If you can’t secure a tour, the Casa Bacardí bar visit is the way to go – a ticket gets you a tasty tipple, a locally made empanada and the chance to chill at a waterfront pavilion with remarkable views of El Morro, Old San Juan’s iconic fortification. For a taste of that rich history, book a tour or mixology class at Casa Bacardí, near the mouth of San Juan Bay. Rum production here stretches back to the early 16th century. Puerto Rico produces 70% of the rum sold in the US, earning it a reputation as the rum capital of the world – the industry adds more than $300 million to Puerto Rico’s yearly economy, and its distilleries have created more than 700 jobs.
Off the sand, San Juan has plenty to offer as well. Several restaurants are a short walk away, or you can savor a meal onsite at Social, where the menu expertly blends authentic Puerto Rican dishes and continental cuisine. The venue's elegant sea-facing infinity pool, fringed with nine breezy private cabanas, is perhaps the biggest draw here. Gray and white walls with dashes of sea green and turquoise create a chic tropical backdrop for bohemian-style furnishings and striking murals by local artists. Revamped and renamed, it opened as Condado Ocean Club in November 2020 – the first San Juan property to debut post–Hurricane Maria.Īll 96 rooms (some with terraces) are awash with natural light, thanks to dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Condado Ocean Clubįormerly the Serafina Beach Hotel, this adults-only boutique hotel boasts sweeping views of both Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Meals are 100% vegetarian with vegan options, and the chef sources local ingredients for the seasonally inspired menus. Guests can choose from a well-curated list of activities – morning yoga and meditation classes, paddleboarding, salsa nights, snorkeling excursions and other tours. Eco-conscious guests will appreciate the property’s no-single-use-plastic policy as well as its rainwater cisterns, mango tree and herb garden.Įach of the nine rooms and three suites are bright, chic and tastefully appointed, with crisp cotton sheets, natural furnishings, soft tones and distinctive decor like indigenous artifacts, dreamcatchers and fragrant incense burners adding to the homey appeal.
#PUERTO RICO GAY FLAG FULL#
Spacious apartments with full kitchens work well for couples, and smaller communal-style rooms are ideal for budget-minded solo travelers.īeach bikes, kayaks and beach chairs are free during your stay. Guests can choose from 12 different studios and bedrooms ranging in size and price. Married owners Rob and Vianney have a wealth of knowledge on the best places to go and things to do in Puerto Rico, even offering guided excursions to El Yunque rainforest, Arenales Cave, cruising beaches and some lesser-known spots around the island.Ĭoqui del Mar promotes a strong social environment, and the entire first floor and one of the two pools are clothing-optional. Situated in Ocean Park, this gay-owned guesthouse fosters a laid-back beachfront community within the Santurce neighborhood. However, just like other places in the world, individuals –particularly those identifying as trans – may experience bigotry.Ĭoqui del Mar promotes a strong social environment © Jay Summers / Coqui del Mar Coqui del Mar Laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 and hosts a trio of massive Pride celebrations throughout the year: San Juan Pride, Winter Pride Fest, also in San Juan, and Boquerón Pride in Cabo Rojo. Puerto Rico has a thriving LGBTIQ+ community Here’s our guide to the best LGBTIQ+ spots in San Juan. Daytime diversions like sun-worshiping on the beach, exploring historical landmarks and sampling authentic Puerto Rican cuisine are plentiful too.
San Juan’s bustling gay scene offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTIQ+ crowd. With a larger cluster of gay neighborhoods in Condado, the tourist district and Santurce, San Juan is arguably Puerto Rico’s most LGBTIQ+-friendly city. Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico.