Looking for the ultimate adventure while staying in Puerto Rico?
Look no further! Puerto Rico is the perfect place for a road trip with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, delicious food, and a rich history.
I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and explored every corner of the island.
In this article, I will share the ultimate 7-day Puerto Rico road trip itinerary:
– Day 1 – San Juan
– Day 2 – Fajardo & Laguna Grande Bio Bay
– Day 3 – Ponce
– Day 4 – Cabo Rojo
– Day 5 – Rincón & Aguadilla
– Day 6 – Arecibo
– Day 7 – Culebra
Get ready to kickstart your ultimate Puerto Rico road trip adventure in San Juan, the bustling capital city where you can soak up the perfect blend of history, culture, and nightlife.
Begin your day exploring Old San Juan’s colorful colonial buildings, winding streets, and local shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss out on the stunning El Morro Fortress, a remarkable fortification that has stood guard over the city since the 16th century.
Once you’ve explored the old town, go to the Condado neighborhood, a must-visit for its gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping.
And when the sun sets, get ready to experience the vibrant nightlife scene in San Juan, with its countless bars, clubs, and live music venues to keep the partying going all night long.
Below is a video of what to expect from the nightlife in San Juan:
From historical sights to trendy hotspots, San Juan is the perfect way to start your seven-day adventure through Puerto Rico!
Check out our list with the 40 Best Things To Do In San Juan for more ideas.
On day 2 of your Puerto Rico road vacation, visit the lovely village of Fajardo, located on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast.
With its lush tropical woods, gorgeous beaches, and crystal-clear seas, Fajardo is a favorite destination for adventure lovers.
The Laguna Grande Bio Bay is one of the major attractions in Fajardo.
The waters of Laguna Grande come alive with an exotic blue-green light as the sun sets, producing a captivating and unique experience.
You must try a guided kayak excursion to explore Laguna Grande Bio Bay.
You’ll kayak into the bay’s mangrove waterways, where you will observe the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. It’s a genuinely unique and spectacular event you won’t want to miss.
Below is a video of someone kayaking the Laguna Grande Bio Bay:
Following your tour to Laguna Grande, you can return to Fajardo and dine at one of the town’s numerous restaurants.
You’ll discover various culinary selections to explode your taste buds, from seafood to Puerto Rican favorites.
Learn more about taking a guided kayak tour in our article featuring the 6 Best Bio Bay Tours In Laguna Grande.
Drive to Ponce, a southern city called the “Pearl of the South,” on the third day.
Visits to Ponce, a picturesque city with a fascinating past, are worthwhile.
Visit the Ponce Museum of Art first thing in the morning to take in the fantastic collection of works by regional and worldwide artists.
Housed in a neoclassical building, the museum displays modern and traditional art, including installations, sculptures, and mixed-media works.
After leaving the museum, explore the lovely streets and spectacular buildings in the historical city center.
Several famous places can be found in Ponce, including the vibrant Parque de Bombas, a former fire station turned museum.
Try some genuine Puerto Rican food for lunch at one of the neighborhood eateries.
At Ponce, renowned for its culinary scene, you can choose from various meals that emphasize the island’s charming features.
Visit the Serralles Castle Museum after lunch. This magnificent palace was previously occupied by the family that created the famous Don Q rum.
Learn about the history of the Serralles family and the creation of the distinctive spirit produced on the island by taking a museum tour.
Go to the La Guancha boardwalk if you have time in the afternoon to take a leisurely stroll along the shore and enjoy the stunning sights.
The boardwalk is a great place to spend a leisurely day since it has stores, eateries, and entertainment.
Return to your hotel in the evening and get some rest before day four’s excursions.
For an ultimate Ponce travel guide, check out this video below:
If you plan on staying the night, check out our guide to Where To Stay In Ponce.
Day 4 is filled with excitement and adventure as you embark on a journey to explore the stunning southwestern coast of Puerto Rico in Cabo Rojo.
You’ll start your day by visiting one of the island’s most treasured landmarks, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
The striking red-and-white striped lighthouse commands attention and awe with its towering height against the Caribbean Sea backdrop.
Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views, it’s time to head over to Playuela Beach, recognized as Playa Sucia by locals.
Relax on this secluded beach with pristine white sand, clear waters, and soothing sounds of waves.
In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the expansive Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area spanning over 1,800 acres.
This wildlife refuge is home to a diverse range of migratory birds and endangered species like the West Indian manatee and the green sea turtle. Take a hike on one of the refuge’s scenic trails and keep an eye out for the myriad of wildlife that may cross your path.
You’ll surely be captivated and mesmerized by the stunning surroundings and the unique experience that awaits you.
Read up on where to stay in our guide to the 5 Best Places To Stay In Cabo Rojo.
On day 5, take a road trip to the surfer towns of Rincón and Aguadilla, located on the west coast of Puerto Rico.
These two surf towns, famously known for their beautiful landscape and crystal-clear waves, are located on the west coast of Puerto Rico.
Visit the famous Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla, an excellent place for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Visit the City Hall Museum in Aguadilla to taste local history and culture, which showcases the city’s rich heritage and features exhibits on local art, music, and traditions.
After a lovely day of sunbathing, head down to Rincón to see one of its renowned sunsets.
There are several places to take in the beautiful sunset, such as Steps Beach and Maria’s Beach.
You can also visit the Rincon Lighthouse, which offers tons of parking and great sunset watching.
For dinner, you can indulge in some of Rincón’s finest cuisine, which both Puerto Rican and international flavors influence.
There are many great restaurants in Rincón to choose from, so be sure to research ahead of time or ask locals for recommendations.
In addition to its beaches and cuisine, Rincón is also known for its vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars and clubs, many of which offer live music and dancing.
Rincón is ideal for relaxing with friends over drinks or dancing after a day of exploration.
Check out our guide to Where To Stay In Rincón and make the most of your trip.
For day 6, you’ll take on the northern coast of Puerto Rico to visit Arecibo’s most popular attractions: Cueva Ventana and Cueva del Indio.
Cueva Ventana is a large cave with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. You can take a guided tour through the cave and learn about its history and geology.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the countryside.
Afterward, head to La Cueva Del Indio, a natural cave along the coastline.
This cave is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and offers a fantastic view of the ocean.
Stroll along the beach, explore the cave, and snap some pics of the gorgeous scenery.
Looking for a perfect beach day? Head on over to La Poza del Obpiso in Arecibo!
This secluded beach is located between towering cliffs and lush greenery, providing a calming scenic escape from the city.
My favorite part of La Poza Del Obispo is seeing the big waves crash the coral reef surface, causing a big and fun splash people always anticipate when swimming there.
Whether you want to simply lounge on the sand or explore the unique natural features of the area, Poza del Obispo is a great addition to your itinerary.
Check out Poza del Obispo in the following video:
These caves are mentioned in our Best Caves in Puerto Rico article.
Make your way to the picturesque island of Culebra, which lies just off the main island’s east coast, on the last day of your seven-day road trip around Puerto Rico.
The island’s well-known Flamenco Beach, which several travel journals have ranked among the world’s top beaches, is one of its key attractions.
Flamenco Beach is a natural paradise with its immaculate white sand, brilliant blue waves, and lush green hills in the distance.
Swim, sunbathe, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the turquoise seas all day long.
Culebra is renowned for its thriving culinary industry, scenic natural surroundings, and intriguing cultural attractions.
Savor local cuisine in seafood restaurants or famed street food trucks while exploring the island.
The classic Puerto Rican cuisine mofongo, created with mashed plantains and savory seasonings, is one of the island’s staple fare.
Take some time to appreciate Puerto Rico’s stunning natural scenery and diverse culture as your seven-day road adventure ends.
Unwind on beaches, explore monuments, and savor local cuisine; Culebra is the perfect place to end your trip.
Visit this Caribbean gem for award-winning beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Consider taking a quick ferry journey to the nearby island of Vieques after spending some time at Flamenco Beach.
The famous Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay on the island of Vieques emits a brilliant blue light at night because of the presence of millions of tiny creatures. You must try a night trip to view this amazing natural phenomenon for yourself.
The best route to drive around Puerto Rico is starting north in San Juan, then going clockwise east to Fajardo and Culebra, south for Ponce and Cabo Rojo, west for Rincon and Aguadilla, and back North in Arecibo, which leads back to San Juan.
Yes, it's worth it! Puerto Rico is a small but incredibly diverse island, offering visitors a wide range of activities and experiences.
Puerto Rico has something for everyone – beaches, mountains, history, and culture.
This article gives you the best itinerary for you to follow for a week-long road trip.
Stay in each town to avoid long drives, and have ample time to explore every place.
Check out our article How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Puerto Rico to help you plan for your trip and Renting a Car in Puerto Rico article to learn more about renting a car for your road trip adventure.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write.
