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, all of which are worth visiting.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati and San Juan are if you leave on April 6 and return from Puerto Rico on April 13. Allegiant Air currently has tickets for $251, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in June. If you fly out of Cincinnati on June 17 and return from San Juan on June 21, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $359 roundtrip.
Top San Juan hotels
To plan your 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 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, San Juan Cathedral and the 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 Plaza del Mercado and Condado Beach. Additional nearby 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.
Located in San Juan, this beachfront hotel is near Condado Beach. Other attractions include the San Juan Cathedral.
Local restaurant picks
San Juan has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
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.
"Santaella celebrates the roots of the island and incorporates techniques, flavors and fusions from around the world into its food," according to www.puertorico-rentals.com.
Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana (2021 Calle Loíza)
Another popular dining destination is the Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana, with five stars from six reviews.
"We started out with fried cheese and it was delicious," wrote reviewer Dani. "The tacos are to die for, especially la cochinita."
Jose Enrique (176 Calle Duffaut)
Also worth considering is Jose Enrique. It checks in with five stars from five reviews on Skyscanner.
"Awesome local food," wrote Jasey. "It's a BYOB and there is music and dancing in the streets on most weekend nights."
El Jibarito (280 Calle Sol)
Finally, there's El Jibarito, with 4.9 stars from 12 reviews.
"This is San Juan dining at its best. The beans, rice and veal were highlights and the cassava sides were a particularly pleasant surprise," wrote Aaron.
What to see and do in San Juan
San Juan is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are two popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.
Old San Juan (San Juan)
First up is Old San Juan, with 4.9 stars from 152 reviews.
"Old San Juan was beautiful. I highly recommend coming here if you're interested in learning about history, local food and much more," wrote visitor Sofia.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (501 Calle Norzagaray)
The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is another popular destination, with 4.7 stars from 123 reviews.
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.
