Family Travel on a Budget: San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, is tropical, picturesque, and loaded with family-friendly options.

Boasting a unique Spanish-Colonial flavor and culture, plus the wonderful tropical climate of the Caribbean, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an ideal destination for families. Not only is the island easily accessible from the major hub of New York City, but as a commonwealth of the United States, travel to the picturesque island destination of Puerto Rico comes with limited hassles for U.S. visitors: no need to exchange money, bring a passport, or worry about language barriers (English is widely spoken, especially in the capital region of San Juan). And not only is it easy to vacation here, but Puerto Rico is also budget-friendly - if you plan ahead and think like a local. 

A Taste of History

One of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, Old San Juan, founded in 1521 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, is the only walled city throughout the region. The entire fortification system of San Juan is a National Historic Site and World Heritage Site. Fort San Cristobal and El Morro are especially interesting and convenient to explore, since they have developed exhibits for visitors. Run by the National Park Service, children 15 and under can enter the forts for free; adults ages 16 and above can purchase a one-week ticket to both forts for just $5! Marvelous colonial buildings and restored ancient architecture line the 16th-century cobblestone streets. A must-see is the Plaza de Armas, the city's original main square, once used as military drilling grounds.

Exploring Natural Wonders

A fun way for families to explore the city is by the free trolley transportation that runs Monday through Friday from 7am-7pm and weekends from 9am-7pm. Just stand at any of the marked trolley stop signs and wait for the next one to come along, then get off at any marked trolley stop along the two routes: City Hall and El Morro. Note that the trolley service is just transportation; there is no tour guide onboard. 

For active families with older children, consider booking a tour with locally-owned and operated Rent The Bicycle. Owner Nancy Cruz and her husband guide groups through the sites of the city. A three-hour tour is $27 per person and includes the use of a bicycle with basket, helmet, water, and snacks. It is a fantastic, inexpensive, and healthy way to explore - and the company will even pick you up from your hotel free of charge. Children younger than 12 are not permitted on the tour, and all participants must be able to ride a bike unassisted.

For just a $3 entry price, families can travel an hour east of the city and explore the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Open daily from 7:30am until 6:30pm, the forest covers 28,000 acres and rests in the rugged Luquillo Mountains, more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Every year more than 600,000 visitors experience the beauty of this natural wonder.