What Exactly to Do in Ponce, Puerto Rico: A 2026 Travel Guide!
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, consider a visit to the city of Ponce!
Ponce is known as the “Pearl of the South.” The second city of Puerto Rico, Ponce is worth visiting for its history and beautiful architecture, and its lively ambience.
While most visitors typically have capital city San Juan at the top of their Puerto Rico itinerary, travelers that also visit Ponce are rewarded with a mix of colorful architecture, rich sights, and great food and drink.
While Ponce makes for one of the top day trips from San Juan, you can also overnight in Ponce and make it your base for enjoying the beautiful south coast of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Location Best Tours
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In this Ponce travel guide, we describe the best things to do in the city, along with suggestions for where to stay and eat. You’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to Ponce here!
First time in Puerto Rico? Our round-up of the top 10 things to do in Puerto Rico is a great place to start fleshing out your itinerary! From exploring offshore islands and El Yunque to wandering Old San Juan, these experiences are a must. 🇵🇷 🌴 🌊
Getting to Ponce
Ponce is located in the middle of the southern shore of Puerto Rico. It is about 62 miles from San Juan, the capital city.
If you have a rental car (and we suggest you book one for ease of exploring Puerto Rico beyond San Juan!), it is an easy drive to Ponce from San Juan (see map).
The drive will take you about and an hour and 25 minutes in normal traffic, and parts of it are quite scenic. The expressway has tolls.
🧭 Let Me Show You MY Island Tour with Visit to El Yunque Join a local guide on a personalized tour showcasing Puerto Rico’s hidden gems, including a visit to El Yunque.
Don’t want to rent a car? You could take a taxi or a publico (a shared van for heavily trafficked destinations), or consider a guided tour, which will take care of all the logistics, like this one.
The full day tour offers pick-up and drop-off for select San Juan hotels and caps the tour size at 15 for a more personalized experience. You will take in all the major sights in Ponce and learn quite a bit from your guide as you explore.
>>> Check price and availability for this full-day tour of Ponce from San Juan now!
Getting Around in Ponce
Downtown Ponce is walkable. Here is where you will find many historic sights, Colonial era architecture, and plazas.
But there are parts of Ponce worth visiting that are not within walking distance for most visitors, such as the hill that is home to the Cruceta del Vigia and the Castillo Serralles, or sights just outside the city like Hacienda Buena Vista.
Uber and taxis are available in Ponce.
🛥️ Private All-Inclusive East Coast Keys Tour and Snorkel Experience Embark on a private boat tour exploring the East Coast Keys, complete with snorkeling and gourmet refreshments. Guests commend the personalized service and stunning locales.
Where to Stay in Ponce
The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort is located on the beach, a short drive from downtown Ponce. You have access to a secluded public beach, plus an outdoor pool and a golf course. There are three onsite restaurants.
Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino is very close to downtown Ponce and offers two swimming pools and onsite dining. Parking and wifi are free.
Boutique Hotel Belgica has a location that’s perfect for exploring the old town. Rooms are comfortable and air-conditioned, and come with a seating area and free wifi.
🌄 Small-Group El Yunque Rainforest Vivid Day Tour with Transport Delve into the heart of El Yunque on this small-group tour, featuring hikes to waterfalls and panoramic vistas. Highly rated for its intimate setting and expert guides.
What to Do in Ponce
1. Tour the Castillo Serralles
Perched on a hilltop, Castillo Serralles not only offers commanding views over downtown Ponce, it is also a fascinating peek into the former home of the owners of Don Q, a rum distillery.
Today the mansion is a museum, and you can tour the interior on a guided tour. Then wander the gorgeous grounds, which include a swimming pool and terraces with panoramic views.
🛶 Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure Paddle through the glowing waters of Laguna Grande, experiencing one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena. This nighttime kayak tour is celebrated for its magical ambiance and knowledgeable guides.
2. Take in the art at the Museo de Arte de Ponce
The Museo de Arte de Ponce is the best art museum in Puerto Rico. It houses an impressive collection of European, Latin American, and North American art.
Significant in the European collection are Victorian paintings and Baroque art. Overall, there are about 5,000 works of art to admire here.
The building itself is considered a landmark example of modern Puerto Rican architecture, and the garden contains some striking sculptures.
🐎 Horseback Riding Tour in Carabalí Rainforest Park Ride through the scenic landscapes of Carabalí Rainforest Park on horseback, exploring lush trails and rivers.
3. Admire the Gorgeous Ponce Cathedral
Located in the heart of the historic center of Ponce, the Ponce Cathedral is a gracious structure with twin bell towers and a rich history.
The first chapel at the site was built in 1670, and the current structure to the early 1930s.
Admire the facade and then step inside to view the gracious interior, which features beautiful stained glass windows. The main altar is made of translucent alabaster.
🚶 Old San Juan City Walking Tour Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Old San Juan on this guided walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks and learn about the city’s colonial past.
4. Snap Photos of the Parque de Bombas
Possibly the most striking building in downtown Ponce, the Parque de Bombas is a former fire station that’s now a museum.
The building features a Moorish design with towers at either end and is painted bright red, with black stripes. The interior is equally colorful, well worth a visit if you have the time!
🏖️ Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour Enjoy a day of sun and sea on this all-inclusive tour to Icacos Island, featuring snorkeling, beach relaxation, and refreshments.
5. Stroll the Plaza las Delicias
The main plaza in downtown Ponce, the Plaza las Delicias has both the Parque de Bombas and the Ponce Cathedral along its periphery.
You’ll also find the Ponce City Hall to its south and the historic Teatro Fox Delicias to its north.
In the plaza is a majestic fountain featuring sculptures of lions. It’s a great place to stroll…be sure to grab some ice cream at King’s Cream before you start your walk.
If you came to Ponce independently, consider a walking tour for a more immersive experience of the historic core of the city.
🌊 Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo Sail to the pristine beaches of Culebra Island aboard a catamaran, then snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. This full-day excursion is lauded for its stunning locations and professional crew.
6. Visit Hacienda Buena Vista
Just a few miles outside the city of Ponce, Hacienda Buena Vista used to be a coffee plantation, but is now a park with a tranquil setting.
The restored site contains structures that are decades old, including a working mill.
Walk the trail to the waterfall, admire the rainforest setting, and take the guided tour to learn about coffee, cocoa, and more (call ahead to reserve!).
🏞️ Explore the wonders of El Yunque Rainforest on this half-day tour, featuring scenic hikes and natural waterslides. Ideal for those seeking a shorter yet immersive nature experience.
7. Take in the views from the Cruceta del Vigia
Located on the Vigia Hill in Ponce is the 100-foot-tall Cruceta del Vigia, a giant concrete cross that affords panoramic views over the city (and the Caribbean Sea) from the horizontal sky bridge.
You can climb up a series of steps to the viewing area, or take the glass elevator. Look for Castillo Serralles just below!
Next to the concrete cross is a wooden cross that’s a replica of the original that was used as a lookout in the 19th century.
🍽️ Savor the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico on this walking food tour through Old San Juan. Taste traditional dishes and learn about their cultural significance.
8. Visit the Japanese Garden
The Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden) is located just behind the Cruceta del Vigia and is a tranquil spot worth the visit.
Admire the koi in the koi ponds and the bonsai trees, look for turtles, walk over moon bridges, and snap photos of Japanese gates.
🌌 LED Kayak Night Glow Tour in Condado Lagoon Experience the magic of kayaking at night in a clear-bottom kayak illuminated by LED lights. Paddle through Condado Lagoon, observing marine life beneath you.
9. Tour the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center
The Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center is home to one of the most important archaeological discoveries made in the Antilles.
It offers insight into the life of the local people — the Taínos — before the Europeans arrived.
The center includes several ceremonial plazas, botanical gardens that showcase the plants used by the Tainos, and artifacts.
🌌 LED Kayak Night Glow Tour in Condado Lagoon Experience the magic of kayaking at night in a clear-bottom kayak illuminated by LED lights. Paddle through Condado Lagoon, observing marine life beneath you.
10. Discover Puerto Rico’s south coast
The southern coast of Puerto Rico is beautiful with a lot to discover beyond the city of Ponce.
Using Ponce as a base, visit some of the pristine beaches in the area, swim in the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera, explore historic San German, or take a boat tour to the uninhabited Caja de Muertos Island.
🌿 Full-Day El Yunque Rainforest Hike with Waterslide from San Juan Embark on a full-day adventure through El Yunque National Forest, exploring lush trails, natural pools, and exhilarating waterslides. An immersive experience that offers a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s natural beauty.
How many days in Ponce?
You can see the highlights of Ponce in one day, but you can also spend several nights in Ponce, using it as a base to explore more of the island.
Have you booked these top Puerto Rico tours yet?
Visiting the magical island of Culebra is one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico, and this popular catamaran tour from Fajardo is a convenient way to visit and snorkel!
The deserted island of Icacos is another super popular destination. Consider this catamaran tour from Fajardo that includes lunch and snorkeling gear!
Enjoy the El Yunque tropical rainforest on this highly-rated tour from San Juan. Chase waterfalls, go down a natural waterslide, and stop at pretty Luquillo Beach on the way back!
A walking food tour is the best way to explore colorful Old San Juan while eating your way through local cuisine and sampling local cocktails.
Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays. On this popular tour, you will visit El Yunque National Forest, followed by a kayaking excursion on a bioluminescent bay.
Renting a Car in Puerto Rico
If you want to explore Puerto Rico beyond San Juan, you’ll have the maximum flexibility if you rent a car.
We always use Discover Cars to book Puerto Rico car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Puerto Rico car rentals now!
More Puerto Rico Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? Check out our detailed Puerto Rico itinerary, created on a day by day basis, to plan your own trip!
Most visitors to Puerto Rico base in San Juan. Here are the best day trips from San Juan, to help you explore more of the island!
And while you are in San Juan, here is the best way to spend one day in Old San Juan, the historic quarter of the capital city.
Planning to rent a car and drive in Puerto Rico? Check out our article with what to expect and helpful tips for driving in Puerto Rico!