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

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

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!

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.

Our Pick of the 6 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

1) Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island

Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island gets our vote for the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Culebra Island can be reached by a flight from Puerto Rico’s mainland or by ferry from the town of Fajardo. Check out our post on Culebra for more information.

Flamenco Beach with over a mile of white sand beach and crystal clear turquoise water is what postcards are made of. We have visited this beach many times and have always found it to be a peaceful and relaxing beach. There are concession stands with local food and drink, lifeguards and restrooms. And if you’re interested in camping there’s also a campground here.

Flamenco Beach definitely gets our vote for the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico! It has some of the most crystal clear water of all the beaches in Puerto Rico. You can find deals on lodging in Culebra at Booking.com.

2) Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo

Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo gets our vote for the most peaceful beach in Puerto Rico. The crescent shaped bay is well protected preventing strong waves from reaching the beach. The beach is long enough so there is plenty of room for people to spread out making the beach seem empty most of the time. You can find deals on lodging in Cabo Rojo at Booking.com

More Fun Things to See & Do in Puerto Rico!

Arecibo Observatory
Rio Camuy Cave Park
Guavate – For Roast Pork
Historic Old San Juan – 10 Must See & Do

Cabo Rojo (Los Morrillos) lighthouse is a must see when you visit Playa Sucia. We took the walk to the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs first then rewarded ourselves with a swim in the warm, calm waters of Playa Sucia afterwards. The beach is located on the other side of the cliffs.

3) Luquillo Beach in Luquillo

Luquillo Beach gets our vote for the most family friendly beach in Puerto Rico. Luquillo Beach is a very popular beach for locals and tourist alike. The water here is usually calm and clear making it perfect for families with small children. The view of the mountains makes this one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. You can find deals for lodging in the Luquillo area at Booking.com

The food kiosks outside the entry to Luquillo Beach offer a variety of traditional Puerto Rican food and drinks. We sampled several different food items and found them to be quite tasty. It was certainly part of the true Puerto Rican atmosphere and we found it to be a fun part of our experience in Puerto Rico.

4) Steps Beach in Rincon

Steps Beach in Rincon gets our vote for the most tropical beach in Puerto Rico. This beautiful beach in Rincon is one of the great surfing beaches in Puerto Rico during the winter surfing season. The beach becomes a good snorkeling and swimming spot during the off season when the waves die down. You can find deals for lodging in Rincon at Booking.com.

Both sides of Step Beach in Puerto Rico have a magnificent tropical look that is hard to beat! Be on the lookout for the set of concrete steps sitting on the shore that gave this picturesque beach its name.

5) Crash Boat in Aguadilla

Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla gets our vote for most colorful beach in Puerto Rico. Of all the beaches in Puerto Rico that we have visited, this one with its fishing boats has to be the most colorful of all. There are several food stands here that serve very reasonably priced traditional Puerto Rico food. You can find deals for lodging in Aguadilla at Booking.com.

The colorful fishing boats that line Crash Boat Beach along with the amazingly soft sand and warm, crystal clear water set the mood for a fun day at the beach.

6) Punta Tuna Beach in Maunabo

Punta Tuna Beach in Maunabo gets our vote for most scenic beach in Puerto Rico. This golden sand beach lined with tropical coconut and banana trees with a mountainous backdrop is one of the most scenic beaches in Puerto Rico. We spotted this beach on one of our visits to the Punta Tuna Lighthouse and were amazed by its natural beauty.

On our next visit to Puerto Rico we stayed in Maunabo for the night and made our way to Punta Tuna Beach for an early morning walk and stunning views of the Punta Tuna lighthouse on the cliffs above the beach. You can find deals for lodging in Maunabo at Booking.com.

To get to Punta Tuna Beach we parked at the Punta Tuna Lighthouse parking area and walked through this pathway that leads to the beach. The walk itself was quite scenic but the view once we come out at the beach was amazing.

So there you have it; our top 6 favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. I hope you enjoyed our review of these fabulous beaches in Puerto Rico and that you will find your adventure in exploring the beaches of Puerto Rico too.

As always we look forward to hearing from you!

Have you visited the beaches in Puerto Rico? Share your favorites with us in the comments below.

Da House Hotel Alley Side Room Above the Party

The Nuyorican Café located just below Da House Hotel is where you can catch some of the best live music in Old San Juan. You can read a little more about the café on our post 10 Must See & Do Activities When Visiting Old San Juan PR

Da House Hotel Street View Room Overlooking Calle San Francisco

Fun Things To See & Do in Puerto Rico

Driving Times & Distances Are From Da House in Old San Juan

• Historic Old San Juan 10 Must See & Do – Some within walking Distance From Da House
• Best Beach in Puerto Rico – Our Favorites – Times & Distances will vary
• Guavate – For Roast Pork – 33 miles or approximately 33 min
• Rio Camuy Cave Park – 60 miles or approximately 1 hr 15 min
• Arecibo Space Observatory – 60 miles or approximately 1 hr 20 min
• Ponce – Flowers & Rich History – 78 miles or approximately 45 min
• Culebra Island – 71 miles or approximately 3-1/2 hrs via car & ferry

Da House Hotel Interior Room Upper Floor

We enjoyed the rooftop view at Da House Hotel. This is the early morning view of Old San Juan, the Atlantic Ocean and San Cristóbal Fort. Time to have breakfast and spend the day exploring Old San Juan; it looks like it’s going be another beautiful day in the Caribbean sunshine!

We checked Da House Hotel’s website for detailed information about each room’s expected noise level, views, price and availability. We also called the hotel directly to get our questions answered. The staff has always been very helpful in assisting us in choosing a room that was suited for our needs and with anything else we may have needed.

Last we checked Nov 2020 Their site was gone. If anyone has any more information, let us know in comments.
Da House is located at 312 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-977-1180

There are many other lodging options in the Old San Juan area. Check Booking.com for great lodging deals.

The narrow streets in Old San Juan are paved with blue cobblestones. The cobblestones were originally used as ballast for the trade ships arriving from Spain. The blue building at the end of the street is La Fortaleza. It is the oldest governor’s mansion still in use in the Western Hemisphere and part of the old city’s World Heritage Site.

2) Explore the Historic Forts of Old San Juan

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Castillo de San Cristóbal

Castillo de San Cristóbal Fort was built by Spain to protect the city of San Juan against land attacks. It is the largest fortification built by Spain in the New World. When it was completed in 1771 it rose 150 feet and wrapped around the entire city of San Juan. The views from both forts are incredibly beautiful. With more than 400 years of history, the forts are the oldest European style fortifications within the territory of the United States. You can take the free trolley between the two forts.

3) Enter the City Gate of Old San Juan

This city gate to Old San Juan still stands proud today. There were originally 6 gates in the wall that surrounded the city to protect it from attacks; this is the last remaining gate. Centuries ago the huge wooden doors would be closed at sundown to protect the residences of the city. The path along the water to the left outside the old city gate will lead you to the Paseo de la Princesa. This lovely tree lined promenade has gardens, a restaurant and usually some vendors. Walking through the gate will lead you to the heart of Old San Juan.

4) View the Sculptures & Statues of Old San Juan

La Rogativa Sculpture in Rogativa Plaza

Raices Fountain & Sculpture Along Paseo de la Princesa

Four Seasons Fountain at Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas, located on San Jose Street, was designed to be the main square of Old San Juan. The fountain in the center of the square features four 100 year old statues known as The Four Seasons, each statue representing a different season. City Hall can be seen in the background. Plaza de Armas remains today as a central gathering place. Children love feeding the pigeons there.

5) Visit Capilla del Cristo

Capilla del Cristo, located at the end of Calle Cristo, is a small chapel built in 1753. Inside the chapel is a small silver altar which was dedicated to the Christ of Miracles. The wrought-iron gates are usually closed but you can view inside the chapel through the gates. There are many versions to the legend that led to the construction of the chapel. One version states in 1753 a young horseman raced down Calle Cristo and fell to his death plunging over the steep cliff. Another declares that he miraculously survived the fall and yet another version tells that the horse amazingly stopped just before tumbling over the cliff. Maybe we’ll never know the true story behind this legendary chapel.

To the right of the chapel is Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park). You can purchase food to feed the pigeons there or just sit and enjoy the magnificent view of the harbor and mountains in the distance.

6) Enjoy the Food of Puerto Rico

“SOFO” Culinary Fest on South Fortaleza Street

The Parrot Club along with approximately 40 other participating restaurants set up booths offering their specialty dishes and drinks. Drinks are made to order and food can be sampled sitting down or taken with you to enjoy as you walk along checking out the next booth! This is a great way to taste the food from some of Old San Juan’s trendiest restaurants. There’s live music, dancing in the streets, lots of eating and an all around good time during the “SoFo” Culinary Fest.

7) Visit Cathedral of San Juan Bautista – San Juan Cathedral

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in Old San Juan is the second oldest Cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. Built in1540, it is over 450 years old. The medieval architecture and exquisite artwork on the ceilings are outstanding. Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer, which we referred to in our post St. Augustine Florida Celebrates 500 Years of History, was the first Governor of Puerto Rico and is entombed here. The Cathedral is open daily and Mass is still held here.

8) Visit Santa Maria Magdalena Cemetery

Santa Maria Magdalena Cemetery in Old San Juan is the most beautiful cemetery we have ever seen. It is located just outside the walls of Fort San Felipe del Morro fort directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed in 1863, it is the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico’s most prominent natives and residents. The headstones and sculptures in this cemetery are exquisite works of art. It’s amazing to see the way the artisans were able to convey emotions in their sculptures. The cemetery is open to the public although we have found the gate to the entrance sometimes closed. You can still view the statues through the fencing.

9) Try a Hand Made Cigar in Old San Juan

10) Enjoy Local Music & Dancing in Old San Juan

Salsa Dancing at Nuyorican Café

Live Music and Dancing Along Paseo de la Princesa

Paseo de la Princesa near the cruise ship docks is where you can find live music on most weekend nights and holidays. The band plays local music, singers entertain and couples enjoy dancing. The street is lined with vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs. It’s a great way to end your day in beautiful Old San Juan.

Well, there it is, our top favorites. We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 Must See & Do Acctivities When Visiting Old San Juan and that you will have the opportunity to check them out yourselves!

Enjoy!

More fun things to see & do in Puerto Rico:

• Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico Celebrates 50 Years
• Rio Camuy Cave Park
• Guavate, Home of the Lechon
• Culebra Island – Puerto Rico’s Little Paradise

We’d like to hear from you!

Have you visited Old San Juan? What gets your vote for the best things to see and do while there? Let us know in the comments below.

Find deals for any season

Old San Juan – Booking.com

We enjoyed the drive in the mountains, past farmlands and pastures in the more rural areas of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. If you plan on driving to the Radio Telescope yourself it’s a good idea to use a GPS. Many of the roads are winding and narrow and there are very few signs to follow. The Arecibo Observatory website has a map and driving directions to the Radio Telescope.

Visiting Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope

Driving up the hill to the Arecibo Observatory you will get your first glimpse of the massive support towers giving you an idea of how huge the radio telescope is. Once you arrive at the parking area there is an uphill walk to the visitor center. Transportation to the visitor center is provided for handicapped or those needing assistance. Inside the visitor center you will find exhibits explaining the Observatory’s history and how the radio telescope works. There is also a film presented in the auditorium that will detail some of the Observatory’s main discoveries. Exiting the visitor center as you enter the viewing patio, you will not only see the massive radio telescope but you will also hear it. The sound is like a chirping bird. I’m not sure why it’s making the sounds but if you know please let me know, I’m really curious. There’s a refreshment stand outside on the viewing patio where you can purchase hot dogs, ice cream, drinks and other snacks.

The Reflecting Surface

The reflecting surface of the Arecibo Observatory is enormous measuring 1,000 feet in diameter. Made up of 40,000 individual panels, it is suspended in a natural limestone sinkhole covering nearly 20 acres. Incoming rays are reflected back from the surface to two additional reflectors located 450 feet above on the platform, a 500 ton structure supported by cables from three towers.

The Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope Platform

The 900 ton radio telescope platform is suspended 450 feet above the reflector. Similar to a bridge in design, it hangs in midair on 18 cables, which are strung from 3 massive concrete towers. To get an idea on how large this is, if you look closely you can see a set of double doors and what looks like many AC units on top of the dome. The double doors are on the bottom left side of the dome. You can see them better in the photo below or click on the image to expand. I wonder why they need to cool it with that much power?

Tracking Asteroids at the Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo radio telescope tracks asteroids that may be traveling close to Earth. Paying particular attention to asteroids that may pose a danger to the planet, it makes every effort to measure their size accurately to estimate the potential impact it could have. In February, 2013 the observatory watched the arrival of asteroid 2012 DA14 which passed within 17,200 miles of Earth. To give you a better idea on how close that is, the moon is 238,900 miles away. Although it was a close flyby, NASA confirmed the asteroid would pass at a safe distance. Whew, that was a close one! I’m glad the Observatory is keeping a close watch on these things. I added their news link at the bottom of this post in case there are any important events to be aware of. It’s amazing to see the scale of the Arecibo Radio Telescope in person and to stand in front of the enormous dish. Learning about its construction and how it’s being used was extremely interesting and educational. If this is your first visit, you will be impressed!

Things to know before you Go

As always it’s best to phone ahead or check their website for current information.

Phone 787-878–2612

Observatory Telescope Website: http://www.naic.edu/general/

Other Fun Things to See & Do

In Puerto Rico:

Times & Distances Are From Old San Juan

• Ponce – Amazing Flowers & Rich History – 47 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours
• Rio Camuy Cave Park -8 miles or approximately 20 miniutes
• Guavate – Home of the Roast Pig -83 miles or approximately 1-3/4 hours
• Best Beaches in Puerto Rico – Our Top Favorites – milage & times will vary
• Old San Juan – Must See & Do – 60 miles or approximately 1-1/2 hours
• Culebra Island – Puerto Rico’s Offshore Gem – 123 miles or approximately 4 hours via car & ferry

Road-side Treat!

Colorful Produce Stand in Arecibo

After leaving the Observatory, on our way back to San Juan, we spotted this road-side produce stand on the main highway. They had some of the best looking produce we saw in Puerto Rico. If you stop by be sure to try the mini-bananas, they were delicious! Enjoy your trip!

We’d like to hear from you!

Have you visited the Arecibo Observatory?
What did you find most fascinating about the radio telescope and your visit there?
Let us know in the comments below.

The bridge near the Rio Camuy Cave entrance is where you will wait for your tram ride back to the visitors center. After your tour of the cave, which will take approximately 1-1/2 hours, you will wait in a covered waiting area next to the bridge pictured above. After boarding the tram you will be driven back to the visitor center where you will find restrooms, a gift shop and a cafeteria for your convenience.

Things to know before you Go

Due to hurricane damage Rio Camuy cave was closed for cleanup and restoration efforts. Please check for the reopening date before visiting the cave.

As always it’s best to phone ahead or check their website for current information.

Phone:  (787)-898-3136

Address:  Camuy Caves 00669 Puerto Rico

Website:  Camuy River Cave Park

Directions from San Juan:

From the San Juan area, take Route 22 west to Arecibo – exit 77b. Then Route 129 south to Km 20. There are signs to follow once you get off Route 22. Driving time is approximately 1 hour from Old San Juan.You can find deals for any season in Old San Juan at Booking.com.

Have fun and let us know about your experience at the Rio Camuy Caves Park!

We passed several small islands along the way to Culebra that we would like to come back to someday. I think it would be fun to enjoy a picnic under an umbrella there, don’t you?

The Town of Dewey

The town of Dewey viewed from the drawbridge. Some of the Inns on the Island will also pick you up if you let them know when your ferry will be arriving. You can find lodging deals for any season in Culebra at Booking.com. There are guest houses, dive shops and restaurants in Dewey as well.

Beaches on Culebra

Not only spectacular to look at but Culebra also has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. The reefs are healthy with an abundance of various types of coral and the variety of sea life is outstanding. On this trip we saw octopus, eels, and sea turtles, cuddle fish and barracuda, just to name a few.

Sailboat at Melones Beach, Puerto Rico

Where We Stayed

We chose the Villa Boheme guest house for our 2 night stay in Culebra. The Villa Boheme is basic, clean and reasonably priced. As customary on Culebra the staff is very friendly. Our requests were always met; although with “island time” standards. Smile – relax – you’re on vacation!

What to Do in Culebra?

Relaxing on a beautiful tropical beach is of course the most popular activity (or should I say lack of activity!) on Culebra, but it’s certainly not the only activity. If you’re like us, a few minutes resting on any beach is long enough before we are ready to explore!

Other activities you might enjoy:

On land – hiking, biking, bird watching, or take a sightseeing drive around the island.

In the water – snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hire a captain to go sailing, fishing or to take you to one of the outer islands.

We saw this beautiful view of Dakity Bay as we were sightseeing around the island in our rented Jeep. It reminded us of our visit to Cruz Bay Harbor in St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Both views are stunning!

Places to Eat

Try Pandeli Bakery for breakfast and made to order sandwiches great to eat there or take with you for a picnic at the beach.

Try Mamacitas or Dinghy Dock for lunch or dinner. Both are on the water with a fun atmosphere. Also, El Batey has great hamburgers. It’s across from the water and you can eat outside on their patio.

Culebra – an Island State of Mind

Culebra’s island state of mind is definitely not for everyone. If your idea of a relaxing vacation is a 5 star-resort, gourmet restaurants and fancy shopping malls then Culebra is not for you. There is without a doubt a laid-back vibe here. Businesses tend to open and close with the arrival and departure of the ferry or as they feel necessary. The sign on one vendors cart reads “Open some days ~ closed others” that pretty much says it all!

When you go to Culebra you’ll find basic accommodations, casual dining, and a couple of small grocery stores for your supplies. The residence of Culebra are always friendly and it’s safe to walk around the town at night.

If this style of vacation on a beautiful, unspoiled Caribbean island sounds right for you, then you should look into experiencing Culebra – Puerto Rico’s little paradise!

More Fun Things To See & Do In Puerto Rico!

Visit Ponce – Amazing Flower & Rich History
Best Beaches in Puerto Rico – Our Top 6
Old San Juan – Top 10 Must See & Do
Visit Guavate for Puerto Rican Roast Pork

Have you visited the island of Culebra? Did you swim, snorkle or dive in one or more of the tropical beaches on Culebra? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

On Our Way to St. Thomas, USVI!

The views from the plane of the Caribbean Sea and the islands below were amazing. As we approached St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands we could see ribbons of white sand beaches and water as blue as the sky. Wow…one week to explore, swim, snorkel, shop and enjoy the food and music of the islands!

I could already hear the sounds of Calypso and steel drums… 
I love St. Thomas and the Caribbean!

Exiting the airplane at the St. Thomas airport is on the tarmac and not in an enclosed airport as we are accustomed to. Walking directly into the airport terminal you are immediacy greeted with a complementary sample of local rum – cheers! That’s a nice way to start a vacation. We picked up our luggage and our rental car and headed for Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove where we would be staying for the next 4 nights.

We Stayed at the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove in St. Thomas

Our villa at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove was beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean and had a fully equipped kitchen. Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is located on the south side of the island only 6 miles from the airport. It’s near Charlotte Amalie, the capital and largest city of the US Virgin Islands.

While at the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove we stayed in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa with a stunning view overlooking the Pacquereau Bay. The pool and beach were both inviting!

Beautiful Beaches on St. Thomas, USVI

We wanted to see Magen’s Bay overlook from Drakes Seat on the first day of our vacation. Magen’s Bay and the surrounding islands can be seen from the overlook at Drake’s Seat located at the top of the hill on Route 37. Legend has it that 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch on his fleet from this vantage point. I don’t know if the legend is true but I can only image that he had one of the best seats on the island. We were amazed by the view!

We drove down to Magen’s Bay Beach and paid the $4. per adult entrance fee. The beach itself is surrounded by high cliffs which gives it the spectacular view from above. It was late afternoon when we arrived so we didn’t have a chance to swim or snorkel. The beach is stunning and we were able to walk the beach for awhile which was so relaxing we didn’t want to leave!

Sea grapes grow near the ocean in tropical areas. They look really cool the way they resemble grapes hanging on a vine.

Sapphire Beach on St Thomas has my vote for the most beautiful beach on the island. The beach is clean, the water crystal clear and the snorkeling is some of the best you will find on St. Thomas. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery surrounding you as you relax on this peaceful stretch of beach.

Next we Stayed at Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel

Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel is where we stayed for the next 3 nights. Located high on a hilltop it has stunning views of the harbor and the town of Charlotte Amalie. The staff here was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms at Bluebeard’s have been newly renovated. We had a 2nd floor room with a balcony and a view of the harbor. We really enjoyed the spectacular view of the port with the cruise ships as they arrived and departed. The lights on the hillside of town in the evening were like tiny jewels in the mountains. Beautiful and very romantic! While staying at Bluebeard’s Castle be sure to request a room overlooking the harbor in Charlotte Amalie.

During our vacation we also took a day trip over to St. John, USVI.

To me, nothing says “Tropical” more than the coconut tree. And this one, full of coconuts, looked beautiful swaying against the blue sky.

This is the view of the beach and Marriott’s Morning Star Resort from Frenchmen’s Reef Resort.

Lindquist Beach was our favorite beach on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. We paid the 2$ parking fee and parked right at the edge of the beach. The beach is small and private and the water is crystal clear. The view across the bay is amazing, you won’t be disappointed.

At Lindquist we found the best snorkeling to be on the right side of the beach. We found lots of colorful fish congregating around the rocks and coral close to the shoreline. Grab your snorkel gear and jump in!

Check here for hotel deals in St. Thomas.

Historic Sites on St. Thomas

.

Blackbeard’s Castle is located on the highest point on Government Hill in St. Thomas. It was built in 1679 as a watchtower to protect the harbor by spotting enemy ships. We drove to the top of the hill but you can also reach Blackbeard’s Castle by climbing the historic 99 steps. The steps were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world. The ships would then return to Europe filled with products produced in the islands. The view from Blackbeard’s Castle, as you can imagine is one of the best views on the island. The ruins, which are on the National Register of Historic Places, are of the Pedersen Estate. Dating from the 17th century, they are part of an archaeological dig to learn more about life in the early years in the Caribbean.

On our self-guided walking tour of Charlotte Amalie we found that Fort Christian, built in 1680, is the oldest standing structure in the USVI. This building has served as the town center, a government building, and a jail. Today, it houses the St. Thomas Museum. I think the building looks pretty good for its age don’t you?

Shopping in St. Thomas

The shops in downtown Charlotte Amalie, once used as warehouses during the 17th and 18th centuries to store goods for trade, were almost left for ruin. Several natural disasters including hurricanes and fires left the warehouses in need of major re-building. It would take years to rebuild the old warehouses to house the fancy boutiques and stores that line the streets today. There are hundreds of duty free shops along the streets and alleys of Charlotte Amalie. You can find buys on jewelry, alcohol, china, crystal, perfumes, cameras, watches and much more. You will also find several restaurants, candy shops, and souvenir stores here. We saved this stop for our last day in St. Thomas and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the shopping area.

Some facts to help plan your trip to the US Virgin Islands:

• If you are a US citizen, no passport is required. You will need to show proof of citizenship when departing the island such as a raised seal birth certificate and a government issued photo ID. If you are not a U.S. citizen, then a passport issued by your country of origin is required
• The U.S. dollar is the form of currency used
• Your valid U.S. or foreign drivers license is accepted…but be prepared to drive on the left hand side of the road
• English is the official language. Spanish is also commonly spoken
• The U.S. Virgin Islands enjoys warm sunny weather year-round. The average winter temperature is 77ºF (25ºC), and the average summer temperature is 82ºF (28ºC)
• Protect yourself from the intense Caribbean sun by apply sunscreen often and wearing a hat and sunglasses. Sunburn can ruin your vacation!

It was a great week in the US Virgin Islands for us. We had fun exploring the island of St. Thomas and taking the ferry for a day trip to St. John. But mainly just being in this carefree laid-back atmosphere makes everything better. We were blessed with good weather for most of our time there and felt sad when it was time to leave. As I mentioned earlier, I love the Caribbean!

You can find lodging deals for any season in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on Booking.com.

What thoughts, ideas or tips do you have for traveling to the Caribbean?

Leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you too!

St. John in the US Virgin Islands is guaranteed to satisfy your desire to seek out the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. And, the island has much more to offer for those in search of adventure, come along as we take you on a tour of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

We flew into St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands where we would be staying for our week long vacation. On day 4 we headed out for a day trip to St. John, just a few waves west of St. Thomas. 

Where is St. John, US Virgin Islands? 

St. John, the smallest of the 3 developed US Virgin Islands, is located in the Caribbean Sea only 4 miles from St. Thomas. There are no airports on the island, the only way to arrive is by boat. Hourly ferry service runs from St. Thomas as well as daily ferry service from several other nearby islands.

This is the view of Cruz Bay Harbor from the overlook along North Shore Road. We took the ferry from Red Hook in St Thomas to Cruz Bay in St John leaving our rental car in the parking lot at Red Hook. Arriving in St John, we walked a couple of blocks to a car rental agency and rented a Jeep for our day trip around the island. We found everything about parking our car at the ferry dock in St. Thomas, buying our tickets for the ferry and renting a Jeep when we arrived in St John to be hassle free. Or maybe it was just vacationing in the US Virgin Islands that makes everything seem that way. Whatever it was, we were ready to explore!

Hawksnest Bay is a stunning beach! The sand is soft and white and the water is so many shades of blue you will be amazed. The crystal clear water reminded us of our recent trip to Flamenco Beach in Culebra. And this is just the beginning of what’s to come on St. John with a new beach to explore around every turn.

Snorkeling is good at Hawksnest Beach as there are many coral and rock formations to explore. There are covered picnic tables and BBQ grills here as well as restrooms and changing rooms. This is my favorite beach in the US Virgin Islands.
 

Where to Shop on St. John, US Virgin Islands?

We spotted this shop in Coral Bay, looks interesting but we didn’t have to stop, maybe next time!

This is such a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding small islands but I’m not sure where we were when this was taken. Does anyone know where this spot is located on St John?

Trunk Bay is St. Johns most famous and most photographed beach and has been voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. There’s a view point as you approach the beach where you will want to pull over and captured the famous image from high above. You will probably want to just sit awhile and admire this spectacular scene before driving down to the beach. I know we did and it was really hard to leave this peaceful almost surreal spot. This is truly one of the most beautiful scenes in the US Virgin Islands. While snorkeling here you will find a marked underwater trail to follow that is quite interesting leading you to beautiful coral and colorful fish.

Cinnamon Bay is a very popular beach on St John. Snorkeling is good for all levels here. Beginning snorkels will find areas to explore near the rocks and more advanced snorkels will find very good areas to explore around Cinnamon Cay, the little island offshore from the beach.

The tranquil water of Cinnamon Bay is sure to make you smile and entice you to sit and admire the view. Not a bad pastime for a beautiful day in paradise!

Check here for deals on lodging in St. John.

Activities on St. John, US Virgin Islands?

Donkeys can be spotted in some strange places on St. John. We spotted these two shopping at an outdoor market…not sure what they were shopping for but it seemed like they were having a good time. Donkeys were once used in the operation of the sugar mills and still remain today where they can be seen wandering freely around the island.

Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins is part of the US Virgin Islands National Park system. Walking around the structures, which were used to produce sugar and molasses in the colonial days, will give you a feel of the Islands history. Signs along the way will help you visualize how the plantation functioned. The view of Leinster Bay from here is stunning.

More Places to Explore in the Caribbean!

St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands
Culebra – Island Paradise – Puerto Rico
Old San Juan – 10 Must See & Do Activities – Puerto Rico
Best  Beaches – Our 6  Favorites – Puerto Rico

We stopped at the Coral Bay overlook on the east side of the island, the view here is beautiful. Then it was back in the Jeep to continue exploring. Tip: I would suggest trying to negotiate the price of your rental car or Jeep on St John. We were first offered a car but held out for a Jeep and got the one we wanted for the same price as the car we were first offered. We hopped in the Jeep and headed out for the day!

Where to Eat on St. John, US Virgin Islands?

Shipwreck Landing Restaurant, located on the eastern side of the island in the Coral Bay area, was a fun, open air restaurant with great views of the bay right from your table. They served tropical drinks and a great variety of interesting dishes for lunch and dinner. They had a great atmosphere here with live a band some nights. Unfortunately, Shipwreck Landing had to close due to damages suffered during hurricanes Irma and Maria. They will be greatly missed by locals and tourist alike. Shipwreck Landing was a cool local place to hangout and grab a drink and a bite to eat.

Great Lameshur Bay beach is a neat little beach and very private. We were the only ones there the day we went. The shore is made of smooth rocks but the water is clear and an amazing shade of blue. Snorkeling is great here but you have to be careful when entering the water because of the large rocks which can be slippery. I would not recommend venturing too far out because the current here can get pretty strong. Snorkeling near the shore is very good and you should find plenty of interesting things to see.

The White Plumeria blossoms are not only beautiful but they are very fragrant. We spotted both of these lovely tropical flowers throughout the island as well as many other varieties of flower. Just more to love about being on a beautiful tropical island!

Catherineberg Sugar Mill Ruins located east of Cruz Bay just off Centerline road is interesting. The structures have been pretty much left untouched. There are no signs here to explain how the different structures were used and some of the site is overgrown with vegetation. The large windmill is still in good shape and really worth the stop to see. We found it intriguing to walk around and view this historical site.

We took the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. When we arrived at Cruz Bay on St. John, we rented a Jeep and headed to the north side of island, continuing down the west side of the island, then following the south side of the island until we were back at Cruz Bay. We had so much fun touring this island, exploring, snorkeling, eating, visiting the sugar mill ruins and photographing that we can’t wait to go back to the US Virgin Islands. But, the next time we go we plan on staying on St John. You can find lodging deals for any season on St. John at Booking.com.

Have you visited the US Virgin Islands? Let us know about your experiences below in the comments!
We’d like to hear from you too!

More Fun Things To See & Do in Puerto Rico!

Times & Distances Are From Guavate

• Ponce – Amazing Flowers & Rich History – 1 hr – 50 miles
• Best Beaches in Puerto Rico – Our Top Favorites – Times will vary
• Old San Juan – 10 Must See & Do – 45 min – 32 miles
• Arecibo Radio Telescope Observatory – 1 hr 45 min – 84 miles
• Rio Camuy Caves – 1 hr 40 min – 83 miles
• Culebra Island Magnificent Beaches – 3 hrs 10 min – 80 miles via car & ferry

Find deals for any season

Plan your trip to Guavate

We suggest a stay in

Old San Juan (45 min Drive) – Find deals at – Booking.com
or
Ponce ( 1 hr Drive) – Find deals at – Booking.com

Both Ponce and Old San Juan are very nice and we recommend!
“Old San Juan” is the beautiful historic island just north of “San Juan”.
* Have Fun! *

We chose the open air seating area overlooking tropical scenery. The view was gorgeous with cool mountain air to enjoy our authentic Puerto Rican meal …what’s not to like?

Guavate, Puerto Rico Roast Pork Dinner

After selecting where to eat, ordering our food and sitting down in the covered open air seating area we were treated to a live band and dancing. Great food and great entertainment. We were not disappointed with any of our choices. The food here was excellent. Our pork was tender and tasty and the side dishes we ordered were perfectly cooked. We ordered dessert but after finishing our meal we were almost too full to eat it…almost, but not quite. The dessert was as delicious as the meal!

Guavate is a great place to visit to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food, live entertainment and the company of the friendly Puerto Rican people. We enjoyed our visit to Guavate and would recommend it to anyone that has the time for a day trip while visiting Puerto Rico!

Where is Guavate Located?

Directions from Old San Juan:

Take Highway 52 south and take exit 32 (Guavate). Make a left and head up Rd 184. to km. 27.

Directions from Ponce:

Take Highway 52 north (or east) and take exit 32 (Guavate). Make a right and head up Rd 184. to km. 27.

ENJOY!

Have you been to Guavate in Puerto Rico? We’d love to hear about your experiences.

Please leave your comments below!