A Family Guide to Exploring Puerto Rico: 7-Day Itinerary

A 7-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary for Families with Kids

Puerto Rico had been on our family’s bucket list for a while, and this year, we finally made it happen! With four kids in tow, we planned a spring break adventure packed with history, nature, delicious food, and plenty of beach time. If you're considering a family trip to Puerto Rico, here’s our one-week itinerary—full of tips to help you make the most of your time on the island.

Day 1: Arrival in San Juan & Settling In

We landed in San Juan late at night, so we kept things simple by heading straight to our hotel. We stayed at the Hyatt Place San Juan, which we booked using points. This was a great choice for a family of six—our room had two double beds and a pull-out couch, plus the hotel offered free breakfast and a shuttle to Old San Juan. Budget-friendly and convenient!

If you’re arriving earlier in the day, consider a sunset walk along Condado Beach or a casual dinner at one of the family-friendly spots near the hotel.

Day 2: Exploring Old San Juan

After fueling up with breakfast, we set off to explore Old San Juan, a colorful colonial city full of history and charm. The kids loved wandering through the cobblestone streets, chasing pigeons in Plaza de Armas, and checking out the vibrant murals.

Highlights of the Day:

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) – A must-visit! The kids had a blast running around the massive fortress and flying kites in the ocean breeze.
• Paseo de la Princesa – A beautiful waterfront walkway with street vendors and performers.
• Piragua (Puerto Rican Shaved Ice) – A refreshing treat for a hot day!

We spent the afternoon strolling through the city, grabbing a bite at a local café, and then heading back to the hotel for some pool time.

Day 3: A Jungle Adventure in El Yunque

On our third day, we picked up a rental car and drove to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. We started at El Portal Visitor Center, which was a great intro to the park, and then ventured out for a short, kid-friendly hike.

Things to Do in El Yunque with Kids:

• Walk to La Coca Falls for a quick photo op.
• Hike the Angelito Trail—an easy path leading to a scenic river swimming spot.
• Climb the Yokahu Tower for breathtaking views of the rainforest.

After a half-day of exploring, we headed to the Luquillo Kiosks, a row of beachfront food stalls serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional mofongo. The kids devoured some crispy tostones while we enjoyed a plate of garlic shrimp with rice.

Day 4: Road Trip to the West Coast

We packed up and hit the road, heading toward the west coast of the island. Our next stop? A secluded Airbnb near Rincón. Upon arrival, we were greeted by lush greenery, hammocks, a private pool, and total tranquility—the perfect change of pace.

Afternoon in Rincón:

• Visited Sandy Beach, where the kids played in the sand and splashed in the shallows (keeping an eye on riptide warnings!).
• Enjoyed dinner at Villa Cofresí, famous for its coconut rum drinks and authentic Puerto Rican dishes.

This part of the trip felt like a true island escape—just us, the ocean breeze, and the sounds of the coquí frogs at night.

Day 5: Cabo Rojo & More West Coast Magic

We set our alarms early for a day trip to Cabo Rojo, a stunning coastal area on the island’s southwest tip. The drive was long but SO worth it for the breathtaking cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Things to See in Cabo Rojo:

• Faro Los Morrillos – A lighthouse perched on a dramatic cliffside with postcard-worthy views.
• Playa Buyé – A calm, kid-friendly beach with shallow turquoise waters.

After a full day of adventuring, we returned to our Airbnb for another relaxing evening in the pool.

Day 6: Soaking Up the Last Beach Day

For our last full day, we slowed things down and spent time enjoying our Airbnb, sipping coffee in hammocks, and letting the kids splash around. It was nice to have a chill morning before heading out for one final sunset beach visit.

We chose Domes Beach in Rincón, which is popular with surfers. While the waves were too big for swimming, we loved watching the surfers do their thing and taking in the golden-hour views.

Dinner was at a local food truck spot, where we sampled alcapurrias (fried fritters), empanadillas, and fresh seafood.

Day 7: Back to San Juan & Sweet Goodbyes

Our trip was winding down, so we packed up and drove back to San Juan for one last treat—paletas (Puerto Rican popsicles) in Old San Juan. These were a massive hit with the kids!

Since we had an early morning flight, we stayed at an airport hotel for the night. While it was a tight squeeze for a family of six, it worked for one night, and the free breakfast made getting to the airport stress-free.

As we boarded our flight home, the kids were already asking when we could come back—and honestly, I was thinking the same thing. Puerto Rico was an incredible family-friendly destination, and I highly recommend it for anyone traveling with kids.

Final Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico with Kids:

✅ Rent a car – Public transport is limited, and having a car makes day trips easier.
✅ Stay flexible – The island’s relaxed pace is part of its charm. Go with the flow!
✅ Book accommodations with kitchens – This helps save money and makes picky eaters happy.
✅ Watch for riptide warnings – Some beaches have strong currents, so always check conditions.
✅ Embrace the culture – Try local foods, learn a few Spanish phrases, and soak up the island vibe!

If you’re looking for a family adventure full of history, nature, beaches, and delicious food, Puerto Rico is the place to go! From the vibrant streets of San Juan to the laid-back beaches of Rincón, this trip had something for everyone.