains or navigate the coast by boat. In Salinas, you get to pick your outdoor adventure.

🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Salinas Social Media

Besides having one of the top waterparks in Puerto Rico, the Olimpia Waterpark, Salinas has lots to offer for families visiting the area. 

Explore Salinas’ offshore cays and islands on a Puerto Rico boat tour, or take La Paseadora in Politas Beach. 

The Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a great outdoor escape for hiking and birdwatching with your kids.

For a more challenging adventure, hike to El Arbol Solitario, one of the best hikes in Puerto Rico, with an amazing view of the mountainous region.

And for a night of thrilling speed, catch a show at Salinas Speedway.

👉 Read Next: Weekend Getaways from San Juan

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And those are the best day trips from San Juan you should be adding to your Puerto Rico bucket list! Are you still looking for more amazing places to visit? Go check out my guide to the top 41 spots around the island!

What day trip will you do in Puerto Rico? Leave a comment below!