My time in San Juan, PR has come to an end and I must admit I'm a little sad. I wish I made my stay here longer, but just like the saying goes hindsight is 2020. When I started this journey, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was a little scared putting my life in storage and embarking on this journey, so I only planned to stay for a couple months in the off chance I hated it here. Once I got here my fears went away. I’ve been happy and at peace here. San Juan has been amazing from start to finish (minus destroying my phone. RIP to my phone and 2 months of pictures :( ). I felt welcomed here.
The past couple months in PR has been great. The people, food, beach, weather all of it has been wonderful. Puerto Rico was already one of my favorite places but being here longer made me love it even more. Being here alone pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. Although, I didn’t have a problem doing things solo before. I’m the queen of fuck it I’ll go by myself lol. It was just different not having friends or family close by. It pushed me to go out meet new people, communicate more with friends and family and reach out to people. I noticed that I like phone calls and FaceTime call as oppose to texting. Hearing peoples voices just hits different.
All in all San Juan was wonderful. There's something about being in close proximity to the beach. I like being by water. I think it put a new battery in my back. I need to work extra hard to be able to own beach front property (donations for my beach house are welcomed lol).
San Juan is a great place to visit so to help you plan a trip I put together a guide to assist you with planning.
Pinky’s Calle Loíza (Breakfast)
Marmalade (The best food experience I’ve ever had!)
Tostado (Breakfast/Brunch)
Abracadabra (Breakfast/Brunch)
Alcapurria
Whole Red Snapper
Mamposteao Rice
Pasteles
Empanadas
Mofongo
Luquillo Kioscos
Tripleta (food cart in Old San Juan)
Pannes (Brunch)
La Preña Arepas
Areyto by Chef Jason Gonzalez
El Nuevo Acuario
Dos Cafés (Breakfast/Brunch)
Pirilo Pizza
Señor Paleta (ice cream in OSJ)
Kasalta (Obama visited this place)
Eter Rooftop & Lounge
Zajori (32 ounce mojitos)
Piña Colada from BarraChina (it was created here)
Miramar food truck park
Visit the Kioscos in Pinones
Casita Miramar
Check out my google Maps list here
Check out my yelp collection here
Things to do in Puerto Rico:
Visit El Yunque Rainforest (Plan ahead! go to Recreation.gov to reserve a ticket, it’s $2 per vehicle so perfect if you have a rental car or you can purchase a tour that offers transportation from San Juan)
Horseback Riding at Carabali
ATVs at Campo Rico or Carabali
Casa Bacardí tasting tour
Architecture tour of Old San Juan (don't pay for a tour)
El Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal forts
Bioluminescence bay
Snorkeling Tours
Day trip to Culebra’s Playa Flamenco (flying over is best way to maximize your day or take a ferry from Ceiba)
Areas to stay:
Ocean Park (My personal favorite)
Condado
Old San Juan
Isla Verde
A rental car is recommended if you stay anywhere outside these areas.
Ways to get around:
Rental cars (best way to maximize your trip. Reserve early and be prepared to pay more than average rates. There’s a rental car shortage. Costco travel has the best prices.)
Uber
Taxis
Scooters
Bars & Party scene:
La Placita
Calle Loíza
Condado
Old San Juan
Beaches:
Ocean Park beach
Condado beach
Playa Flamenco in Culebra (one of the world’s best beaches)
Luquillo (Closer to the rainforest)
Escambrón
Please be respectful of the island and it’s people when visiting. San Juan now feels like home and will always have a special place in my heart. Next up is a road trip to my next destination New Orleans. Hello Beignets and Po’boy!
Thanks for the guide! Definitely using this for my trip to PR!! Awesome
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