Known as “the walled city”, San Juan, founded in 1521, is a tourist’s dream with a well-preserved historic district, spectacular beaches, fantastic shopping, casinos, forts, parks, museums and nightclubs.

To fully immerse in the wonders of San Juan, head to Old San Juan, the seven-square-block area with cobblestone streets lined with historic, restored Spanish colonial buildings, restaurants and shops. No visit to San Juan is complete without a visit to El Morro, the awe-inspiring, six-level fortress built in the 1500s that rises 140 feet above the sea. Walk through tunnels and dungeons and past barracks and outposts. Most important, enjoy the phenomenal views of San Juan Bay from El Morro.

For inexpensive but rewarding family outings, visit two of San Juan’s most celebrated parks. The Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park), situated at the top of the city wall, is an excellent spot to enjoy spectacular panoramas of the city, harbor and mountains. Art lovers will find the San Juan Museum of Art and History, which was constructed in 1855 as a marketplace and restored in 1979 a cultural center and the Pablo Casals Museum, which celebrates the Spanish master’s legacy, excellent settings for art and culture.

One of Puerto Rico’s most treasured attractions, El Yunque National Rainforest, about an hour drive from San Juan, offers a great reprieve from the bustling excitement in downtown. A verdant oasis with phenomenal waterfalls and exotic plant life, El Yunque is a hiker’s nirvana with several exceptional trails. When you leave the park, head to nearby Luquillo Beach, where you can swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content. Nature lovers should also visit the Guanica State Forest, which has exotic birds and over 700 plant species. Family vacation rentals in San Juan