Puerto Rico East Coast – Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico East Coast Best Things to Do

Explore the captivating wonders of Puerto Rico’s east coast, a region brimming with natural marvels. Beach enthusiasts can indulge in beach hopping, finding options for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking to secluded beaches without crowds.  Adventure awaits couples and families with invigorating hikes to discover enchanting waterfalls, go horseback riding, zipline in the rainforest, and more.  

For those with a taste for sightseeing and local cuisine, the East Coast offers a scenic route dotted with picturesque spots and local eateries, providing a rich cultural experience.  Stop at the historic districts of charming towns that exude elegant European charm, where you can visit small museums and cathedrals, eat fresh local ice cream, and attend cultural events. 

Visit El Yunque National Rainforest

Luquillo / Rio Grande – Puerto Rico

El Yunque National Rainforest is a must-visit natural wonder, the only rainforest under the United States Flag, one of the places with the most biodiversity in the world.  If you love hiking, you could spend days exploring El Yunque; staying in the towns of Luquillo and Rio Grande offers the most convenience if the rainforest is at the top of your list.  If you get a car rental, you can visit on your own, if you prefer a tour there are many wonderful local tours to choose from.  The USDA Forest Service manages the rainforest, the Visitor’s Center provides maps to help you explore the trails and have a safe and great experience. Wander through lush trails leading to refreshing waterfalls and pristine rivers, inviting you to relax and swim in nature’s embrace. 

With so much misinformation online, we recommend you our guide for El Yunque National Rainforest before you book a tour and head there, so you can plan the best experience.

Escape to the Dreamy Icacos Cay

Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Icacos Cay, a pristine, uninhabited cay, part of La Cordillera Nature Reserve, is one of the favorite experiences of travelers, fulfilling Caribbean dreams. Lounge in white sand, swim in turquoise waters, go snorkeling, and say hello to playful dolphins that love the island.  Friendly and professional local tour companies offer amazing experiences from catamarans, fun mini-boat tours, snorkeling charters, private boat tours, and luxury sailing island hopping charters.  With its small size, Icacos Cay is easily explorable on foot, but most visitors can’t seem to stay out of the amazing turquoise water.  If you walk around, please help us protect Icacos by not leaving anything behind. 

Experience the Magic of Bioluminescence at Laguna Grande

Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has three places to experience the magical natural wonder of bioluminescence.  On the east coast, visitors have easy access to the Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent lagoon in the town of Fajardo, part of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.  Laguna Grande is among the top attractions on the island.  Ensure your spot by booking your tour in advance with local top-rated tour guides, as the demand for this extraordinary experience is high.  If you’re staying in Luquillo or Rio Grande, some tours are available with pick-up service for your convenience (see below).  You cannot visit the bioluminescent lagoon on your own; you must book a tour to enjoy this natural wonder. 

Explore the Beaches of the East Coast

While the East Coast offers great beachfront resorts, you must get out and take a fun drive to explore the best beaches.  If you’re planning on vacationing on the East Coast, we have created a guide to make planning easy.  You’ll begin your online journey in the town of Loiza and end on the best beaches of the southeast in the town of Maunabo.  We encourage you to rent a car for a few days and explore the coastline; we are confident you’ll be coming back to see other island regions.

+ Best Beaches on the East Coast of Puerto Rico

Hike into the Rainforest to The Fun Waterfalls of Las Tinajas

Ceiba, Puerto Rico

Families and adventurers staying on the enchanting east coast of Puerto Rico find Las Tinajas to be the ultimate tour, seamlessly blending tranquility with heart-pounding adventure amid the rainforest.  The hike, though ranging from moderate to challenging, promises an exceptionally fulfilling experience, often ranking as one of the top adventures in Puerto Rico.  Nestled within the municipality of Ceiba in the eastern region, Las Tinajas Trail offers the chance to soak in breathtaking views, cool off with a refreshing dip in natural pools, going down natural rock slides, or embrace your inner thrill-seeker with cliff jumping or swinging into crystal-clear waters. As you journey through Las Tinajas Trail, let the lush landscapes and soothing sounds of the rainforest captivate your senses.

Take a Romantic Rainforest and Beachside Horseback Ride

Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Indulge in a 2.5-hour horseback-riding escapade, weaving through the forests, beaches, and rivers of Puerto Rico.  Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you gallop through the crystal-clear waters of the Mameyes River, journeying towards the pristine Luquillo Beach. Here, take a break to unwind with activities like swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying refreshing cocktails. Whether you’re a novice or an expert rider, all levels of experience are welcome for this delightful outdoor adventure through the picturesque Puerto Rican countryside.

Spend a Morning at Luquillo Beach & Eat Lunch at Luquillo Kiosks

Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Luquillo Beach is the most popular beach on the east coast of Puerto Rico.  Formally named Balneario La Monserrate, this mile-long crescent bay is located in the municipality of Luquillo, just a short drive from El Yunque National Rainforest.  Families flock to Luquillo Beach for its calm waters and food but brace yourself for bustling crowds during the summer, weekends, and holidays.  Backdropped by hundreds of palm trees and views of the majestic mountains of El Yunque, the scenery is nothing short of enchanting.  Managed and maintained by Parques Nacionales, this beach ensures safety with lifeguards and provides amenities such as restrooms, parking, and wheelchair access.  

Go Ziplining at the Rainforest

Experience the thrill of ziplining, a must-try adventure right in the heart of the rainforest! Elevate your vacation with a bird’s eye view of lush canopies. If you’ve never taken the plunge into ziplining, there’s no better place to embrace the challenge and infuse your vacation in Puerto Rico with excitement.   See top-rated ziplining experiences on the East Coast below. 

Take the Family to Carabali Rainforest Park

Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Bring the whole family to Carabali Rainforest Park, a 600 acre farm at the foothills of El Yunque National Forest. The most popular activities are ATV or UTV tours through the rainforest, horseback riding in the forest, or at the beach.   

Visit a Cacao Farm – Finca de Cacao La PruVite

Luquillo, Puerto Rico

We invite you to support local farms with your visit to You’re welcome to visit this family-owned cocoa farm.  Learn how cocoa is grown and processed and taste delicious chocolate treats and drinks.  

“We are of ‘unique origin,’ which means that we come from a specific homeland (Luquillo, P.R.), a product harvested and crafted in the same land where it originates, and in an artisanal manner.  We harvest cocoa that doesn’t come from all over the world; you can see it before your eyes. If you arrive during the bloom season, you can see cocoa and even touch them.  Our product is entirely organic and is processed in the same way my grandmother and mother did, preserving a tradition that began around the 1950s.  

Cost of Tour: 10$  for tour only and 15$ with tasting.  Duration: 2 hrs

Get directions to the farm

Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

Fajardo, Puerto Rico 

Bring your whole family to Las Cabezas de San Juan, located in Fajardo, a nature reserve spanning 434 acres, managed by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.  This sanctuary encompasses diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, the bioluminescent marvel of Laguna Grande, the historic Faro De Las Cabezas De San Juan lighthouse, a dry forest, and the beautiful Playa Lirios, distinctive for its rocky shoreline.  Ascend the lighthouse for breathtaking views of Puerto Rico’s northeastern tip.

To visit:  Reserve the thematic tour in advance by calling the Conservation Trust at 787-722-5834 / weekends at 787-860-2560.  Visit ParaLaNaturaleza to book a tour.

Go Sailing to Palomino Island

Fajardo, Puerto Rico 

+ Palomino Island, Puerto Rico & Top Rated Tours

Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico East Coast Best Things to Do