San Juan is a colorful and interesting city that combines the features of an American metropolis with the flavor of the colonial era. It is an ideal place for a cultural family vacation. Besides, you can have fun with your child. The main thing is to turn on time to San Juan car rental. You can do this here. Because you have to drive a lot, but this way you can travel in comfort.
A family trip to historic San Juan begins with ancient forts, cobblestone alleyways, historic buildings, churches, and local craft shops. The modern city offers the best beaches, bargain shopping, delicious food in restaurants, and fiery salsa at one of the local clubs while the kids relax in one of the local hotels in the evening. San Juan is a mix of characters and moods. Getting to know the capital of Puerto Rico up close is interesting for every tourist.
San Juan attractions
To make the trip fascinating for children, it is worth introducing them to the city’s history. The main historical and cultural monuments are located in the Old Town area. Walking on foot, you will be able to see all the architectural structures and feel the city’s flavor.
In addition to man-made attractions, San Juan offers picturesque natural spots and beaches. However, sometimes it’s quite a long drive to them, so van rental helps you. There, your kids will not be bored, for sure. Make an itinerary in advance so that the vacation will be remembered only by vivid impressions.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan, or El Viejo San Juan, is located on the west side of a rocky peninsula on the bay. The cobblestone streets of the blue kiln scale preserve the history of the amazing city.
The elegant facades of the buildings and their balconies with lattice wreathed in flowers take you back to the days of the classics of Spanish literature. The north side of Old San Juan is lined with fortress walls paved in stone. Together with the forts, they form a strong defensive system. They protected the locals from corsair raids.
Over time, many of the buildings were destroyed. Only the ramparts of San Cristóbal, El Morro and the walls of La Muralia remain intact. However, even these buildings testify to the former greatness of the fortress. Children will love it because it is a place to recreate the atmosphere of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Fortaleza or Palacio de Santa Catalina
La Fortaleza Fortress is the oldest functioning residence and government house in the New World. The governor of Puerto Rico lives and works here. Offocoal name of the palace: Palacio de Santa Catalina.
Fortress de San Cristobal
The Fortress de San Cristobal was built in the 17th century. The ramparts of the fort, despite a protracted struggle, have remained intact. Fort San Cristobal is a magnificent example of military architecture. Now, tourists with children and locals often come to see the ramparts of the fort. They rest on the large green field that surrounds the fort territory. Here they have picnics, play with children, and fly a kite.
Fort San Jerónimo del Boquerón
The majestic fortress walls stretch along the north side of San Juan. Reconstruction work is currently underway on the structure. To get here with the family, it is better to contact a van rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Tourists with children and locals love to walk around the grounds of Fort San Geronimo del Boquerón. A greenfield surrounds it. Here you can relax, lie on the green grass, organize a picnic and have fun. The massive citadels of Fort El Morro, Fort San Cristobal, and Fuerte San Felipe del Morro rise beyond the field.
Gunpowder and Armory
According to the authors of the famous pirate epic “Pirates of the Caribbean”, this is where Jack Sparrow dreamed of going. Can you imagine how delighted your child will be to know that he is there, where he was so desired to get his favorite hero? If the character can be considered fictional, then the weapons and artillery supplies were, in fact, the dream of all the filibusters who sailed in the local waters.
In the sixties, the Gunpowder and Armory became a museum. Its exhibition, housed behind thick walls, is devoted to the weapons that were used in this New World territory. There are also many recreational facilities here. They are popular not only among tourists but also among the local population. So if your child is a Harry Potter fan, he won’t be bored anyway.
What should a tourist do in San Juan?
- Take a walk in the city’s Botanical Garden. It is a great place for a quiet and relaxing vacation with the whole family.
- Marvel at the colorful Old Town, with its colonial buildings, old forts, and atmospheric cobblestone streets.
- Wander through the Market Square, which has been around for about a century. It is home to markets, stores, and museums. There are often festivals, which will leave neither children nor adults. In the markets, you can buy fresh farm products and local delicacies. Rent a bigger van if you want to do more shopping. Want to relax and have a great meal? Head to one of the restaurants or cafés surrounded by beautiful old buildings. On the square, you can find shops with handmade items that make excellent souvenirs.
- Check out the Book Museum. The exhibit presents rare editions of books and documents. Among them are medieval manuscripts on parchment and manuscripts from the 12th to 17th centuries.
- Climb up to the Fort of Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, one of the main historical monuments of San Juan, which is under UNESCO protection. The majestic structure rises on the cape of Punta del Moro. The fortress 200 years old.
- Take a break at Condado Beach. White sand, warm waves, and chaotic palm trees make for the perfect family rendezvous with the ocean.
- Go snorkeling. You can find a lot of tropical fish species , crabs, and other beautiful underwater life. Under the guidance of an instructor, you can present an unforgettable experience for your children.
- Try one of the traditional Puerto Rican soups. For example, fish soup or black bean soup. Every lunch or dinner here starts with this hot dish. After such dishes, the child will never want to visit McDonald’s again.
Best time for a family trip to San Juan
San Juan is located in a tropical climate zone. The temperature ranges from +22 to +31 °C throughout the year. The warmest period is from late May to October, and the hottest days are in early September.
During this time, the average daytime temperature can reach +35 °C. The coolest season is from December to March. During this period, the daytime temperature is about +29 °C. The driest months are January, February, and March.
The popular events to visit with children are the St. Sebastian street festival in January and the Casals music festival in July. The latter brings the Caribbean’s best musicians to Puerto Rico’s capital city. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, San Juan hosts numerous street concerts and celebrations. The whole family will enjoy such a trip.
