If you're looking to escape to the tropics, head to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the destination with the top spot on the New York Times' list of places to visit in 2019. 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.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Baltimore to San Juan in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list.
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Flight deals to San Juan
The cheapest flights between Baltimore and San Juan are if you leave on March 25 and return from Puerto Rico on March 27. Spirit Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $193.
If you fly out of Baltimore on March 25 and return from San Juan on March 28, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $193 roundtrip.
Top San Juan hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are some of San Juan’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.
The Hotel El Convento (100 Cristo St. Old, San Juan)
If you're looking to splurge on top quality, 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, San Juan Cathedral and Puerta de San Juan.
The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino (1309 Ashford Ave.)
There's also the 4.7-star rated The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino. Rooms are currently set at $261/night.
This beachfront resort is close to the Plaza del Mercado and Condado Beach. Additional attractions include the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
The La Concha Resort: A Renaissance Hotel (1077 Ashford Ave.)
A third option is The La Concha Resort: A Renaissance Hotel. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $209/night.
Featured San Juan food and drink
Don't miss San Juan's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.
Santaella (219 Calle Canals)
One of San Juan's most popular restaurants is Santaella, which has an average of five stars out of 10 reviews on Skyscanner.
Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana (2021 Calle Loíza)
Another popular dining destination is Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana, with five stars from six reviews.
"We started out with the fried cheese and it was delicious! The tacos are to die for, too," wrote reviewer Dani.
Jose Enrique (176 Calle Duffaut)
Also worth considering is Jose Enrique, with five stars from five reviews.
"This place serves up awesome local food," wrote Jasey.
Featured local attractions
To round out your trip, San Juan offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are two top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.
Old San Juan (San Juan)
First up is Old San Juan, with 4.9 stars out of 152 reviews.
"There's a lot to do. I highly recommend coming here if you're interested in learning about history, local food, museums and more," wrote visitor Sofia.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (501 Calle Norzagaray)
The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is another popular destination. It checks in with 4.7 stars out of 123 reviews on Skyscanner.
Constructed in 1540, this six-story fort hides a warren of prison cells, barracks and hallways and was attacked on many occasions by both English and Dutch forces. It is listed in the National Historic Register.
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
