25 Photos of Puerto Rico That Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation

By Erika Owen
March 29, 2016
Getty Images
Puerto Rico is much more than sparkling beaches around every turn. There's really something for every kind of traveler to enjoy—even if spending a lazy day under the sun isn't your cup of tea. Old San Juan, castillos, Fortaleza Street (otherwise known as "Restaurant Row" to the locals), ziplining, rainforests—the list of travel-worthy experiences goes on. Ahead, 23 photos of Puerto Rico's most beautiful sites to kick off your trip planning.
Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Cueva Ventana

Getty Images/EyeEm

This cave, which is situated on top of a limestone cliff, in Arecibo is the perfect day trip. Don’t miss it—your Instagram followers will thank you.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

El Yunque National Forest

Getty Images

Beaches, rainforests, dry forests—Puerto Rico has it all.

3 of 23

Waterfall at El Yunque National Forest

Getty Images

Any destination with a waterfall is well worth a visit.

Advertisement

4 of 23

Soni Beach

Getty Images

Located 17 miles east of Puerto Rico's mainland, Culebra Island's Soni Beach is a day dream turned reality.

5 of 23

Surfer in Rincon, Puerto Rico

Getty Images

Thanks to its many gorgeous beaches, Puerto Rico is home to perfect surf conditions for hobbyists and professionals.

6 of 23

Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Not to be missed: This natural phenomenon is one of a handful of places in the world that you can float among the bioluminescent glow of microorganisms.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Old San Juan

Getty Images

Ol San Juan is the oldest territory in Puerto Rico, dating back to 1521.

8 of 23

Puerto Rican Rum

Getty Images

You can't visit Puerto Rico without trying some of their drink of choice: Rum.

9 of 23

Rainbow Over Old San Juan

Getty Images

Old San Juan was dubbed a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Gardens in Old San Juan

Getty Images

Old San Juan is full of small gardens, tended to by locals.

11 of 23

Old San Juan Beach

Getty Images

Stretch out in the sand and take in the historic views of Old San Juan at the same time.

12 of 23

Kayaks at Tamarindo Beach

Getty Images

Kayaking is one of the many outdoor adventures you can have on just about any beach in Puerto Rico.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

The Colorful Homes of Old San Juan

Getty Images

Old San Juan is made of up of seven square blocks filled with ancient buildings, massive stone walls, and colonial homes.

14 of 23

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Getty Images

Measuring in at 130,000-square-feet, this is one of the largest museums in the Caribbean.

15 of 23

Nightlife

Getty Images

The beaches light up come nightfall, serving to an entirely different crowd than during the afternoon hours.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Homes in Old San Juan

Getty Images

Pastel-colored homes line the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.

17 of 23

Guajataca Tunnel

Getty Images

The scenic Guajataca Tunnel connect the cities of Isabela and Quebradillas.

18 of 23

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro

Getty Images

In the early 16th century, this castle was the only protection against sea attacks on Puerto Rico.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Old San Juan: The Original Capital

Getty Images

Colorful homes in the original capital of Puerto Rico: Old San Juan.

20 of 23

Castillo San Cristobal

Getty Images

The soldier sleeping quarters at Castillo San Cristobal

21 of 23

Fort San Cristobal

Getty Images

An onlookers view of Fort San Cristobal.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Isla Verde Beach

Getty Images

An aerial view of the resort-lined Isla Verde Beach.

23 of 23

Coqui Frog

Getty Images

The tiny Coqui Frog is native to Puerto Rico, mainly known for its shrill call.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Erika Owen