Puerto Rico has always held a special place in my heart. Not only is it an island rich in culture, beauty, and history, but it’s also where my grandparents were from. Growing up, we would visit often, and the memories I made there with them are ones I’ll cherish forever. From the food to the beaches, the music to the people, every trip connected me deeply to rich culture and created memories that will last a lifetime. Puerto Rico is more than a vacation spot for me—it’s a connection to my roots, my heritage, and all the love that comes with it.
A Connection to My Roots
When I think of Puerto Rico, I immediately think of my grandparents; their deep sincere love for their family y nuestra querida isla. Don’t get me wrong, they were definitely rough around the edges. In their early years they lived with their respective families in NYC. They were Nuyoricans in the South Bronx and they lived through serious hardships in their youth. They battled disgraceful racism and more than anyone’s fair share of hardships. When they retired it was time to relocate part time back to the island. They loved when we came to visit and for years my family would travel during Easter time to soak up all we could in a short period of time. I looked forward to that trip every year and look back fondly on so many things. The smell of empanadillas (and the taste!), the sound of the ocean lapping up against their beach house in Añasco, the incredible view from countless gorgeous beach after beach, the music, the laughter, the dancing…. All of it! My grandparents shared their love for the island with me in so many ways, from the delicious food to the family traditions we still hold onto today. Puerto Rico isn’t just a place I’ve visited; it’s an integral part of who I am and I’m now passing on these traditions and gifts to my children.
Exploring Puerto Rico: My Favorite Places
Puerto Rico is full of hidden gems, both well-known and tucked away. On every trip, there are a few must-see spots that are always on my list:
Condado: I love the vibe in Condado and it’s perfectly situated next to hot spot like Santurce and Old San Juan. When in Condado I prefer to stay at the Condado Vanderbilt, a historic luxury art deco hotel sat right on top of the Atlantic Ocean. Aside from it’s opulent 1920’s decor, the property boasts amenities like an onsite luxe spa, modern fitness center, conference and events space, and several on site restaurants such as 1919 Restaurant where you can splurge on a tasting menu consisting of suckling pig, known as cochinillo, and sample from an ample wine list any sommelier would swoon over. If you’re looking to relax oceanside there are several tanning verandas and pools to choose from with a view of the ocean right in front of you that feels private and exclusive. Not to mention, you’re walking distance to the Condado Lagoon for water sports and a stone’s throw from Santurce where you can experience true Puerto Rican culture and cuisine reimaged that James Beard Award Winning chef, Natalia Vallejo created through her restaurant Cocina al Fondo. There are several others out there doing similar ground-breaking work like Vianda. If you want true authentic cuisine from the island you have to visit La Casita Blanca to experience the pure Puerto Rican vibe with traditional eats like sancocho, fried chillo (snapper), plantains (both tostones & maduros), rice and beans, carne guisada, and all the fried goodies I love from the island.
Old San Juan: A five min ride from Condado and you’re transplanted to the historic Viejo San Juan. The cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish colonial buildings make this historic district a favorite. My grandparents took us there to explore the forts, walk the streets like Calle Forteleza, shop from local vendors, and experience traditional eats. Now as an adult I love venturing to find the original piña colada (made famous at the Caribe Hilton) at places like Barrachina and relax at local chinchorreos like La Vergüenza, overlooking the La Perla barrio and the ocean. It’s pubs like this where you can always find a fresh Medalla beer or Puerto Rican microbrewery selects from places like Boquerón Brewing Co. and Ocean Lab Brewing Co. I love to indulge in frituras (that’s fried food) like alcapurrias, empanadillas, and bacalaítos. Today, I still find myself captivated by the mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy with no shortage of that vibra Boricua.
El Yunque National Forest: If you want to connect with nature, there’s nothing like exploring this lush rainforest. My family and I have spent hours exploring the trails, surrounded by the sounds of waterfalls and tropical wildlife. It’s an experience that never gets old. If you’re super adventurous I HIGHLY recommend a zip line tour with Jungle Quí and a private tour to a private majestic waterfall with Puerto Rico Tour Desk. Both activities will occupy most of your day so be sure to plan your trip on the island to have a good mix of city, rain forest, and beaches.
Manatí: Just beyond Vega Baja and before you get to Aguadilla, you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches known as Mar Chiquita in Manatí. Here you have the rugged rocks encasing the Atlantic Ocean, which creates a pool-like experience to explore. Like all beaches in Puerto Rico, Mar Chiquita is a public beach where both locals and tourists alike visit to relax and soak up the sun. Pro tip: bring a chair, umbrella, and beach blanket to relax. You can always borrow some shade from the indigenous palm trees. One of my favorite things to do is stop by local Costa Azul restaurant on our way down to the beach and eat lunch overlooking the gloriousness of the ocean. There are food trucks from time to time, but this local restaurant really does pechuga de pollo frita with arroz y habichuelas guisadas right. And for those that don’t know, that’s fried chicken cutlet with rice and beans.
Añasco & Rincón: For as long as I can remember Añasco & Rincón were my family’s go-to beaches on the island. My grandparents lived between Mayagüez and their beach house in Añasco where our extended family would split up our visits. In Añasco my grandparents’ beachhouse sat right on the beach with the ocean water lapping up against the foundation. My cousins and I would play for hours on that beach and come up to the house’s marquesina (essentially their carport over looking the water) for meals with the family. When we wanted adventure we would go to the next town of Rincón to watch the surfers, see the lighthouse, and shop in the plaza. If you’re looking for what to do in Rincon here are my top suggestions:
- Quaint Places To Stay with Great Food:
- Beaches to See:
- Domes Beach: Known for big wave surfing in the winter
- Steps Beach: A popular beach with concrete steps on the sand
- Maria’s Beach: A beach where you can surf, paddle board, swim, and snorkel
- Things to Do:
- Reserva Marina Tres Palmas: A protected area with a healthy coral reef, snorkeling, and hiking
- Guided Shore Diving Tour: A relaxed way to explore the ocean just off the shore
- Rincón Art Walk: A weekly downtown plaza event with artists and live music
- Local markets: Discover local markets and food scene
- Whale watching: Humpback whales can be seen in the winter
- Art galleries: Explore art by local and international artists
- Eco-tourism: Hike, snorkel, and enjoy nature
- Places to Eat:
No matter what, the west side of the island has the BEST sunsets hands-down. So, be sure to map out your day and save time to soak in all of the sky’s glory over a cocktai.
Why Puerto Rico Will Always Be Home in My Heart
It’s hard to put into words just how much Puerto Rico means to me. It’s a place that feels like home, no matter how many years pass or how far away I am. The memories I’ve made there with my grandparents are woven into the fabric of who I am. Puerto Rico isn’t just an island—it’s a reflection of my heritage, my family, and the love that will tie us all together forever.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers beauty, culture, and a sense of belonging, Puerto Rico will never disappoint. And for me, it will always be where my heart lives.
I’ll be sharing more on my travels throughout Puerto Rico digging into all the places to stay, eat, and see. There’s no shortage of ways to explore the island and keep coming back for more!
