Curator’s statement
We spent 1 month in Puerto Rico with our newborn baby during our maternity and paternity leave. We explored all over the island, from Luquillo to San Juan and Isabela. We discovered cornbread ice cream (omg!) and so many incredible local foods and wonderful, welcoming people. This was our first time traveling as a family of three (with a 5-month-old baby) so it was a bit daunting as new parents, but Puerto Rico made it easy for us. It was the perfect place to spend this really special time.
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Where to stay in Puerto Rico
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Things to do in Puerto Rico
Gorgeous cliffside views at Royal Isabela
Luquillo: Luquillo Beach is family-friendly with a gorgeous setting and calm waters.
El Yunque National Forest: Take a formal tour or just walk around this beautiful forest and explore the waterfalls. Bring your swimsuit!
Fajardo’s bioluminescent kayaking tours: You’ll paddle through mangrove channels into Laguna Grande, where the glow lights up with every paddle stroke.
San Juan: Blends colorful colonial streets, historic forts like El Morro, lively plazas, and oceanfront views with great food, music, and beach energy all in one walkable city.
Vieques: Taking the ferry from Puerto Rico to Vieques for the day feels like a mini adventure—an easy island hop that rewards you with pristine beaches, wild horses, and a totally different pace of life.
Isabela: Explore the west side of the island with laid-back coastal beauty, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches like Jobos, great surfing, and some of Puerto Rico’s best sunsets.
Royal Isabela Golf Club: A scenic 18-hole championship golf course right on the cliffs above the ocean.
Places to eat & drink in Puerto Rico
Cornbread ice cream!
Chocobar Cortés: A playful, cacao-forward restaurant in Old San Juan where nearly every dish incorporates chocolate, blending Puerto Rican flavors with creative flair.
Boardrider’s Surf Bar and Grill: A laid-back beachfront hangout in Luquillo serving classic pub food, cold drinks, and live music with an easy surfer vibe.
PalettAmérica Luquillo: A colorful, family-friendly stop known for handcrafted ice pops inspired by tropical fruits and Latin flavors, perfect after a beach day. Try the cornbread ice cream, you won’t regret it!
Pizzella: A casual spot offering New York-style pizza slices and comfort classics, ideal for a quick, satisfying bite.
La Casa at Royal Isabela: An elegant farm-to-table dining experience showcasing refined Puerto Rican cuisine with stunning ocean and golf course views.
Marmalade: Renowned tasting-menu restaurant in Old San Juan with creative Caribbean-inspired cuisine and an excellent wine list.
Santaella: Stylish spot blending local Puerto Rican flavors with sophisticated plating and craft cocktails.
Need to know
We found that staying in Luquillo or Fajardo was the perfect location. We were able to fully immerse in a casual beach life and watch the waves daily, and then when we were ready to explore, it was easy to rent a car and drive to other places on the island from there—under an hour from Old San Juan, 30 minutes to El Yunque, and close to the ferry to hop to Vieques.
Puerto Rico is such a special place—it packs rainforests, mountains, beaches, and bioluminescent bays into one small island, making it incredibly easy to experience diverse landscapes without long travel days. That variety means families can mix adventure, culture, wildlife, and relaxation in one trip—something that truly works for all ages.
Travel Advisor
Alicia Minter
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Puerto Rico page.