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10 Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico

On January 13, 2025

10 Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico beckons adventurous souls with its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history. From the bustling streets of San Juan to the serene beaches of Culebra, this enchanting island offers a tapestry of experiences that will leave you forever enchanted. Join us as we unveil our top 10 tips for making the most of your Puerto Rican adventure, ensuring an unforgettable journey that will ignite your wanderlust and leave you yearning for more.

#1: Embrace the Language
Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning basic Spanish phrases, especially for dining and driving. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, a few well-placed words in Spanish can open doors to authentic experiences and endear you to the friendly locals. From ordering at a roadside eatery to deciphering road signs, a little Spanish will go a long way in enhancing your Puerto Rican escapade.

#2: Prepare for Power Outages
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, power outages are a common occurrence on the island. Ensure your accommodation has a backup power supply, such as a generator or solar panels, and access to water reserves. Embrace the occasional disruption with grace and understanding, for it is a part of the Puerto Rican experience, and your resilience will be rewarded with unforgettable memories.

#4: Venture Beyond San Juan
While San Juan’s allure is undeniable, Puerto Rico’s true magic lies in its diverse regions. Rent a car and embark on a journey through the island’s rugged interior, where quaint towns, lush rainforests, and breathtaking vistas await. From the bioluminescent bays of Vieques to the serene beaches of Culebra, each destination offers a unique slice of Puerto Rican life.

#4: Embrace the Local Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican culture by seeking out opportunities to engage with locals. Savor the flavors of authentic cuisine, from the iconic mofongo to the irresistible alcapurrias. Explore vibrant art galleries, attend cultural festivals, and consider purchasing locally crafted souvenirs that capture the island’s essence.

#5: Explore Beyond the Beaches
While Puerto Rico’s beaches are undoubtedly alluring, the island’s true beauty lies in its diverse landscapes. Venture into the lush El Yunque rainforest, where cascading waterfalls and towering trees create a verdant oasis. Hike through the majestic Cordillera Central mountains, or explore the subterranean wonders of the Camuy River Cave Park, where nature’s artistry takes your breath away.

#6: Explore the Outlying Islands
For a truly immersive Puerto Rican experience, venture beyond the mainland and explore the enchanting offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra. Accessible via ferry or small plane, these idyllic destinations offer a glimpse into a slower, more authentic way of life. From the world-renowned bioluminescent bay of Vieques to the secluded beaches of Culebra, these islands are a must-visit for any adventurous traveler.

#7: Book your rental car early

In order to leave the San Juan area, a car is a necessity and the supply on the island is limited. Be sure to book your rental car early to allow for choices and to avoid high prices. An alternative to the traditional rental car agencies, we recommend Aqui Coqui, a local car sharing platform that is easy to work with and has great rates.

#8: Understand Puerto Rico's History
Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States is a complex tapestry woven with threads of history, politics, and cultural identity. Take the time to understand this unique dynamic, for it will deepen your appreciation for the island’s resilient spirit and enrich your interactions with its warm-hearted people.

#9: Seek Local Recommendations
Tap into the wealth of knowledge offered by locals and fellow travelers. Explore the DiscoverPuertoRico.com website for insider tips, hidden gems, and authentic experiences that will elevate your journey beyond the ordinary. Embrace the spirit of adventure and let serendipity guide you to unexpected wonders.

#10 Consider Alternate Airports

Most visitors to Puerto Rico arrive through SJU: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. Be sure to include the airports in Ponce and Aguadilla in your searches as deals can be found to and from these smaller airports on airlines such as United, Frontier, and JetBlue.

Puerto Rico is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences waiting to be unraveled by the intrepid traveler. By embracing these essential tips, you’ll unlock the island’s true essence, creating memories that will forever inspire your wanderlust. So pack your sense of adventure, leave your preconceptions behind, and let Puerto Rico’s captivating charm sweep you off your feet. The journey of a lifetime awaits.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

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Wordless Wednesday: Domes Beach

By Ashleigh

On April 10, 2024

In Wordless Wednesday

Domes Beach

Exploring Western Puerto Rico

By Ashleigh

On April 8, 2024

In Travel

The ocean from Faro de Punta Higüera lighthouse

During our time in Rincon, we spent a day exploring some of the sights on the Western side of the island. From Rincon to Aguadilla, and south to Guanica, there is a lot more to see in Puerto Rico than just the east side and San Juan area! The west side of the island is dotted with beaches, many of which are known the world over to surfers. They may not be safe for light swimming. Many visitors have drowned in Puerto Rico the last few years so be sure to follow the flags and posted warnings about beach conditions.

Our first stop was the Faro de Punta Higüera lighthouse. A lighthouse has been on this spot since 1892, illuminating the westernmost tip of the Isla de Encanta. The park at the lighthouse now is a beautiful spot with picnic tables along the Atlantic Ocean. Domes Beach, a popular surfing beach is located near the lighthouse. It was fun watching the surfers in the water waiting for the perfect wave. The beach gets its name from the decommissioned BONUS Nuclear Reactor on the shore. It definitely gives Domes Beach a different look from any other beach I’ve ever seen!

Crashboat Beach

From the lighthouse, we headed North to Aguadilla. Aguadilla is home to one of the most well-known beaches on the island, Crashboat Beach. It had started to rain by the time we reached the beach, so there were only a few hearty souls around. After getting some sunshine, we headed inland to a local lechonera (pig roast) for lunch.

Guanica's Dry Forest R

From Aguadilla, we headed south to Guanica and its dry forest. Unlike the rainforest in the north of the island, the forest in Guanica gets much less rain so it looks totally different. Honestly, it reminded me of places we drove around in the Texas Hill Country. Picture cacti and low scrub bushes. Be aware, the main entrance to the forest is closed on Mondays. I did not see that anywhere online before we made the trek down there so we were unable to get into the park after the long drive.

Overall, it was a fun day driving around the island and exploring some of the highlights. We discovered traffic on the west side of the island moved pretty slow at times, so give yourself extra time if you have any set plans.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our time in Puerto Rico, check out my Circle Tour of the Island. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Wordless Wednesday: Playa Negra

By Ashleigh

On March 13, 2024

In Travel, Wordless Wednesday

Visiting Vieques

By Ashleigh

On March 11, 2024

In Travel

Sunset from Playa Punta Arenas

After our time in Rincon was complete, we headed back across the island to catch the ferry to Vieques. Vieques is an island off the east coast of Puerto Rico and is popular with beachgoers and those looking to see the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Vieques is accessible by ferry from Cieba, just south of Fajardo. We bought our $2 ferry tickets online about a month in advance so when we got to Cieba, we parked our car and waited for our time to board.

Wild Horses of Viequs The ferry ride to Vieques was a little rough but it wasn’t long before we were docked on the island of Vieques. We booked a Jeep from Coqui Car Rental, which was a short walk from the ferry terminal. We picked up our vehicle that was ready for the rough roads the island is known for, dropped off our bags at our Airbnb, and went out to explore the island. We quickly discovered that maneuvering our big Jeep through the narrow roads of Isabel Segunda was a challenge, but we ended up needing the off-road capacity the Jeep provided later on in our exploration of the island. I was surprised by how many wild horses roam the island (left).

Playa Negra

We downloaded a Vieques History Audio Tour that helped get us acquainted with the island and its history. The tour took us from near the ferry terminal in Isabel Segunda to the sugar mill ruins, the breakwater, the lighthouse, and the black sand beach. The black sand beach on Vieques is unique because the island is not volcanic. If you have seen the black sand beaches in Hawaii (or in our case, the Azores), this is different because the beach is mostly normal beige sand with black streaks. Those streaks are tiny magnetic rocks (mostly magnetite). The brown sand gets pulled out to sea with the waves, but the black sand stays behind. It’s a very unique sight to behold. The black sand beach is accessible from the road by a trail that runs along a creek bed, so waterproof shoes are a good idea if you plan to make the trek. The beach is very rocky and not recommended for swimming.

One of the things we learned on the audio tour is that three-quarters of the island is inaccessible because for 60 years the U.S. Navy used it as a live-fire range and it is full of unexploded ordinances. In 1999 a local man was killed in an off-target bombing and the people of Vieques lobbied global human rights forums to end the bombing on the island. In the early 2000s, the weapons training area was shut down and the land was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which is working on cleaning up the residual bombs.

After exploring the island, I wanted to experience the sunset on the westernmost beach on the island, Playa Punta Arenas which is located in Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. We climbed in the Jeep and were jostled over the rough dirt roads in the park. Prepared for a lot of people jostling for the best sunset spot on the island on New Year’s Day, we parked and were shocked to find that there was no one else around except for hermit crabs on the beach. I still can’t believe how serene that experience was (top)!

If you are looking to have a pristine Caribbean beach all to yourself, consider a trip to Vieques. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for natural beauty. Be sure to check back next week when I detail our experience in Vieques’ bioluminescent bay! Thanks for stopping by! To read more about our time in Puerto Rico, check out my Circle Tour of the Island. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. To read campground reviews check out my Michigan Campground Reviews page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Wordless Wednesday: Hermit Crab

By Ashleigh

On February 14, 2024

In Travel, Wordless Wednesday

Hermit Crab

Wordless Wednesday: Beach Sunset

By Ashleigh

On November 29, 2023

In Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday: Sandy Beach

By Ashleigh

On November 22, 2023

In Wordless Wednesday

Sandy Beach on Lake Michigan

Camping Manistee National Forest

By Ashleigh

On November 21, 2023

In Camping, Michigan

Lake Michigan at Manistee

I’ve wanted to camp at the Lake Michigan at Manistee campground in the Manistee National Forest for years now. The campground is located between Manistee and Ludington on the shore of Lake Michigan and borders the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. The campground has four loops, two of which can be reserved in advance. First-come, first-serve campgrounds make me nervous, but I was able to secure a reservation for the weekend after the fourth of July without much difficulty. All of the sites are rustic (no electric or water) but two of the loops do have flush toilets (the other two have vault toilets) so I chose to stay in the orchid loop.

Our site at Lake Michigan Campground

After two nights at Orchard Beach State Park, we moved to this campground for the weekend. Cell signal is pretty much nonexistent in the campground so this is not a place we would be able to stay when Chris needs to work. The sites here are very big and wooded giving great privacy. Even though we were here the weekend after the 4th of July, it was very quiet and not crowded at all. Every evening, families flocked to the beach to watch the sunset.

Trail to the beach at Lake Michigan at Manistee

There is a hiking and biking trail from the campground to the beach. From the beach area, trails connect to the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Nordhouse Dunes is a 3500 acre undeveloped Wilderness Area along Lake Michigan with miles of trails through the woods. It is also one of the few areas in the lower peninsula where you can do dispersed camping. It is always fun to walk through and see the hammocks hanging in the trees along the cliff, looking down at the water.

Overall, Lake Michigan at Manistee is a wonderful rustic campground on Lake Michigan. It is a great place to reconnect with nature. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and is on our list of campgrounds to revisit. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

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Manistee National Forest Pin Manistee Pinterest Graphic

Hiking Olympic National Park: Rialto Beach

By Ashleigh

On October 24, 2022

In Hiking, National Parks & Places, Travel

After leaving the Lake Crescent Area, we headed to the coast, specifically Rialto Beach. There are many beaches in Olympic National Park so it was hard to choose one to visit. Ruby Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the Olympic Peninsula was closed when we visited due to road construction, so we chose to visit Rialto Beach and do the Hole-in-the-Wall Hike.

When deciding what days to do what in Olympic National Park, we looked at the tide chart. The hike to Hole-in-the-Wall can only be accessed during low tide so we had to plan our visit accordingly. There is a forest service trail that would allow you to see the Hole-in-the-Wall formation during high tide, but you wouldn’t be able to get as close or see the life in the tide pools.

When we got to the beach, it was drizzling a little and it was overcast with a little fog. There were strange rock formations jutting out from the water. It was unlike anything I had ever seen anywhere else. We drove through the town of Forks, Washington to get to the beach and I totally understood why Stephanie Meyer set the Twilight books in this area. It looks like a place where strange sparkly vampires would live!

The trail is a 3.3-mile long out-and-back trail and most of the hike is just an easy walk on the beach, but there are some tricky sections. The scariest part for me (and most of the other women hikers we saw) was the part where you had to cross Ellen’s Creek small stream that dumps into the ocean. The only way to cross it was by walking over a log. One woman told me, I’m sure as an attempt to reassure me, “I’ve been standing here over an hour and I haven’t seen anyone fall in yet.” Luckily, I didn’t ruin her streak, but I did take the chicken’s way out on the way back and scoot across on my butt. Apparently, when the creek is less full, people wade through it instead of the scrambling we had to do.

From there it wasn’t much further to the rock and the feature known as Hole-in-the-Wall. It is known as Hole-in-the-Wall because over time, the tide eroded the center of the rock and created a hole big enough to walk through. The walk on the rocks was slippery and I was very worried I was going to fall, but seeing all the life in the tide pools was absolutely worth it! We had never explored tide pools before so it was really cool to see! I had no idea starfish came in so many colors! It was crazy because you could be looking at a part of the rock for a while and just keep seeing more.

If you are looking for a beach to visit in Olympic National Park, I highly recommend Rialto Beach and the hike to Hole-in-the-Wall. If you are planning to do this hike, waterproof hiking boots with good traction are a must. Walking on the beach, our feet got a little wet, but scrambling over wet rocks would’ve been near impossible without our hiking boots.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check back next week when I share about our time exploring Hurricane Ridge! To read more about this trip check out my Planes, Buses, and Boats Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! You can purchase prints on Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my updated Gear Page.

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