Puerto Rico: My Unexpected Caribbean Favorite

When I visited Puerto Rico on a cruise back in 2019, I’ll admit—I wasn’t expecting much. I’d been to plenty of Caribbean islands before, and I thought Puerto Rico might feel like more of the same. Instead, I stepped off the ship in San Juan and quickly realized how wrong I was. Puerto Rico turned out to be one of the most interesting, easiest, and frankly coolest destinations I’ve experienced in the Caribbean—and yet, it’s often overlooked by travelers in favor of flashier islands.

Easy Travel, Big Reward

For U.S. travelers, Puerto Rico offers a rare combination: the ease of a domestic trip with the flavor of an international escape. 

As a U.S. territory, the island operates on the U.S. dollar, cell phones work just as they do at home, and—best of all—you don’t need a passport to get there. That makes Puerto Rico one of the simplest ways to enjoy the Caribbean without the extra paperwork or currency exchange.

Add to that the short flight from the East Coast, and suddenly Puerto Rico becomes a no-brainer—especially for spring break when you want to maximize your time away, not waste it in transit.

Yet while Puerto Rico delivers the turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches you expect from the Caribbean, it also brings its own history, cuisine, and cultural texture that set it apart.

A Different Kind of Caribbean

Sure, Puerto Rico has the warm turquoise water and soft beaches you expect from the Caribbean, but the island offers much more. I was struck by the sense of history in San Juan. Founded in 1521, it’s the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction. Walking the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, with its colorful facades and wrought-iron balconies, felt like stepping into a bygone era. I even learned that the distinctive blue cobblestones—adoquines—were made from iron slag shipped over from Spain in the 1700s.

One highlight of my walking tour was strolling down the alley strung with hundreds of colorful umbrellas, suspended overhead like a floating canopy of art. I noticed locals riding bicycles as safe bike lanes were positioned all around town. It made me think—residents here must be incredibly fit to cycle those inclines daily, and it gave the city a contagious energy.

And then there’s the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the massive stone fort built to guard against pirates and European rivals. I remember standing on its ramparts, watching families flying kites on the lawn, the Atlantic crashing below. It was one of those simple but striking travel moments that stay with you.

Food, Golf, and Glow-in-the-Dark Bays

The gastronomy was another highlight. Puerto Rican cuisine seamlessly blends Spanish, African, and Taino influences, creating a cuisine that feels both hearty and refined. If you go, order mofongo—mashed plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings, often topped with shrimp or chicken. For something truly local, try lechón asado, slow-roasted pork that’s a source of pride across the island. And don’t skip the coffee—Puerto Rico’s mountain plantations have produced beans prized by connoisseurs for more than a century. The island’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its rich cultural heritage and is a must-try for any food lover.

Luxury travelers will also find plenty to enjoy. Golfers can tee off at TPC Dorado Beach East, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., or the Bahía Beach Golf Club by his son. Both combine lush scenery with championship-level play. Many of the island’s premier resorts integrate golf, spas, and fine dining—perfect for those who prefer their Caribbean days unhurried but still rich with activity.

Adventure seekers can indulge in unique experiences, such as paddling the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay in Vieques or Laguna Grande in Fajardo, where bioluminescent microorganisms illuminate the water beneath your kayak. Alternatively, they can hike through the waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system.

Why Puerto Rico Deserves a Spot on Your List

Looking back on that 2019 visit, what struck me most was how Puerto Rico felt both familiar and completely different at the same time. It gave me the Caribbean beaches I wanted, but also deep history, rich gastronomy, and unique adventures I wasn’t expecting. Best of all, it was easy—no passports, no conversions, no extra hassles.

For luxury travelers who want Caribbean sun without the complications, Puerto Rico deserves more than a passing thought. It’s convenient, full of experiences worth savoring, and very much worth a return trip—I know I’m already planning mine.

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