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Puerto Rico on a Budget: 5 Things to Do for Free
Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, fascinating history and natural wonders are just a few things waiting for you to explore in Puerto Rico - Opens a dialog . Did you know that traveling to Puerto Rico is easier than you think? As part of the United States, no passport is required for U.S. citizens! Vacation travel is supposed to be fun and help relieve stress. Take some of the stress off of your wallet with these free things to do while you’re exploring Puerto Rico.
Beautiful Condado Beach right before dusk, a great place for a picnic and tide pools.
Beautiful Beaches
Puerto Rico is home to 248 good beaches all of them well worth exploring. Let’s focus on a couple of them that happen to be near San Juan. First let’s explore Condado Beach, also known as Playa del Condado. Located along the Atlantic side, this beautiful and rocky beach features rough waves, so while it's not great for swimming, it is a nice spot for a walk, a picnic or for a nice bask in the sun. If you are looking to get into the water, the nearby Playita del Condado is a lot more calm and inviting. Bring your snorkel gear for a colorful adventure fit for the entire family.
Speaking of beaches, we’d like to recommend Royal Sonesta San Juan - Opens a dialog , nestled on Isla Verde Beach, one of the best beaches in the metropolitan area. This family-friendly San Juan hotel is a calming retreat with elegant rooms and suites. Enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities including a spa, a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The 398-guestroom family-friendly property combines the sophistication and modernity of the setting while providing guests with a variety of high-class amenities.
Colorful and vibrant Puerto Rican flag murals can be found in various locations throughout Old San Juan.
Old San Juan
History. Mystery. Beauty. Just a few words that describe Old San Juan. Here you can walk around and explore old, charming architecture, like the Governor’s Mansion, churches, lots of Puerto Rican flag murals, and historic colonial buildings. Some of these buildings date back to the 16th century. In addition to its historic offerings, Old San Juan is also rich with vibrant culture, amazing food, and a festive atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder this is the most visited place in Puerto Rico!
To add to the already amazing ambiance, from February through May and September through December, on the first Tuesday of each month, about 20 art galleries stay open late to the public, called “Noche de Galerias”, the Night of Galleries, which may host free drinks, art viewing and sometimes live music in the streets.
Not too far from Old San Juan is the Caribe Hilton - Opens a dialog . Situated on a private 17-acre lushly landscaped peninsula with a secluded beach, this hotel is touted as the birthplace of the piña colada is a great place to unwind and relax. Minutes from the culturally-rich center of San Juan, this beachfront resort features lively colors across 652 modern rooms and suites, most with private balconies.
Old San Juan
History. Mystery. Beauty. Just a few words that describe Old San Juan. Here you can walk around and explore old, charming architecture, like the Governor’s Mansion, churches, lots of Puerto Rican flag murals, and historic colonial buildings. Some of these buildings date back to the 16th century. In addition to its historic offerings, Old San Juan is also rich with vibrant culture, amazing food, and a festive atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder this is the most visited place in Puerto Rico!
To add to the already amazing ambiance, from February through May and September through December, on the first Tuesday of each month, about 20 art galleries stay open late to the public, called “Noche de Galerias”, the Night of Galleries, which may host free drinks, art viewing and sometimes live music in the streets.
Not too far from Old San Juan is the Caribe Hilton - Opens a dialog . Situated on a private 17-acre lushly landscaped peninsula with a secluded beach, this hotel is touted as the birthplace of the piña colada is a great place to unwind and relax. Minutes from the culturally-rich center of San Juan, this beachfront resort features lively colors across 652 modern rooms and suites, most with private balconies.
Colorful and vibrant Puerto Rican flag murals can be found in various locations throughout Old San Juan.
Freshwater La Mina Falls invites you for a dip in El Yunque National Forest.
El Yunque National Forest
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a rainforest, El Yunque National Forest is the destination for you! This 29,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. While technically small for a national forest, this is one of the most biologically diverse with its crystal clear rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, and amazing plant life. Bring your swimsuit to swim in a freshwater river pool, an absolutely amazing experience!
If you are looking for some luxury before or after your visit to the rainforest, we recommend The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico - Opens a dialog . Ideally located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, this luxury resort is set on 483 pristine acres and two miles of secluded beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Rumor has it this was once a hangout for pirates. Now it’s a striking photo opportunity.
Instagram-Worthy Ruins
A popular place for photographers, there are ruins all over Puerto Rico. The Ponderosa Lighthouse was built back in 1889 but was tragically destroyed by an earthquake in 1918. The only thing left of the original structure is some walls that make a striking background for Instagram photos. Looking for more content? Try the nearby Ruinas del Faro. The ruins here look like they were specially made for social media content, with open doors and windows just begging to be posed in and snapped for a photo. Being in the Caribbean you might be looking for pirate treasure… you might find it at Ruinas de Puerto Hermina. Legend says that it used to be a hideout for pirates. You may not find treasure, but you will find a photo opportunity unlike any other.
After spending all day getting that sweet content, spend some time getting pampered at the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Opens a dialog . Over the years this 50-acre resort retreat has carried on the hotel's legacy of catering to those who value human connection, and tailored luxury. Here you'll find a remote location, individualized service and a deep respect for the environment.
Instagram-Worthy Ruins
A popular place for photographers, there are ruins all over Puerto Rico. The Ponderosa Lighthouse was built back in 1889 but was tragically destroyed by an earthquake in 1918. The only thing left of the original structure is some walls that make a striking background for Instagram photos. Looking for more content? Try the nearby Ruinas del Faro. The ruins here look like they were specially made for social media content, with open doors and windows just begging to be posed in and snapped for a photo. Being in the Caribbean you might be looking for pirate treasure… you might find it at Ruinas de Puerto Hermina. Legend says that it used to be a hideout for pirates. You may not find treasure, but you will find a photo opportunity unlike any other.
After spending all day getting that sweet content, spend some time getting pampered at the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Opens a dialog . Over the years this 50-acre resort retreat has carried on the hotel's legacy of catering to those who value human connection, and tailored luxury. Here you'll find a remote location, individualized service and a deep respect for the environment.
Rumor has it this was once a hangout for pirates. Now it’s a striking photo opportunity.
Micro-organisms give a quick burst of light upon movement in the water.
Visit a Bioluminescent Bay: La Parguera
Of the 10 bioluminescent bays in the world, Puerto Rico is home to three of them. We are going to focus on La Parguera, as it’s the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico that allows swimming in the bright and vivid waters. The bay’s beautiful glow is provided by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates, which give a short burst of light upon movement in the water. There are no hotels near La Parguera, it’s a good two-and-a-half-hour drive from San Juan, but that makes it part of its charm.
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Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, fascinating history and natural wonders are just a few things waiting for you to explore in Puerto Rico - Opens a dialog . Did you know that traveling to Puerto Rico is easier than you think? As part of the United States, no passport is required for U.S. citizens! Vacation travel is supposed to be fun and help relieve stress. Take some of the stress off of your wallet with these free things to do while you’re exploring Puerto Rico.
Beautiful Condado Beach right before dusk, a great place for a picnic and tide pools.
Beautiful Beaches
Puerto Rico is home to 248 good beaches all of them well worth exploring. Let’s focus on a couple of them that happen to be near San Juan. First let’s explore Condado Beach, also known as Playa del Condado. Located along the Atlantic side, this beautiful and rocky beach features rough waves, so while it's not great for swimming, it is a nice spot for a walk, a picnic or for a nice bask in the sun. If you are looking to get into the water, the nearby Playita del Condado is a lot more calm and inviting. Bring your snorkel gear for a colorful adventure fit for the entire family.
Speaking of beaches, we’d like to recommend Royal Sonesta San Juan - Opens a dialog , nestled on Isla Verde Beach, one of the best beaches in the metropolitan area. This family-friendly San Juan hotel is a calming retreat with elegant rooms and suites. Enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities including a spa, a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The 398-guestroom family-friendly property combines the sophistication and modernity of the setting while providing guests with a variety of high-class amenities.
Colorful and vibrant Puerto Rican flag murals can be found in various locations throughout Old San Juan.
Old San Juan
History. Mystery. Beauty. Just a few words that describe Old San Juan. Here you can walk around and explore old, charming architecture, like the Governor’s Mansion, churches, lots of Puerto Rican flag murals, and historic colonial buildings. Some of these buildings date back to the 16th century. In addition to its historic offerings, Old San Juan is also rich with vibrant culture, amazing food, and a festive atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder this is the most visited place in Puerto Rico!
To add to the already amazing ambiance, from February through May and September through December, on the first Tuesday of each month, about 20 art galleries stay open late to the public, called “Noche de Galerias”, the Night of Galleries, which may host free drinks, art viewing and sometimes live music in the streets.
Not too far from Old San Juan is the Caribe Hilton - Opens a dialog . Situated on a private 17-acre lushly landscaped peninsula with a secluded beach, this hotel is touted as the birthplace of the piña colada is a great place to unwind and relax. Minutes from the culturally-rich center of San Juan, this beachfront resort features lively colors across 652 modern rooms and suites, most with private balconies.
Old San Juan
History. Mystery. Beauty. Just a few words that describe Old San Juan. Here you can walk around and explore old, charming architecture, like the Governor’s Mansion, churches, lots of Puerto Rican flag murals, and historic colonial buildings. Some of these buildings date back to the 16th century. In addition to its historic offerings, Old San Juan is also rich with vibrant culture, amazing food, and a festive atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder this is the most visited place in Puerto Rico!
To add to the already amazing ambiance, from February through May and September through December, on the first Tuesday of each month, about 20 art galleries stay open late to the public, called “Noche de Galerias”, the Night of Galleries, which may host free drinks, art viewing and sometimes live music in the streets.
Not too far from Old San Juan is the Caribe Hilton - Opens a dialog . Situated on a private 17-acre lushly landscaped peninsula with a secluded beach, this hotel is touted as the birthplace of the piña colada is a great place to unwind and relax. Minutes from the culturally-rich center of San Juan, this beachfront resort features lively colors across 652 modern rooms and suites, most with private balconies.
Colorful and vibrant Puerto Rican flag murals can be found in various locations throughout Old San Juan.
Freshwater La Mina Falls invites you for a dip in El Yunque National Forest.
El Yunque National Forest
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a rainforest, El Yunque National Forest is the destination for you! This 29,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. While technically small for a national forest, this is one of the most biologically diverse with its crystal clear rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, and amazing plant life. Bring your swimsuit to swim in a freshwater river pool, an absolutely amazing experience!
If you are looking for some luxury before or after your visit to the rainforest, we recommend The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico - Opens a dialog . Ideally located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, this luxury resort is set on 483 pristine acres and two miles of secluded beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Rumor has it this was once a hangout for pirates. Now it’s a striking photo opportunity.
Instagram-Worthy Ruins
A popular place for photographers, there are ruins all over Puerto Rico. The Ponderosa Lighthouse was built back in 1889 but was tragically destroyed by an earthquake in 1918. The only thing left of the original structure is some walls that make a striking background for Instagram photos. Looking for more content? Try the nearby Ruinas del Faro. The ruins here look like they were specially made for social media content, with open doors and windows just begging to be posed in and snapped for a photo. Being in the Caribbean you might be looking for pirate treasure… you might find it at Ruinas de Puerto Hermina. Legend says that it used to be a hideout for pirates. You may not find treasure, but you will find a photo opportunity unlike any other.
After spending all day getting that sweet content, spend some time getting pampered at the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Opens a dialog . Over the years this 50-acre resort retreat has carried on the hotel's legacy of catering to those who value human connection, and tailored luxury. Here you'll find a remote location, individualized service and a deep respect for the environment.
Instagram-Worthy Ruins
A popular place for photographers, there are ruins all over Puerto Rico. The Ponderosa Lighthouse was built back in 1889 but was tragically destroyed by an earthquake in 1918. The only thing left of the original structure is some walls that make a striking background for Instagram photos. Looking for more content? Try the nearby Ruinas del Faro. The ruins here look like they were specially made for social media content, with open doors and windows just begging to be posed in and snapped for a photo. Being in the Caribbean you might be looking for pirate treasure… you might find it at Ruinas de Puerto Hermina. Legend says that it used to be a hideout for pirates. You may not find treasure, but you will find a photo opportunity unlike any other.
After spending all day getting that sweet content, spend some time getting pampered at the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Opens a dialog . Over the years this 50-acre resort retreat has carried on the hotel's legacy of catering to those who value human connection, and tailored luxury. Here you'll find a remote location, individualized service and a deep respect for the environment.
Rumor has it this was once a hangout for pirates. Now it’s a striking photo opportunity.
Micro-organisms give a quick burst of light upon movement in the water.
Visit a Bioluminescent Bay: La Parguera
Of the 10 bioluminescent bays in the world, Puerto Rico is home to three of them. We are going to focus on La Parguera, as it’s the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico that allows swimming in the bright and vivid waters. The bay’s beautiful glow is provided by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates, which give a short burst of light upon movement in the water. There are no hotels near La Parguera, it’s a good two-and-a-half-hour drive from San Juan, but that makes it part of its charm.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was compiled by Penny Anderson, mother of two young athletes, and Merchandising/Ecommerce Manager at Costco Travel. Penny has been a Costco employee for 27 years.
