Puerto Rico has many free things to do.
Some of the best activities, such as Flamenco Beach and waterfalls are 100% free!
I have been traveling to the island since childhood and I can tell you that there are plenty of free things to do on your vacation!
In this article, I will cover the 12 best free things to do in Puerto Rico:
Puerto Rico has nearly 300 beaches.
You can spend weeks exploring these beaches and still not see all of them.
The fun is in the “untouched” coastlines.
They are usually a walk or hike down the coast from the commercial beaches.
You may need to come more prepared with your own water and supplies, but it’s worth it for a day adventuring on a beach all to yourself.
Take a look at our list of the 30 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico to find one that suits you!
Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain in 1508.
When they first arrived on the island, the native Tainos had built primarily wooden structures.
Original Taino structures are hard to come by because of destruction and deterioration, but ruins of Spanish colonial buildings are still around to be visited, like forts and churches.
Find the Ponderosa Lighthouse (pictured above) in Aguadilla.
In Old San Juan, from February to May, and September to December, on the first Tuesday of each month, about 20 art galleries stay open late to the public.
The galleries are some of the best on the island.
Night of Galleries is host to free drinks, art, and sometimes live music in the streets.
Check out our article Old San Juan – Everything You Need To Know to learn more about this special neighborhood.
Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays.
There are less than ten bio bays in the world.
You can visit the bio bays for free, however, most people book a tour as it makes the process much easier. It can be difficult to enter the bio bays without a guided tour at night.
Click here to learn more about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
I’m serious! Coconuts are everywhere — you can hear them fall if you sit by the forest for long enough.
If you find a green coconut or see one fall, pick it up and whack it against the tree, or something hard like pavement or rock.
It will split open, even if it takes a few whacks, and then you can pour the water into a cup or drink it straight out of the coconut.
Beware, you might get splashed, but it’s worth it!
You can camp in a lot of places for free — you just might not get the same amenities as a paid campsite.
A lot of the less commercial beaches will let you camp as long as you’re prepared to bring everything you need, and you clean up after yourself.
Contact the local town hall or ask the police if you need a permit.
Snorkeling is very easy to do for free.
Snorkel at calm beaches like Luquillo Beach and avoid large reefs and strong currents.
Remember to pack your goggles!
Take a look at our article Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico for more information about a calm beach, and read up on the 25 Best Snorkel Spots in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has so many picture-worthy locations.
It gets even better if you bring another friend, and maybe even another outfit — photo shoots can be so much fun!
A good place to start for inspiration is 72 Best Places to Take Pictures in Puerto Rico for Instagram.
Monotones Beach in Jobos, Puerto Rico has some of the best sea glass I’ve ever collected.
The great thing about sea glass is that you can take it home with you, or even make jewelry out of it as a way to remember your trip.
Be sure to wear shoes! Some of the glass on the beach is still sharp.
Old San Juan is one of the most popular places to visit in Puerto Rico, and it’s easy to see why.
Old San Juan is full of free things to do if you just walk around.
Some of the most popular attractions are the Governor’s Mansion, lots of Puerto Rican flag murals, and historic colonial buildings.
Although street art can be found in all of San Juan, Santurce is considered the best place for larger-than-life murals and Caribbean street art.
Santurce is great for walking around, like a city gallery, and for taking photos. It’s one of my favorite places to spend the day!
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Photo Credit: @jrosario.arte
Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Parks, El Yunque.
Access hiking trails and waterfalls for free on the north and south sides of El Yunque.
For more information, take a look at our guide: El Yunque National Forest – All You Need To Know.
Road trips are a popular budget-friendly option, as you can drive around the island in less than a day. Biking is also very popular, explore routes like the Paseo lineal de Isabela, and the Humacao Nature Reserve Trail.
The beaches are the best free attraction in Puerto Rico! All beaches are public and free, so if you walk to one close to your stay and avoid parking fees, you can spend as much time as you’d like by the sea — bring a hammock!
Puerto Rico has many free things to do.
I like to visit the beaches since all of Puerto Rico’s beaches are free and open to the public. Check out our article where we cover the 30 best beaches in Puerto Rico.
I recommend that you experience Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, as this is a once in a life time activity.
If you are looking for other activities that are not free, then check out our list of the 45 best things to do in Puerto Rico.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. Growing up in New York and spending my summers in Puerto Rico, I have always loved writing, travel, and animals. I began my career as a travel writer, and after many different jobs in media, I have settled back into what I love most. I enjoy the beach, exploring the island with my family, and coffee!
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