Cool Things To Do Near San Juan Airport

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Photo By: Sonder Quest

Are you entering the San Juan Airport? The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, also known simply as San Juan Airport, is a civil-military international airport located in the Puerto Rican city of Carolina. The airport, which was named after the first democratically-elected governor of Puerto Rico, is situated just about three miles southeast of the capital city of San Juan (thus its nickname). 

With over four million passengers coming and going annually, the San Juan Airport is the busiest airport in the Caribbean region in terms of passenger traffic. Furthermore, the airport serves as the primary gateway for international travelers looking to enter Puerto Rico and nearby areas.

Do you have time to pass while you wait for your flight? Perhaps you did not get to see all that you wanted to while on this lovely island. Take some time to see a bit more of Puerto Rico before taking off. Look for a luggage storage locker near the airport, stow away your bags and other belongings and check out our list of cool things to do near San Juan Airport.

EXPLORE THE STREETS OF OLD SAN JUAN.

With nearly five centuries worth of history, Old San Juan (known locally as San Juan Viejo) is simply a must-visit while you’re in the Puerto Rican capital. Easily accessible from the airport via a car or taxi, Old San Juan offers plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities for travelers who are looking to soak in some of the city’s essence. Because the historic district is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, it’s no surprise that the area is filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and historic sites. 

While Old San Juan looks relatively unchanged, the area has grown to become the center of activity and nightlife of the Puerto Rican capital. The district is home to some of San Juan’s most popular restaurants and street vendors where you can satisfy your hunger. At night, Old San Juan transforms into a vibrant party area where locals and tourists come together for drinks and dancing.

ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE AT THE ICONIC SAN JUAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.

Photo By: Stephanie Klepacki

Part of the Old San Juan district, the San Juan National Historic Site is no doubt the crowning glory of the city. Standing guard over the Old City are two of the most recognizable landmarks in San Juan – the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (aka El Morro) and the Castillo San Cristobal – both of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These two citadels were built by the Spanish as a way to keep the city safe from invaders coming from land and sea.

Built in 1539, El Morro is a citadel that overlooks San Juan Bay and played a pivotal role in the defense of the city by the Spanish against occupation. Today, the fort is open to the public for tours; visitors go through a maze of outposts, tunnels, barracks and dungeons while learning about the site’s colorful history. 

The other showpiece of the San Juan National Historic Site is the Castillo de San Cristobal, which holds the distinction of being the largest Spanish-built fort in the New World. Spanning more than 27 acres, the fort has five independent units that are linked by tunnels and moats and was mainly designed to protect the city from land attacks.

VISIT THE OLDEST CHURCH IN PUERTO RICO, THE CATEDRAL DE SAN JUAN.

If you’re craving more history, make your way to the Catedral de San Juan within the Old San Juan district. Founded in 1540, the Catedral does not have any special look or physical features that make it stand out from other architecture in the city. 

It does, however, hold a lot of history; aside from being the oldest church in Puerto Rico, the Catedral de San Juan also houses the tombs of notable figures such as Roman Catholic martyr, San Pio, and legendary Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. If you’re a devout Catholic, you can even catch a mass while you’re here as the church still holds regular services. 

CHECK OUT THE VIEWS FROM THE SANTA MARIA MAGDALENA DE PAZZIS CEMETERY.

Photo By: Simao Esteves

Nestled along the coast, not too far from the iconic El Morro, is the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, or simply San Juan Cemetery. While a cemetery may not be the first thing that comes to mind when sightseeing, a visit to this site is definitely worth it. Founded in 1863, the cemetery features elaborate tombstones and a Neoclassical-style chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. 

The site houses the tombs of some of Puerto Rico’s most famous residents, including Pedro Albizu Campos, Jose Celso Barbosa and Jose de Diego. Moreover, its hillside location makes the San Juan Cemetery one of the best viewpoints in all of the city, offering unparalleled views of the sea and the rest of San Juan.

ENJOY SHOPPING AT THE MALL OF SAN JUAN.

If you want to do some retail therapy or just keep yourself entertained while waiting for your flight, pay a visit to the lavish Mall of San Juan. Sitting adjacent to the San Jose Lagoon, just a couple of minutes away from San Juan Airport, the upscale shopping mall measures about 60,000 square meters.

This popular shopping attraction features a good mix of international chain stores and independent boutiques as well as numerous restaurants and bars. One of Puerto Rico’s premier shopping destinations, the Mall of San Juan features shops such as Armani Exchange, Versace, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, H&M, Louis Vuitton and Zara, to name a few.

HAVE FUN UNDER THE SUN AT ISLA VERDE BEACH.

Even if you have limited time in the city, you can still enjoy some fun under the sun at the Isla Verde beach. Situated in the heart of Carolina, Puerto Rico, it is one of the best beaches that Puerto Rico has to offer. This beautiful stretch of ocean was even recently named “Best Urban Beach”. 

Due to its proximity to San Juan Airport, Isla Verde has become a popular choice among travelers who want to experience some time by the water without going too far from the airport. 

Isla Verde is actually composed of three main beaches, namely Balneario de Carolina, Alambique and Pine Grove. All three beaches boast golden-sand shores and are lined with palm trees and a range of establishments such as shops and restaurants.