If you're looking to escape to the tropics, head to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island's capital and largest city faces the Atlantic Ocean, and it has plenty to offer. Plan to visit both the Isla Verde resort strip, known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos and Old San Juan, which features colorful Spanish colonial buildings, cobble-stoned streets and 16th-century landmarks. There is also the Paseo de la Princesa bayside promenade, a number of imposing fortresses and the close proximity to El Yunque National Forest, all of which are worth visiting.
Thankfully, there are plenty of regular, relatively-inexpensive flights between Miami and San Juan. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Flights
Currently, the cheapest flights between Miami and San Juan are if you leave on January 17 and return from Puerto Rico on January 22. American Airlines currently has tickets for $191, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in December. If you fly out of Miami on December 5 and return from San Juan on December 11, American Airlines can get you there and back for $246 roundtrip.
Hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are some of San Juan’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.
The Hotel El Convento (100 Cristo St. Old, San Juan)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Hotel El Convento. The hotel has a 4.9-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $280.
This San Juan boutique hotel is located in the historical district, near the Museo del Nino's, the San Juan Cathedral and the Puerta de San Juan. Other attractions include the La Fortaleza Palacio de Santa Catalina.
The Marriott San Juan (1309 Ashford Ave.)
A second option is The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino. With a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $261/night.
This beachfront resort is close to the Plaza del Mercado and Condado Beach. Additional attractions include the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
Restaurants
San Juan has plenty of topnotch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana (2021 Calle Loíza)
One popular dining destination is Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana, with five stars from six reviews.
"The tacos are to die for, especially la cochinita," wrote reviewer Dani.
El Jibarito (280 Calle Sol)
Then, there's El Jibarito.
"The friendly atmosphere, the local feel, and the celebration of Puerto Rico's history are just the visual appetizers for the culinary delight that is to come," wrote Aaron.
Attractions
San Juan is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.
Old San Juan (San Juan)
First up is Old San Juan.
"I highly recommend coming here if you're interested in learning [about the] history, the local food, the museums, and more," wrote visitor Sofia.
El Morro (501 Calle Norzagaray)
Then, there's El Morro.
Constructed in 1540, this six-story fort hides a warren of prison cells, barracks and hallways. You'll also learn that the fort was attacked on many occasions by both English and Dutch forces. It is listed in the National Historic Register.
