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For those individuals fortunate enough to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a wealth of history, culture and entertainment awaits them. Founded in 1521, San Juan has developed with great vigor and provides a wonderful tourist destination for individuals to enjoy. Whether visitors wish to see historical sites, engage in outdoor activities or be culturally stimulated, San Juan has a little something for everyone.
ATTRACTIONS/THINGS TO DO
Historical Tour Sites for the History Buffs
If one is interested in walking and visiting historical sites along the way, then the Historic District of Old San Juan is the perfect place to go in order to embark on this historical journey. From forts to governmental establishments, one will see all that San Juan has to offer the history buff. Some general information regarding the Historic District of Old San Juan can be found at the National Park Service website whose link is http://www.nps.gov/saju/indexfinal.htm. If one would like to take a guided walking tour of Old San Juan where informative guides will present interesting information on a variety of stops along the way, one tour company in particular that may just be the best bet is Legends of Puerto Rico, Inc. whose information can be accessed at http://www.legendsofpr.com/.
Due to the fact that San Juan was founded nearly 500 years ago, historical sites are alive and well in this enchanting city. The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one historical site which should be a must see on the tour list. Located in Old San Juan, this 16th century fort with its towering height and fortified walls prevented against many attacks on the area. Individuals can visit this structure and receive a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history. Tourists can find out more about the Castillo San Felipe del Morro by visiting http://www.nps.gov/saju/morro.html.
Another wonderful historical area where tourists can get a feel for how San Juan used to be is the Castillo de San Cristobal. This fort was brethren to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and also helped to protect this city against foreign attacks on its soil. Built a little bit later, in the 18th century, this fort holds bragging rights to being one of the largest defense structures ever built in either of the Americas. More information on this stronghold can be discovered at http://www.nps.gov/saju/nps-spa/sancristobal.html.
The Cathedral de San Juan is another recommended stop for those visiting San Juan. This cathedral was built in 1592 and will impress those who have a love of architecture with its cavernous ceilings and massive gothic structure. It is also important to point out for all of the history buffs that some items relating to Ponce de Leon are on display within this religious establishment as well. A trip to the Cathedral de San Juan is well worth your time.
Another famous tourist stop is the Casa del Libro. This museum revolves around historical books and bookmaking processes. At the Casa del Libro, one is able to view books that were produced back in the 15th century. If an individual is interested in historical pieces of literature, the Casa del Libro is the place to go.
For those interested in history revolving around Puerto Rican government, individuals can go to see the El Capitolio which is the capital building that was built in the 1920s to hold the offices of government officials. Located on the Avenida Ponce de Leon, the structure and contents of El Capitolio will impress most visitors and those interested in learning more about the offerings thereof can go to http://www.consultalegislativa.com/capitolio.asp in order to do so.
Another wonderful government building where individuals can receive informative, guided tours is the La Fortaleza. La Fortaleza was originally built as a fortress and now serves as the governor's official residence. One can tour this 16th century establishment during the weekdays as tours are held on an hourly basis. Individuals wishing to learn more about La Fortaleza and its offerings can look on the official website at http://www.fortaleza.gobierno.pr/. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the Puerto Rican government, both historically and in present day.
Most individuals are familiar with the name Ponce de Leon and for that reason a stop at the home built by this man is a necessity for visitors to the San Juan area. The Museo Casa Blanca is in the spot where the original home was built, but never lived in by Ponce de Leon. His son-in-law had rebuilt the home after its destruction due to natural forces and it has since been turned into a museum. The Museo Casa Blanca now hosts displays and information regarding life in Puerto Rico in the 16th and 17th centuries. One wishing to learn a bit more about Museo Casa Blanca can do so at http://www.gotopuertorico.com/go_cultureHistory.php?language=english&page=44#SanJuanArea.
Outdoor Activities for the Adventuresome Types or Those Who Just Want to Relax
If one is looking for more invigorating and adventuresome outdoor activities, San Juan also offers a lot of options for these types of people. One great outdoor activity which San Juan is known for is scuba diving. For those individuals who can't wait to get in the water but want to have a structured scuba tour when doing so, Caribe Aquatic Adventures may just be the perfect tour operation to go with. Located in San Juan, Caribe Aquatic Adventures provides a number of different scuba tours including their island diving picnic adventure. For more information on Caribe Aquatic Adventures, one can view the pertinent information at http://www.diveguide.com/p2046.htm and learn not only about their scuba diving operations but peruse information on snorkeling trips and boat tours as well.
Visitors to San Juan who are looking to do a little fishing while on vacation may find that Benitez Fishing Charters is the perfect charter company to go with. Benitez Fishing Charters features deep sea fishing trips for beginner and advanced fishermen (and women) alike. The company offers both full and half-day fishing trips. Their website can be viewed at http://www.mikebenitezfishing.com for more information.
Another wonderful water adventure which one can embark on is a kayaking tour through the Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan. One particular tour company which organizes a variety of kayaking trips for the adventuresome types is Las Tortugas Adventures whose website address is http://www.kayak-pr.com/. One can enjoy a wonderful kayaking and snorkeling combo tour which allows individuals to see the true natural beauty of Puerto Rico.
If one is staying in the San Juan area, taking a trip over to hike through one of the region's rainforests is a must. Puerto Rico has some of the most beautiful rainforests in the Caribbean region. One park in particular where individuals can tour the rainforests is El Yunque. This is a tropical rainforest which also goes by the name of Caribbean National Forest. The website which provides a wealth of information on this rainforest is http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/caribbean. One can join a hiking tour through this beautiful forest and see a variety of plants, flowers and wildlife along the way. If a person has the energy and desire to hike while on vacation, a trip to El Yunque is a wonderful idea.
For those who like to hit the golf course and play a round of golf, there are a number of beautiful golf courses in the San Juan area. One particular course which may strike the fancy of beginner and advanced golfers alike is the Dorado Del Mar Golf Club located about 20 miles away from San Juan. This course, which was designed with the aid of golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez, is one which will impress all who play there. Information regarding the greens fees, hours of operation and amenities can be discovered via the web at http://www.golfcourse.com/search/coursedtl_ga.cfm?clubid=21315&courseid=37143&source=GA.
Another wonderful golf course which may attract golfers who are visiting the San Juan area is Rio Mar Golf Course. Part of the Westin hotel chain, Rio Mar Golf Course is known as one of the best on the island of Puerto Rico. By accessing http://www.westinriomar.com/golf/ prospective visitors can view the course layout and learn more about this fantastic course with its breathtaking views.
For those who are looking to have some fun and take in splendid views of the water, parasailing may be the perfect sport for those individuals. One particular parasailing operation in the San Juan area is San Juan Waterfun. For more information, individuals who are interested in enjoying awesome views from above can log on to the Internet and discover all about the parasailing operations at http://www.waterfun-pr.com.
Frequently, those who are on vacation simply want to take a stroll in the outdoors and take in all the sights of their vacation destination. For those individuals, a walk down Paseo de la Princesa may be the perfect choice. Whether just walking along to get some fresh air or looking to have a bite to eat and do a little shopping, the Paseo de la Princesa will suit all of one's needs. Walking down a scenic street where the sound of music fills the air is a wonderful way to spend a day in San Juan.
For All of the Culture Lovers Out There
For those individuals who love to go to various museums and indulge in culture at its finest, these visitors will be quite pleased with the museums of San Juan, Puerto Rico. One must-see cultural destination in San Juan is the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. This art museum, whose website can be accessed at http://www.museocontemporaneopr.org/, is one which features artwork done by famous Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin-American artists. With over 700 pieces on display, the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo should be a definite stop for all of the art lovers out there who are visiting Puerto Rico.
If a museum which caters to archaeological artifacts is more to the liking of an individual, why not try the Museo de las Americas which features a number of exhibits catering to archeology and carved wooden saints, or santos. To discover all that the Museo de las Americas has to offer its visitors, information is available via the World Wide Web at http://www.prtc.net/~musame/frame.htm.
Another museum which caters to Puerto Rican heritage and art is the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico shows all kinds of artwork and exhibits such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics and photography, just to name a few. Those who are interested in viewing sculptures and enjoying them in the out of doors will love to tour the attached gardens which wind around the art museum property. For a small admission price, one can see all that Puerto Rico has to offer with regard to the artistic talents of its native residents. In order to find out more about the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, one can access the art museum's website at http://www.mapr.org.
As music is an integral part of the Puerto Rican culture, a museum dedicated to a famous musician of Puerto Rico, Pablo Casals, offers many displays and exhibits for the music lovers who visit this region. Museo Pablo Casals is located in Viejo San Juan and has much to offer those who wish to learn a little bit more about this famous musician.
In keeping with the Museo Pablo Casals is the seasonal musical events which take place in the collaboratively named Festival Casals. Started by and named after the famous cellist, composer and conductor Pablo Casals, this musical festival has taken place the past 48 years. This festival will continue the tradition and occur in the months of February and March in 2006. The festival features musicians, singers and orchestras from all around the world and is a celebrated event. For more information on how to obtain tickets for one or many of the spectacular productions, one can go to the Festival website at http://www.festcasalspr.gobierno.pr/history.html.
For those who wish to go to a museum of sorts which has a fine alcoholic beverage on display, the Bacardi Rum Distillery is the perfect place to stop for a tour and a taste. The Bacardi Rum Distillery has a wealth of information provided for the public at their website which can be reached by utilizing the link http://www.casabacardi.org/. The Bacardi Rum Distillery hosts free guided tours Monday through Saturday at specific times each day. Also at the distillery, individuals who are of legal drinking age can sample some of the fine rum products and get a feel for why Bacardi is a high producer when it comes to rum.
With regard to the visitors who really wish to get a feel for Puerto Rican culture, the LeLoLai Festival is something which all tourists should attend if at all possible as this will show the individual what the music and dance of the island of Puerto Rico is all about. The LeLoLai Festival is held at various times throughout each week at different locations on the island. The festival is held in San Juan several times each month at locations such as resorts or tourist sites. During the festival, one attending will be met with the breathtaking displays of the dance and music which is native to this wonderful island. An individual can find out more information regarding the LeLoLai Festival including times and places in which it is going to be held by looking at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company website which can be viewed at http://www.gotopuertorico.com/go_entertainmentNightlife.php?language=english&page=76.
Attractions for the Children
As children like to be entertained, especially while on vacation, it is important to keep the little ones in mind as well when discussing attraction options. One wonderful attraction which children big and small will gush over is the Museo del Nino. This children's museum, whose website can be viewed at http://museodelninopr.org/, is one which will please and delight children of all ages with its informative and interactive displays and feature presentations.
Another wonderful children's attraction in the San Juan area is the Rio Piedros Botanical Garden attached to the University of Puerto Rico. This facility offers much variety when it comes to flowers and the like and children will love delving into this natural setting and learning about the different types of plants and flowers. Information regarding the botanical gardens can be sought via http://www.upr.clu.edu/jardin/JardiBot.htm.
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