Puerto Rico felt like one of those destinations everyone had already been to. For years, we’d hear stories, see photos, watch people rave about the beaches, the food, the culture—and somehow, it still took us until 2021 to finally make it there.

When we did, it felt like we were late to the party.

But once we arrived, it became very clear: Puerto Rico doesn’t expire. And experiencing it with my husband and our son made it even more special.

Puerto Rico is rich in history, culture, and resilience. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, it blends Caribbean soul with American familiarity. Spanish colonization, African heritage, and Taíno roots all show up in the food, music, architecture, and daily life. You feel it everywhere—and it’s what makes the island so vibrant.

Here’s how we spent six unforgettable days in Puerto Rico.

Day 1: Arrival, Isla Verde & Beach Mode Activated

We left the house at 5:45 a.m. and headed to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, parking in long-term parking and taking the shuttle to the terminal. It was my first time parking with Fast Park, which a colleague had told me about, and it was pretty great. You park, and they shuttle you to the airport, which is close by.

We flew out at 8:45 a.m. and landed at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport at 12:43 p.m.—already feeling the warmth and island energy. The flight didn’t feel long, even with a kid.

After picking up our rental car, we went straight to lunch at Bebo’s BBQ, which was the perfect welcome to Puerto Rican flavors.

We checked into our guest house, Red Door, at 2 p.m. and immediately walked over to Isla Verde Beach, just five minutes away. I can’t recommend this guest house enough. It is owned and operated by a Puerto Rican family. They live in the main house and rent out two guest houses in the back. It is close to a lot of things, and clean and spacious. Not only that, we had the whole backyard to ourselves.

Isla Verde Beach was everything: warm water, soft sand, and that laid-back Caribbean vibe. We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, tanning, and soaking it all in.

Dinner was a short walk away at Sirena Bar & Tapas, and it was the perfect way to ease into island life.

Day 2: Rainforest Adventures

We grabbed breakfast on the go and packed snacks before driving about 30 plus minutes to El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system.

The lush trails, mountain views, and waterfalls were incredible. Even when the sun is shining, it is a rainforest—so rain jackets and waterproof shoes are a must. When visiting Puerto Rico, you must come here.

Afterward, we had a late lunch at Smoky Joe Caribbean Grill at the kiosks in Luquillo, then headed to Condado Beach for more ocean time.

That evening, we headed to La Placita de Santurce—a lively mix of food and music. Even if you’re not staying out late, the energy alone is worth experiencing. Of course, we turned in earlier as we had a two and a half year old with us.:)

Day 3: Ocean Park, Parks & Casual Eats

After breakfast at Café La Plage, we headed to Ocean Park Beach. We swam, walked, and spent time at Parque Barbosa, which is perfect for kids with open green space and ocean views.

Lunch was at Acapulco Taquería Mexicana, followed by more beach time before heading out to Lote 23 for dinner and a relaxed evening.

Day 4: Boats, Miramar & Old San Juan Dinner

We didn’t do this because our son was too young, but if your kids are 4 and older, you can plan a San Juan Mini Boats Adventure. A fun way to explore the water and see the city from a different angle. Then grab lunch at the Miramar Food Truck Park, which is pretty amazing.

In the afternoon, we walked through Paseo de las Fuentes and passed by Club Náutico de San Juan, which offers sailing lessons and hosts major maritime events.

Dinner that night was in Old San Juan at Sofia’s Old San Juan.

Day 5: Old San Juan & Puerto Rico’s History

We started with breakfast at Café Manolín, then spent the day exploring Old San Juan. You can’t not visit Old San Juan when visiting Puerto Rico. We loved exploring the beauty of the architecture and taking in all the history.

We visited historic forts like Castillo de San Cristóbal and El Morro, walked Paseo La Princesa, saw La Rogativa, La Casa Blanca, and the Raíces Fountain.

Lunch was along Calle de la Fortaleza, and dinner that night was back near Isla Verde at Lupi’s.

Hubby and I also celebrated our wedding anniversary.

Day 6: One Last Beach Morning

We had breakfast on the beach, soaked in the last moments of island life, then headed to the airport for our 1:50 p.m. flight home.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Rico may have felt like a destination everyone else had already checked off—but for us, it arrived exactly when it needed to.

Traveling there with my husband and son made it meaningful in a deeper way. The mix of beaches, rainforest, history, food, and culture made it feel full and alive.

If you’ve been putting off Puerto Rico because you think you missed the moment, take this as your sign: you haven’t.

Yours,