24 Hours in Puerto Rico: My Perfect Day

If I had just 24 hours in Puerto Rico, I’d start the day by waking up naturally to the sound of birds chirping and the sun peeking over the horizon, spilling golden light across the beach outside my window. I’d lace up my running shoes and head out for a 5K along Isla Verde’s coastline, watching the sunrise paint the sky and ripple across the water while blasting my beach playlist.

After my run, I’d rinse off, slip into a swimsuit with a matching cover-up set, and slide on my platform white Birkenstocks. With friends in tow, I’d hop into the driver’s seat, roll the windows down, queue up some favorite songs, and hit the road toward El Yunque.

On the way, we’d stop at Degree 18 Juice Bar for smoothie bowls, savoring them in the lush garden courtyard before continuing along winding rainforest roads framed by mountain views. At El Yunque, I’d swap back into my running shoes for the short hike to a waterfall. Cooling off under the rush of the falls ,I’d stand beneath the falls, enjoying the rush of cool water on a warm day, before heading back down the trail – though “hike” feels like an overstatement for how easy it really is.

Back in the car, I’d towel off, slip my Birkenstocks on again, and drive toward Luquillo Beach for lunch at the kiosks. My friends and I would pick up oversized matching t-shirts from a souvenir shop and wear them proudly while we ordered mojitos, tostones, and whatever else looked irresistible. After wandering the beach for a bit, we’d head back to the condo for some downtime, lounging in hammocks and recharging before the evening.

As the sun dipped lower, we’d shower, change, and mix up homemade margaritas for a pre-game. I’d dress up for the night and call an Uber into Old San Juan. There, we’d wander cobblestone streets, count stray cats, snap photos in front of vibrant colonial buildings, and watch kites flying near the fort. Stops would include sipping the original piña colada at Barrachina, sampling piragua or paletas, shopping at boutiques and markets, and catching the parrots at The Cannon Club.

For dinner, we’d Uber to Mario Pagán, indulging in an elegant meal capped with the famous chocolate soufflé. But the night wouldn’t end there. To close out the perfect day, we’d head to La Placita de Santurce, where the bars overflow with music, dancing, and the electric nightlife that makes Puerto Rico so unforgettable.

Finally, after a whirlwind 24 hours, I’d drift to sleep back at the condo to the distant serenade of coquí frogs: a perfect ending to a perfect day.