What to do in Puerto Rico while house and pet sitting

If you dream of tropical beaches, sweeping scenery and cute old towns, Puerto Rico might just be your perfect destination.

This group of Caribbean islands is about 1,000 miles southeast of Florida. The average temperature is a hot 85 °F and the sea is positively balmy to swim in. The main island is called Puerto Rico and is home to the vibrant capital, San Juan. The small off-islands can be reached by ferry, water taxi or even by small aircraft.

It’s also a great place to pet sit, thanks to its dog-friendly beaches and laid-back vibe. Find out more about these beautiful islands in our TrustedHousesitters’ guide.

Puerto Rico attractions

For such a small place, there are a lot of things to do in Puerto Rico. The islands have a fascinating history, which can be discovered in the local museums or by exploring the many old buildings. The natural landscape is amazing, with picture-perfect beaches and thousands of acres of forests. To get you started, here are a few of our favorite Puerto Rico attractions.

1. Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques): by day, a typically beautiful Puerto Rican beach. By night, an incredible display of glowing blue water, thanks to bioluminescent organisms called dinoflagellates. Take a kayak tour for the full effect.

2. El Morro: El Castillo San Felipe del Morro dominates San Juan Harbor. It was built in the 16th century to deter pirates, invading armies and other unwelcome visitors. Today, visitors flock there for its ocean views. If you enjoy El Morro, visit her sister fort, Castillo San Cristóbal.

3. Calle del Cristo: if you like exploring galleries and artisan shops, then finding a perfect little place for a coffee or a meal, this is the district for you. Take in the two churches, the San Juan Bautista Cathedral and the Capilla de Cristo or relax in Pigeons Park.

4. Museo de Las Américas: this San Juan museum is the place to come to find out more about the islands and their history. It’s housed in the town’s old barracks and the building is as incredible as the collections.

Free things to do in Puerto Rico

Trying to keep the costs down? That’s easy in Puerto Rico, with its many beaches and picturesque streets to explore. Here are some of the top things to do in Puerto Rico on the budget.

1. Old San Juan: parts of the old town date back 500 years, making it the oldest town in the US. It’s famous for its brightly colored buildings, narrow cobbled streets and evocative vibe. Exploring the Old Town really is something you must do in Puerto Rico.

2. Flamenco Beach: possibly one of the most Insta-friendly beaches anywhere, Flamenco beach has dazzling white sands and clear azure sea. It also has places to get food and drink, restrooms, lifeguards and hire shops for snorkelling and scuba equipment.

3. Sun Bay (Vieques): two miles of silver sands and crystal waters… This is the place to come if you want to truly unwind. Unlike most of the beaches in the area, it has a kiosk where you can grab food and drink.

4. Ponce: this lively, bustling city is definitely worth visiting. It has a vibrant cultural scene with a packed programme of festivals and events. The architecture is typically Puerto Rican and we love the brightly colored buildings.

Fun things to do in Puerto Rico

What are the most fun activities to do in Puerto Rico? If you want to explore, let off some steam, or simply kick back and relax, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on these lively islands. We recommend trying some of these Puerto Rico activities. 

1. El Morro (El Castillo San Felipe del Morro): this spectacular citadel was built 500 years ago to defend the island against invaders. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot that’s great fun to explore. 

2. El Yunque National Forest: if you love hiking, this tropical rainforest is the perfect place. The 28,000-acre national park features mountains, meadows, rivers and waterfalls. Just please avoid it in the rainy season...

3. Condado Beach: this resort-style beach is extremely popular, so it’s not the beach to choose if you’re after seclusion. However if you want a choice of beachside bars and a sun lounger, this is the place to come.

4. Toro Verde Adventure Park: the Caribbean’s biggest adventure park is perfect for all thrill seekers who love (very long) zip wires, swaying rope bridges and rock climbing challenges.

What to do in Puerto Rico with pets?

Puerto Rico is a wonderful place for those sea dogs out there! There are some absolutely beautiful beaches in PR that are perfect for a run and a dip in the ocean. Here are a few of the best things to do in Puerto Rico with your pet.

1. Hobie Cat Beach: despite its name, Isla Verde’s Hobie Cat Beach is a great place to bring your dog. Also great for the humans, with good snorkeling and sailing opportunities. 

2. Cabbage Bay: this lovely beach on Paradise Island is fabulous for sea-loving dogs. As well as lots of sand for a scamper, there’s also plenty of shade.

3. Condado Pet Park: this popular park is in Luchetti Street, San Juan. There’s an exciting agility course for lively pets.

4. Numero Uno Beach House: the location on San Juan’s Ocean Beach is beautiful. This laid-back bar has a reputation for being super dog-friendly. 

5. Cane Bay Beach: yet another beautiful, dog-friendly beach! Cane Bay Beach is on St Croix, and welcomes four-footed friends. (However, pets aren’t allowed on the beach during turtle hatching season). 

Not used to going for walkies by the shore? Read our guide to taking your dog to the beach.

Best restaurants in Puerto Rico: Food and drink

If you’re still wondering what to do in Puerto Rico, here’s the best answer: eat. The islands are alive with fantastic restaurants and bars serving incredible local cuisine. If you’re a foodie, here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico.

Best restaurants in Puerto Rico for lunch 

Of course, there would be a laid-back lunch culture in this tropical paradise! Try one of these lovely pit stops...

1. The Pork Highway: we’ll start with not one restaurant, but a whole strip of them. La Ruta del Lechón (Pork Route) is a three-mile stretch of highway around Guavate (south of San Juan) that’s packed with places specializing in lechón. This is a delicious spiced local dish made from spit-roasted pork.

2. Lote 23: this “gastronomic park” in Santurce lets you move between kiosks, experiencing all sorts of incredible Puerto Rican food. Book a special tasting tour and look out for live music days.

3. La Guardarraya: Guayanilla’s fabulous restaurant serves the famous can-can chops. No carnivore can claim to have visited PR without trying these at least once. La Guardarraya is in a stunning forest location, and is fantastic value for money.

4. Kasalta: this is a bakery plus, that serves mouthwatering pies, pastries and sandwiches. Go to Kasalta’s website to check out the pictures of President Obama tucking in.

5. Que PezCa’O: fresh seafood near San Juan’s harbor, with al fresco dining. The food is exquisite and it’s a super-friendly venue. Live music is a regular occurance. 

Best restaurants in Puerto Rico for dinner

Evening dining in Puerto Rico is sophisticated and a lot of fun. San Juan is the center of the PR restaurant scene and if you’re staying near here, you’ll have a tricky job deciding where to eat. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Santaella: an elegant, modern restaurant in San Juan that’s always buzzing and serves fantastic tapas. It’s also fabulous for cocktails.

2. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar: again, this is an essential part of San Juan’s evening foodie scene. There's a choice of tasting menus, served in a stylish, dimly lit atmosphere. At last, somewhere where veggies can relax...

3. La Casita Blanca: amazing, home-style Spanish food. Perfect for those days when you want comfort food.

4. Uma’s: this beachfront restaurant in Isabela serves wonderful seafood. It serves lovely PR food, but with an Uzbekistani influence (the dumplings are a sure winner).

5. Jose Enrique: if you want to treat yourself, this contemporary restaurant is the place to go. Often regarded as one of the best restaurants in San Juan Puerto Rico, it serves delicious modern takes on traditional cuisine.

Does Puerto Rico sound like an island paradise to you? We love its rich combination of natural beauty and historic towns, combined with a fabulous foodie scene and those famous silver sands. It’s a great place to go with a dog, thanks to all its pet-friendly branches.

Like the idea of house and pet sitting in Puerto Rico?

Does Puerto Rico seem like your kind of archipelago? Find out what house and pet sitting opportunities are available by visiting our Find a House Sit page. If you’re new to our pack, check in with our friendly Community Forum to find out more.