2-Day San Juan Escape: Historic Sites & Beach Vibes

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by Zoey

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

San Juan 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day journey through the historic and colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Your adventure begins at the San Juan National Historic Site, a military monument that offers a glimpse into the island's past. Spend an hour here before moving on to the serene Santa Maria Magdalena De Pazzis Cemetery, where history sleeps amidst stunning ocean views. Next, step through La Puerta de San Juan, the grand gateway to the city's rich history. La Fortaleza awaits to reveal its characteristic neighborhood charm, followed by a reflective hour at the Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Juan Bautista, a site of spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Conclude your first day with the imposing presence of Castillo de San Cristóbal, a testament to San Juan's military past. On your second day, embrace the island's natural beauty with a half-day sail around San Juan Bay, where water sports abound. Dry off at the sun-kissed Condado Beach, an ancient village turned seaside paradise. Finally, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle at Ocean Park, a characteristic neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of beach life and culture. This 2-day itinerary is designed to showcase the best of San Juan, combining its historic landmarks with its vibrant contemporary culture, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Top 6 Hotels in San Juan
TOP 1
Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton
hotelStar
4/5
110 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 2
Hilton Garden Inn San Juan Condado
Hilton Garden Inn San Juan Condado
hotelStar
4/5
50 reviews
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TOP 3
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
102 reviews
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La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
hotelStar
4/5
110 reviews
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Courtyard San Juan Miramar
Courtyard San Juan Miramar
hotelStar
3/5
104 reviews
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San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
hotelStar
4/5
101 reviews
View Hotel Info

2 Days in San Juan Itinerary: Day 1

1

San Juan National Historic Site

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Kickstart your San Juan adventure at the San Juan National Historic Site, where the past fortifies the present. Spend an hour immersed in the military grandeur of this iconic monument. With its strategic location, FVCG+5HX, this site offers a glimpse into the rich history and defensive tactics that shaped Puerto Rico.

Attraction Info

  • FVCG+5HX, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

CARNES STEAKHOUSE (HOTEL PUERTO VALDES)
CARNES STEAKHOUSE (HOTEL PUERTO VALDES)
/5 · 0 reviews
2.2 km from attraction
La Central by Mario Pagan
La Central by Mario Pagan
/5 · 0 reviews
3.7 km from attraction
Marcella Restaurant by Jose Sanchez
Marcella Restaurant by Jose Sanchez
/5 · 0 reviews
3.9 km from attraction
Azalea Latin Asian • Sushi
Azalea Latin Asian • Sushi
/5 · 0 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
La Burguesia
La Burguesia
/5 · 0 reviews
3.7 km from attraction
Denko Asian Eatery
Denko Asian Eatery
/5 · 0 reviews
3.7 km from attraction
16 min,1.21 km
2

Santa Maria Magdalena De Pazzis Cemetery

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Next, a short stroll leads you to the serene grounds of the Santa Maria Magdalena De Pazzis Cemetery. Spend an hour amidst the solemn beauty, where the west end of Calle Norzagaray offers more than just eternal rest; it provides a unique perspective on the city's cultural heritage and the artistry of its memorials.

Attraction Info

  • west end of Calle Norzagaray, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-3:00pm
14 min,1.02 km
3

La Puerta de San Juan

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Continue your journey through time as you approach La Puerta de San Juan. This historic site marks your one-hour delve into the gateway of the old city, standing at Cll Caleta De San Juan. It's not just a door, but a portal to the tales of sailors, soldiers, and the bygone era.

Attraction Info

  • Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico
  • Open 24 hours
2 min,0.15 km
4

La Fortaleza

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A short walk away, La Fortaleza awaits to captivate you with its characteristic neighborhood charm. Spend an hour exploring 63 C. de la Fortaleza, where the governor's residence and its surroundings tell a story of power, politics, and the people of Puerto Rico.

Attraction Info

  • 63 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
5 min,0.32 km
5

Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Juan Bautista

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As the day progresses, find solace within the sacred walls of the Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Juan Bautista. Dedicate an hour to this church at 151 Calle Del Santo Cristo, where faith and history converge in a spiritual embrace that has withstood the test of time.

Attraction Info

  • 151 Calle Del Santo Cristo, San Juan 00901-1521, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Sat,9:00am-4:00pm;Open on Sun,8:00am-4:00pm
12 min,0.91 km
6

Castillo de San Cristóbal

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Conclude your day's exploration at Castillo de San Cristóbal, another church that stands as a testament to resilience and architectural splendor. Spend your final hour at Norzagaray Street | Old San Juan, where the echoes of history resonate through the stone and into the hearts of every visitor.

Attraction Info

  • Norzagaray Street | Old San Juan, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm
4.3/588 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent88 Reviews
San Juan Antiguo
San Juan
|0.2km from Castillo de San Cristóbal
3.3/528 Reviews
3.3/528 Reviews
San Juan Antiguo
San Juan
|0.2km from Castillo de San Cristóbal

2 Days in San Juan Itinerary: Day 2

1

Sail San Juan Bay

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Begin your second day in San Juan with a splash at Sail San Juan Bay, where the azure waters beckon for a half-day of exhilarating water sports. Set sail from 482 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos and let the tropical breeze guide you through the bay's historic beauty. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or trying your hand at the helm for the first time, the experience promises to be as refreshing as the ocean spray.

Attraction Info

  • 482 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5 day
  • Open from 10:30am-12:00pm,3:00pm-4:30pm,5:00pm-7:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Solera - La Concha
Solera - La Concha
/5 · 0 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
La Central by Mario Pagan
La Central by Mario Pagan
/5 · 0 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Eter Rooftop Lounge- Ciqala Luxury Suites
Eter Rooftop Lounge- Ciqala Luxury Suites
/5 · 0 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
SOCIAL
SOCIAL
/5 · 0 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
Taberna Medalla
Taberna Medalla
/5 · 0 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
The Oyster Shack
The Oyster Shack
/5 · 0 reviews
1.4 km from attraction
6 min,2.03 km
2

Condado Beach

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After your nautical escapade, dry off and head to the sun-kissed sands of Condado Beach. Just a short journey from the bay, this ancient village turned beach paradise offers a serene hour to bask in the golden sun, feel the soft sand between your toes, and dip into the inviting Caribbean waters. Located in the heart of San Juan, Condado Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on your maritime morning.

Attraction Info

  • Condado Beach, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
11 min,3.31 km
3

Ocean Park

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Conclude your San Juan sojourn with a leisurely 2-hour stroll through Ocean Park, the characteristic neighborhood that captures the essence of coastal living. Wander amidst the vibrant streets of this beloved area, where the laid-back atmosphere complements the rhythmic sounds of the sea. As you explore Ocean Park, let the unique blend of local culture and beach town charm create lasting memories of your Puerto Rican adventure.

Attraction Info

  • Ocean Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Sea Señor
Sea Señor
/5 · 0 reviews
2.1 km from attraction
The Loft Beach Front - La Concha
The Loft Beach Front - La Concha
/5 · 0 reviews
2.5 km from attraction
The Oyster Shack
The Oyster Shack
/5 · 0 reviews
2.5 km from attraction
Taberna Medalla
Taberna Medalla
/5 · 0 reviews
2.6 km from attraction
SOCIAL
SOCIAL
/5 · 0 reviews
2.8 km from attraction
Solera - La Concha
Solera - La Concha
/5 · 0 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
3.4/564 Reviews
3.4/564 Reviews
Ocean Park
San Juan
|0.11km from Ocean Park
4.4/5100 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent100 Reviews
Ocean Park
San Juan
|0.27km from Ocean Park

Top Things to Do in San Juan-2024

TOP 1
San Juan National Historic Site
San Juan National Historic Site
4.6/5 · 33 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 7,154 review
Highlights:
The location of the San Juan National Historic Site on the fringes of the Atlantic Midwest Indies is extremely important. Built in 1511, soon after its completion, the Spanish decided to use the island of Puerto Rico as a military base to protect Southwest India and the Empire. In 1533, "Fortaleza" was built next to the port, and in 1539 the fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal were built on the western and northern shores of the island, respectively. This defense system was continuously strengthened over the next four centuries. This fortress and the Cartagena fortress are extremely impressive throughout the "New World".
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TOP 2
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza
4.5/5 · 9 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 217 review
Highlights:
San Juan Fortress-Santa Catalina Palace is a very historic fortress, the overall color is dark, and it is very beautiful facing the sea.
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TOP 3
Condado Beach
Condado Beach
4.5/5 · 13 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,317 review
Highlights:
Condado Beach is a great place to relax and unwind with clear waters, fine sand and beautiful scenery.
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TOP 4
Castillo de San Cristóbal
Castillo de San Cristóbal
5/5 · 2 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,655 review
Highlights:
A fort built by the Spanish to protect the city of San Juan. The fort was finished in 1783 and was the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. The fort offers a great peek into the history of Puerto Rico.
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TOP 5
Ocean Park
Ocean Park
4.4/5 · 5 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 230 review
Highlights:
OceanPark is a seaside park in San Juan. The geographical position is superior, adjacent to the seaside, the scenery is very beautiful.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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San Juan 2 Days Itinerary