25 BEST Free & Cheap Things To Do In Puerto Rico 2024
Written By Jenny White | The Kai Life • Posted on September 16, 2024
Looking for the best free things to do in Puerto Rico?
As a tropical coastal destination lover, Puerto Rico is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. Being an avid visitor, I’ve taken in so much of what this island has to offer – and still have a bucket list of places I can’t wait to check out during my next trips!
Puerto Rico is one of the most vibrant islands in the Caribbean, offering something for every kind of visitor. Since it’s so simple to visit as a territory of the United States, it should be at the top of your own bucket list.
To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of iconic can’t-miss experiences around Puerto Rico that won’t break the bank.
25 Free Things To Do In Puerto Rico
There’s so much to take in when you go to Puerto Rico – from visiting some of its hundreds of beaches, to seeing North America’s only tropical rainforest, to experiencing its spirited culture, architecture and history. It’s easy to fill your itinerary to the brim when planning a trip to Puerto Rico.
1. Go To The Beach
If you’re obsessed with the beach like I am, it will be at the top of your Puerto Rico itinerary. You can even head straight to Isla Verde Beach , just 10 minutes from the airport (like I did!).
This island is home to nearly 300 miles of beaches. You’ll find a variety from the secluded, cityscape, vibey beach towns and some of the best surf spots in North America. From white sand to black sand – Puerto Rico’s beaches are some of my favorite in the world.
Punta Borinquen Beach in Aquadilla. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Omark Reyes).
All beaches in Puerto Rico are public and free to visit. Some beaches that have lifeguards and facilities (called balnearios) will charge a small fee to park. Some beaches with hotels have beach clubs where you can pay a small fee for chairs and an umbrella (these beaches are still free and open to everyone).
Free.
Some beaches do charge for parking, but offer lifeguards and facilities like bathrooms & sometimes even lockers and showers. Hotel beach clubs aren’t rampant like they can be in other coastal destinations, but it’s definitely a perk if your hotel offers access to beach amenities.
The beaches in Puerto Rico are always open.
The balnearios (that offer parking lots and facilities) do have specific hours (typically 9am – 5pm and may be closed on certain holidays). Check with each specific beach when planning your visit.
You’re in the land of summer, Puerto Rico beaches are gorgeous year-round!:
• November through April is the dry season with slightly cooler temperatures. This is the high season and with holidays and many festivals, prices tend to be higher.
• April through November is the rainy season, with more heat & humidity. Hurricanes are a threat June through November.
Note: I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico during the rainy / hurricane seasons inMay and July and experienced minimal scattered rain showers daily. The skies were regularly overcast. When I travel during hurricane season, I make sure to get travel insurance.
2. Visit The Only Tropical Rainforest In The U.S. National Forest System
Nature lovers can’t miss a visit to El Yunque National Forest. There’s so much to see and do, you could spend days in the rainforest and not see everything.
A view in El Yunque National Forest (I captured this from the Yokahú Observation Tower).
El Yunque has 24 miles of trails, from easy to challenging. There are gorgeous waterfalls, over 240 plant species and hundreds of animal species. If you’re into adventure, there are many tours that you can take around El Yunque, including guided tours, zip lining experiences, ATV tours and horseback riding.
The views from the top of the Yokahú Observation Tower are incredible.
Even if you only take a drive through the forest, and visit the Yokahú Observation Tower for the views you’ll be so happy you made a stop in the rainforest.
Tip: I recommend bringing a rain poncho!
Free to hike or drive through.
There are some spots that charge small fees including the El Portal Visitor Center, which costs $8/adult (children 15 and under are free).
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas.
The El Portal Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Christmas.
No specific seasonal information, El Yunque is a rainforest, it rains daily. Temperatures are 73°F on average.
3. Go Salsa Dancing
My list of free things to do in Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without talking about salsa! It’s so much fun to randomly stumble upon salsa on the streets in Puerto Rico, and you’ll find plenty of free events too.
Street dancing in Puerto Rico. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Lyma Rodríguez).
Salsa dancing is iconic in Puerto Rico, with rich deep origins in the culture. Here, it’s more than just a dance – salsa is a passionate, vibrant celebration. Witnessing Puerto Ricans dancing salsa is an infections energy that you can’t miss.
There are a lot of free salsa events, even festivals like the free Día de San Juan Salsa Fest. You can find free music, dancing and classes at bars and hotels throughout the week.
4. Fly A Kite At Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Also known as El Morro, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a historic fortress in Old San Juan, built by the Spanish over 500 years ago. Overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay, this awe striking landmark is an iconic lookout.
Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
There is a cost to tour El Morro, but visiting the grounds where locals and fly kites is free and is a must during your trip.
It’s become a family tradition passed down through generations to fly kites at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and is a playful, fun site to sit & watch or fly one yourself on a breezy day.
It’s free to visit the grounds of El Morro.
There is a cost to enter El Morro and tour it.
If you’d like to fly a kite, you can bring your own or there are vendors surrounding the area with prices starting around $10.00.
The El Morro visitor center does have operating hours, but you can fly kites on the grounds anytime.
No specific seasonal information, El Morro is beautiful year round.
5. Take An Art Walk
As you take in Puerto Rico, you’ll notice street art throughout the island. Art-based festivals over the last decade, and an art community with rising support has paved way for Puerto Rico to become a highly recognized art scene.
Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
There’s an abundance of street art throughout the island, but a great place to see it a lot of it is just 10 minutes outside of Old San Juan, in the Santurce neighborhood. Santurce is home to many galleries and museums, but you’ll be able to see free vibrant street art all around the neighborhood just by taking a stroll.
6. Walk Around Old San Juan
Plan at least one day, if not several to take in Old San Juan. There is so much to see around every corner, and walking the city is a great free way to take in multiple sites.
You’ll find so many sweet, romantic streets to explore in Old San Juan.
The streets of Old San Juan are bustling with the famous blue cobblestone roads dating back to the 18th century and vibrantly colored homes and buildings that are hundreds of years old. There are countless photo opportunities.
Image source : Discover Puerto Rico
It’s so fun just to stroll the city, but you’ll also get free views of important landmarks along the way. Be sure to pin these spots on your map (some do have entry fees, but are free to walk around):
• The historic San Juan Gate, Puerta de Aguas
• The governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza
• Plazuela de la Rogativa, a sculpture to the side of the governor’s mansion.
• The recently remodeled historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro
• Stroll along one of Old San Juan’s most famous promenades, Paseo de la Princesa
• Visit Capitolo de Puerto Rico and look down at the beautiful coastline across the street
7. Cool Off In A Waterfall
Puerto Rico is home to many beautiful waterfalls. You could take them in quickly as you drive or hike by, or you could make a day of it and plan a hike, picnic and swimming day.
Note: Be aware of incoming weather conditions as waterfalls are typically in areas of lots of rainfall with potential for flash floods. Slippery conditions exist, and it’s not recommended to jump or swing from high rocks.
Las Delicias Falls. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Luis Figueroa).
These local favorite waterfalls are free to visit. Be sure to investigate accessibility, parking fees and facilities:
• Las Tinajas
• La Canoa Falls
• Las Delicias
• Salto Curet
• Chorro de Doña Juana
• Juan Diego Falls
• Cascada Gozalandia
• Cascada La Mina
8. Catch A Sunrise & Sunset
Quite possibly the most iconic on the list of free things to do in Puerto Rico, watch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset!
The sun setting in Dorado. This was the first beach we stopped at after landing in Puerto Rico our last visit!
You could even technically kick off the day watching the sunrise, enjoy a road trip to the other side of the island and end the day with a sunset (perfect day!).
There are countless spots to watch the sunrise and sunset in Puerto Rico. A couple favorites are:
• Sunrise at Luquillo Beach before heading to El Yunque Rainforest
• Sunset at Steps Beach (Playa Escalera) in Rincón OR at La Guancha Boardwalk in Ponce after a day in the sun
9. Go On A Roadtrip
Ok, so I guess this is technically not completely free since you’ll need to have a car and purchase gas … but if you’re already renting a car on the island, I highly recommend making your travels around the island a part of your itinerary.
An open road in Puerto Rico. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Lymarie Rodriguez).
Puerto Rico is a gorgeous island, and its landscapes are so diverse. There are several climate zones, mountains, flat lands, rainforests, dry forests and tons of beaches.
The drives around the island are stunning. At nearly 100 miles long, it takes several hours to drive across Puerto Rico. If you’re visiting multiple parts of the island, definitely make your road trip a part of your adventure.
On a drive out west from San Juan, there are a ton of picturesque spots including:
• El Túnel del Tren en Guajataca
• Cara del Indio
10. Visit A Music Video Location
Several famous music videos were filmed in Puerto Rico!
Quite possibly the most well-known is Despacito, by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. It was filmed at La Perla, a neighborhood in Old San Juan. Locals hope tourism can continue to be a positive force in growing what once had a reputation as being a dangerous barrio. Scenes from Despacito were also filmed at La Factoria bar.
Colorful La Perla. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Note, Safety in La Perla: Of course it’s advised to use caution anywhere you visit, especially when traveling to a new destination. La Perla is a neighborhood that is continuing to be restored. Be respectful when you visit. Experts warn against visiting La Perla at night.
A lot of famous movies have scenes filmed in Puerto Rico too, including parts of Pirates of The Caribbean, Contact and more!
11. Take A Hike
Puerto Rico has an abundance of stunning hikes, in many of their climate zones.
Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Benji López).
With 1 National Forest, 19 State Forests and 36 Nature Reserves, you’ll find tons of free trails to hike around the island. Some favorites are located in:
• El Yunque National Forest – here you’ll find 24 miles of trails. Hikes range from easy to challenging, with a variety of lengths.
• Bosque Estatal Toro Negro – with over 11 miles of hiking trails, there are gorgeous views throughout.
• Cueva del Viento – one of the many trails leads to a cave that encourages visitors with a staircase leading down to it!
12. Go Snorkeling
Crystal clear turquoise warm waters surround Puerto Rico. There are coral reefs and abundance of marine life. There’s no shortage of great snorkel spots in Puerto Rico!
Image source : Stella Ribeiro.
If you have your own snorkel gear, it’s a great free activity. If you didn’t bring snorkel gear, it can be rented cheaply, or you can take a fun snorkel tour.
13. Go Birdwatching
Puerto Rico is home to over 300 species of birds! Whether you’re a passionate birdwatcher or it’s your first time, you are in for a treat.
A Puerto Rican Tody.
With so many state forests, parks and nature reserves on Puerto Rico, there are plenty of opportunities to get quiet in nature with the birds.
I’ve already mentioned many spots throughout the island that would be wonderful to birdwatch. Another wonderful (free!) spot is the Cambalache State Forest. It’s a 50 minute drive west from San Juan, but visiting is like being in another world.
14. Visit A Lighthouse
Lighthouses are so iconic to any coastal trip. It’s so fun to learn about their history.
Faro Punta Tuna.
There are 16 surviving lighthouses in Puerto Rico, including some that are free to visit. Faro Punta Tuna is being restored but is free to the public and open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Free Things To Do In Puerto Rico (On My Bucket List)
I’m a huge fan of keeping travel bucket lists and LOVE to check off places I want to visit. Puerto Rico is one of those places that you leave with a longer list of things you want to do next visit than the list you arrived with!
These are some free things to do in Puerto Rico that I’m really excited to check off my list next visits. I promise to update my experiences:
15. Spend The Day In A Dry Forest
It’s incredible that the Guánica Dry Forest is just a couple hours drive from El Yunque, the tropical rainforest that gets over 200 inches of rain a year. The Guánica Dry Forest only gets about 30 inches a year!
One of the world’s largest tropical coastal dry forests, Guánica Dry Forest is home to hundreds of animal and plant species.
Whether you drive, hike, photograph, bike or meditate – entry to Guánica Dry Forest is free of charge.
Guánica Dry Forest is always free to visit and park at.
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed on Mondays.
Visit any time of the year – the town of Guánica is known as the “paradise of eternal summer” because of its gorgeous weather and temperatures year-round.
16. Visit Casa Bacardí
Puerto Rico is the “Rum Capital of the World” with deep rooted history in production going back to the 15th century.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy rum while you’re visiting the island, and if you get the chance to visit a distillery, you should experience it!
An aroma station at Casa Bacardí. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Although Casa Bacardí no longer offers free tours, you can still visit for free. You’ll be welcomed with gorgeous views, and can enjoy the restaurant and Pavilion.
It’s free to visit Casa Bacardí. Tours begin at $40.
Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and is closed on major holidays.
17. Visit An Art Gallery
Puerto Rico has a rich art history, and there are many organizations that celebrate its local artists.
A gallery wall. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Although you’ll see street art throughout your travels around the island, there are several free art galleries that locals say are a must-visit ::
• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
• Lighthouse NFT Gallery
• Museu de Arte de Puerto Rico
Cheap Things To Do In Puerto Rico
This list wouldn’t be complete without calling out some cheap things to do in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico offers many affordable ways to get a taste of their island and culture.
18. Drink A Piña Colada At Its Birthplace
You must try the famous coconut and pineapple flavored rum drink (or its non-alcoholic version) while visiting Puerto Rico!
Enjoying a Piña Colada with a view on the Atelier Rooftop Terrace at Palacio Provincial.
Although there’s some lighthearted debate around where it was first created, you’ll find delicious Piña Colada’s throughout Puerto Rico. Drinking one is such a fun way to lean into a decades long tradition when visiting the island.
You can try the traditional drink at either of the spots that claim to have created it for less than $15 (and both offer nights with live music!) ::
• Barrachina Piña Colada :: $7.85
• Caribe Hilton Piña Colada :: $12.00
Or, if you’re looking to cool off after a day in the sun, try a Piña Colada popsicle at Señor Paleta for just $3.85!
19. Drink Local Coffee
Puerto Rico is famous for its rich historical roots in growing, processing and exporting coffee. To this day, it continues to keep the traditions of one of the world’s favorite beverages alive.
A Puerto Rican coffee farmer. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican coffee has a unique taste because of its volcanic soil and altitude levels. You must try a local coffee when visiting!
You’ll find ways to enjoy local favorites throughout your visit. Most hotels serve complimentary local varieties. You’ll find local coffee shops to support throughout the island. Or, a wonderful way to spend the day – you can even tour a coffee hacienda!
20. Take A Yoga Class
Wellness is a way of life in Puerto Rico, here you’ll find a variety of ways to come back to self care (or introduce new healthy habits).
From flowing beachside to breathing in and out at a traditional studio, Puerto Rico offers some wonderful yoga classes.
You can find yoga studios, eco-resorts with retreats and experiences in all corners of the island. Classes are offered throughout the day, and for a variety of prices (typically under $25).
A yoga class in Puerto Rico. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Cheap Things To Do In Puerto Rico (On My Bucket List)
Some of the Puerto Rican experiences still on my bucket list don’t have huge price tags associated with them! I can’t wait to check out these spots during my next trips to the island.
21. Take The Ferry To Culebra Or Vieques
This is at the VERY TOP of my Puerto Rico bucket list, I cannot wait to visit Culebra and Vieques!
Vieques and Culebra are two islands off the east coast of the main island, nicknamed the Spanish Virgin Islands. They’re home to stunning beaches, nature, wildlife, quaint towns and vibrant locals – but each island has a completely different feel. Locals call them MUST VISIT destinations.
An aerial view of Culebra. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
You can fly to each island, but you can also take the ferry and it’s cheap! Tickets are just roughly $3 each. There is an additional fee tourist fee of $2 to visit Culebra.
The Ceiba Ferry Terminal. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Ferry rides take about 30 minutes from Ceiba to Vieques and about 45 minutes from Ceiba to Culebra. Tickets can be purchased through Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo (ATM).
Note: If you’re planning a visit to either island, be sure that you have your return ferry time planned. Locals have told me that it’s easy to get stranded on the island overnight if you don’t plan for your return in advance. There are hotels and rentals, but that could make a cheap visit to Puerto Rico much more expensive if you didn’t plan for it.
22. Spend The Day At A Taíno Archeological Site
The Taíno people inhibited Puerto Rico before the Spanish people arrived.
There are several archeological sites on Puerto Rico where you can visit the ruins, artifacts, and learn history about the Taíno.
Artifacts at Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Cagüana. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
The Taína Route runs through several towns on the island. Spending time in these locations is a great way to learn about Taíno history. The route includes a stop at one of the most notorious Taíno sites, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Cagüana.
23. Relax At The Coamo Hot Springs
Did you know that Puerto Rico has a hot springs?
Coamo Hot Springs. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico (Lymarie Rodriguez Photographer).
You may not have thought about seeking out a warm water experience when you’re visiting the tropics! Locals love to visit the Coamo Hot Springs because of the advantage of soaking in the mineral waters. Entry is just $3.35!
After rinsing off in a cool shower, you can experience the warm and hot pools. You can even get a massage for $1 a minute in the on-site Fuga Spa.
I can’t wait to visit for a day of self care!
Entry to The Coamo Hot Springs is $3.35. Seniors and children can visit for just $1. The on-site Fuga Spa offers $1/minute massages.
Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and is closed on major holidays.
The Coamo Hot Springs has a beautiful property and I heard that there are little positive messages written on stones throughout the grounds.
The facility features a shop where you can buy local souvenirs & essentials you may have forgotten.
There is an on-site cafe that serves coffee, smoothies and light snacks.
The Fuga Spa is located on site and offers wonderful pricing on unique Puerto Rican inspired body work.
24. Tour San Felipe del Morro AND Castillo San Cristóbal (Two For One!)
One of the best cheap things to do in Puerto Rico is to grab this two for one deal. Visit two famous historical sites in Old San Juan for the price of one!
View of San Felipe Del Morro. Image source : Nils Huenerfuerst.
The landmarks San Felipe Del Morro (where locals fly kites in the yard) and Castillo San Cristóbal entry fee is just $10 and you get access to both sites! It’s even free to visit on certain holidays!
View of Castillo San Cristóbal. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
Both tours offer park ranger led tours, or you’re free to explore on your own. There are many wonderful photo spots throughout.
Entry to both San Felipe Del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal is $10 each – be sure to hold on to your receipt, because paid entry to one allows you to visit the other when you show it.
Both sites are open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The site is closed on major holidays.
25. Spend The Day In A Puerto Rican Botanical Garden
One of my favorite things to do in the tropics is to visit botanical gardens. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the environment, and to see an abundance of the native plant and flower species on the island.
Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Image source : Discover Puerto Rico.
There are several botanical gardens located around Puerto Rico, featuring thousands of plants. Entry fees are typically just a few dollars. Be sure to check in advance – some require reservations.
Some of the gardens at the top of my list to visit are ::
• Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
• Jardín Botánico y Cultural William Miranda Marín
• Jardín Botánico del Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Getting Around Puerto Rico
There are several ways to get around Puerto Rico including driving, bus, uber, ferry and even some local trolleys.
Public transportation is not the greatest, and can’t be relied on to easily get from destination to destination.
If you want to see much of the island, renting a car will be your best bet. Driving is safe in Puerto Rico, and is easy for Americans to adapt to since the roads are kept up and marked like they are on the mainland of the US. Renting a car will save you time and allow you to be in control of your itinerary.
If you’re staying local to one town, like the San Juan area, you could get away with walking and taking Uber. Ubers in Puerto Rico are safe and friendly. Many of the times that I’ve taken Uber in Puerto Rico, the driver has acted like a tour guide and given me local insight. The cost of Uber in Puerto Rico is very comparable to what you find in the continental US – rides can add up quickly, so if you’re planning to explore a lot, you might consider a car instead.
FAQs
As an avid Puerto Rico traveler, I’m very familiar with what it’s like to visit the island. Below are some answers to some regular questions that I get asked.
Is Puerto Rico cheap to visit?
Puerto Rico is not the cheapest place to visit in the Caribbean. Flights can be costly, there is limited public transportation and it costs more to get goods to the island.
There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Puerto Rico, though! I hope that this guide helps to make a visit to Puerto Rico more affordable, because it is a place that is absolutely worth a visit. Once you get there, you’ll find a lot to see and do for free!
Are US dollars used in Puerto Rico?
Yes, US dollars are used in Puerto Rico! As a territory of the United States, it uses the same currency as the rest of the US, which makes it a really simple place to visit.
What is the prettiest area in Puerto Rico?
You really can’t go wrong if you’re looking to visit the prettiest area of Puerto Rico, because it’s all stunning. There are incredible views throughout the island, tons of native plants and flowers and countless beaches.
Many locals say that Vieques and Culebra are the prettiest areas. El Yunque and the west coast offer unique views. Don’t sleep on the small towns liked like Dorado! Old San Juan is a gorgeous city with beautiful views if you prefer city life and the history around town.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Rico is an abundant, welcoming island to visit. There is truly something for everyone. When you visit, you’ll quickly realize that there are so many things to do and see – it’s helpful to plan for at least a handful of them to be affordable!
I truly hope that this list of free things to do in Puerto Rico comes in handy for your trip!