If you’re wondering whether you actually need to rent a car, how safe driving is, or what to expect when driving in Puerto Rico, this guide will answer all those questions.

I’ve driven in Puerto Rico on four separate trips, including at night, during rainstorms, and in rural areas and overall, each time, I found it comparable to driving in many US cities, with minor differences.

Quick Answer: Is Driving in Puerto Rico Easy?

Yes – if you drive frequently and have no major issues at home, driving in Puerto Rico will be easy and doable for you. Having a car to yourself will allow you to explore more of the island and see places that tours or taxis won’t take you to.

Here’s what to generally expect:

• Most roads are well developed – you shouldn’t have problems getting from point A to point B, especially as a tourist visiting the more popular places
• Signs are comparable to US signs – many are in Spanish but you shouldn’t have issues understanding what they mean
• A US license is valid in PR – since Puerto Rico is a US territory, you won’t need an international license to rent a car
• Things to watch out for:
  • Drivers can be a little more aggressive
  • Potholes in more remote areas can be common
  • Weather can change quickly at times with rain sneaking up on you

Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

Renting a car when traveling might seem intimidating no matter where you travel. There are lots of things to consider: where to rent it, safety, navigation, parking, tolls, and road conditions. Below you’ll find my honest opinions on each of the topics based on the experiences I had in Puerto Rico after numerous rentals.

Do You Need a Car in Puerto Rico?

Well, that will depend on what you want to do on the island. If you’re coming on a cruise or are simply planning to stay in one area like San Juan or any bigger city, Ubers will be sufficient for you. There are also many arranged tours that can take you to popular spots like El Yunque Rainforest or neighboring island excursions. While public transportation is not Puerto Rico’s strongest suit, Uber is pretty developed and reasonably priced for shorter distances.

If you’re planning to explore the island, do things on your own schedule or get a more local, authentic experience, then you’re much better off renting a car.

Don’t know if you’ll be exploring many locations in Puerto Rico? Check out my full Puerto Rico itinerary to see what this beautiful island has to offer.

Uber pick-ups are clearly marked at the airport or you can easily pick up a car at the airport as well.

Best place to rent a car in Puerto Rico

For most travelers, the easiest rental pickup will be the airport in San Juan. They have many options for vendors, so choose the provider you trust the most.

I personally have rented with Hertz (4 times in Puerto Rico), and they have yet to fail me. One of my travel card perks is the Hertz Gold+, which allows me to pre-book a car in the app and simply picking it up in my assigned parking spot (picture above). It’s the easiest way without the need to wait in any counter lines. I have also rented the car in San Juan and dropped it off in Aguadilla (BQN) airport without any issues.

They’re quick to assist you, and their pricing is pretty fair compared to all others. And no, this is not a sponsored or a commission link; I simply find them very reliable and have never had a bad experience with this company in any country I have rented with them (15+ car rentals).

What type of car should you rent in Puerto rico?

Renting a normal-sized car (sedan) is more than sufficient when driving in Puerto Rico. Roads are pretty developed, and unless you’re doing some off-road trip, you will not need anything bigger.

Do you need insurance when renting a car?

You need insurance for any car rental. Whether that comes from your credit card or the car rental company is up to you. If you have a travel credit card like Capital One Venture, for example, check what type of coverage it includes. If you have primary coverage, use it for your rentals; it’s one of the biggest underrated perks your card has. Just make sure to decline the company’s offered insurance and book the on that specific card in order for it to be active.

Don’t let car companies bully you into insurance or tell you it’s not valid. It is valid and it will cover you if anything happens. However, if you have never used it before, make sure to confirm that your coverage includes.

I personally had an incident in Spain where someone broke into my rental car, smashed the window, and stole all of my belongings. My credit card insurance covered all the damages will all the proper paperwork (police report) and I had no issues with them. Just make sure to read the fine print of what your insurance entails or simply call your card benefits and ask.

If you’re nervous about your credit card options, there is also travel insurance that can include car rental insurance at an additional fee or you can simply choose it as an add-on with the company you are renting with.

Seasoned traveler tip: Whatever you choose as your option, do your homework before you come up to the rental desk so you know what route you’d like to go with. Those guys can be very pushy and pressure you into more coverage than you need. I personally had rental staff tell me that I would get arrested if I didn’t purchase their insurance 😂

Can you drive in puerto rico with a uS license?

If you’re from the U.S., you can drive in Puerto Rico with your normal U.S. driver’s license.

What Driving in Puerto Rico Is Actually Like

Is It Safe to Drive in Puerto Rico?

Generally, driving in Puerto Rico is safe, and there is no reason to be afraid to drive there if you’re a regular driver. With that said, you have to use the same amount of caution you normally use anywhere else.

I personally felt safe driving during the day, at night, in the mountains, and on the highways. My driving experience was a lot different in the Dominican Republic, just to compare, where I did not feel that same confidence.

Highways vs. Local roads

Puerto Rico has highways that feel similar to US highways, multiple lanes, exits, and clear signage. Drivers are fine but you can get an occasional crazy one. Signage is clear and most destinations are reachable via main roads.

Local roads vary. If you’re going in the middle of the island, you’ll encounter a lot of windy roads that can make you car sick. They also get much narrower than the highways. For the most part, they’re pretty easy to drive on, but watch out for potholes, animals or people in the road. Speed bumps or “muertos” can be a little intense so be on the lookout for them as well.

Tolls in Puerto Rico (AutoExpreso Explained)

On the highways, you’ll encounter AutoExpreso or toll roads. They are very similar to an “EZPass” system, charged via a little device instead of a cash toll booth payment. You can avoid them by taking more local routes, but those can be much longer in distance. The tolls themselves are not that expensive so my advice would be just to pay them, especially if you have limited time on the island.

If you have a rental car, ask the company how they’re charging the tolls.

A lot of companies will propose the pay-per-day unlimited system, but I find that to be a waste. For most tourists, you won’t be driving multiple toll roads per day, so you won’t need that. Instead, ask if you can simply pay as you go and get charged at the end for all the tolls you have accrued. This is the option I have repeatedly chosen with Hertz, and it ended up being the most economical choice for me.

Best Navigation Apps for Puerto Rico (Google Maps vs Waze)

Navigating the roads should be fairly easy with all the modern tools we have on our phones. Simply use Waze for real-time driving updates with traffic, accidents, police checks etc. If you don’t like Waze, Google Maps is just as good in 2026 too.

No matter which tool you choose, I’d recommend downloading an offline map in case you lose service. And you can lose service in the mountains very easily. And don’t forget your car phone charge either!

Driving Rules in Puerto Rico

Most rules will be similar to those in the US. The main difference that people might not be used to is that red lights can be treated as stop signs between 12 am and 5 am.

Other than that, these are the main things to know:

• Speed limits exist – 55-65 mph on highways & 25-35 on more local roads
  • This doesn’t mean people won’t speed past you on the road 🙂
• Don’t drive in the left lane – let people pass you
• You can turn right on red unless posted otherwise
• No drinking and driving – 0.08 is the limit as it is in the US
• Seatbelts are mandatory
• No phone usage
• Some signs are in Spanish:
  • Pare = Stop
  • Desvío = Detour
  • Salida = Exit
  • Velocidad = Speed
  • Ceda el paso = Yield

Parking in Puerto Rico (San Juan + Beach Areas)

Parking can be stressful, especially on narrow streets in San Juan. There is limited street parking, lots of people walking around, and signage that might be confusing. My biggest tip for parking in San Juan is to get into a garage and walk to wherever is that you’re going. The city is not that big, and having peace of mind is more important than trying to squeeze into a tight spot. For example, there are a couple of garages on Recinto Sur which give you a central location for walking the city.

If I were only staying in San Juan and not venturing out much, I wouldn’t rent a car, as Ubers are abundant and cheap. I only rent one if I know I will be exploring a lot outside of the city itself.

Parking near the beaches is mostly straightforward. You can either park in a designated spot, a paid lot or near the side of the road if allowed.

No matter where you park, make sure not to leave any valuables in the car or anything else that can call attention to petty theft.

Gas Stations in Puerto Rico: What to Expect

As someone who grew up in New Jersey and very rarely pumps their own gas, I always stress about gas stations in other places. Puerto Rico’s gas stations can function a little differently than what you’re used to, but it’s more than manageable.

Stations closer to the airport can have an attendant help you out, but it’s not the case for most. Since you can’t always pay at the pump, you’ll need to pay inside. First, you’ll choose your pump, look at the number on it, go inside, and tell the cashier how much you want on that specific pump. You’ll say “$20 on pump 7” for example, and you’re all done. You might have to leave your card in there if you’re filling up.

The prices are shown in liters, not gallons, so make sure you know that. As of 2026, gas prices are under ~$1 per liter at 3.8 liters in a gallon, which is around ~$3.5 to $3.8 per gallon.

Vocabulary to be aware of at the gas station:

• La gasolinera – gas station
• Pagar – pay
• Tarjeta – card
• La bomba – pump
• Llenar el tanque – fill up the tank

Remember to fill up your tank completely before you return your rental car to avoid crazy refueling fees.

In terms of gas station scams, which are common in the world, I didn’t hear or hear about anything unusual that happens in Puerto Rico. Simply follow general safety rules: if someone is filling your tank, check that they zeroed it out. If someone is too friendly and eager to help you at the pump, be cautious and don’t fill up your tank in the middle of the night alone.

What to do if you get pulled over

If you’re following the rules, there is no reason for you to get pulled over. In case you do, do as you would back at home: stay calm, be respectful, and follow instructions. If you’re renting a car, keep your rental paperwork accessible.

What to do in case of damage to your car rental

Shit does happen, so if it does, make sure you’re aware of what to do next.

I had two incidents with rental cars: one was a robbery where the car window was smashed and all my belongings were stolen from inside the car in Spain (a lesson to never ever leave your valuables in a visible view), and the second incident was car damage in Mexico.

Both times I followed the simple steps below and have gotten reimbursed by my credit card travel insurance.

• First, as easy as it sounds, stay calm. Things happen and you need to be clear-headed to figure everything out.
• Take photos – make sure to have all the videos and photos that you will later submit to your insurance company.
• Contact the rental company ASAP – they will likely arrange your towing or if you can drive the car, you’ll have to go pick up a new one.
• Contact the police – You will need to have a police report to submit to your insurance company.
• You will figure it out! – You’re certainly not the first person to cause damage to a rental car or get robbed. This is why having insurance is important.

Final Thoughts: My Best Advice for Driving in Puerto Rico

If you’re debating whether you should rent a car in Puerto Rico, don’t be nervous. If reading this article reassured you about everything you need to do and didn’t give you anxiety, then renting a car sounds like a good option for you.

If reading this gave more travel anxiety than you had before, maybe reconsider your choice. If you’re not planning to venture out too much out of your base, you will be fine with Uber and tour transportation, too.

Don’t be too confident, know what you’re getting yourself into, and most importantly, enjoy your vacation.

And once you get comfortable behind the wheel, Puerto Rico becomes the kind of place where a “quick drive” turns into the best part of your day.

In this post, I will cover the logistics of visiting this gorgeous city but most importantly I will give you a plan for an awesome getaway for you and your girlfriends. With that, you won’t have to stress about planning, and instead, you can simply focus on enjoying a city that I know you’ll end up falling in love with!

In case you’re new here, know that I always base my itineraries on my own travels! So if I give you a plan, it means I have followed it or would have done it that way based on what I experienced at the destination. If you have a suggestion for a new restaurant or a hot tip, don’t forget to comment at the bottom of this post!

Looking for other ideas for the best weekends with your girlfriends? Check out my Miami Girls Weekend or Austin Guides for awesome itineraries!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Let’s talk about some San Diego logistics

Transportation to and in San Diego

Getting there

Getting to San Diego is pretty straightforward. You have a pretty well-connected airport right outside the city from which can catch a quick ~15 min Uber to the center. If the Uber fare is surging out of control, you can always take the bus on route 992 which can connect you to the trolley, train stations or the city center.

If you’re already in California, take the Amtrak along the Coast. It’s an experience within itself as its a super scenic and comfortable ride. When traveling in the southern direction, make sure to sit on the right-hand side to get the best views of the coast. I paid a little extra for the first-class cabin. It was slightly more comfortable than coach and you got a snack box with an alcoholic beverage. That alone made it worth the extra price. But to set your expectations straight, remember this is still an old train first class and not the Emirates suite.

Moving around the city

San Diego has a nice public transport system so if you don’t want to spend money on Ubers, you’ll be able to get around on the buses or trolleys. You can walk some parts of the city but if you want to see most of the attractions, you will be not able to avoid driving.

Should you rent a car in San Diego?

If you’re just staying in the city, there is no need to rent a car. Looking for parking and the cost of the rental will not save you any money and it won’t make your life easier either. However, it might be worth considering a rental if you’re planning to take some day trips out of San Diego. Some popular spots include La Jolla or even Tijuana in Mexico which is located only an hour away.

Best time to visit San Diego

Although San Diego has decent weather throughout the year, the best time to visit will be May through September for the sunshine, beach time, and overall lively vibe. As with any peak season though, it will be expensive. I personally visited in April and loved the shoulder season vibe. It wasn’t too crowded and the weather was just perfect enough to explore without overheating. However, it would get a little chilly at night and I did not do any water-related activities.

Is San Diego expensive?

Yes, it is. I won’t even beat around the bush and tell you that you can avoid spending money. Just as most destinations in California, San Diego is pricey, especially in the city center.

From accommodations to drinks and food and visiting attractions, you’ll be spending $500-$800 per person for a weekend there unless you’re really sticking to a low budget.

Where to stay in San Diego

Depending on what the goal of the weekend is, that will determine where you stay. However, for first timers, here are some areas to consider.

• If the goal of your girl’s weekend in San Diego is to party, stay near Gaslamp.
• If you want to relax near the beach, stay near Ocean Beach.
• Coronado is an island super close to the city that will give you chill vibes and cool restaurants.
• Downtown will have the vibes of any downtown.
• Or even La Jolla (25 min from center) if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities.

Is a weekend in San Diego enough time?

A weekend anywhere is never enough to truly get to know a destination however a weekend is sometimes all we got. San Diego has a ton of activities so I’d plan for a 3 day weekend. However, a quick Saturday/Sunday getaway will do the trick if you’re just planning to see the highlights! You certainly won’t be able to see everything and your schedule will be packed but it’s certainly do-able.

A Girls Weekend in San Diego Itinerary!

Day 1: Let your awesome girls’ trip to San Diego begin!

One of my favorite strategies for weekend trips is to always arrive on Friday afternoons. This way I can check into my accommodation, do some light exploring and get a full night sleep before the weekend ahead. I prefer this a lot more than arriving on Saturdays and losing half the day on check-in and travel. So with that, I say do your best to arrive in San Diego on check-in time Friday (early) afternoon to get your awesome San Diego girls’s trip going!

Late Lunch

Depending on where you’re staying in town, choose a place for a late lunch/early dinner vibe. My girlfriend and I stayed in the Gaslamp District so we found something nearby in the touristy area of San Diego. Food was delicious and it filled us up perfectly for the rest of the day.

Stroll along the waterfront

Right before sunset, head to the waterfront area near the Marina. It was a stunning place for golden hour and then for sunset. You can stroll along the promenade or grab a drink at one of the numerous waterfront spots. Watching the sunset along the boats is super cute!

We walked near the Seaport Village toward the Embarcadero. This area had a ton of shops, waterfront restaurants, park spaces and cool sculptures. If you like boat tours for dinner cruises, whale watching or speed jets, you can catch those from this area too. Another thing to do in this area is to catch some live music at the Randy Shell outdoor concert venue.

Gaslamp District Party Time

Now onto the best part, party time! A trip to San Diego will not be complete until you have spent some time walking through the Gaslamp District and grabbing a drink (or partying) in at least one of the bars on the “strip.” And especially if you’re spending a girls weekend in San Diego, this will be a fun activity of your stay! There are numerous places you can go to depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

If you’re a girl there will be a ton of promoters wandering the streets looking to get you into their club with a free drink pass. You have all different types of places in Gaslamp and way too many to name them all but to name some, there are clubs like Toro, F6IX, Parq and Oxford, a rooftop bar called Altitude, more low-key bars like The Tipsy Crow or Whiskey Girl. Honestly, I think the best way to explore Gaslamp is to go bar hopping and simply finding a place based on the vibe it has. But if you want a full list of what’s in the area, check out Gaslamp’s full list of all the bars and nightclubs.

Day 2: Sightseeing in full swing

Brunch in Little Italy

After a night in Gaslamp, you will need a solid brunch. I recommend having brunch in Little Italy which is a cute neighborhood in town to eat in and explore after. Here are some popular options in the area. If traveling in season, don’t forget your resys!

• Morning Glory – A popular breakfast/lunch place with cool decor
• Caffe Italia – A small cafe with breakfast food, coffee and gelato
• Farmers Table – Cool decor and extensive weekend brunch
• Parakeet Cafe – Healthy options for acai bowls, protein bowls or creative toasts
• Little Italy Food Hall – And if you’re traveling with a bunch of picky eaters, it might be a good idea to head to the foo hall with a ton of options for everyone!

Balboa Park

For the afternoon, head to Balboa Park to enjoy this beautiful and massive park. There are so many spaces and nooks there so pick 2-3 spots you want to see rather than trying to see them all. Here are some top spots to see in the park but note that there are many more than this:

• Botanical Building: A beautiful building (inside currently closed for construction) with a lily pond
• Japanese Friendship Garden: Has an entry fee but it’s a beautiful display of Japanese culture
• Alcazar Garden: A smaller space with Moorish accents
• San Diego Museum of Art: An art museum with impressive collections
• Spreckles Organ Pavillion: World’s largest outdoor pipe organ, free concerts on Sunday
• San Diego Zoo: If you’d like to spend your time with some animals
• Balboa Park Carousel: I personally love old carousels and this one is over 100 years old

Nightime activities

On day 2, treat yourself to a nice dinner. Places like Barbusa for some amazing Italian Born and Raised for high end steak or Top of the Market won’t disappoint. You can also venture out to the beautiful island of Coronado to places like Il Fornaio or Blue Water Grill for some waterfront night views.

If you’re up for night two of partying, head back to to Gaslamp and let your night continue!

Day 3: La Jolla and Old Town

La Jolla

Next on your itinerary is the famous La Jolla! It’s a quick 30 min ride from city center San Diego. There is so much to do in that area not to mention how beautiful it is. Start by exploring the La Jolla Cove, where you can admire the seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach and rocks. I was so excited to spend time walking the stunning path admiring these lazy but super entertaining creatures! Walk all the way down to La Jolla Tide Pools as well where you’ll be able to see some cool sea creatures when as the name suggests, the tide is low.

Next, head over to Village of La Jolla for lunch and some shopping. Although popular and pricey, there are a couple of restaurants with stunning views of the ocean like Duke’s or George’s for example. The downtown area has many stores and boutiques you can explore as well.

If you want more outdoor time, make sure to visit Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. You can hike that area and get the most stunning views of the unique nature there right on the beach! It’s about 15-25 min drive from La Jolla but totally worth it!

Old Town

On your way back from La Jolla another fun things to do on your San Diego girls weekend itinerary is to stop in Old Town. The main touristy area is the Old Town Market which is full of stores and beautiful pieces. I got myself a nice hand painted vase from Mexico that is a centerpiece in my kitchen until this day. Additionally, there are some restaurants on site or food stands at which you can snag an elote or even a beer if you need an afternoon snack.

Back home 🙁

And just like that it’s time to wrap up your girls weekend in San Diego. There is nothing better than exploring this gem with your besties and I hope that you have the best weekend ever.

This is the itinerary I planned when I visited with my best friend but if you have any suggestions that you think would make this trip better, let me know in the comments!

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Review: Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC with Ahoy Tours!

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Now let me tell you. If you want to eat some seriously delicious food, learn about local Jewish history, and spend time with an awesome host, this tour is just that!

In this post, I’ll take you on this Upper East Side Jewish Food Tour journey with me! I hope it inspires you to check out this unique NYC activity 🙂

A little bit on Ultimate Food Tour’s background

I gotta say, aside from my curiosity about the food and its history, I always love learning about how unique ideas were born. Rarely are cool things carefully planned and executed, often times they happen because of a random life circumstance that pushes us to do something different. That follows Scott’s baby, or Ultimate Food Tours, which started as hobby, turned an Airbnb experience, and now is a well-established NYC Food Tour company offering 4 amazing options through NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Things born out of pure passion and interest often reflect that in the actual experience and that’s certainly how I felt listening to Scott. He walked us through the history of the food and the neighborhood all with a personal connection and passion radiating from him. He was very knowledgeable about the topic and genuinely excited to take you on this tour. There is such a difference in the quality of your time when your guide has his full heart in what he does!

And Some Quick Logistics about the Jewish Food Tour

• The tour starts on the Upper East Side and continues throughout it
• This is mostly an outdoor walking tour so wear comfy shoes and dress weather appropriate
• Yes, there will be bathroom stops along the route
• Don’t eat much prior to the tour and portions will keep you full so no need to book resys for after either!
• The cost of the Jewish Food Tour is $90 per person which is very standard for a food tour experience

Let’s go on a Jewish Food Tour in NYC!

Stop 1: Orwashers’ Bakery

What’s more iconic than a real NYC bagel with lox? Nothing, so it was only appropriate to start this awesome food tour with the most delicious bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, and some green onions. If you know me, you know I am very picky about my lox and I do not overhype anything subpar. But let me tell you, Orwashers nailed this!

In addition to the tasting itself, this is where our history of Jewish foods begins. We learned that traditionally this was a sandwich that in order to become appropriate with kosher customs, had to get “re-invented” a little. This combo was originally intended to have a herring addition but since salmon was more available and cheaper in NYC, that ended up being the winner. Who knew that this substitution would become such a staple! Since the Yiddish word for Lox is Laks, that’s where that name came from. Today, this iconic sandwich is something most New Yorkers enjoy for their weekend breakfast!

In addition to their amazing bagels, Orwashers also serves bread, pastries, and cakes! Make sure to grab a traditional rugelach cookie as well!

Stop 2: Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar

For our next stop, we had some delicious New York hot dogs. But this wasn’t some simple hot dog from a street vendor, this was some next-level meat. A perfectly done hot dog in a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and mustard was the perfect next bite!

At first, I was surprised about how hot dogs can be tied into local Jewish history. But we learned about how the famous Hebrew National Dogs came into the market and how they are still one the most popular selling hot dogs around! They’re iconic slogan of answering to a “higher authority” got them national attention and was one of the first major kosher items to start selling in supermarkets.

We also learned about the kosher custom of eating meat vs. dairy and how kosher restaurant certifications come about. I absolutely love learning about the influence of cultures on food and especially the new inventions that come about in melting-pot cities like New York!

Stop 3: Pastrami Queen

Continuing on our tour, we headed over to Pastrami Queen. If you’re a New Yorker, a good pastrami sandwich is a staple in your diet. While some will argue that Katz’ has the best one in town, after trying Pastrami Queen, you might change your mind. This hole-in-the-wall spot does indeed serve an awesome sandwich that I will cross the Hudson River from Jersey to have again. Not only was the pastrami perfectly cured and seasoned, the rye bread (which comes from Orwashers Bakery!) perfectly complimented it as well.

Stop 4: William Greenberg Desserts

Last but not least, we stopped at William Greenberg Desserts for the one and only, Black and White Cookie! If you’re from this area, chances are you had dozens of these in your life. Although what appears to be a pretty simple cookie, it’s not as easy to find a well-made black and white as you’d imagine. This bakery did indeed nail this and it was the perfect way to end our Jewish Food Tour in New York.

As many black and white cookies as I enjoyed in my life, I had no idea it carried a Jewish-American history nor that it’s thought to have roots in Manhattan itself. It also carries some interesting stories related to the war! Who knew this simple classic cookie carries so much cultural importance!

Thoughts on the Jewish Food Tour in NYC

I personally love learning about cultures through their food. It’s especially fascinating in areas like New York City where multiple nationalities, religions, and customs all come together in search for a better life. With that, different combinations of origins along with substitutions for traditional ingredients created masterpieces like a lox bagel, a pastrami sandwich, a hot dog or even a cookie! While we may be eating these foods on a regular basis, learning about their origins makes each bite that more special.

Going on this Jewish Food Tour in New York with Scott’s Ultimate Food Tour was such an awesome weekend activity. I’d certainly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in NYC! I loved it for its history, exploring the Upper East Side neighborhood in a different way, and most importantly the delicious food choices.

Whether you are a local like myself or someone visiting NYC for the first time, I’m confident you’ll enjoy this activity as much as I did!

And if the food stops on this route don’t necessarily go with your taste palette, Ultimate Food Tours has other routes in Chinatown, Times Square, and their Iconic Food Tour throughout the city.

I want to thank Scott for inviting me and my guest to spend the day with him! The opinions in this post are my own!

2 days in Miami might not seem like a lot of time but trust me that this itinerary will give you that small Miami boost that you need. This Miami 2 day itinerary is perfect not just for cold season travels but can be referenced all year round.

If you have more time in my favorite city, you can check out my full Miami guide or even my Miami to Key West one and if you’re traveling with your girlfriends, then check out the Miami Girls Weekend guide! Both offer unique ideas for visiting Miami and I am sure you will find something that aligns best with your upcoming trip.

I hope this itinerary will give you exactly what you need to have the perfect 2 days in Miami!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Day 1: Brunch + Design District + Night Activity

But first, let’s Brunch

Brunch is an absolute must to start your Miami exploring. Some ideas for a good meal:

• Mandolin – Mediterranean food, located in Design District, cool Greek aesthetics 
• Cvi.Che 105 – Stylish Peruvian chain with a couple of locations in the city
• Kalamata – Another Mediterranean spot with high-quality fresh dishes
• Mila – A boujee MediterrAsian restaurant and rooftop lounge with a unique brunch
• Orange Blossom – A typical brunch spot. Make sure to check out the back patio.

Design District

The Design District is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that celebrates design, fashion, art, and architecture. It’s one of the fairly newer neighborhoods in Miami and I have to say it’s pretty impressive! In my previous guides, I always mentioned that this area was on my Miami to-do list and I’m happy to say that on my last visit, I got to explore it!

As you stroll through the Design District, you’ll be amazed by the stunning architecture that surrounds you. From the restored historic buildings to the modern structures designed by the world’s top architects, every corner is a feast for the eyes.

The Design District is also a shopper’s dream. From high-end luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, to independent boutiques and concept stores, you’ll at least indulge in some window shopping like myself. There are some restaurants on site too if you want to take a break from exploring!

Dinner Time

A nice dinner is a must in Miami and there is no shortage of places to have one. Here are some fresh options for you however if you’d like more, head over to the full Miami guide I mentioned earlier:

• Gitano: Have some good Mexican among gorgeous Tulum vibes
• Contessa: Old school Italian located in a modern Design District
• The Bazaar: Dine in Jose Aviles’ boujee Latin restaurant

Night out in Miami

If a 24-hour club in Miami or walking down Ocean Drive along with all the other tourists is the last thing you want to do on a night out, don’t worry, I have better choices for ya. Don’t get me wrong, you certainly have to experience the Miami classics as well but at a certain point you’ll want to try something new instead. I personally don’t want to club until 4 am anymore but still want to have a great night in Miami! So I’d recommend the following alternatives:

Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays is an event in Little Havana that takes place every third Friday of the month starting at noon. There will be music, dancing, local artisans, good food, and awesome drinks. Go at night for a fun vibe and a very cute cultural experience. Even if you don’t happen to be in Miami on the third Friday of the month, Little Havana at night is a fun place to be!

Another unique option and totally opposite of a neighborhood party are events at Faena Hotel. If you don’t know Faena, it’s a super boujee hotel that most of us can’t afford to stay at. However, a drink or a show at night, although not cheap, are cool glimpses into Miami Luxury stays. Currently, you can see Allura Cabaret on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Faena Theater! In addition to the show, they have live music events along with some rotating shows. Dress to impress and enjoy a nice night out!

Day 2: Beach + Exploring + Activity

Beach time

Do not forget to schedule beach time into your 2 days in Miami! It would honestly be a sin not to take a nice stroll along the beautiful coast or to lay out and soak in the sun for a little bit. The beach hugs Miami on the east side and most of it is public. You can rent chairs at pretty much any point and a lot of hotels have some sort of beach chair arrangement.

On my most recent stay, I stayed in my new favorite Miami hotel, The Confidante, and I enjoyed the beach in that area. I also spent the morning soaking up the sun and swimming in a heated pool.

Afternoon Exploring

Before you explore, don’t forget to grab a bite. If you don’t want a formal sit down, a good place for a quick but delicious bite is the TimeOut Market. Although they’re pretty touristy, I do enjoy them because they do a good job of gathering the local specialties in a nicely situated place where you can also grab a decent afternoon cocktail!

Now back to exploring. Miami has a ton of exciting neighborhoods which I go into detail about in my full Miami guide. However, here’s a quick recap on some:

• Wynwood – What started as a hipster neighborhood with funky murals, coffee shops, and industrial vibes turned into a highly desired living area with $20 drinks. Nonetheless, a visit is well worth it and if you don’t want to spend too much, stop at a brewery like Veza Sur or Cerveceria La Tropical.
• Little Havana – Always a favorite of mine to grab a fresh Mojito and enjoy the Cuban vibes.
• South Beach – The most touristy yet iconic part of Miami with Art Deco buildings, and streets like Ocean Drive, Collins Ave or Espanola Way.
• Brickell – Financial area of Miami with high rises and drink spots on rooftops.
• Coral Gables – A boujee neighborhood with shopping, tree-lined streets, mansions and the famous Venetian Pool.

or some cool Miami activities …

If you’ve been to Miami a couple of times already or if you’re looking for something outside out of the most touristy spots, here are some ideas for unique Miami things to do:

Miami Nature Activities

Miami has some awesome nature spots that people often forget to check out. If you’d like to check out some unique vegetation, head over to Miami Beach Botanical Garden in South Beach, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or The Kampong both in Coral Gables.

You can also do a classic Everglades tour on an airboat! Some tours pick you up from Miami while others are located in the Everglades National Park.

Tour ideas

Another fun thing you can do is check out some of the local tours. These are pretty unique and give you a totally new perspective on the city! I always recommend a good boat day but there are many more things to do in Miami. Here is a list of cool activities I found with some top-rated reviews!

That’s a wrap on 2 days in Miami!

Miami is truly one of my favorite cities around. Even a quick 2-day getaway gets me the Miami boost I desperately need. Whether it’s your 1st or 20th time in Miami, this city’s vibe is really unmatched. And while you can totally spend the entire 2 days in Miami on a beach, or boat, or sipping drinks by the pool, if you’re an explorer like myself, I hope this guide gave you some new ideas for your upcoming trip!

Don’t forget to check out my Miami to Key West itinerary! Key West truly feels like another country and is a really iconic place to visit in your lifetime.

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When I visit new cities, I simply love doing food tours! But when Ahoy NYC Food Tours invited me on a tour in my own neighborhood, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, a Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC? I’ve eaten in these areas dozens of times so how could I possibly discover new things?

Well, spoiler alert. Ahoy Food Tours killed it! Not only did I eat some amazing Asian and Italian food but also learned about their shared immigrant history and saw some cool new spots in both neighborhoods. It’s safe to say that even when you think you’ve seen it all, you can ALWAYS find hidden gems in your own neighborhoods! You can have a Perfect Day right around the corner.

In this review, I will share some general information about the NYC Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour along with an overview of the food we tasted.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a discount code for Ahoy Food Tours that you use when booking!

Let’s Start with Some Useful Info

Ahoy Food Tours has been around for a while, since 2008 to be exact. Each tour consists of a small group of up to 13 people. Their most popular public tour is the Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC but they also have another multicultural one on Mulberry Street. They also offer private and corporate events. Prices are pretty average for a food tour compared to local companies.

Our tour guide Maryana was amazing. She was super knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, history, and food of course. We really enjoyed her expertise!

Dietary Accommodations

Food tours and dietary restrictions don’t always go hand in hand. Previously I attended a food tour in another city where a company listed that they accommodate a specific food allergy. In practice, that accommodation ended up being a total failure and the tour ended up a dud for our group then.

My guest on Ahoy’s Food Tour was vegetarian so we knew that she wouldn’t be able to taste everything. But what pleasantly surprised us is that in every spot which included a meat bite, the tour had prepared a substitute delicious veggie tasting for her. Each accommodation is different but if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry about missing out! They do a great job with substitutions!

Overall Itinerary

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, there are 8 tastings with one alcoholic beverage included. You will certainly feel full after the tour as the portions are generous (for a food tour of course).

You’ll be walking for about half a mile outside so dress accordingly to NYC seasonal weather. During the stops outside, you’ll learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act, the tenements of the area, the dark history of Chinatown, and the immigrant history of Little Italy. As an immigrant myself, this was a very interesting portion of the tour. It shows how the people and history shaped the area along with the food and how much struggle they went through in hopes of a better life in this country.

Tasting Stop Overview

• At our meeting spot, we enjoyed hot tea and a pork bun
• Then we had some dumplings
• Next was a Chinese sponge cake
• Then a fresh mozzarella with prosciutto
• And some gnocchi with amazing marinara sauce
• Next was a cheese sampling from a famous cheese shop
• My favorite was the following sit-down stop with eggplant rollatini and a cold beer
• And lastly, we had cannoli to end on a perfect sweet tooth!

I was so full at the end and so happy with all the delicious tastings. There truly wasn’t a bad meal on this Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC.

Now let’s dive a little more into each tasting!

Tasting 1: Tea Tasting with a Chinese Pastry

Our tour started at Silk Road Cafe for our first tasting of Jasmine Tea. It was served in cute little glasses and we let it seep while we settled in and got our introduction to the tour. Our tour guide explained the importance of balance within traditional Chinese cuisine. We sipped our tea and enjoyed her explanation of herbal concoctions throughout history.

Next was an insanely delicious pork bun (and taro bun for my vegetarian friend) from Fay Da Bakery. The slightly sweet bread along with the salty and perfectly seasoned pork was a perfect combo. The taro bun had a combination of sweetness with floral undertones, and almond slices on top were a great touch. I could have easily eaten two more!

Tasting 2: Dumplings

Next, we headed over to Tasty Dumplings for some meat dumplings! Dumplings to me are always fascinating since most cultures in the world figured out their unique way of stuffing their favorite ingredients in a form of a dough pocket. For example, Eastern Europeans have pierogis, South Americans have empanadas, Italians have ravioli and Asians have dumplings! In essence these are allt’s the same food, yet they are all so different to each culture.

Back to Tasty Dumplings though, don’t let this hole-in-a-wall fool you with its simple appearance. The dumplings were superb!

Tasting 3: Spongecake

We enjoyed our next tasting which was a (purple) spongecake from Kam Hing Coffee Shop while listening to some interesting history behind Doyers Street. It’s quite wild yet fascinating and I won’t spoil it for you because it’s just one of those stories you’ll have to hear about in person. For a tad more suspense, I also won’t tell you the ingredient that makes the spongecake purple. I’ll save that detail for your tour too.

Tasting 4: Fresh Homemade Mozzarella wrapped in Prosciutto

After our Chinatown tour stops, we headed over to Little Italy. Personally, I have eaten many meals there and attended (my favorite) San Gennaro Feast! I love the food in that area so I was very excited about discovering some new gems!

Our first location in Little Italy was Alleva Dairy, which is the oldest cheese shop in America. Upon entering the shop, you could immediately smell the delicious scents of authentic Italian deli. We sampled homemade mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto (or if you’re from Jersey like me then call it mutz) 🙂 Since the cheese was unsalted, the cured prosciutto beautifully complimented it!

Tasting 5: Fresh Pasta

Our next bite was pasta in tomato sauce at Piemonte Ravioli. It was a small pasta store that sells pasta to very popular clients! I expected the sauce to be salty, however to my surprise, it had a slightly sweet aftertaste. We learned that it’s the tomatoes that give it that distinctive taste.

Tasting 6: Imported Cheeses and Olives

You can NEVER ever have enough cheese so when we arrived at Di Palo’s Fine Foods and tasted some Piave (cow milk) and Moliterno (sheep milk), my soul was super happy. Not only was the cheese amazing, but the store itself is such an institution. Their imported foods are impressive, I mean check out these cheese wheels!

Tasting 7: Eggplant Rollatini

Benito One was our sit-down spot where we had some Eggplant Rollatini along with an alcoholic beverage of our choice. The rollatini was probably my favorite meal out of the tour since I am a sucker for some good Italian!

The restaurant itself was such an interesting place and I am certainly planning to come back for a full dinner soon with my family.

Depending on the tour, the sit-down locations vary between this one and having Dim Sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

Tasting 8: Cannoli

Last but not least, we ended the tour with the perfect sweet tooth treat, a pistachio cannoli! Normally the tour does this tasting at Ferrara Bakery, which I LOVE dearly, however, it was closed on the day we did the tour.

Is Ahoy’s Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC worth it?

Yes it is. As someone who has done a dozen of food tours, I have to say I really enjoyed Ahoy’s Food Tour. All the tastings were delicious and it was great to learn some interesting neighborhood history along with it. The food portions and picks were great, our tour guide really knew her stuff, and it was a great afternoon activity to do with my best friend.

Ahoy was generous to share this discount code for Perfect Day readers so you guys can save some $$. Visit their website for the tour schedule.

USE CODE PDSAHNY TO SAVE 20% OFF AHOY FOOD TOURS!

If you’re a fan of food tours, you’ll like this one. If you’ve never done one, Ahoy will set the bar high!

I am thankful to Ahoy’s team for the invite and I assure you that this is a truly honest and independent opinion about it.

As someone who frequently travels and even works a remote job based in California, I have never actually visited LA before. Since I was way overdue for a proper visit to Los Angeles, after spending an awesome week there, I fell in love with everything this area has to offer. It is very safe to say that I will be back very soon.

After a week in LA, I am back to show my favorite spots on my first-timer Los Angeles Itinerary. You’ll find a mix of the obvious and less obvious along with some logistics needed for your trip. Most importantly, you’ll have the perfect plan for your Los Angeles visit without the need to do much research outside of it.

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Quick Logistics

Transportation in Los Angles

LAX certainly does not need an introduction as it is one of the more known airports in the US. It has connections to most cities in the US, also being a big international hub as well. Coming from the East Coast, with the 3-hour difference, it’s a great early evening flight but that also means that most flights back home are redeyes! There is another smaller airport (John Wayne) located about an hour outside the city which had non-stop cheap flights from New York as well.

You will absolutely need a car in LA. For my travel dates, car rental prices were pretty steep, so I opted for one of my favorite car rental apps Turo. I picked up my 2010 Mazda in a random parking lot and drove off into the infamous LA traffic.

Speaking of LA traffic … Yes it was bad but coming from NJ/NY traffic it wasn’t as terrifying as I imagined. If you’ve ever driven in rush hour along Belt Parkway, BQE or the Parkway, LA traffic won’t be as scary for you. However, if you come from a more quiet town, yea, it will be bad.

Accommodations

I was lucky enough to say with a friend during my visit so I was able to save some major $ on accommodations. And let me tell ya, just like LA, hotels there won’t be cheap! Before I knew I’d be staying with my friend, I did some hotel research and found these highly-rated spots with a couple of different area locations. All areas below are wonderful if you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time:

• Huntley Santa Monica Beach
• Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza in Downtown
• The Metric – Los Angeles Downtown
• E Central Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
• Dream Hollywood
• Hotel Ziggy
• The Kinney – Venice Beach
  

Length of Stay

How long to stay when you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time? There are a couple of things to consider when deciding on how long to stay: First, how much do you want to see in the LA area vs. the surrounding cities and second how much budget do you want to dedicate to this trip as California is kinda expensive. If you want to see the basics, Obviously you can easily fill a week with activities but I’d say 3-4 days is enough to get the gist of LA.

Random Things to Know

• A 3-mile drive could be either 3 minutes or 30 minutes in traffic, leave early!
• Parking decks are everywhere so you won’t be able to avoid them.
• Yes, everything is super expensive and on top of it, the taxes will get ya.
• (Mostly) everyone is dressed up or put together. Fancy athleisure is also the local uniform.
• The weather is mostly dry and sunny but the evenings get chilly! Grab a jacket!

Places to See When Visiting Los Angeles For the First Time

The spots I chose to visit below are a mix of very popular things to do and some less visited places. Depending on your pace, you can see everything below in an average of three days.

The Getty Villa

If you want to feel like you just transported yourself to a European Villa, don’t miss the Getty! They have Greek and Roman antiques along with other exhibitions. Aside from the art, the grounds are simply stunning! Additionally, you can eat in their small restaurants on-site, shop at the museum store or download the app if you want to do the art tour. Otherwise, you can simply explore the property and enjoy the beautiful surroundings like we did.

Admission is free but reservations are required. Don’t be shocked by the $20 parking fee though 🙂 Note that there is a second location, the Getty Center, so don’t confuse the two when you’re putting in your Google Map directions! You want to go to the Getty Villa located right on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Topanga Canyon Overlook

Starting your day at the Getty Villa will allow you to take a short detour toward Topanga Canyon Overlook. It’s a short 15-20 minute drive to a viewing point from the Villa. The views are incredible from there and the short drive along the canyon is also incredible. There are small hiking routes at the viewing point too if you want to explore the area a little more. I have not seen this overlook suggested in any Los Angeles guides and I found it by looking at a map! In my humble opinion, this spot is a gem and should absolutely be visited while you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time.

There is a cute cafe called Cafe 27 on the way where you can stop for coffee and admire some canyon views from the back patio too!

Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu

This was one of those moments where it hit me that I was in California. Although living in Jersey I get my fair share of the shore, California beaches hit a little differently. The mountains, tall palm trees, and surfer vibes hit your soul like no other. We picked up some sandwiches before and decided to have a picnic on El Matador Beach. Catching up with my college roommate while having a glass of Cali rose on the beach was just one of those true Perfect Days for me!

Pacific Coast Highway extends from the bottom of California all the way to Seattle and is a super popular national road trip. The tiny piece of it that we covered doesn’t even begin to cover its beauty but if this was the introduction, I certainly need to come back to do more of it!

Santa Monica Pier

After our little drive along the PCH, we made a stop at Santa Monica Pier. The walk along the water was beautiful and we had to get some software and of course, take the Ferris Wheel ride. The pier has the typical boardwalk attractions of small vendors, t-shirt shops, carnival rides, and games. It was one of those things you just have to do while visiting Los Angeles for the first time. Santa Monica is a great town to explore too after seeing the pier!

California Sunset

Not seeing a proper sunset in California is a sin. It’s the equivalent of not seeing one in Santorini. While there are many awesome viewing points for this, I strongly recommend that you see at least one of these incredible sunsets on the beach.

Griffith Observatory

This place has it all. A sweet drive up the hill with amazing views, a park with 360 panoramic views of all of LA, an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign, an observatory with giant telescopes, and a center that you can explore for various exhibitions. I mean … all I’m saying is that you absolutely shouldn’t miss this. I recommend coming here a couple of hours before sunset so you can explore the inside with just enough time to see the sunset from there. Entry is free but you have to pay for parking. Their website is very informative in terms of opening hours, ways to get there including hiking and other relevant information.

Hollywood Sign

Ok so I did not do the Hollywood Sign hike because 1) My friend’s apartment had a view of it from her balcony and 2) I saw it from Griffith Observatory. I learned that despite there being Google Map directions to drive there, you actually can’t do that because it’s a road for locals only. However, I found this super informative hiking guide for you with step-by-step pictures on how to do it 🙂 I’m including this activity because it is a classic thing to do while visiting Los Angeles for the first time.

Exploring Beverly Hills

Even saying Beverly Hills sounds exclusive, doesn’t it?! Well, a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without feeling poor in one of the richest areas around. Start with Rodeo Drive, the famous street lined with top luxury stores, insane cars and boujee restaurants. Maybe you’ll spot someone famous along the way. Then head over to the small park around the corner to take a picture with the Beverly Hills Sign. Note the streets branching off from the park, this is where you’ll see those classic street shots of influencers among tall palm trees. From there take a quick drive along Sunset Strip. The street is lined with stores, bars, and lively restaurants. If you’re into Selling Sunset, you’ll find the Oppenhemin group there too.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood or WeHo as locals like to call it, is your lively and exciting gayborhood. Santa Monica Blvd is your center for awesome bars, fancy restaurants like Bottega Louie or Pump and of course great nightlife. After getting some ice cream at Salt & Straw, we walked up and down the street enjoying the cozy street lights and cool atmosphere, and stopped at your local MedMan shop 🙂

There are other popular nearby attractions. First, you have LACMA to which most visitors just visit the famous light art installation outside. I was one of those visitors that skipped the inside but on my next visit, I plan to visit the inside too! La Brea Tar Pits are a cool outdoor museum with naturally bubbling asphalt and a museum for excavated fossils. Normally I wouldn’t recommend a mall for you guys but the Grove Outdoor Mall is actually a cool outdoor shopping area.

A Couple Recs Worth Your LA Time

Here are some miscellaneous food finds for ya that I enjoyed on my trip:

• I mean, did you even go to the West Coast if you didn’t visit In-N-Out?
• All Seasons Brewing is a cool place for a drink and some amazing tacos.
• The High Low in Los Feliz was one of my favorite low-key finds.
• My bestie introduced me to awesome sandwiches at Mendocino farms.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

My week in LA was a mix of work and leisure. It was the perfect introduction to what this city has to offer. I tried to visit a variety of places, some more known, others not. I was lucky to have seen these gems with my college roommate who has been an LA local for a couple of years now. There are SO many more places to see in the area, not even including the national parks nearby. It is very safe to say that I will be back soon with part 2. I hope that this list gave you some ideas for places to visit on your trip! Comment below for places you think I should visit next time!

A map for ya:

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While these destinations are one of the best things to do in Maine in the fall, winter is also a magical time in town, and visiting in spring will save you from the crowds.

And don’t worry, if you’re not a hiker, you can explore most of the area from your car! Of course, the best views are rewarded by some effort but don’t fret, I’ll share spots with you that you can drive up to and not sacrifice the view 🙂

Don’t forget to save the map at the bottom of this guide!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Quick Maine Logistics

• Since l live on the East Coast, when I went on this awesome Maine getaway, I drove to all my destinations. If you’re not from the area, you can fly into Portland, Maine, and rent a car there. It will be difficult to explore the area without one.
• September and October are the best months to visit Maine but an early November or even Christmas visit will save you from the peak season crowds. Don’t forget spring either before the summer crowds start flocking in.
• A lot of businesses are seasonal being closed between mid-November to mid-April. Check the hours before heading out!
• Weather is very important to check when visiting especially if you want to spend time outdoors. We got one full day of rain forcing us to stay inside and needing to extend the trip by one more night!
• Speaking of the weather, pack accordingly! You will be pretty high up north so the temperatures might be slightly more chill than what you’re expecting!

Now, let’s get to your Perfect Fall Maine Getaway

My itinerary below can be done in 3-4 days depending on how much time you’d like to dedicate to the outdoor activities. I would recommend spending a full day in Portland and then the remaining in Bar Harbor and Acadia. These two cities are located about 3 hours from each other but depending on your in-between spots along the scenic drive, that time can be longer.

A Day in Portland

Portland deserves at least a day of your attention. It’s such a charming town lined with cobblestone streets, brick buildings, small shops, harbor views, and delicious food. Walking around them fills my soul with happiness and I promise it will fill yours too! Here is a day plan of things to see in Portland, Maine:

Portland Lighthouse

Portland Head Lighthouse is located a short drive from the city center. I’d recommend going there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the area before it gets busy. But before you reach this picturesque gem, stop by Omi’s Coffee Shop for coffee and breakfast. It’s on the way to the lighthouse and they serve some delicious food!

When you get to the lighthouse, spend some time walking the small trails around and soaking in some sweet ocean views. If you’re into visiting lighthouses, you can enter this one during the season. Don’t forget to walk around though and get a view of the lighthouse from a distance.

Allagash Brewery

For any beer fans, make your way toward Allagash! It was founded in Maine and the brewery is pretty awesome. While you will have to drive a little outside the city, it will be worth it! There are other breweries nearby too if you want to do a little brewery hopping like Geary Brewing Co or Foundation Brewing. If you’re driving there, you can also grab this to-go!

Old Port & Commerical Street

For the early afternoon, the Old Port, Commercial, and Exchange Street are the areas of town to walk around and soak in the vibes of Portland. You’ll find many small shops, boutiques, famous bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants, and those charming cobblestone streets. My favorite spots are all the ones that have waterfront views. There is something about boats and port cities that always gets me. Plan to spend at least half a day there exploring and eating!

Here are some food & drink spots to check out:

• Portland Lobster & Co: This place is iconic for a reason. Often, touristy and popular places don’t live up to their expectations but I have visited this place on two different trips and it was delicious! Can’t miss a stop here during your Maine getaway.
• DiMillo’s On The Water: This is another popular spot in the area but don’t worry, the food and the views are spot on!
• Flatbread Company: Since I am a big fan of anything pizza-related, I had to stop at this place. It did not disappoint! They have great outdoor seating right on the water!
• The Highroller Lobster: I was really excited to try this place. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but it was a very pricey lunch and the lobster rolls were kinda average.
• Duckfat: Fries fired in duckfat? Sign me up!
• The Holy Donut or Hifi Donuts: Looking to satisfy your sweet cravings? Look no further with these perfect creations.
• The Bramhall: A nice speakeasy with some fancy cocktails for an after-dinner treat.
• Rosie’s Pub: I liked this spot for a late-night beer. The vibe was a little more local and it was the perfect chill pub atmosphere.

Eastern Promenade and/or Peaks Island

Eastern Promenade is a cute waterfront area for a walk or a nice picnic. The park has some romantic sailboat views and is just a pleasant place to spend some time in.

Visiting Peaks Island might be a stretch for one day in Portland but if your Maine getaway is a little longer, consider taking a short ferry ride there. Here is a quick and informative guide from Annaleise’s blog if you decide to visit this cute little gem of a destination.

Portland to Bar Harbor Drive

Now on to the next part! If you love Portland, you will LOVE Bar Harbor. Although it’s much smaller, it’s nonetheless stunning. A drive from Portland to Bar Harbor is about 3 hours but if you want to make a half-a-day adventure out of it, here are some spots to consider along your Maine getaway route. Depending on how much time you have, you can stop in all of them or choose one as they offer similar vibes.

• Freeport: Your first stop is known for its LL Bean flagship store, sweet shopping streets, and small-town charm.
• Wiscasset: Called the Prettiest Village in Maine, this small town is known for Red’s Eats, a famous lobster roll spot.
• Camden: Another charming little town on your Portland to Bar Harbor drive. Check out Harbor Park, for some pretty water views or Mount Battie for from above views! NYT wrote a cool piece on this spot with a short itinerary for a visit.
• Blue Hill: A low-key spot offering the best views without the crowds. You won’t find many things to do here but the point of this detour is to experience a small off-beaten path route and small-town life. If you make a stop here, you’re now under an hour away from Bar Harbor!

Exploring Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is one of my favorite towns on the East Coast despite being a pretty touristy spot. Located right on the water, this gateway to Acadia is just the perfect place for a fall in Maine getaway!

Since it’s a pretty popular vacation town, you have many choices for your accommodation. I stayed at Atlantic Eyrie Lodge and LOVED the views from there. Other good places in the area are Acadia Inn, Bar Harbor Motel, and Bar Harbor Cottages and Suites.

You can spend a whole day just enjoying the town and here are some highlights not to miss:

Main Street & Agamont Park

Bar Harbor’s Main Street is great. You’ll find tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and the entryway into Acadia! It’s likely you’ll have a meal and a snack there. A really pretty spot off of Main Street is Agamont Park. It may be small but the views are great. You can spend time watching boats pass by and people-watching.

Bar Island

Bar Island may seem like a small uninteresting island close to the mainland but what makes this place worth seeing is crossing it via a land bridge! As the low tide comes in, you’ll see swarms of people crossing the harbor on foot to explore the island! Don’t forget to check the times of the low tide because if you get stuck there on a high one, you’ll either have to wait for 10+ hr for the next one or have to be rescued for a hefty fee 🙂

Food

Bar Harbor has some delicious food, especially seafood. It would honestly be a sin if you didn’t try some there. Keep in mind that a lot of restaurants are seasonal so check before heading out! While the food isn’t outrageous, it is pricey due to its prime tourist location. It’s hard to go wrong as most places will serve good food but here are some top-rated recommendations:

• Stewman’s Lobster Pound: Located right on the water, this spot will likely have a long queue to enter! We stopped there for some beers which happened to have blueberries in it! The views were amazing and the vibes are the definition of Bar Harbor!
• Side Street Cafe: You’ll find this gem a couple of blocks away from the action but it’s consistently a top-rated spot in the area. It’s a more casual place with burgers, sandwiches, and lobsters of course.
• Geddy’s: This spot was one of my favorites in the area and it’s located right on Main Street! Also a pub vibe with some tasty food!
• Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing: You’ll have to drive a little to get to this gem because it’s located outside the city. However, this spot was amazing and so worth it! Note that there are two locations and I personally like this one in conjunction with the brewery.

For a more detailed food guide, I recommend visiting PackMoreIntoLife post on Bar Harbor eats! I love their recommendations and they even list spots that are open all year round!

Best Spots of Acadia

If you ended up in Bar Harbor, there is no way you should miss seeing Acadia National Park. Even if it’s for the sole reason that this area of the country doesn’t have that many of them. But before we get into the details of what to see, I’d like to preface that this guide is not for a very active hiker. It’s a more laid-back one although I will throw a more challenging route there for ya. Here are the spots that you should see at the very minimum:

Cadillac Moutain

This spot is the poster child for Acadia tourism. It’s where the US first sees the sun between late fall and early spring. People come here for sunrise or sunset and if you don’t feel like climbing it, well guess what, you can easily drive to the peak 🙂 Certain times of the year also require vehicle registrations. Here is the official info.

Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road is a great way to see the highlights of Acadia. This 27-mile journey will take you around the park without having to leave the car. Don’t forget to get your park pass as you are not allowed to drive the road without it.

As you’re driving through it, don’t miss the Sand Beach stop from which you can take a short and flat the Great Head Trail. Another known spot is a Thunder Hole, which is a rock inlet in which the waves crash with a big boom sound.

Beehive or Precipice Trail

There are many hiking trails in Acadia but one of the most known ones are the Beehive and Precipice Trails. The Beehive isn’t easy due to its steepness and spots where you have to climb metal rungs. I am personally not a hiker but took on the challenge and loved it. However, it is certainly not for everyone. The Precipice is very difficult but it’s on many people’s bucket list!

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is a quick 1 hour 3-mile loop trail with stunning views of the pond! The water is crazy clear and so worth the stop!

Long Pond

Long Pond is a short drive away from Bar Harbor but it’s worth your trip if you love kayaking. It’s such a peaceful area and you’ll love the views from there.

A Map for Your Maine Getaway

Final Thoughts

I love Maine and I know you will too. Although the best time for a Maine getaway is fall, I’d recommend seeing it in the winter too and in spring as the tourist towns slowly start to wake up. You’ll need at the very minimum 3 days to see some highlights but if I were you, I’d certainly make it at least 5.

Which spots are your favorite? Comment below!

A 3 Day Itinerary For A Girls Weekend in San Diego

Kasia Kalemba

September 10, 2023

What’s better than a weekend with your besties to a cool new city? Especially if that city ends up being San Diego! recently visited this gem with my best friend and we had the best time ever. Why? Because San Diego has everything you’d want in the perfect weekend getaway: plenty of activities, tasty food,…

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A Delicious Jewish Food Tour in New York with Ultimate Food Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

July 18, 2023

Living in New Jersey/New York area spoils you rotten when it comes to experiencing good food. You get fantastic cuisine from almost every culture which sets your expectations high when it comes to any food activities. When I heard about Ultimate Food Tour’s Jewish Food Tour in New York, I was curious to check out…

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2 Days in Miami: A Unique Itinerary for a Quick Getaway

Kasia Kalemba

April 7, 2023

If you grew up on the East Coast, especially in the NJ/NY area, you are probably very familiar with Florida snowbirds. It’s a pretty standard migration route for those of us who need a seasonal reset and a serious vitamin D boost. I myself travel this route at least once per winter season. When I…

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Review: Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC with Ahoy Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

February 10, 2023

The absolute best way to travel in any city is through food. In food, we can find hidden history, traditions, and each generation’s contributions. It’s also something that makes us remember distinctive things about other cultures more than a history book or a museum. For example, I had moose and reindeer meat in Sweden, unique…

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Awesome Ideas for Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

Kasia Kalemba

November 16, 2022

You’ve seen it in movies, pictures, and all over social media. Visiting Los Angeles for the first time is an awesome experience no matter how popular this place is. You find yourself in front of the Hollywood Sign or driving along Pacific Coast Highway and life doesn’t feel real for a second. As someone who…

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A Perfect Itinerary for a 3-Day Austin Bachelorette Party

Kasia Kalemba

October 4, 2022

When my college bestie and bride-to-be said that she wanted her last single hoorah in Austin, I didn’t know it would end up as the perfect destination for a bachelorette trip. Although this city is no secret to these kinds of parties, planning it was not as straightforward as we expected. Everyone on the internet…

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My gal pals and I got to work and ended up planning what you can call the best Austin Bachelorette weekend ever! Today I’m happy to share it with you so you don’t have to search any further 🙂 This plan is perfect for a 3-day weekend with activities spread out in just the perfect doses. Note, that this is not a traditional guide for Austin BUT although this is a plan for an awesome Austin bachelorette party, you can still find useful travel advice as well.

You will not find another route like this online because trust me, I searched and opted for making my own! So without further ado, let’s party it up in Austin, Texas!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Austin Logistics

How to get to and around Austin

The best part about flying into Austin is that Austin-Bergstrom Airport is SUPER close to the city. By super close, I mean like 15-25 minutes depending on where you’re staying. And from someone who lives in the NYC area, that’s a big treat! (I’m looking at you JFK!!!!). The Uber/Lyft option is probably the easiest and with a group and splitting some costs, it will be the easiest way to get around. I noticed Uber being significantly cheaper for many rides too compared to Lyft. Note that when you land, you will have to take a small yet maze-like walk to the rideshare pick-up garage. Just follow the signs and don’t get discouraged 🙂

If you’re staying in downtown Austin, another super cheap option is to catch the Capital Metro Bus for just $1.25!! I mean you can’t beat that price. An NYC metro ride costs twice that! It stops at the Neon Guitar Bus Stop and will take you to a couple of stops in the center. Not a bad option if you ask me.

When you get to the city, Ubers and Lyfts are your best bet. There are a ton of electric scooters around the city too so if your group is up for it, you can scoot along. Although a good chunk of the city is walkable, you will need to catch rides to get in between neighborhoods and especially the Lakes.

Where to stay in Austin

Where you’ll stay in Austin will depend on your budget and group size. Keep the following neighborhoods in mind for your party as they are most central to where the action will be:

• Downtown: City center which will put you in the middle of it all: sightseeing, party streets, but expect more pricey hotels and Airbnbs 🙂
  • The Line – stunning city views, modern rooms, restaurant, and pool!
  • W Austin – looking for a little more luxury, the W has a certain reputation for a reason!
  • Hotel ZaZa – what a beautiful spot! with boujee restaurants, pool and views!
• East Austin: This is where our group stayed and it ended up being a more budget-friendly and quirky option. We were still very close to the action but also in a little more local neighborhood.
  • Sentral – apartments for rent with beautiful aesthetic
  • East Austin Hotel – boutique spot and also affordable, good location for the East side
  • Arrive Austin – funky building and super cute interior, sweet location too
• South Congress: A trendy area of town with shops, restaurants, and people. We explored some streets there and would say that it was a very modern and nice area to stay in.
  • Austin Motel – stylish hotel with a sweet pool
  • Hotel Magdalena – the new kid on the block with an amazing location in the heart of SoCo
  • Hotel San Jose – bungalow-style hotel with another beautiful pool

What to pack for your Austin bachelorette?

First and foremost, you need a vibe! When else can you be extra and obnoxious with your girlfriends by wearing heart sunglasses, matching shirts, and cowboy hats if not at your best friend’s bachelorette? And Austin groups come in all costumes you can imagine. You can stick to the classics or come up with your own unique theme. Austin is your oyster so get creative!

In addition to your bach gear, you’ll need bathing suits, going-out outfits, exploring outfits, and walking shoes. You can get away with a small wedge rather than heels for a night out too. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and hydration packs. These 3 days are a marathon, not a sprint 🙂

Other things to know about Austin

• People say “Keep Austin Weird” for a reason
• Things add up quickly and it’s not necessarily the cheap city it once used to be
• There will be dozens of bachelorette parties walking the streets too
• You won’t see everything Austin has to offer in a weekend so pick things that are easy for the group and universally liked

3-Day Plan for a Perfect Austin Bachelorette Party

This guide will save you tons of stress in planning the perfect gal getaway! I followed this exact plan when visiting Austin and made a couple of tweaks to make it even better for you. You can trust that this was tested and I can vouch for its awesomeness.

Day 1: Start out with a bang!

Let’s not lounge around yet, I recommend getting the party started right away! There is no complete trip to Austin without a day on the lake and honestly, there is a reason for it! Since everyone will have the most energy on day 1, I recommend doing the most involved stuff first.

Breakfast

For any boat venture, you will need to pack meals for lunch so sandwiches, snacks, and of course some booze. What we found to be the quickest and easiest solution is to head over to Whole Foods, (Austin has the OG flagship store), and grab some breakfast bites, and lunches for later.

Boat Party

The layout of Austin lakes might seem obvious to the locals but this initially confused me too. So let me try to explain this in the dumbed-down version of what they look like:

• Lady Bird Lake: Close to downtown, this lake is made more so for a walk around it, kayaking, or lounging in its popular swimming section Barton Springs.
• Lake Austin: Also close to downtown and where boats dock to party in the Party Cove area.
• Lake Travis: ~35 minutes outside of town, most boats dock here in Devil’s Cove area to party. It’s a warmer-temperature lake with a cool party vibe for bachelorettes.

Now, if you have a big group, there is a huge selection of boats you can rent. A simple google search will show you how many businesses provide this service. Prices will range based on your group size and length of the rental but expect to spend anywhere from $70-$200 a person.

If you have a smaller group as we did, there is another option that is incredibly fun. Premier Party Cruises has a Disco Cruise which is a group boat for only bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you think that sounds obnoxious, well it is. But since everyone was in the same mindset, it ended up being a ton of fun. You won’t worry about much, all you need to remember is to bring your drinks and the best party mood 🙂 We picked the morning cruise giving us the afternoon to rest. However, there is also a later one in the day if waking up before 9 isn’t your thing.

Next you rest or …

After 4+ hours on the boat, you’ll need a shower and a nap before continuing the night. Take some time to relax before a full night ahead. If you have time though or are ready to rally, I’d recommend checking out The Oasis on Lake Travis. The sunset views look amazing from this spot and there are many areas of it for you to explore. Since this restaurant is about 30 minutes outside the city, it makes sense to check it out when you’re close to Lake Travis.

Dinner & Party Time!

We had one major goal for ATX and that is to have some bomb BBQ. However, most of the famous BBQ spots in the city are either casual joints or trucks. Note that it’s probably the better way to do it but we were on a mission to get a good BBQ and a nice sit-down meal for the bride. Lambert’s seemed like the perfect place to do it so we booked their dinner and music option which they host upstairs.

Was it worth it? Yea, it was a great meal with some nice music but I would certainly also set aside some time to experience BBQ the way it was supposed to be experienced, not necessarily the fancy version of it 🙂 So with that said, some other BBQ spots worth your time are:

• Terry Black’s BBQ
• Cooper’s Old Time BBQ
• Franklin’s BBQ – note that this spot is famous with super long lines. Might not be ideal for dinner but it had to get a mention in this guide!

Now it’s time to rally and head toward the famous party area of Rainey Street. It can get pretty wild but that’s why you’re in Austin! My personal pet peeve is sardine-like bars so the most popular places like Clive or Unbarlievable won’t be where you’d find me having fun. Rather, I’d recommend places where I can dance without elbowing 3 people like Cantina or Tiki Bar. However, rather than planning where to party, just follow the music that makes you the happiest and you’ll be totally fine!

The second major party street in Austin is 6th Street. They call it Dirty 6th and after seeing it I can easily tell you there is a reason for it. Maybe a couple of years ago you could have convinced me to party there but today that won’t be the case 🙂 One place that I will recommend on the 6th though is Mala Vida. It’s a Latin outdoor club/bar place so if you like Latin vibes, it will be a cool place to visit.

Day 2

Brunch or Brew Bus

There is no better way to cure last night’s hangover than with a Brunch Bus. In true Austin fashion, they one-upped a traditional bus tour and created Twisted Texas Tour which offers a band on board, 3 brunch spots, and 3 drinks. They’re also BYOB so you can sip between the stops too.

Honest opinion tho, it’s pretty pricey for you end up getting but it is still fun. I wish they served a little more food because you don’t really fill up on what’s offered. Additionally, I wouldn’t recommend the bus option for someone who has a specific food allergy. Although the website says they accommodate, that didn’t end up being the case for one of us who had a dairy allergy. If that’s the case in your group, I’d consider the Brew Bus instead. Overall it is a fun activity and it is pretty unique but expect to want more food afterward 🙂

Other sweet alternatives for a tour include:

Explore SoCo

After the brunch bus, you can take a little break and then head out to explore South Congress for some cool shopping. On this street, you’ll find some gems like Allens Boots, South Congress Books, Maya Star, Maufrais, and the iconic Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds which unfortunately will be closing sometime this year. There are so many shops there and you can spend hours exploring.

If you’re in the SoCo area, don’t forget to stop at Guero’s Tacos. It is famous for a reason and it is absolutely delicious. Not to mention the live music they often have.

Dinner

Dinner options in Austin are endless. You can find all sorts of cool restaurants all over town. I couldn’t possibly check out all of them but I did some research to help you narrow down what you might love. Here is what I got:

• Hula Hut – You’ll find this spot on many guides and although it didn’t knock my socks off, I still enjoyed the views from here.
• Perry’s Steakhouse – If you’re feeling boujee and want to treat your bride, Perry’s is your spot to go splurge and enjoy a great steak.
• Red Ash – Italian spot with great food, phenomenal reviews and unique industrial chic decor.
• Fixe Austin – Fancy vibes and Southern cooking.

Hire some good-looking cowboys to serve you pool-side drinks at home!

If your bestie isn’t into the whole stripper scene, there is an awesome alternative that can end up being even more fun for your crew at home. The Cocktail CowBoys are a great time for any bachelorette weekend in Austin. They are your hype boys that bartend, serve drinks, take and pose in pictures, pamper the bride and bridesmaids, Spotify DJ and hype you up before you go out (or stay in). They come with a vibe of southern gentlemen who know how to throw a great party, and make your bride feel like a queen!

They reached out to me after I got back and I seriously wish I found them before the trip! Make sure to save some $$ when you book them with the code perfectday for $20 off your booking here!

Day 3

On Day 3, you’ll want to take it easy. Even two days of non-stop fun can get exhausting. I recommend a lazy day on the river with a nice farewell dinner at the end of the day!

Breakfast

Before you head out of the water, you’ll want to eat well. If you’re floating with the same company I recommend below, their meeting point is close to the best breakfast place around, Cisco’s. I loved my huge breakfast tacos and it was the absolute perfect way to start the day. Another spot that is also super tasty is Cenote. Breakfast was delicious and we enjoyed the patio vibes!

Floating on the River

This is a very popular activity for a reason. You get to sip beers in a float for 3 hours and not do much of anything else. We really enjoyed it for our last day in Austin. The tubing company that we went with is called ATXcrusions and they provided roundtrip transport, tubes, and coolers with ice.

Explore more or relax

Tubing did take up about 5-6 hours so after getting back home we rested until the evening. However, if you’re up for more adventure, here are some ideas for your afternoon:

• See Austin’s Congress which has a beautiful structure and awesome grounds
• Walk Lady Bird Lake, one of the most tranquil and iconic places in town
• Picnic and relax at Zilker Park, another awesome nook of the city
• View sunset at Mount Bonnel
• See Cathedral of Junk, a quirky place that adds to the weirdness of Austin

Easy night-out

For the last night, I recommend having a different vibe. Head over to the East side of Austin for cool dinner spots and some funky drinking spots after. It’s time to soak in the last vibes of your trip and laugh at all the stupid things you did for the past couple of days in a more calm atmosphere!

For dinner, check out Salt & Time for a unique vibe, delicious Tex-Mex at Suerte or one of the best restaurants in the US, Canje.

After dinner, head to the local drinking wells. We had Easy Tiger on our radar but it ended up being closed. We ended up exploring the streets of East Austin which was a ton of fun. The area is full of bars, but you can grab a beer Lazarus Brewing, dance honky-tonk at White Horse or taste some wine at Apt 115.

Final Thoughts

Austin is an awesome place for a bachelorette party. Although it’s not a hidden gem, I promise you will enjoy everything it has to offer. I hope that my 3-day plan gave you a good itinerary for a weekend with your girlfriends or at least some ideas that you haven’t heard of before. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me and I will be happy to help ya!

Looking for another girl’s weekend plan? Check out my awesome Miami Girls Weekend Guide!

Map for you to save

With that said, I am here to bring you an awesome one-week Dominican Republic itinerary that doesn’t involve staying at an all-inclusive resort! It will let you see three different sides of the country and give you a small glimpse into life there.

Traveling the more local way in the Dominican Republic requires some preparation, especially if you’re going to rent a car. The island is pretty big and there is a good chunk of places to visit in the Dominican Republic. People fall in love with this destination, especially a lot of older European men if you catch my drift. For me, it was probably a one-time stop but nonetheless, I did have an awesome time here. Today, I am here to give you an awesome itinerary on how to spend 7 days in the Dominican Republic!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Let’s get to the logistics

Tips on traveling to the Dominican Republic

• DR ain’t cheap. I’m not sure why but I imagined that I would be spending very little money there. Although some things were indeed pretty cheap, things added up quickly at the end of the trip. FYI the currency is the Dominican dollar and the conversion between USD is about 55:1.
• Renting a car is an adventure and gas costs a shit ton. More on that below.
• Restaurant bills are confusing. First, you pay an additional 18% tax, and then a 10% service charge. That charge is supposed to be a tip but from talking to locals, I learned that a lot of times that amount doesn’t even go to the waiter. So if you really did like your service, some people leave an extra tip on top of that. When you think your beer is only $3 because of the menu price, think again.
• Speaking of restaurants, the service is honestly the worst I have EVER experienced. And in every corner of the island too. Only at a couple of places, I had amazing and friendly waiters but at most, it was just plain annoying. The locals have no problem snapping and yelling at the waitstaff but I just couldn’t do it. Patience will be your best friend when eating out.
• DR is a poor country so don’t be shocked at the number of ladies/gentlemen for hire there. An older European gentleman accompanied by a young local girl is a total norm there. Walking on certain beaches you might also be offered unsolicited services.
• While you should always be purchasing travel insurance anywhere you go, make sure to purchase it for the Dominican Republic. I always personally use Allianz as they came in clutch when I got robbed in Spain 🙂

Best time to go to the Dominican Republic

February to April is a good time because the temperatures are decent and it’s not hurricane season but it’s also peak season with a good chunk of tourists. May and June get hotter, drop a little in crowds, and chances of rain increase (most of the rain is very quick to pass through). After July the months are known for lots of rain. A detailed list of the best months along with national holidays can be found here.

I visited in March and the weather was perfect, although tbh I expected the ocean water to be slightly warmer than it was. Whenever it rained, it would pass by quickly and didn’t affect my exploring too much. The nights would be summer chilly meaning I’d have to wear a light sweater at night.

How to get to the Dominican Republic:

There is no shortage of airports in the Dominican Republic. If you’re traveling during peak season and Punta Cana flights are crazy expensive, try flying to other airports instead. I personally flew into Puerto Plata (POP) airport in the north and flew out of Santo Domingo (Las Americas SDQ). It saved me about $400 in airfare and allowed me to see more than just touristy areas of Punta Cana! There are a couple of other smaller airports on the island too, depending on your origin/destination connections. Things to consider:

• Puerto Plata Airport: Located in the north part of the island. Not very crowded and easy to fly into from the NYC area. It’s close to Puerto Plata and Cabarete.
• Santo Domingo Airport: This is a very local airport and I did not see many tourists there the two times I was there. Flights are early in the morning and late at night which makes it a little more difficult to get to. I had to drive to this airport at 3 am despite all advice not to drive at night. It’s located about 30-45 min from Santo Domingo and 2 hours from Punta Cana.
• Airport in Punta Cana: As a tourist, this is probably the most convenient location as almost all people who stay at Bavaro area resorts fly here. It’s also the most expensive.

To rent or not to rent a car in the Dominican Republic

For most countries that I visit, unless I know that the public transport is amazing, I always rent a car because I like the freedom of getting around. Before my trip, I went into the deep hole of the travel forums on the safety of renting a car in the Dominican Republic. The majority of online people tell you that it is a horrible idea due to crazy drivers, lack of rules, corrupt police, and the danger of driving at night. Naturally, I wanted to see whether everything that was said was true and rented a car there. Even after arrival when we talked to locals they were surprised that a young tourist (and a woman) would rent a car and go on a driving adventure.

Was it all true?

Yes. Yes, it was. Driving in the Dominican Republic is nuts. There are cars, motorbikes, animals, and people, sometimes not even going in the correct direction of traffic. Would I do it again? Absolutely. While driving there isn’t for the nervous driver, if you follow the rules, stay aware, and are super careful, you will be ok. However, this is coming from someone who drives in New Jersey and New York in her day-to-day life. If you’re not a confident driver and you tend to get nervous and stressed, skip the rental. Otherwise just know that while driving won’t be easy, it will give you the freedom to see more than you would otherwise.

Car Rental in Puerto Plata airport

At Puerto Plata airport, I rented my car with Europcar from Booking. I never had bad rental experiences until my trip to Mexico and since then, now I always triple-read the fine print and make sure to have all my paperwork ready. The agent was nice but he did try to pull a couple of tricks to get more $$ out of me. I used my credit car insurance which includes putting down a hefty $3k deposit. My Chase Saphire has not failed me yet with car rental coverage even when my car got broken into in Tenerife, so I always decline all coverage and go with the card one. A person in front of me said she waited over 1 hour to get the car but I got mine in about 15 minutes after finishing the paperwork.

Car Rental in Santo Domingo Airport

Even though I picked up my car in Puerto Plata, I was flying out of Santo Domingo so I had to drop off the car there. This, by the way, includes a one-way fee that you will need to pay with the rental company. Dropping off the car rental in Santo Domingo was not a great experience as the agent tried to tell me that a dime-sized imprint on the car is subject to damage. Although I took many initial pictures, the size of this was so small you couldn’t see it. He insisted on filling out a damage report in Spanish and blaming me for the “dent.” I refused to sign anything and left. It’s a shame that even after paying a ton of money (peak season rates) the car companies still try to screw you over, leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth. So, shame on you Europcar.

Gas Station Scams

Another thing that can royally piss you off is the gas-station scams. The most common is the pump not being zeroed out before you fill your tank. In DR you cannot do it yourself and there isn’t a shortage of gas attendants trying to pull tricks on tourists. During my first gas station stop (near Juan Dolio), I got out of the car and made sure to watch the zeros on the pump. The attendant could not have been nicer, washed my windows and we had a nice interaction.

My second stop (near Boca Chica) was a disaster. Although the attendant zeroed the pump, mid-way he asked me to check if my tank is full, and while I looked away for a second, he zeroed the pump and started it the second time. I didn’t get to see the first amount but I know for a fact that his number was at least double what it should have been. He also insisted I sad premium rather than regular. Despite my protest in Spanish, I had to pay most of his scam price but I disputed the charge with my credit card company. So moral of the story, when pumping your gas, get out of the car and watch the pump like a hawk.

So … with all that said, should you rent a car in the Dominican Republic?

If reading my stories above would affect your overall mood on the trip in a very negative way, then maybe you shouldn’t rent a car. If you’ve dealt with similar situations above and look at them as part of your travel experiences, then rent a car 🙂 If you choose not to rent one, there is public transportation connecting the major cities.

Ok, now that you have the basics of what to prep for before your visit, let’s get to the one-week itinerary! I divide up the plan into 3 stops and include awesome places to visit in the Dominican Republic.

An awesome one week Dominican Republic itinerary

The Dominican Republic is a big country. Compared to driving in its neighbor Puerto Rico where places were reachable within a couple of hours, in the DR, you won’t be able to see the whole island. I suggest the following general route with local activities: Puerto Plata -> Santo Domingo -> Punta Cana. These three areas are very different allowing you to see different angles of the island.

Stop 1: Puerto Plata & Cabarete – 3 days

Where to stay in Puerto Plata area

Located in the northern part of the island, Puerto Plata is an area not as commonly visited by the majority of tourists compared to Punta Cana. Not only is flying there is cheaper but you will also experience the variety of landscapes that this part offers. You will have the Atlantic Ocean side, cute beach towns, mountains, and a nice local town. It’s known for water activities, relaxing or adventure tours. Since this was my first stop, I didn’t know I would end up liking it the best. I would say that if you want similar vibes to a resort stay but don’t want the resort part, Puerto Plata area is your answer. Although there are many less crowded resorts in Puerto Plata area too.

I personally stayed at the best hotel ever Cabarete Eco Lodge. It was a beachfront eco-hotel with open-air rooms, a small pool, and a bar & restaurant. Now it’s certainly not for everyone as the open-air concept doesn’t allow for much privacy (you do have curtains though). For me though, it was brilliant. The location was decent, it took about 30 minutes by car from the airport, and then to get to the main part of Cabarete, it was another 10 minutes by car. There are many other hotels and even more Airbnbs in the area too, the only thing I would recommend is being beachfront.

Things to do in Puerto Plata

I recommend 3 days in Puerto Plata but rather than my usual day-by-day plan style, I will give you a la carte list of things to do in Puerto Plata. That way you can choose to have 3 full days of activities or 3 full days of laying on the beach.

Puerto Plata Beaches – Half to full day

Puerto Plata is an actual town and the Atlantic Ocean beaches are located east and west of the town. And Beaches in the Dominican Republic are just amazing so make sure to spend at very least half a day relaxing on one. If you like water sports, Cabarete has a ton of them including kite surfing. If you like to tan and drink cocktails on the beach instead, there are plenty of spots to do that as well. Needless to say, whatever you choose to do, you will love what the area offers for this activity. Here are the most popular spots in the area:

• Sosua: A very popular beach for locals and tourists alike. It gets very busy on the weekends too. You will have white sand and turquoise water along with many beach shops and restaurants.
• Cabarete: The small town of Cabarete has a nice beach with some bars and restaurants. There are neighboring beaches like Kite Beach known for water sports.
• Playa Dorada: A beach to the west of Puerto Plata town. Has a lot of all-inclusive resorts
• Key Paradise: This little sandbar can be accessed on a tour and includes snorkeling, swimming in crystal clear waters, and little booths for lunch. Keep in mind that mind day a ton of people arrive there.
• For a complete review of beaches, Two Monkeys post has an awesome full list of the beaches too.

27 Waterfalls/27 Charcos/Waterfalls of Damajagua – Half day

This half-day excursion is amazing and something you should certainly do when visiting Puerto Plata but before you book it, let me tell you what it entails. I personally booked the excursion without knowing what I would be doing exactly. Naively I assumed that I would simply do some hiking and admiring of the local waterfalls. When we got to the first waterfall, my heart almost exploded out of my chest as I stood on the edge …

Here is what the excursion consists of:

• You can book an excursion with tour providers ($70-80) or you can drive yourself if you have a car and pay ~$10 entry that includes the same thing. Although I had a car in DR, I choose a tour provider because I had no idea you can do this independently … If you have a car, there is no need to book a tour online.
• Once you arrive you will get your vest, helmet, and water shoes. Make sure you rent/bring water shoes! It will be very uncomfortable if you don’t. A tour guide will take you through the waterfalls.
• First, you will walk about 30 minutes through the jungle to reach the waterfalls. It’s mostly uphill but nothing crazy. Your introduction to the river will begin there, you will slowly start your walk toward the first waterfall.
• Ok, here is where I realized I had no idea what I signed up for. From the start, you’re told that you can jump, slide or go down the ladder if you’re scared. When you reach the first waterfall, you quickly realize that you pretty much only have the option of jumping. The ladder in my opinion is scarier.
• I had no idea I was scared of jumping into the water. Although the jump was a little over 20 feet, the narrowness of the caves gave me legit anxiety. I was shaking and my heart was pounding but I jumped because there was no better alternative to get down.
• You repeat this a couple more times and toward the end, there are a couple of slides.
• In my group, everyone jumped, including the older tourists too so it felt like I had to as well. Some people were just as scared as me though but we overcame our fears and just did it.
• Would I do it again? No way. As beautiful as the location and the hike are, this was not enjoyable for me because I was scared. If you know you don’t like cliff/cave jumps, do not do this. If you do enjoy this type of adrenaline you will absolutely love the whole thing 🙂

Puerto Plata Town – Half Day

Most beachfront hotels are located within the Puerto Plata area, not necessarily near the actual town. The town itself is a cute little half-day excursion so make sure to set some time aside for seeing this gem.

Start your trip by taking a ride to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres on the local cable car or Teleferico. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and includes stunning views of mountains and the town. When I visited in March, it was closed for maintenance but has reopened since. Its operating hours are between 8:30 am to 3 pm.

After your cable car ride, head over to Fortaleza San Felipe Fortress, a historical fortress built to defend the city. The structure offers panoramic views of the ocean and a nice park to stroll around. Locals like to catch the sunset from there too in case you want to come back later in the day.

When you’re done exploring the fortress, take a 15-minute walk into the center of the historical Puerto Plata. Parque Central is the main plaza with beautiful Victorian buildings and Cathedral San Felipe. Two blocks over you will find two cute picture stops, the Umbrella Street (Calle San Felipe) and the vibrant pink Paseo de Doña Blanca. Lastly, if you like drink/food “museums” there is the Macroix House of Rum or Del Oro Chocolate. Personally, you couldn’t pay me to go into one but some people love these types of places 🙂

Puerto Plata Nature Activities – Half Day

There are multiple awesome activities you can do in the Puerto Plata region:

• Monkey Jungle: A monkey sanctuary and/or a zipline adventure located near Cabarete.
• eXtreme Hotel: Has a trapeze school!
• ATV & Horseback Riding Tours: There are a ton of tour providers in town for both of these activities. I don’t have a specific one to recommend but a simple TripAdvisor search will give you a bunch of them.
• Kiteboarding School: Puerto Plata is known for kiteboarding. Why not try something extreme and take a lesson from the pros.
• Laguna Dudu: This beautiful Nature Preserve is located almost two hours from Cabarete. It has a cenote and a small lagoon into which you can zipline jump. There is a park in which you can picnic or a restaurant on-site too.

Where to eat in Puerto Plata

Staying in Cabarete Eco Lodge, I was spoiled with their awesome hotel restaurant’s homemade food so I honestly did not venture out much during this leg of my trip. GaminTraveler has an awesome Puerto Plata Food Guide post and Alex in Wanderland has a beautiful post on Cabarete food.

Stop 2: Santo Domingo – 2 days

From North to South

The transport between Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo is fairly easy. If you rented a car, the drive is mostly on the highways. Driving near Santo Domingo is stressful though so I won’t even sugarcoat it. If you don’t have a car, jump on a bus like Caribe Tours for example, and take this 3.5-hour journey to the southern part of the island.

Fun detour: If you have the time, you can take a small detour toward Jarbacoa, to the Jamaca de Dios restaurant. It’s certainly not a short one and the drive requires some local driving but the views from up-top are super worth it. The restaurant is located on a hill in a gated community, which honestly has the worst roads I have seen in such an upscale area. It’s an in-and-out drive though, you can’t make a loop back to the highway.

Where to stay in Santo Domingo

Whether you decide to stay in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, just stay in the Zona Colonial area. The rest of the city isn’t that appealing although the Airbnbs with rooftop pools do look enticing. As a huge fan of hostels, there aren’t many hostel options in town, you pretty much only have Island Life as an option. That is where I stayed and although there is nothing wrong with it, it wasn’t the most exciting hostel I have stayed in. I wish they organized some activities like walking tours or hostel dinners to make the stay in Santo Domingo a little more interesting.

Things to do in Santo Domingo on your Dominican Republic itinerary

Zona Colonial

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about Santo Domingo: there isn’t much to do in the city aside from Zona Colonial (and don’t be mad because you know I’m right). Zona Colonial is a charming area though so spending half to one day exploring is the ideal time there. Many people that I have met there love it as a place to live and I could see the charm of it, small town, good food, cheap cost of living and a community feel. But as a tourist, after you see the highlights, you just end up walking around the same area. Nonetheless, here is a list of places you should add to your walk:

• Parque Colon: This town square/park is the heart of Zona Colonial is where you will find many locals and tourists hanging out. There is a church, a small park (with lots of pigeons), and some restaurants surrounding the area.
• Calle El Conde: The main shopping street in town. It’s a nice walkway with some street vendors, bars, and restaurants. Connected to Parque Colon, you won’t have to go far to find it. Walk all the way down and you will reach Parque Independencia.
• Plaza de la Hispanidad: A beautiful plaza with Alcazar de Colon, a fortified palace owned by the Columbus family as the backdrop.
• Calle Las Damas: The first paved street in the Americas which has a ton of history. If you don’t read about the history you will be a lost puppy like I was. It carries a lot of significance and you should either read about it prior or do a walking tour on the street.
• Mercado Modelo: A market with tons of souvenir shops.

Don’t forget to come back to the square at night either.

Tres Ojos

Tres Ojos or Three Eyes is a park a short ride away from Zona Colonial. As the name suggests, there are 3 cave pools, kinda like the famous Mexican cenotes, which you can admire on your walk. You can enjoy this natural wonder and takes some awesome pictures too. The park is the perfect oasis in the middle of a busy since but the bad news is that you can’t swim there. The whole excursion won’t cost you much, an Uber from Zona Colonial will run you about $5, and the entrance to the park another $2.

Day Trips to Beach Towns

You can see everything you want to see in Santo Domingo in a day so I recommend heading to a local beach town for the second day of your stay in the area. You can take the highway Route 3 east or west to visit some beautiful beaches.

Boca Chica: To be clear, I am not recommending a day trip here but rather telling you to avoid this place. I actually ended up staying a night there to be close to the airport and expected a quick cute local beach town stop. A lot of travel blogs show you pictures and hide certain aspects of a place. I knew Boca Chica had its reputation but I didn’t realize to what extent. So let me be totally honest with you here, Boca Chica is grimy and unless you’re staying at a hotel with a private beach, you might not like it. The hotel I stayed at was on the cleaner side of town and I visited some crazy overpriced restaurants. A walk on the beach was gross and I was scared to walk around there at night.

Juan Dolio: There are two parts to Juan Dolio. One is a local, much nicer alternative to Boca Chica and the second is a smaller town that has some luxury gated communities near Playa Hemmingway. If you have an extra day or so, I recommend renting an Airbnb in that area as many of those complexes provide resort-style amenities. Both of the beaches have crystal clear waters, white sand, and amazing palm trees. There really isn’t much to do there aside from lounging on the beach.

Additionally, I will say that I had amazing meals there (although not cheap) so I will recommend a couple of restaurants in the area that I tried myself. Major disclaimer, these are not local style, they’re located in the more boujee Playa Hemingway area so the crowd there is very different.

• El Concón: Located literally at the very end of Juan Dolio, this place was super tasty. The ambiance of the restaurant was also super cool with all the plants and decor.
• El Mesón Español: Also another gem in the area with really tasty food. I recommend sitting outside too for a nice patio atmosphere.
• Sal Marina: The food here was 10/10. I really enjoyed this spot.
• Gulia’s: Every travel blog and TripAdvisor post talks about this place for breakfast but unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to visit. Maybe you should and then report back about how it was 🙂

Dunes of Bani: Want to experience a random dessert with views of a baby blue ocean as your background? Speak no more and head to Dunes of Bani. It will take you about an hour and a half from Santo Domingo. You can rent a sandboard and have some fun sliding it down.

Stop 3: Punta Cana – 2 days

Getting there

Continuity on our Dominican Republic itinerary, to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana you can drive for about 2 hours or if you don’t have a car, the option of a $10 Aptpra bus from city to city. Private transfers run between $100-$150 for the trip. If you’re driving, as a tourist do not drive over 100 km/hr as you will be certainly stopped by police that wants to make some money 🙂

Prepare for a change of vibe – tourists

I debated going to Punta Cana on my itinerary as the goal for this trip was to stay away from resorts. But at the same time, I felt like I wanted to see that side of the country too and why it’s so popular. I didn’t hate being there but at the same time, I quickly remembered why I didn’t want to stay at a resort to begin with. As soon as I drove past the Punta Cana Airport, the “resort-tourist” vibes began.

Don’t get me wrong, people love their resorts and I love a more local way of travel. At the end of the day, I get scammed at a gas station and have to worry about bribing the local law enforcement and my resort counterpart gets to sip on margaritas in the pool …

After spending time in Cabarete, Santo Domingo, and then Juan Dolio, this was a mini-culture shock on my itinerary. I decided to add this part to the itinerary because at least this way you get to see the contrast between the North, the capital, and the touristy east.

Where to stay in Punta Cana

Obviously, Punta Cana is known for resorts, here are some decent ones too, so that might not be a horrible option if you stayed in Airbnbs and non-resort hotels for the first part of your trip. I personally stayed in an Airbnb in the Los Corales gated community. The location was right next to the beach and within a short walking distance of restaurants. The Airbnb itself was just ok so I won’t recommend it to you.

Things to do in Punta Cana

Staying two days in Punta Cana you have the following options: beach day for day 1 and a day trip to Saona Island or an adventure park. If you’re a person who likes activities, sorry pal, there aren’t that many of them here 🙂 This is truly a town for a resort person.

Beaches in Punta Cana – Full Day

Punta Cana is known for its beaches and there is a good reason for that. And if you’re going to visit any beaches in the Dominican Republic, it should be there. They are really really pretty and the first time you see that amazing baby blue water you understand why people love the location so much. If you’re not staying at a resort, don’t worry, you can rent beach chairs, hang out at bars like Soles, or do any water sports pretty much anywhere. The beach is pretty long, you can walk up and down to find the spot that vibes with you the most.

Some places will have beach chairs available to guests only but you will notice that a lot of bars and others advertise daily rentals for a small fee. There are areas in which you can simply lay on a towel too.

Day Trip to Saona Island

Ugh, I really really hoped this wasn’t a tourist trap because I booked it on Airbnb but it was a total tourist trap. Hear me out though …

You book a day excursion from Airbnb experiences where you’re promised an all-inclusive boat ride to a small island where you will lounge, starfish, and then a party catamaran return later. You look at the pictures and you think, omg this looks amazing, how can they possibly ruin this …

Ok here is the sad reality: You spend 2 hours on the bus in the morning picking up random people from resorts, you take a crowded boat to a natural pool where a photographer forces you to take photos (that you obviously have to pay for), you drink cheap rum out of mouthwash cups, you get to the island which is so crowded that you can’t find a spot to lay, the all-inclusive part is a plate of chicken and rice, and when you return on a catamaran which is actually cool.

Were the views amazing? Yes.
Did I see a starfish? From far away, could have been a crab tbh.
Was it enjoyable? Some parts.
Would I do it again? Not again but the scenery was so beautiful that the headache was worth it.

Activity Parks – Full Day

For a resort town, there aren’t many good activities in the Punta Cana area. Compare Playa del Carmen in Mexico where although touristy, the majority of the tourist parks are actually fun. I didn’t do any of the activities because the more I read people’s reviews on them, I knew that it was not really up my alley. However, in case you want to do your own research here are your options:

• Ecological Park Ojos Indigenas: An ecological park in which you can swim in some lagoons, enjoy nature and walk around. The reviews are mostly positive for this place but note that there is a $50 entry fee. It doesn’t seem like you get much out of that though.
• Scape Park: An adventure park with zip lines, cave swimming, a buggy ride (for an extra fee), and some nature trails. It’s crazy expensive for what it offers too, $130 or $160 entry fee. Reviews seem mixed, some love it others say the price is way too high for what you get.
• Bavaro Adventure Park: Another adventure park with buggy rides, horses, and zip lines. Also crazy pricey at $140 a person pop and without the ability to take your own photos. I had fun reading Google Reviews about this. It seems like this park holds you, hostage if you make a small dent in the buggy.

Final Thoughts on a week in the Dominican Republic itinerary

When I look back at my one week in the Dominican Republic, I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I really enjoyed my time in Cabarete and the northern part of the island. It was a beautiful beach destination and not crazy touristy. I wish I spent more time there and had the chance to see more of the northern cities. Visiting Santo Domingo was ok, nothing that spoke to my soul. The city felt limited in terms of what to do and outside the colonial zone, there really wasn’t much to see. Lastly, as beautiful as the beaches were in Punta Cana, that whole area was just too resort-y for me. The whole trip was pretty expensive too for what it was.

Would I recommend visiting? I’ll take a neutral stance here. I don’t think we’re meant to love each place to the same extent and each person is supposed to have their own experiences in a particular destination. I’m very happy I got to do this trip outside of resorts as it allowed me to see many different parts of the country and get a glimpse into a more local side of it. I hope that at the end of the day, my itinerary either gave you an awesome Dominican Republic itinerary for your visit or clarity if you’re on the fence about going. Rather than hyping up a destination for what it’s not, I always try to be honest about what it entails and I hope I accomplished that here too.

My favorite part was certainly the beaches in the Dominican Republic and that’s the one thing that made this whole trip worth it.

Map and Downloadable Dominican Republic Itinerary

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Puerto Rico is one of those rare destinations that gives you everything you need in a perfect vacation: beaches, rainforest, mountains, historic cities, and even nearby islands. While four days isn’t enough to see everything, it is enough to experience the best highlights if you plan strategically.

My blog is all about helping you make the most of your PTO, and that’s exactly what I’m doing here. This guide will walk you through the key logistics of traveling to Puerto Rico and give you clear ideas on how to plan each day so you can maximize your time on the island.

This 4-day Puerto Rico itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor or someone looking for a quick weekend getaway.

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through there 🙂

Puerto Rico Travel Logistics – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before jumping straight into the itinerary, I want to give you all the necessary logistics of visiting Puerto Rico. Knowing what to expect will go a long way and save you possible stress on arrival.

Quick Puerto Rico FAQ

• Passport Requirement: Puerto Rico is a US territory, so you can just travel as you would in the States. Your real ID is enough, and you don’t need a passport to travel there.
• Currency: The currency in Puerto Rico is the American dollar. Although the prices in smaller shops and restaurants aren’t too high, expect more US comparable prices in the main touristy areas.
• Language: A lot of people are bilingual so you can get away with speaking English in the tourist areas but knowing basic Spanish will make your life much easier.
• Drinking Age: The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 but a lot of clubs will be over 21.
• Tipping: Standard 18-20%, just as it is in the US, especially in touristy areas like San Juan.
• Driving: Comparable to driving in US -> Read my full car rental guide in Puerto Rico if you’re planning to rent one.

Is 4 Days in Puerto Rico Enough?

Short answer: yes, for a first trip. It won’t cover every corner of the island, but it’s the perfect introduction.

Four days gives you enough time to:

• Explore Old San Juan
• Visit El Yunque rainforest
• Relax on beautiful beaches
• Take a day trip to a nearby island
• Experience a scenic mountain drive

Best time to go to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a year-round destination. Temperatures stay fairly consistent, although some Jan/Feb months might get a little chillier compared to the rest of the year.

• High season: June to August
• Cooler months: Late November to March
• Hurricane season: Peak in September

I’ve visited twice in May, and it was perfect, warm enough for beach days, but not overly crowded. July was hot, and there were a lot of people on the island. And most recently, I went in November, and it ended up being my favorite time to be there due to the temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower prices.

Do You Need a Car for 4 Days in Puerto Rico?

Renting a car is the best way to see Puerto Rico in 4 days. If you’re nervous, I wrote a whole driving guide about it that explains it in a lot more detail. Note that if you’re only planning to stay in San Juan and not venture out too much into the island, Uber or tour transport will be sufficient.

My personal recommendation for a rental company in San Juan will always be Hertz. I rented 5 times with them and they have yet to fail me.

There is an island Metro Bus, but with changing schedules and a reputation for being late, I would save myself the headache if you want to see more than one area of the island.

Where to Stay for This 4-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

San Juan Area

The most popular are for first-time island visitors is the city of San Juan, in the northern part of the island. It offers history, a lively atmosphere, and it’s not too far from some good beaches. But San Juan isn’t just one area to stay in; it has a couple of neighborhoods to choose from:

• Old San Juan: This area is the historical portion, with beautiful, colorful buildings, ocean views, but also the most touristy. Stay there for the vibe, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
• Condado: Right next to Old San Juan, you will find boujee Condado with luxury hotels, high-end stores, and awesome beaches (tough for swimming though).
• Ocean Park: Going away from Old San Juan, the next beach area where people love to stay for its quieter vibes is Ocean Park. You’ll find really nice hotels and more of a laid-back kinda vibe.
• Isla Verde: The next town over is closest to the airport. I liked this area for the beach and the restaurants. It’s a little further away from the historical town but still super stunning if you want to lay out on the beach.
• Carolina: I stayed in a large Airbnb with my family here, and it was great for more space, a truly local vibe, and it was easy to drive everywhere from there.

People & safety in Puerto Rico

Overall, Puerto Rico is considered a safe destination for tourists with crime rates lower than in many parts of the US. If you’re staying in Old San Juan, you should be ok but don’t let your guard down either. Driving there is pretty safe, the roads are good, and drivers are fine for the most part.

People are lovely and really fun to be around. I only had positive interactions with locals.

Perfect 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary

Don’t forget to save my map at the bottom of the page with all the recommendations below.

Day 0 (Optional) – Late Night Bites in San Juan area

If you land in the evening like I usually do, settle into Condado or Old San Juan and grab a relaxed dinner.

For one of my trips, I flew in around 8 pm, checked in, and ventured out for some sushi. Puerto Rico is known for their asian fusion dishes so getting some late-night comfort food at Tayzan Sushi was the perfect idea. There is another asian spot nearby Rakuten Bar & Grill that’s super tasty. There are many spots on Ashford Ave (main street of Condado) that serve late-night food, so finding a place to grab a bite shouldn’t be a problem on late arrival.

Arriving the night before helps you wake up refreshed and ready to explore the following day.

Day 1: Exploring San Juan

San Juan is your colorful, historic introduction to Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is compact and walkable, and you can see the highlights in half to a full day.

Here’s what your Day 1 in Old San Juan should include:

• 🏰 Historic Forts – Castillo de San Cristóbal & Castillo San Felipe del Morro – one or both
• 🌈 Street Exploration – Wander the colorful cobblestone streets
• ⚓ Cruise Port & Waterfront Views – Walk along Paseo de la Princesa
• 🌴 Plazas & Local Life – Plaza Colón & Plaza de Armas
• 🍹 Drink Stop – A piña colada or cocktail at a local bar
• 🍽 Dinner Stop – Authentic Puerto Rican food to end the night

Historic Forts & Ocean Views

There are two historic forts in the city. If you’re a history fanatic, start early in the morning and plan to visit both. If you’re like me and are there for the vibes, pick one instead.

Castillo de San Cristóbal, the larger of the two forts in Old San Juan and it’s located on the eastern side of the city. Even if you’re not big on history, the coastal views alone make it worth the stop. The second fort is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and it’s on the other side of the city. If you’re entering the forts, you can buy an entrance ticket, and it covers both forts, so you can easily visit each on the same day.

If one fort is enough for you, I’d choose El Morro. It’s the most iconic fort in San Juan with views that are hard to beat.

Even if you skip going inside, the massive green lawns at El Morro are worth visiting. Locals fly kites there daily, and the views of the waves against the cliffs are absolutely stunning. It’s an iconic Puerto Rico spot you shouldn’t miss.

Tip: Come back to El Morro for sunset too. Golden hour is a whole new vibe in the evening and it’s super romantic.

Plaza Colon

It’s a lively town square surrounded by shops and bars. I recommend grabbing a street snack or a drink in this area and taking time to pause and do some people-watching. This is also a good place for some artisan shopping. Don’t forget to grab a chichaito shot at Los Tres Cuernos 🙂

Street Stroll

Heading back to the main part of Viejo San Juan, take a stroll among the most known streets in town. First walk along Calle del Cristo, a nice colorful street that’s a perfect backdrop for some awesome photos as well as a spot for some shopping. Next walk over to Calle de San Justo, which had a beautiful view leading into the ocean. Calle de la Fortaleza is the street with all the colorful umbrellas or kites (whichever display is there at the moment). And lastly, Paseo de la Princesa will lead you to the port and the famous fountain. That’s a good spot for sunset if you will be returning at night too.

La Perla

I will briefly mention this place for awareness but since I did visit I am in no condition to provide you any advice on it. This ocean-front neighborhood connected to Old San Juan got more attention as it became the filming location for Despacito.

Upon my first visit, I was told by two people who grew up in San Juan that I should not visit this place under any circumstance. More recently, I noticed a ton more articles popping up about the tourism efforts and being able to visit. Even Discover Puerto Rico promotes it on its page. So I say do your research to decide whether or not to visit this part of town but know that it has a very dangerous history due to poverty and drugs. No matter what you decide, I wouldn’t recommend going there at night.

Food & Drinks in Old San Juan

Food in Puerto Rico is honestly out of this world. Between the seafood, fried comfort dishes, and cocktails, you can plan a whole trip just based on food stops. When exploring Old San Juan, you absolutely need to try mofongo at least once and pair it with a proper cocktail or a Medalla while you’re at it.

Some restaurant and bar picks for you:

Restaurants in and near Old San Juan

• El Jibarito – A popular local staple serving authentic Puerto Rican classics. Yes, there might be a wait, but it’s worth it for traditional dishes that consistently get great reviews.
• Cafe Manolin – If you want to eat in a true local vibe, you’ll enjoy this place.
• Cafe El Punto – A little touristy if you ask me but the vibe is cute and the food was actually very good in my opinion.
• Marmalade – An upscale dining experience in Old San Juan that’s truly worth every cent. Perfect for a special night out. Make a reservation.
• 1919 Restaurant (Condado) – One of the island’s fine dining restaurants, located at the Condado Vanderbilt. Ideal for a splurge meal.
• Casa Miramar (Miramar) – A charming restaurant serving elevated Puerto Rican cuisine in a quieter neighborhood setting. One of my favorites!!
• Condal Tapas (Santurce) – Spanish-inspired small plates and great wine selection. Fun for sharing dishes with friends.

Bars & Drink Stops

• La Factoría – The most famous bar in Old San Juan and a filming location for Despacito. Multiple rooms, great cocktails, and lively vibes. They also have salsa dancing at night which is one of my fave activities!
• La Vergüenza – A rooftop bar with ocean views, perfect for sunset drinks.
• The Gallery Inn Rooftop – Another rooftop spot inside a hotel with ocean views. Great views and a very cozy/casual vibe.
• Bar Catedral – Beautiful rooftop with views of the cathedral.
• Raines – A cozy cocktail bar with a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• El Batey – A dive bar classic in Old San Juan. Low-key but full of character.
• Barrachina – Claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada. It’s beautiful and historic, but definitely more touristy.

I can make a food stop every hour in San Juan.

Night out in San Juan

And for your nightlife in San Juan, which you certainly shouldn’t miss out on, I have a couple of places for you, too. Nights in PR can get a little wild, and the city can for sure have a party atmosphere if you go to the right places.

• La Placita de Santurce: A part of the Santurce neighborhood that comes to life as it gets darker outside. It’s a connection of a couple of blocks filled with music and dancing. It can get a little wild and it’s on the younger side but if you come a little earlier in the night, you can still explore it and eat there too.
• El Cafetin: A fun bar in the heart of Old San Juan. There is a whole group of bars around that area so you can easily bar hop in that area too.
• Club Kronos: If you want to feel a club atmosphere, head to Condado to visit this gem.
• El Bar Bero: A cocktail bar speakeasy if classier nights are your thing.
• El Batey Bar: A little divey but very fun.
• The Cannon Club – Jazz bar with a lot more classy vibe if you’re not looking for a debauchery night.

Day 2: El Yunque & the Beach

With only 4 days in Puerto Rico, you won’t be able to see everything, so choosing the best spots near San Juan will be your best bet for your first visit. Personally, I strongly recommend spending the day at El Yunque National Forest. It’s one of the most unique experiences Puerto Rico has to offer, and gives you a completely different landscape from the beaches and cities.

El Yunque National Forest

Located a short drive from San Juan (a little over an hour), you will find a stunning tropical rainforest, the only one in the US. It’s first come first serve entry starting at 8 am in the morning. You can check out the access roads and all current information on their official site.

Once there, you’ll have numerous waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and hike routes to choose from. If you’re hiking, make sure to plan your routes ahead of time but if hiking is not your thing, you can just simply take a drive through it too. Make sure to stop at Yokahú Observation Tower.

I’ve done El Yunque on my own by driving the park loop and have also done 2 organized tours. I would say that the tours were better in my opinion because they took me to spots I would not be able to find myself. The national park is huge and if you want to swim and do natural water slides, it will be more involved on your own compared to someone arranging this trip for you.

Here are some examples of day tours from San Juan, some of which will include a beach stop in the afternoon too.

Afternoon options

Now, option one for the night: If you’re planning to head back to San Juan I recommend driving to Carolina (Isla Verde), the nice and chill beach area of San Juan. Take a nice dip in the ocean and relax for a bit. The area has many restaurants and bars to enjoy during the second part of your day. Recommendations for your food and drinks in that area:

• El Alambique: A beach club restaurant with really good food.
• Lupi’s Mexican Grill: Mexican food in PR? Why not?!
• Panaderia España: Although not beachfront, I made a quick stop there for some croquetas and I was not disappointed.
• Bebo’s: A local spot that might not look the most inviting but has a selection of some tasty BBQ. It is also a short drive from the beach.

Day 3: Visit one of the amazing islands of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has stunning islands on its east side that are reachable by flight, ferry, or an organized tour. The flights from San Juan can be pricey, but they will certainly save you some travel time. If you don’t want to take a flight, they’re also accessible from the Ceiba Port, located an hour from San Juan airport. You’ll need to prebook your ferry tickets online as they’re not always guaranteed in person.

If you don’t want to deal with any logistics of getting to one of the islands, you can book an organized tour from San Juan or from marinas in Ceiba or Fajardo. I went on two tours like that and enjoyed not having to worry about anything. The boat tours usually include a lunch and an open bar, so they can become a lot of fun too.

Below are the main islands that people visit on these tours:

Culebra and Culebrita:

The first island is Culebra. It is home to the famous Flamenco Beach, named one of the best in the world, and a spot to dive or snorkel or just simply relax! Culebra has stunning white sand beaches and it’s really one of the most stunning places around.

When I took my tour, the captain took us to its little sister, or Culebrita, and we spent half a day on Playa Tortuga. This was by far one of the most stunning beaches I have ever been to!

Vieques:

The second island, Vieques, is a nature lover paradise with some stunning beaches too! It’s much bigger than Culebra and people often choose to stay there overnight. It’s famous for its brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay. There are only 5 of them in the world, and 3 are located in Puerto Rico! If you do Google these, most of the pictures you’ll find are heavily photoshopped. Don’t expect them to be that bright, but they will still be very impressive.

Icacos

Another boat tour option is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Fajardo that you can visit via catamaran tour or water taxi called Icacos.

Icacos is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand beaches, and it’s perfect for a half-day boat trip. Many tours include snorkeling, drinks, and music, which makes it a super fun and low-effort way to experience island life without committing to an overnight stay.

If it’s your first time in Puerto Rico, I would personally recommend Culebra or Culebrita. In my opinion its the most impressive and I really enjoyed the tour I took there.

Day 4: Choose Your Final Adventure

By Day 4, you’ve seen beaches, rainforest, and colorful cities. Now it’s time to choose how you want to end your trip. Note that both options are pretty busy and take the full day, but that’s the trade-off you sometimes have to do with limited PTO 🙂

My two choices would be either:

1. A waterfall adventure on the west side of the island or
2. A scenic drive with mountain views + local food

Both options are very memorable; it just depends on your vibe and what you want to see.

Option 1: Cascada Gozalandia + North Coast Beach Stop

If you’d love to end your trip with one more big nature moment with a little more adventure, head to the west side of the island. From San Juan, drive about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Cascada Gozalandia, located near San Sebastián. I recommend leaving early so you can enjoy the waterfall before it gets too busy.

There’s a short hike down to the falls, and once you reach it, you’ll find two stunning waterfalls and a natural swimming pool below. If water conditions allow, you can swim. This was one of my favorite nature stops on the island.

After a waterfall stop, you can visit some beaches in the north. They are very different compared to what you might have seen near San Juan, with a little rougher landscapes and with completely different vibes. Two great options nearby:

• Playa Jobos (Isabela) – about 30 minutes from Gozalandia. This beach has dramatic waves, golden sand, and a relaxed surfer feel. There are casual beach bars nearby where you can grab a late lunch or drink.
• Playa Montones (Isabela) – a little calmer and great if you want something quieter.

You could also stop near the cliffs in Isabela for some really pretty north coast views before heading back. From Isabela, the drive back to San Juan is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s mostly highway, so it’s straightforward and easy after a full day.

Option 2: Lechón + Ruta Panorámica Scenic Mountain Drive

If you want your last day in Puerto Rico to feel authentic, scenic, and very local this is the move but it will also require a car for the day. Starting from San Juan, head south toward Guavate. The drive takes about an hour (depending on traffic), and you’ll slowly feel the scenery change from coastal to lush green mountains that feel like a whole new island.

Your first stop is Lechonera Los Pinos in Guavate or a similar Lechonera restaurant. This area is known as “La Ruta del Lechón,” which is a mountain road lined with restaurants serving traditional roasted pork. It’s loud, it’s casual, and it’s full of locals.

Order lechón, arroz con gandules, maybe some tostones, and absolutely grab a cold Medalla.

I dream about this food.

From Guavate, you’ll continue west and connect to parts of Puerto Rico’s Ruta Panorámica (PR-143), one of the most beautiful drives on the island. This road cuts through the Cordillera Central mountain range and gives you that magical mountain drive.

Your first scenic stop is La Curva del Árbol, about 30 minutes from Guavate. It’s an easy pull-off viewpoint with wide open views toward the south side of the island. It’s not a huge attraction, but that’s the point. You can visit a very local town nearby, Aibonito, if you want a truly local vibe with very few tourists around for a quick pastelito stop.

From there, keep driving along the Ruta Panorámica toward Mirador Villalba-Orocovis (about another 30–40 minutes). This stretch of road is honestly the highlight, with dramatic curves, hills, and layers of green mountains. There are two little restaurants nearby which give you a nice stop for a Medalla and some time to sit and soak in the area.

From Orocovis, it’s about 1.5 hours back to San Juan, depending on the route you take. The descent back toward the north coast is peaceful and scenic, and it makes for a really nice reflective drive after a full trip.

This option is perfect for those enjoying long drives without too many things on the itinerary and being able to explore more local areas.

Final Thoughts on 4 days in Puerto rico

Puerto Rico has it all, and every trip, whether it’s 3 or 7 days, fills my soul with happiness. From beaches, to mountains, waterfalls, historic sites, delicious food and drinks and incredible people, it is easily of one my favorite destinations around.

I hope that the itinerary above convinced you to visit this stunning island! 4 days in Puerto Rico is nearly a solid introduction, and I can bet you a Medalla that if you visit once, you’ll be back in no time!

Map for your Puerto Rico Itinerary

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