(LifeWire) - Puerto Rico's small size (110 miles long and 35 miles wide) belies its large array of cultural and outdoor activities that make it perfect for families. A United States territory, Puerto Rico has a unique Latin culture that mixes Spanish, African and Taíno Indian heritages with American influences. From the rich history of Old San Juan to the surfing breaks of the northwestern coast, Puerto Rico offers plenty to engage visitors of all ages.
Getting There
Direct flights are a sanity-saver for families - especially those with small children - and San Juan's international airport is a major hub for flights to the Caribbean. Many airlines offer direct flights from large US cities as well as major international cities including Toronto, London and Paris.
Families also appreciate speedy trips from the airport, and there are plenty of taxis to whisk you to San Juan-area resorts. If you're planning to stay at a resort on the western or southern coasts, however, you will need to rent a car and drive from San Juan (up to two hours, depending on your destination).
How's the Beach?
In the San Juan area, Isla Verde beach - actually a string of beaches along the city's northern coast - is especially lively on the weekends. Balneario de Carolina and El Escambrón are particularly good for families: They are "Blue Flag" beaches, adhering to strict water quality and facility standards (with lifeguards on duty).
On the eastern end of the island, Luquillo beach is another Blue Flag beach especially popular with families, while in the southwest, Caña Gorda in Guánica is favored.
Many beaches are safe for swimming, but not all: Those along the northwestern coast often have rough waters best left to surfers and experienced swimmers.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Puerto Rico has a great range of small hotels and paradores (country inns), many of which welcome children. However, the large resorts offer the most family-friendly amenities. Some choices:
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa: on 500 acres in Fajardo, about 50 minutes from the airport, "El Con" has a huge draw for families, with its own water park with slides and lazy river; private island and kids club, too.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino: Located on Isla Verde, this beachfront luxury resort has babysitting services, children's Spanish lessons and Ritz Kids programs (ages 5 to 12) including such activities as sandcastle building and arts and crafts.
Caribe Hilton San Juan: Located near Old San Juan and the convention center, this property is on a peninsula with a secluded beach. In addition to the Kidz Paradise program, youths under age 18 stay free in a parent's room; children under age 5 eat free, and kids ages 5 to 12 receive free breakfast and 50% discounts for other meals. Four complimentary hours of babysitting are included with a three-night stay.
Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach & Golf Resort: Located 25 miles west of San Juan, this moderately priced resort offers children's programs at a freeform pool and a Chi Chi Rodriguez-designed golf course.
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort: On the southern coast, this resort offers the same kiddie perks as its San Juan sister as well as amentities the adults will appreciate, including a PGA championship golf course and a casino.
Río Mar Beach Resort & Spa: This pet-friendly luxury resort has a tennis center, a new spa and two championship golf courses, all just 30 minutes east of the international airport and just west of Luquillo beach. The Club Iguana program (ages 4 to 12) keeps kids busy with kite-flying, Spanish lessons and coconut hunts.
Attractions & Fun Outings
Puerto Rico is an outdoor-lover's dream, with excellent snorkeling for small children and beginners and activities such as horseback riding, surfing and golf for older kids and adults.
Old San Juan is one of the western hemisphere's oldest cities and best explored by strolling around. Be sure to visit El Morro, a massive fortress with hidden passages your kids will love exploring.
Take a tour of El Yunque, a rain forest that receives 100 billion gallons of precipitation annually. See if you can spot one of the endangered green parrots, and keep your ears open for calls from tree frogs.
Coffee lovers are aware of the quality of Puerto Rico's beans, and a visit to a coffee hacienda is fun and educational for kids, too. Hacienda Buena Vista sometimes features special children's activities; it's worth making an advance reservation for a visit.
Puerto Rico is home to some respected museums, including Museo de Arte de Ponce, which hosts monthly "Family Sundays" and educational programs for all ages.
More Puerto Rico Tips
- US citizens do not need a passport to travel between the continental US and Puerto Rico, but bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license.
- English is spoken in San Juan, but you might want to brush up on some basic Spanish and bring a phrasebook if you plan to journey to less-touristed areas.
- For resorts and major attractions, always check recent visitor comments at a site such as TripAdvisor.com.
- General information about visiting Puerto Rico on About.com
- Puerto Rico Tourism Company (official government website)
