Puerto Rico's Beaches & Sights

The first reason to go to Puerto Rico is for the warmth and the beaches. Not surprisingly, the 2020 global tourism summit will be in San Juan. Especially with this cool start to summer up north - escaping to the warm beaches could not be easier (and cheap from major cities in the US) or plan your trip now to anticipate winter! Just a block from the cozy Coqui Del Mar is Ocean Park Beach, which is often considered San Juan's second queer or queer-friendly beach. Ripped kite-surfers fill the waves that attract locals and foreigners alike. But don’t look for locals when it’s "cooler" – like 80! The water is the perfect bathwater-like temperature, the waves typically provide fun, but not danger.

Condado Beach

While you can walk – especially along the beach – it’s easy and cheap to get around via uber. Head over to the Condado, where the LGBTQ community congregates - especially on Sundays - to hang out on the beach, alongside the Atlantic Beach Hotel. Formerly an exclusively gay hotel - it no longer is (but the beach is very queer). And if you need a break from the sun - go over to the beautiful La Concha for a drink or food (or sneak a dip into their gorgeous pools). I easily made friends with locals - as well as tourists down from DC. Queer family from across the country comes down to this beautiful straight-friendly get-away.

Vew from La Concha Hotel

Old San Juan holds the main historical (and must-see) sites, including El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal – the largest fortress system in the Americas (which adequately protected San Juan for centuries). Allow about 3 hours to see all of both – and enjoy a meal to stay motivated in between – bring lots of water and sunscreen (they are huge places). Nothing could be finer than walking the old cobblestone streets inside Old San Juan with the warm tropical breeze blowing in.

Beautiful Old San Juan

And San Juan isn't the whole island! Puerto Rico has even more in-store for day trips or longer. From pristine beaches on Culebra, iconic “Gilligan’s Island”  to the only tropical rain forest within the US – El Yunque and the incredible bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques – one of only a few in the world where movement in the water causes flashes of light.

From the beaches, people, historical sites, food and the nightlife, San Juan comprises the best combination (at a much lower cost) for a gay get-away! No-where else can you find constantly warm temps (80s) and warm water while still being inside the US.