San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the most surprising places I’ve visited. I knew it would be beautiful, but I honestly had no idea what to expect beyond that. Growing up and living my whole life on the west coast, Puerto Rico hasn’t really been a place I’ve thought of for travel primarily because it seems far away, and truthfully that could be said (for me) about the whole Caribbean. But what I realized is that the slight jaunt across the country is SO worth it. The island of PR is packed with culture, incredible food, gorgeous scenery, rich history and the most lovely people. I think it’s really important to note that one year after the hurricane, Puerto Rico is definitely ready for visitors – it was mind-blowing to see how resilient the people of PR have been in rebuilding after that devastation. Also, bonus, once Americans arrive in Puerto Rico it’s the easiest trip ever – no immigration, no customs, nada. Perfect for a girls trip (which hello my girl Lilz and I had so much fun), a couples get away or even families. Sometimes cheesy cliches are actually true, and in this case “theres’s something for everyone” totally applies. Shout-out to my amazing new friends at Discover Puerto Rico for making this trip such a special, fun, LOL-filled experience!

PS: It was so nice to meet some new friends (and lady-bosses) on this trip, so shout-out to Naty Ashba and Saffron on Rose for being so fun! AND if you’re curious…I was mostly wearing my fave brand for clothes and swimwear, LSpace, on this trip!

If you’re in San Juan for a few days, here is my EAT // SLEEP // PLAY must-do list. 

EAT: Chocobar Cortes // Mario Pagan // Vianda // Lote 23

SLEEP: O:live Boutique Hotel //Hotel El Convento // Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

PLAY: Bacardi Factory // Old San Juan Walking Tour // Night out with locals in La Placita // Salsa Dancing at La Factoria 

CHOCOBAR CORTES – everything is chocolate, including avocado toast and bloody Mary’s!

PS:There’s a museum upstairs from the restaurant that the Cortes family owns and it’s packed with amazing Caribbean artists pieces.

OLD SAN JUAN WALKING TOUR

BEACH IN CONDADO

*** Not shocking but the water in the Caribbean is literally perfect BTW.

Dinner at Vianda

LA PLACITA