OUR TRIP: PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico offered us the perfect blend of ease and adventure — a place where our family could slow down, explore together, and feel both comfortable and inspired. From vibrant culture and beautiful beaches to meaningful moments of learning and connection, this trip reminded us why traveling as a family is about more than the destination. In this post, we’re sharing how our family experienced Puerto Rico, what stood out most, and what made it a memorable trip for all of us.

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why puerto rico?

Puerto Rico is a short, cheap and direct flight from our home airport. We had traveled there in 2015 and were excited to return. Puerto Rico offers our kids exposure to history, language, music, and food while still feeling accessible and family-friendly. From beaches to cities to nature, it offered variety without constant packing and moving. Most of all, it aligned with our travel vision: a place where our family could slow down, connect, and learn together.

getting there & getting around

• Getting there:

  • You can fly nonstop from the DC area (DCA, IAD, or BWI) to San Juan (SJU). Direct flights typically take about 3.5–4 hours, making it one of the easiest Caribbean destinations to reach from the East Coast.

  • Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, no passport is required for U.S. citizens, and you won’t go through customs on arrival — which makes travel days smoother, especially with kids.

• Getting around: If you’re leaving San Juan at all, a car is necessary.

where we stayed

• Our last trip (2015): We split our time between two locations: (1) in Old San Juan and (2) on the west side of the island in Rincon.

• On this trip, we wanted one base drivable from San Juan with calm beaches. That led us to Dorado on the North side of the island. We stayed in an Airbnb in a gated community.

what we did

• Cultural and Historical Explorations: Colorful old towns, forts, museums, music, and food offered natural opportunities for cultural learning.

• City Exploration: Walkable neighborhoods, plazas, street performers, and local markets allowed our kids to observe everyday life and feel immersed.

• Beach: Calm beaches, shallow waters, and warm ocean temperatures made beach days easy with kids.

• Nature & Outdoor Adventures: From rainforests to waterfalls, Puerto Rico invites kids to explore outdoors. We enjoyed hiking, wildlife spotting, river swims, and scenic viewpoints, helping our kids connect with nature in hands-on ways.

what worked well with kids

• The ease of travel was a big win — short flights from the East Coast, no passport requirements for U.S. citizens, and familiar infrastructure reduced stress and made travel days smoother.

• The variety of experiences allowed us to balance adventure with rest. We could mix beach time, nature, cultural exploration, and relaxed downtime without overpacking our schedule or traveling long distances.

• Cultural immersion felt accessible. History, language, food, and music were present everywhere, allowing kids to learn through observation and experience instead of formal activities. Stopping at road side stands to grab juice and frituras was a highlight.

what we’d do differently next times

• Build more downtime between travel days and big outings.

• Slow the pace even more

is puerto rico for you? tips for families.

Ask yourself these questions to decide if Puerto Rico is for you!

• Do you want international culture without international logistics?
  Puerto Rico offers rich culture, history, and Spanish language exposure without passports or customs for U.S. travelers.

• Does your family enjoy being outdoors?
  If your kids love beaches, nature, wildlife, and open space, Puerto Rico’s rainforests, coastlines, and outdoor activities are a great match.

• Are you looking for a flexible, low-stress trip?
  Short flights from the East Coast, familiar infrastructure, and family-friendly accommodations make it easier to travel at a relaxed pace.

• Do you want learning to happen naturally?
  History, geography, ecology, and language are woven into everyday experiences, making it ideal for curiosity-led learning.

• Are your kids adaptable to warm weather and slower pacing?
  Puerto Rico’s climate and rhythm support slower mornings, quiet afternoons, and unstructured time.

Tips for Families

• Choose calm beaches and accommodations with space to rest

• Balance city time with nature and downtime

• Don’t overpack your itinerary — less really is more

• Consider travel time between destinations - driving, ferries, short flights, etc.

• Let kids help choose activities so they feel invested

Puerto Rico is a great fit for families seeking connection, culture, and ease — all wrapped into a destination that welcomes kids naturally.