15 Most Romantic Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Planning a San Juan honeymoon or dreamy getaway? These are the 15 most romantic things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico that’ll make you want to book your trip ASAP!

Whether you’re a fan of relaxing on the beach, enjoying a stunning sunset, or getting a little adventurous, there are endless opportunities when it comes to things for couples to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

So if you’re hoping to visit to escape the cold winter up north or you are excited to explore the culture, cuisine, and music of this incredible island, you’ll love these romantic ideas for San Juan!

15 Most Romantic Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Without further ado, let’s talk about the romantic San Juan things to do for the ultimate getaway!

1. Explore Old San Juan

Between the centuries-old fortifications and the brightly painted buildings, you’ll love wandering around Old San Juan together.

You could certainly spend a few days here just enjoying the charms of the old city, and if you want to learn even more, definitely book a walking tour!

There is also the chance to do a sunset food tour of the area for the foodies here as well. Either way, you’ll definitely want to stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, admiring the architecture, visiting the lovely plazas, and stopping into vibrant cocktail bars and restaurants.

2. Visit Castillo de San Cristobal

Part of the San Juan National Historic Site, the Castillo de San Cristobal is the largest fortification made by Spain in the “New World.”

Built in 1783, it was used by the Spanish to protect San Juan from land attacks.

Today, you can visit this fortification to learn more about its history, explore the tunnels, and see amazing views of the city and sea from the top of the fortress.

You can also take photos together at the old sentry posts.

3. Spend Time at Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Bell on top of Castillo San Felipe San Morro

The oldest of the two main forts in Old San Juan, this place was built starting in the 1500s. Now, it is also a part of the San Juan National Historic Site, and you can learn more about its extensive history from the Spanish conquest through WW2.

It was used to defend San Juan from attacks from the sea. As such, you can explore the architecture that overlooks the Caribbean Sea as well as spot the original cannons and the oldest lighthouse in Puerto Rico.

After visiting this fortress, you can enjoy the park in the front. This large park is a great place to fly kites, have a picnic, or just get some afternoon sunshine together.

4. Learn How to Salsa Dance

With such incredible music in Puerto Rico, it is impossible to not get up and dance! And what better dance to learn while in the Caribbean than salsa?

If you are not an experienced salsa dancer, you could take a class together to learn the moves of this iconic dance.

5. Enjoying the Nightlife is One of the Most Romantic Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Want to put your newly acquired salsa skills to the test? Then there are plenty of places to enjoy drinks and dancing in San Juan!

A popular place in San Juan has to be La Placita de Santurce. This is a market by day and party central by night, especially on the weekends.

Go dancing, have drinks, and just enjoy the music as you party it up in La Placita.

And if you want to stick to Old San Juan, Calle San Sebastián is a great party street full of bars with music blasting every weekend.

6. Try the Best Cocktail Bars in San Juan

There are some fantastic bars around San Juan to grab a cocktail together.

One of my favorites is La Factoria. This is a bar within a bar, within a bar really. The entrance looks like an unassuming cocktail bar which makes some tasty drinks.

But, if you follow the red door, you’ll find yourself in a wine bar. And if you keep going, you’ll end up in another fun cocktail bar with room for dancing. They also have salsa dancing every Sunday and Monday night!

If you want to try where the original frozen pina colada was invented, then Caribar at the Caribe Hilton is the place for you!

La Penúltima is a great bar to grab a cocktail at in the La Placitca area. Sip on the Spicy Hibiscus Margarita or Isla Borinquen Fizz for the perfect night out.

And for a fun dive-like spot with great cocktails, opt for El Batey Tavern in Old San Juan.

7. Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is a Romantic San Juan Place to Visit

For art lovers, this is the place to go for a lovely San Juan date. What makes this place so special is that there are artworks dating from the 17th century until now made by Puerto Rican artists.

Enjoy photography, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and new media created by Puerto Rican artists. This is a fun and romantic way to spend an afternoon partaking in some culture in San Juan.

8. Hire a Professional Photographer For Vacation Photos

Planning a proposal or just want to have some cute photos taken together without asking random people to take them?

Then get dressed up and hire a photographer for an hour in Old San Juan. Take incredible photos around the colorful buildings, old sentry posts, and even in front of iconic murals.

9. Being Beach Bums Together is One of the Romantic Things to Do in San Juan

San Juan is located along the sea, so you’ll definitely want to enjoy the beaches here together. Relax on the beach together, take a dip in the sea, go snorkeling, or just have a fun picnic as you hear the ocean waves roll in.

Some great beaches to check out include Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Escambrón Beach.

10. Have a Spa Day Together

Couple’s massages anyone? For the ultimate relaxing experience together, why not have a spa day?

The Caribe Hilton offers plenty of couple’s spa packages to enjoy together, and the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel offers spa treatments as well as has an enchanting hammam.

And for a unique experience book some time at the Cloud Spa, where you can enjoy things like the saltwater floatarium, rainshower hallway, and steam room.

11. Take a Snorkel Tour or Go Diving

If you really want to have a fun experience, spot sealife, and admire coral reefs, then you’ll definitely want to consider going on a snorkel tour at Escambron Marine Park.

This is a great option for those who want to spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and more! And for those who would like to try diving, this is a great tour to learn some basics and also enjoy the sealife while partaking in your first dive.

12. A Sunset Sail is One of the Most Romantic Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico For Couples

What could be more romantic than taking in a tropical sunset together?

With vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, you’ll definitely love the chance to sail along the coast from Old San Juan and enjoy the sunset.

This sunset cruise gives you a unique perspective of San Juan as well as the chance to spot a classic Puerto Rican sunset. Have some cold beverages and snacks while you snap photos together and admire the last fragments of the day in San Juan.

13. For the Adventurous Couples: Head to El Yunque National Forest For the Day

Consider taking a day trip from San Juan to El Yunque National Forest. This tropical rainforest is home to stunning flora and fauna as well as waterfalls.

Enjoy the chance to get off-the-beaten-path as you slide down a natural waterslide, go cliff jumping into a swimming hole, and even learn to rope swing.

This tour includes all that and is a great way to hike and enjoy this amazing rainforest landscape not far from San Juan.

14. Visit a Bio Bay Together

If you can’t go all the way to Vieques to kayak in Mosquito Bay or all the way down to La Parguera to swim in that bio bay, then you can still visit Laguna Grande near Fajardo.

Located about an hour and a half away from San Juan, this place consists of a long canal that leads to a lagoon where you’ll enjoy the bioluminescent plankton lighting up at night.

It is best to go on a darker night, when the moon is closer to a New Moon rather than a Full Moon. But kayak into the lagoon and enjoy the sparkling water as the bioluminescent plankton light up around you!

Also, this is the perfect place to be present and in the moment. It is nearly impossible to capture the twinkling plankton on a phone or with a camera. So enjoy it for what it is and take the time to soak it all in together.

Book a kayak tour here!

15. One of the Most Romantic Things to Do in San Juan: Stay in One of These San Juan Romantic Hotels

There are plenty of romantic hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. So if you’re planning that San Juan honeymoon or you just want that awesome romantic getaway, here are some great hotels to choose from.

Caribe Hilton: This hotel is right along the beach and has its own secluded beach, multiple pools, a hammock garden, and a spa. Plus, it is the place where the original frozen pina colada was created. This resort is an iconic place to stay while in San Juan.

Book it here!

Condado Vanderbilt: This hotel is also home to a fantastic spa, and has many restaurants and lounges, a beach club with cabanas and lounges, and pools to relax in during a hot Puerto Rican day. You’ll also enjoy the spacious rooms and suites here.

Book it here!

Hotel El Convento: Located in Old San Juan, this was formerly a convent dating back to 1646. Now this hotel is gorgeously designed to reflect its past but still has today’s comfort in mind. Enjoy the close proximity to the historical sights in the old city, as well as the restaurants and bar here to relax after a long day. This place also has a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and access to their sister property’s beach club.

Book it here!

Best Time to Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a warm destination year-round. However, it does have 2 main seasons: dry and wet. The wet season is typically between April through November. This also coincides with hurricane season, which is typically between June through November.

August and September tend to have the most rain, so avoiding that time of year is probably best.

The dry season is December through March, but this is also the busiest time of the year due to many escaping the chilly winter up north and the fact that many holiday and spring breaks occur around these times.

However, the shoulder season of April and May usually see some pretty good weather. While it could rain, know that rain can happen anytime in this tropical paradise.

I actually visited in May of 2023 and really enjoyed San Juan! It was definitely hot, and it did rain a little, but it mostly rained in short spurts and it was fine to go exploring after that.

I was able to see and do a lot during that time without the weather really affecting it much. Plus, it is a cheaper time for hotels and it is a bit less crowded than during the winter months.

These are hands down the 15 most romantic things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico and in the nearby area! Whether you want to admire a sunset, sip cocktails, go dancing, or enjoy the culture of Puerto Rico, you can’t go wrong with these ideas!

Want more Puerto Rico, Caribbean, and Central America travel ideas? Check out these posts!