San Juan, Puerto Rico
Length: 3 days including travel
Places Visited: San Juan
I had recently told a friend how much I wanted to travel without a proper itinerary but I’m such a planner, it’s tough for me to let go and not feel like I’m wasting time. I had listened to a podcast he sent me and they discussed how only a few years ago, before we were so connected in the digital era, people would just book a flight at the airport counter and wander the streets of foreign places to haggle for the right hotel price. The spontaneity sounds exhilarating, and yet letting go seemed frivolous in a day and age where we are so easily connected.
I am the type of planner who ensures to mark down every detail online and write out documents full of every booking detail, from the address to the reference number.
This trip to majestic Puerto Rico, I let loose. I didn’t want to worry about the minutiae. And honestly, we found a community of kind hearted people and had an unbelievably perfect adventure.
We decided on a whim to get out of the states and go to the beach. We found and booked reasonably priced flights ($500 from DC through United Airlines) and a dreamy Airbnb and simply left all other planning up in the air. Last time my friend, Yoanna, and I had seen each other for an elongated period of time was in Italy (blog post to come!) and that was such a cathartic trip that we were beyond excited to see one another and relax. We met in the airport, found the line for airport taxis right outside baggage claim and made our way to our Airbnb by collecting a ticket with a fixed price to get to our location.
We arrived at our oasis like Airbnb and I knew we were going to have an amazing stay.
The Macramé hammocks and chairs made for a gorgeous morning hangout spot.
I was speechless. The endless plants, sunshine, and homey feeling made me feel so welcomed I couldn’t even fathom how we were so blessed to have found such a place. The ocean breeze and colorful neighborhood created an environment for relaxation.
Our host suggested we walk near Calle Loíza. This street is where we found nearly all the food and local hangout spots. Bocca, Osteria Romano, was perfect for bruschetta and fresh pasta.
Favorite of all was Café con Cé ( https://goo.gl/maps/vZidL5FEprq ) - the delicious coffee, instrumental music and floral filled patio made for a nice break spot after walking along the streets of restaurants and clubs.
The beaches nearby were too rocky for swimming so we ventured out to find better spots to hang out. After a quick search online we hoped into an Uber to a close by beach. However as we got in the car, we began talking with our driver and she suggested we go to one of the best local beaches with calming waves and people from all over.
There is something to be said about talking to locals - we were invited to parties, told of festivals - it made the whole stay that much more authentic. We went to Balneario De Carolina. It was a bit too busy for my liking but the calm serene waters were refreshing and they were setting up for a music festival.
We left to go explore Old San Juan near San Cristobal. We got wrapped up in colored buildings and music filled streets. Yoanna, my travel buddy, danced to the live music with locals teaching her the steps. This energy of just being brought on the most beautiful adventures.
Our next Uber driver suggested another calmer area further west of the main beach - hidden away through a tropic covered path - this was magical in comparison to the beach we went to before. From this secret spot, you could see the sun setting and moon rising. I would go back just for this beach. I’m sharing it because I love it so much and hope you experience this gem - Near Parque Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico https://goo.gl/maps/72CVCgJvjPR1iQDg7
In summary
Book this Airbnb because it is gorgeous https://abnb.me/BjazAa4meP
Coffee and good vibes are Café con Cé https://goo.gl/maps/vZidL5FEprq
The barista shared her playlist which is a must listen https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6emJRowjJfaUDLSMskutO6?si=hhZhn8OSRgiwFdqTcqJVvw
Talk to your Uber drivers for suggestions - the locals know the best spots for food, events, hidden gems and are super friendly!
Go to this secret beach because WOW!
Near Parque Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico https://goo.gl/maps/72CVCgJvjPR1iQDg7)Go out at night! The bar scene is so great. We especially loved La Placita de Santurce - everyone is on the streets, dancing club to club and the music is fire.
Explore spontaneously & the adventures are endless!
