San Juan- Puerto Rico

We had the amazing opportunity to sail to San Juan on The Adventure of The Seas cruise by Royal Caribbean and visit one of the prettiest towns in Puerto Rico. San Juan was one of those ports where you can effortlessly do a little bit of everything: get coffee, beach hop, and explore the Old San Juan city.

Getting Around:

The easiest way to explore is by Uber- rides are super affordable and quick, making it ideal for hopping between beaches! The taxi service right outside of the cruise port can get very expensive charging almost $20 per person!

Coffee stop: Café con Cé

Start your morning slow with a cozy coffee moment in PR. We found this cute coffee shop on TikTok and it did not disappoint. The coffee shop itself is a little small but they have a shared covered lawn and picnic tables with two other restaurants/food trucks which made it comfortable to sit down and enjoy our coffee.

What to order:

• Vanilla latte

• Chocolate Chip Cookie (a must!!)

It was the perfect spot before heading to the beach- a very laid back island morning.

Stop 1: Ocean Park Beach

This beach feels like a hidden gem just minutes from the city and walking distance from Café con Cé.

Why you'll love it:

• That iconic little bridge is the perfect photo spot

• Clear and calm water

• Less crowded, more peaceful vibe

• Lots of palm trees for shade

Good to know:

• No public bathrooms

• No restaurants on the beach

• Bring snacks, drinks, and anything you'll need for a couple of hours.

Lunch Break

After Ocean Park, head toward Escambrón for lunch. A few great nearby options:

• Kasalta: casual bakery/café with sandwiches and pastries

• Bebo's Café: authentic Puerto Rican comfort food

• Lote 23: trendy outdoor food park with multiple vendors

Stop 2: Balneario El Escambrón

Why it stands out:

• Some of the clearest water in San Juan

• Natural tide pools perfect for exploring

• Fun, lively atmosphere

Amenities:

• Public restrooms

• Food vendors on the beach

This is a great "end your beach day here" spot- swim, relax, and soak it all in before heading to the ship. We met lovely people on this beach who were traveling to Puerto Rico as well as some locals!

Stop 3: Old San Juan

After our beach spots, we headed into Old San Juan to wander the streets and soak in the history. It was a perfect way to slow down and experience a different side of Puerto Rico.

This town feels like you're stepping into a postcard- bright buildings, cobblestone streets, and ocean views around every corner. They have little balconies with plants and flowers, live music on the streets, and local shops tucked into every corner.

Fun facts about Old San Juan:

• It is one of the oldest European- established cities in the Americas (founded in 1521!)

• The city is surrounded by massive historic forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal

• You'll constantly get glimpses of the ocean between buildings- it is built right along the coast

• The colorful buildings aren't just aesthetic- they reflect Spanish colonial architecture and Caribbean influence

Restaurants and Coffee Spots:

• Café Cuatro Sombras: local coffee, charming, great mid-walk stop

• Caficultura: brunch vibes, fresh food

• Barrachina: famous for being the birthplace of the Piña Colada

• Raíces: traditional Puerto Rican food with a lively and colorful atmosphere

Overall we had an amazing day exploring San Juan, and if you get the chance to stop and visit wether on a cruise or a vacation in Puerto Rico, we hope you have the best time exploring the city and finding the perfect beaches. As always, if you have any questions please email us at thecarryontwins@gmail.com or through instagram @thecarryontwins.