San Juan Travel Diary
It finally happened. I recently broke the travel hiatus and planned a quick, and quite honestly, last minute trip. Five days and four nights in beautiful, San Juan, Puerto was just what the doctor ordered for my family, after not being able to travel for the last sixteen months. San Juan seemed like the best choice to not travel too far, and also quench our thirst for experiencing the Caribbean. We were able to easily verify our covid-negative test and vaccine status via the Puerto Rico health portal. I would recommend visiting the Discover Puerto Rico website for guidance on entry requirements, since levels and restrictions are changing so quickly.
This was not my first trip to Puerto Rico, but I was just as mesmerized by its beauty as the first time I visited. San Juan is rich in culture and beautiful people. The weather was beautiful, the water was warm, and the Pina Coladas were tasty.
Where I Stayed:
The Courtyard by Marriot Isla Verde Beach Resort
7012 C. Avenue Boca de Cangrejos, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico
I had one request for the lodging for this trip. I needed it to be beach-front. I wanted to soak up as much sun and I didi’t want to have to take a shuttle or leave the property. The hotel had a beautiful pool, a wonderful beach with hammocks, lounge chairs and umbrellas. There are restaurants to choose from if you want to order room service or sit out on the patio. The pool bar was a definite favorite!
Where I Ate:
The Parrot of Old San Juan
363 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
When all of the bigger restaurants in Old San had 2-3 hour long waiting times due to Covid, this super cute little local restaurant accommodated us, and turned out to be a great choice. It’s great Caribbean food with reasonable prices and and a nice atmosphere.
Barrachina
104 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
I was very strongly advised by a patron to order the Pina coladas, and rightfully so, since this is the birthplace of them. You can’t go there and not order one. There’s several varieties. This is very pretty indoor-outdoor restaurant in Old San Juan. The food was very good, with generous portions.
DonTako
364 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
I had never heard of this place, however my 18 and 20 year old children were very eager to eat here. Apparently it’s popular on Tik Tok. It was a cute little spot with nice drinks and a variety of tacos.
ZipPops
150 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
A cute little ice cream shop that boasts that it has the best popsicles in San Juan. They did NOT lie. Amazing popsicles with fresh fruit, nuts cookies, etc on top. I highly recommend.
What I Did:
I’ve been to Puerto Rico quite a few times. I’ve done lots of tourist activities like visiting the El Morro fort, the Bacardi Factory Tour, horseback riding, etc. The reality is that Covid restrictions will limit your activities. Many tours require booking in advance, and we just were not able to do them. We spent our time exploring on our own, falling deeply in love with Old San Juan, lounging on the beach, patronizing restaurants and shopping. I even got in a little thrifting, which always makes my day. This trip was about relaxation and restoration. We enjoyed it tremendously. Traveling is a precious experience now a days. I’m certainly glad we got to visit beautiful Puerto Rico and ’m definitely not done with it. I’ll be back.
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