Draped in history, dappled with color and drenched with natural beauty, Old San Juan is one of the most dazzling and unique gems the Caribbean has to offer. Located in the western corner of the beautiful San Juan Islet, Old San Juan is, on the one hand, a thriving tourist destination, and, on the other, the historic core of Puerto Rico’s capital city. Moreover, and perhaps most significantly, it is, in fact, a living testament to the melding of cultures that have shaped the territory as we know it today.
Founded in 1519 by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, San Juan, is the oldest continuously inhabited city among United States territories and the second oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere. As such, the settlement that blossomed into a flourishing city, has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries, from Spanish colonization to British invasions to its current status as a United States territory. Throughout it all, Old San Juan has stood at the heart of this evolution as its imposing forts, narrow cobblestone streets, singular blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and vibrantly colored centuries-old buildings, complete with ornate balconies, will attest.
Among the most iconic landmarks in Old San Juan are the forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal. While El Morro, with its six levels offering jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn, is the most popular and beloved landmark in all of Puerto Rico, Castillo San Cristóbal, which was built over the course of a century and a half, is the largest fortification built in the New World. Together with the 500-year-old walls of the city and the small fortification known as, Fortin San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo), these landmarks form the San Juan National Historic Site which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another of Old San Juan’s most notable landmarks is the capital’s first cathedral, La Catedral de San Juan Bautista (Cathedral of San Juan Bautista), which dates back to the 16th century. A spiritual and architectural landmark imbued with a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, the cathedral is still open daily for services. Likewise, the Paseo de la Princesa, a picturesque palm-lined promenade renowned for its historic statues, elegant gardens, the beautiful Raíces Fountain and a charming array of shops and cafés is yet another local treasure.
Speaking of local treasures, no discussion of Old San Juan would be complete without reference to the delightful array of traditional culinary delights the district has to offer. From Mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from deep-fried green plantain pieces mashed with garlic and either salt-cured pork or pork crackling, to Bacalaitos, crispy salted cod fritters, to Lechón Asada, a whole pig (lechón) marinated in adobo and then slowly roasted over coals for several hours until the meat is juicy and the skin crispy, there is no shortage of epicureans treats that will both tantalize your plate and sate your appetite in this historic quarter. And when it comes to cocktails, the piña colada, which was invented in Puerto Rico and considered to be the territory’s national drink, is the hands down favorite. Meanwhile Mavi, a fermented drink made with the shavings of the tree trunk of a Mavi tree, and the refreshing, non-alcoholic Piragua, a traditional treat made with shaved ice and tropical syrups are also popular libations.
Cuisine, history and historic sites aside, Old San Juan boasts an abundance of natural riches, not the least of which are its magnificent beaches.
Perhaps the most popular and impressive beach proximate to Old San Juan is Balneario El Escambón which is located in Puerta de Tierra between Old San Juan and Condado and frequently acclaimed as one of the best beach experiences in the Caribbean. Along the golden sandy shores of Escambrón (or Playa Escambrón as it is referred to among locals) there are two beaches, the most popular of which is simply referred to as Escambrón Beach. Located on the north side, the beach peers out over the Atlantic Ocean and counts among its charms a splendid natural coral wall that creates a pool of crystal-clear waters which regularly attracts scores of locals and tourists alike – along with schools of tropical fish whose presence in and around the rocky spots of the beach serve as an entirely separate attraction in and of itself.
Meanwhile, on the south side of Escambrón sits Bateria El Escambrón or Poza Escambrón, a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving owing to its calmer waters teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish. Interestingly, it is also worth noting that, in addition to serving up stellar views of Condado, the south side of Playa Escambrón is also, as the name suggests, home to the Bateria El Escambrón, a notable battery built at the end of the 18th century to defend San Juan and later used as a shooting range before being occupied by the United States Army until 1925.
Another beach alternative located just a short drive from Old San Juan is Condado Beach, which is conveniently and centrally located within walking distance of a bevy of luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants and shopping boutiques. Condado also offers beachside resort services and, like Playa Escambrón, features two distinct areas that will appeal to a variety of beachgoers. While Playita del Condado, with its calm waters, provides an idyllic space to swim and frolic, Condado Lagoon is a perfect spot for kayaking, paddleboarding and other water activities. Meanwhile, irrespective of your choice of beachside activity, both offer jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean that make the extra trek worthwhile.
Speaking of treks, Isla Verde Beach, located just a short 15-minute drive or quick taxi ride from San Juan, showcases three beaches with distinctive traits, making it an exemplary location to for whatever beachgoing adventure your heart desires. Ideal for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing, the beaches of Isla Verde, are also perfectly suited for lounging, swimming and family fun.
Whether you’re interested in exploring historic forts, indulging in culinary delights, immersing yourself in the local art scene, or casually relaxing on one of the many sun-soaked neighboring beaches, Old San Juan offers an unrivalled Caribbean escape that promises to not only entertain but also enrich. More than merely another holiday destination, Old San Juan is a journey through time, culture, and cuisine where Old World elegance, timeless natural beauty and good vibes collide.