San Juan, Puerto Rico: Culture & Fun For Everyone

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Who knew Puerto Rico was such an easy and fun destination for travelers of all ages? Certainly not me, but over 2 million people last year were in on the secret. With a warm tropical climate, soft sand beaches, lush rainforest, and a vibrant culture, Puerto Rico may be an unincorporated territory of the United States, but this former Spanish colony retains all of its Latin spirit.

After arriving in San Juan with my 4-year-old daughter, I was surprised at the size and busy-ness of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (map). I’m used to deplaning on the tarmac and wandering into a one-room terminal. This was as big and busy as any mid-size International airport, and the drive on the 6-lane highway to our hotel in the Condado area was as fast as on any North American freeway. This was not the type of arrival at a Caribbean country that I’m familiar with, and I wondered how many more surprises were in store.

I’m happy to say that all our surprises were pleasant ones. Our hotel, The San Juan Marriott (map), has an excellent location on the main strip of the busy and chic section of Condado in New San Juan.  A healthy chunk of golden sand and brilliant blue Atlantic is literally your backyard, while drugstores, coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques are just steps away.

The rooms at the San Juan Marriott are comfortable and attractive,  and their two in-house restaurants are excellent choices. LaVista Restaurant is in the process of being renovated, but the new menu we were given a sneak preview of promises classic Puerto Rican comfort food mixed with American classics. Ristorante Tuscany offers delicious Italian fare. The Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is not to be missed, and the prix fixe menus are a  good value.

What To Do:
But the beauty of a centrally located hotel in a vibrant location is getting out and enjoying your destination! Old San Juan is mere minutes away by car, and the cobblestone streets lined with beautifully restored Spanish colonial architecture demand to be explored. Cool off with a coconut ice cream from a vendor or an icy Piragua (Puerto Rican SnoCone) before making your way to El Morro (map) for a little history and some spectacular scenery.

El Morro, San Juan

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
Known simply as El Morro, Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is Puerto Rico’s best known fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the late 1500s, El Morro’s beautiful stone walls still stand strong over the azure Atlantic Ocean, and was occupied and utilized by the U.S. Military up until 1961. Now a National Park, the stunning expanse of green lawn in front of the citadel hosts family picnics and kite flying by locals and tourists alike.

Museo Histórico de la Biblia
It translates to “Bible History Museum”, but the Museo Histórico de la Biblia (map) is a fun and fabulous place to keep kids busy should the Puerto Rican weather not cooperate with your plans of a beach day. For $20 USD, your kids can enjoy a small aquarium, ice skating, amusement rides, mini-putt, and animatronic dinosaurs. The only connection to the name that I could see is the cartoon murals of biblical scenes throughout the amusement area. You could make a day of it as well with great pizza for a reasonably priced lunch.

Where To Eat:
Puerto Rican cuisine is hearty food, delicious and filling, and offers a variety of ways to eat plantains. Our favourite was tostones – mashed green plantain that is formed into a patty and deep fried. Rice and beans is a staple, and my daughter and I are still craving Mofongo – seasoned meat or seafood served with veggies a bowl of mashed plantains.

Raices, Old San Juan

Raices
Our best Mofongo was found at Raices (map), a popular spot with locals and tourists alike in Old San Juan, near the cruise ship dock. The garlic shrimp and Churrasco beef options were both delicious. Raices is a fun little spot where the servers wear traditional Puerto Rican costumes, the drinks are served in tin mugs, and the food is either served on tin plates or wooden bowls. Lunch prices are very reasonable, and in spite of the lunch time rush, wait for a table was minimal.

Jam's Playroom, New San Juan

Jam Rum Bar & Bistro Moderne
Chic, funky and surprisingly family-friendly, Jam Rum Bar & Bistro Moderne (map) serves up delicious Latin fusion cuisine from the Condado area of New San Juan. Enjoy your heavenly white bean soup, and Puerto Rican pork with pumpkin risotto and carmelized onions while your little ones sup a “Kidmopolitan” and crispy tostones. Linger over your dessert while the kiddos play in Jam’s fully stocked and fun playroom – and extra-added-bonus for parents located in the back of the restaurant.

With many direct flights, no passport required for American visitors, amazing food, great weather and wonderful people, I’m so glad to be finally in on the not-so-well-kept secret that is Puerto Rico.

Photos courtesy Have Baby Will Travel

The author traveled to Puerto Rico as a guest of the San Juan Marriott.