Ponce, Puerto Rico is rich in history, covered with amazing tropical flowers of every imaginable shade and loaded with points of interest. Ponce, the second largest city in Puerto Rico, is one of it’s top tourist destinations. Founded in 1692 by Ponce de Leon’s great grandson, it is Puerto Rico’s second oldest city.
Ponce is known as “The Pearl of the South.” With it’s southern location facing the Caribbean Sea and gently rolling hills it’s easy to see how it earned it’s name. It’s central position on the island, makes it easy for travelers to enjoy visiting museums, coffee plantations or a day fishing or snorkeling in the clear blue waters of one of Ponce’s offshore islands. If you enjoy Puerto Rico and it’s beaches, don’t miss our post on the offshore island of Culebra, Puerto Rico’s little paradise located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Culebra’s Flamenco Beach is consistanly named as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Where is Ponce Located?
Ponce is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, 3 miles inland from the Caribbean Sea. It is located 76 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours west of historic Old San Juan making it an ideal central location for visitors to explore the island of Puerto Rico and it’s many stunning beaches. And, for a memorable genuine roast port meal, the town of Guavate is only an hours drive away. Read about our fun experience at Guavate where whole pigs are roasted and served traditional Puerto Rican style!
What to Do in Ponce Puerto Rico?
At the Plaza Las Delicias (the city center) you’ll fine shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops and museums. Also, notable architecture such as the the Parque de Bombas / Old Ponce Fire Station, the Cathedral Senora de la Guadalupe, Casa Alcaldía / City Hall and the Ponce Museum of Art. And don’t miss a visit to the Castillo Serrallés Estate and the Cruceta del Vigía for an enjoyable day of sightseeing.
The Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce
Ponce City Hall / Casa Alcaldia
Ponce City Hall (Casa Alcaldía) built in 1840 is the oldest colonial building in Ponce. It is located directly across from the Plaza Las Delicias. Part of Casa Alcaldia’s unusual history is that the building was actually Ponce’s jail until the end of the 19th century. The old jails cells are now being used as offices for City Hall.
Ponce Cathedral / Catedral Senora de la Guadalupe
The Ponce Cathedral (The Catedral de Señora de Guadalupe) is the Roman Catholic cathedral and makes up part of Ponce’s town square, Plaza Las Delicias. Dating back to 1670, the cathedral has been damaged by fires and earthquakes several times. It has an intricate architectural design that makes it stand out among the other four cathedrals in Puerto Rico.
More Fun Things to See and Do in Puerto Rico!
Driving times & distances are from Ponce:
Arecibo Observatory – 50 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours
Rio Camuy Cave Park – 40 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours
Guavate – For Roast Pork – 50 miles or approximately 1 hours
Culebra Island – 123 miles or approximately 4 hours via car & ferry
Best Beaches in Puerto Rico – Our Favorites – Times and distances will vary
Historic Old San Juan – 10 Must See & Do – 74 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours
Parque de Bombas / Old Ponce Fire Station
The Parque de Bombas is the historic fire station located in Ponce’s city center. It was originally built in 1882 for use as a exhibition pavilion eventually becoming Puerto Rico’s very first fire station. The fire station closed in 1990 and was converted to a museum. When you travel to Ponce you will easily recognize the building due to its dramatic painting.
Bougainvillea Flowers in Ponce Are Amazing!
Bougainvillea flowers in Ponce are stunningly beautiful. As we traveled around the city we also saw colorful flowering plants, flowering bushes and gorgeous flowering trees. Let us know what you think of these Bougainvillea flowers in the comment section below, where you can also subscribe to our newsletter. We have more very high quality photos of these flowers if you are interested. You will find tropical flowers of every shade throughout the town. We happened to spot these amazing bougainvillea on top of the hill near the Serralles Castle and couldn’t resist stopping to take a picture.
Castillo Serralles / Serralles Castle Estate
Cruceta del Vigia
Cruceta del Vigia, is a must see! Built in 1984, is a towering 100’ tall cross located behind the Serralles Castle. The cross has a ten story tower with the arms of the cross measuring seventy feet across and housing a sky-bridge that offers stunning views of the city of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. The Cruceta del Vigia is visited by 100,000 visitors a year.
Where to Stay in Ponce, Puerto Rico?
While in Ponce we stayed at the boutique style Hotel Belgica pictured above. The hotel is conveniently located just off the town center. We enjoyed being able to walk from our hotel to the Plaza Las Delicias and enjoy the historic ambiance of Ponce. And, to our great pleasure, we found a Puerto Rican bakery as we drove around town exploring the next morning. The pastry along with a strong cup of Puerto Rican coffee was delightful. What better way to start off another day of traveling adventure in Puerto Rico!
Plan your trip to Ponce
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Hotel Belgica – Check Rates & Availabilities!
Town of Ponce – Check Rates & Availabilities!
We fly to Puerto Rico, rent a car and enjoy exploring the island. We always find new and fun things to do and experience in this island paradise and we hope you will too!
We’d like to hear from you!
Have you visited Ponce?
What gets your vote for the best things to see and do in Ponce?
Let us know in the comments below.
Ponce is a ghost town. There are almost no businesses, nothing to do, and a very high crime rate. Don’t go. Save your time and money.
I heard Ponce was hit pretty hard by a hurricane and an earthquake. Hopefully they can recover and their historic areas weren’t damaged too bad. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with nice beaches.
We are thrilled to know that our pictures of Ponce, Puerto Rico, brought back wonderful memories to you. We too now have many fond memories of Ponce and look forward to returning someday. Thank you so much for your information on the correct spelling of the Hotel Belgica and its meaning, that was very much appreciated 🙂
Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures of my birth place Ponce, Puerto Rico. Brought back wonderful memories of many summers with my family.
Oh, the hotel is Belgica (not Belgic.) It’s how you say Belgium in Spanish. (Maybe the A fell off.?.)
Best Regards. 🙂