There are many popular self-guided routes that are easily accessible from all over the island, and every family group has their favorite. The most famous is probably Cayey’s “Ruta de Lechón,” also known as the “Pork Highway.” There are coastal routes featuring beach stops and seafood shacks, and a longaniza route in mountainous Orcovis that celebrates the island’s traditional spiced sausages tinged with annatto.

Our hosts chose the Ruta Gastronomica de Naranjito, which highlights the delicious, historic, and varied stops along PR-152, is super close to San Juan, and definitely offers plenty of pork.

Ruta Gastronomica de Naranjito

Our trip started at our hotel in Old San Juan, and after a 45-minute drive across the beautiful Puente Atirantado, a newly renovated cable stay bridge that spans the Río de la Plata, we found ourselves in the green foothills of central Puerto Rico. Once past the city of Naranjito, we turned onto Route 152, and our eating tour began. 

Epic Longaniza Sausages at El Rancho Don Nando

Our first stop was the furthest out, allowing us time on the road to build up our appetites for the afternoon ahead. After turning off of the main road and twisting and turning a bit more, we hit El Rancho de Don Nando, a classic, family-owned smokehouse with great views and incredible food. The family and staff welcomed us with bites of their renowned smoked chicken and pork longaniza, then we sat down at a picnic table for a meaty feast of arroz guisado (fried rice) con longaniza y carne, habichuelas (stewed beans with pumpkin), and carne ahumada (chunks of smoked pork) that left our chins gleaming with pork fat. This spot does not serve alcohol, so ice down a cooler full of Medallas, Puerto Rico’s favorite beer, to bring along. There’s a huge list of traditional homemade desserts on offer, including flan de queso and jiggly sweet coconut tembleque–I was glad I grabbed a cup to eat in the car later. 

Lots of folks line up to grab Don Nando’s outstanding smoked meats and sausages to go, and they also do a lot of business selling plants, like pascua (poinsettia) during Puerto Rico’s extended Navidad holiday season. 

Fine Dining with Puerto Rican Soul in Cedro Arriba de Naranjito

Tapas at Asador San Miguel

Next stop: Asador San Miguel, in Cedro Arriba, where Chef Rey Santo serves tasty, Spanish-style tapas and plates from the kitchen, the grill, and the smoker, like croquetas, steaks, and crunchy pork chicharrón with fresh ginger and guava sauce. The extensive wine cellar is a welcome bonus, and the spectacular vistas and gardens are worth the trip to this higher-end stop on your journey. There’s even a helicopter pad if you decide not to drive. 

A Rainbow of Mojitos at La Casita 152

After Asador, we wound our way downhill past dozens of other restaurants and landed at La Casita 152. Homar Ayala Hernández and his family took over this classic roadhouse in 2023 and updated the offerings. We enjoyed some fun traditional snacks (croquetas with pepper aioli, and queso frito, a typical dish of fried cheese, elevated with a bacon dulce de papaya on top).

We loved choosing from so many colorful mojitos–everyone in our group had a different favorite on the mojito flight, from coconut to acerola, a native Puerto Rican cherry. If there’s passionfruit on the list, I’m going to drink it, and my fresh parcha juice mojito was perfectly tart and tangy. 

The front of the restaurant is unpolished and charming, like an old school roadside bar, but when you head to the back, you’ll find a huge, shady wooden deck complete with a porch swing and a breezy view of Las Lágrimas waterfall and the mountainside beyond. 

A Traditional Chichorro with Sangría, Shots, and Fried Bocaditos

We had no room left for a stop at Caldosos, perhaps the most well-known destination on Route 152. Serving house sangría, rum punch, and a lengthy menu of frituras (fried snacks) like sorullos (corn fritters), empanditas, crispy plantain tostones, and bacalaitos (salt cod fritters) since the 1990’s, this spot would be an iconic place to take a shot of traditional chichaito, or “quickie,” the super strong combo of white rum and anise liqueur that often punctuates a chinchorreo and helps initiate the spontaneous salsa dancing that often takes place into the evening.

Naranjito Road Trip Tips:

Try the local drinks

Along with ubiquitous bottles of Medalla beer, colorful mojitos, and powerful shots of chichaito, in many spots you’ll find Jalda, a sweet creamy mountain liqueur in flavors like pistachio and coffee. Though it tastes like dessert, it packs a punch, so don’t be tempted to overindulge. Another local hooch served in shots, pitorro is a molasses-based moonshine rum infused with fruits and spices, often from a recipe passed down through generations. Our hosts at Don Nando placed a bottle on the table while we dined so we could try a nip of their family’s elixir–don’t be surprised when cups are passed around on your chinchorro visit. 

Schedule a side trip

Head to Hacienda Cacaotera Terruño for a reservation-only visit to a family-run cacao farm, and check out how cocoa beans are grown, harvested, roasted, and made into artisan chocolate bars. 

Turn your day trip into a weekend getaway

Choose a vacation rental or boutique villa. Search “Naranjito” on VRBO or click here for a variety of options vetted by the Naranjito office of tourism.

Anyone can have the chance to soak up mountain culture and hop from bar to bar like a local. Just choose a designated driver, roll down the windows, and go by car, or rent a party bus and make a scene. Either way, pack a cooler full of cold water, cue up a playlist of reggaeton, salsa, and some Bad Bunny, map out a route, and hit the road. 

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13 Things to do in Puerto Rico with Kids

Here are 13 things to do in Puerto Rico that would be fun for anyone, including families traveling with or without kids. And if you would like even more check out this 4-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. 

El Morro and the San Cristobal Castle

Located in the Old San Juan, these two historical structures are both educational and filled with lots of fun and adventure for small kids. The passages, old cannons, and labyrinths will make them feel like they are in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Bring your kite and have fun in one of the biggest green yards you can find.

• Castillo San Cristóbal, also known as Fort San Cristóbal, is a fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was built by Spain to protect against land-based attacks on the city of San Juan.
• Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or Castillo del Morro, is a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ice Skating

The town of Aguadilla has a great skating facility that is open year-round. There is a solid surface rink and two food courts. This is a very fun activity for kids but make sure they wear gloves; they can cut their hands if they fall down. Having fun never stops in Puerto Rico this is only the beginning.

Aquatic Parks

Let your kids splash their way to Ponce, Puerto Rico were is one of the Island’s best water parks. You are guaranteed to have a very happy family after a day of splashing and having fun together. You can also find great water parks in Aguadilla, Bayamon, and a small one in Salinas.

Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park

Arecibo offers two great options for the family. The Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park and the Arecibo Radio Telescope. The Lighthouse offers great attractions for the kids like, an aquarium, pirate ships, five cultural representations of Puerto Rico, a playground, and a mini zoo. If you are interested in science visit the Radio Telescope first and then get to the Lighthouse to have some fun.

Lineal Parks

Enjoy the charm of a day in a lineal park. You can go to the Luis Munos Marin Park, Parque Central, this is Central Park in English, or the Luis Munos Rivera Park all located in San Juan. At these parks, you can have a great picnic and play basketball, bike riding, and other interesting activities for your children.

Enjoy the Animals

Enjoy a full day surrounded by animals at Villa Campestre in the town of Guaynabo, where kids can be close to horses, pigs, cows, bunnies, and many other adorable creatures. You can also visit the Mayaguez Zoo if you just want to go for a wild experience.

Horse Rides

Go for a horse ride with your family in Hacienda Carabali located in the town of Luquillo. Or you can go to the north and enjoy the great facilities of the Tropical Trail Rides in Isabela. Both offer a very fun experience and a very pleasant ride.

Beach Time

Get your family to experience the beach of Liquillo and Isla Verde beach with a variety of water sports that can be lots of fun for your older kids. Punta Salinas beach in Toa Baja is also a great option for the facilities. Look for the blue flag certification beach this certifies that the facility is a family friendly beach among other benefits.

Go Shopping

Puerto Rico offers the best facilities in the Caribbean to go shopping. You can start going to Plaza Las Americas in San Juan, this may be your last stop because is a huge shopping center. Don’t forget to get your souvenir. If you want to travel to the south you can go to Plaza del Caribe in Ponce. If you want to go west stop by the Mayaguez mall.

Olympic Experience

If you want to have an Olympic experience and practice several sports the same day you have to go to the Albergue Olimpico in Salinas located in the south of Puerto Rico. This is an all-in-one place, it has facilities for almost every sport, an aquatic park, botanical gardens, a small zoo, mountain bike trails, rock climbing, playgrounds, museums, fast food restaurants, and many more facilities.

Camuy Caverns

The caverns are part of a large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy. There are over 10 miles of caverns with 220 caves and 17 entrances.

Carolina Children’s Museum

Located in San Juan, the Carolina Children’s Museum is Puerto Rico’s only dedicated children’s museum and has over 100 hands-on interactive exhibitions ranging from music and art to transportation and physics. In the museum’s outdoor grounds, visitors will find a go-kart track, a plane donated by American Airlines, a mini zoo, and a small ferry making “Jungle Trips” through Blasina Lake. The exhibitions are designed to teach emotional intelligence concepts, such as impulse control, cu

Eat Great Food

• El Quenepo, Vieques – Located on the beach in Esperanza, Vieques, El Quenepo is known for elegant plates of seafood caught by local fishermen and delicious craft cocktails, including seasonal passion fruit caipirinhas made with fresh local passion fruit or Zaca-Coco made with Ron Zacapa Centenario XO. The vibe of the restaurant is elevated and chic, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
• Santaella, San Juan – Santaella is a sexy, chef-driven cornerstone of the San Juan dining scene. Helmed by José Santaella (who trained with Eric Ripert), the chic, tropical space — sleek, modern, with a beautiful interior garden — wowed diners when it opened in La Placita in 2011. The staff here incorporate the freshest ingredients into its daily menu, which consists of creative spins on classic dishes, including items such as goat cheese quesadillas, sweet plantains, and basil ice cream.
• Lola Eclectic Cuisine, Ponce – Ideal for diners looking for eclectic dishes in a cozy and private atmosphere, Lola offers excellent service and a menu that will suit everyone from carnivores to vegans. Some of the most popular dishes here include mahi mahi in lobster sauce, filet mignon, pistachio-crusted lamb rack, and duck a l’orange.
• Lechonera los Amigos, Cayey – Lechoneras are restaurants that serve lechón (whole roasted pig). Lechonera los Amigos is the first stop along the famous Guavate lechon route, which is a highway dotted with Puerto Rico’s famous pork stands. Los Amigos has more seating than most, often hosts live music, and serves some of the most delicious lechón on the Island.
• The English Rose, Rincón – Unquestionably the most popular breakfast restaurant in Rincón, The English Rose is located on top of a mountain featuring spectacular views of the coast. The menu includes local cuisine as well as English and American dishes, with vegan and vegetarian alternatives available. Our favorites include homemade jams and natural juices, the fruit bowls, eggs ruby, the house Bloody Mary, and their breads are homemade, too.

Puerto Rico is a great option for a family vacation and there are more locations to visit. This tropical Island offers different places that every member of the family can enjoy. A good trip planning will get you a better experience, especially for the kids that get bored easily and need lots of action to have fun.

Read Next:

Puerto Rico a 5 Star Vacation Destination

5 Best Caribbean Islands for Kids

The post Top 13 Activities For A Family Vacation In Puerto Rico appeared first on Mommy Travels.

With more than 700 islands belonging to 30 different nations, deciding where to head might be your most difficult task in heading to the Caribbean for a vacation with the kids. Hugely diverse, each has its own distinct feel. Some, like Jamaica, are huge, while others are no larger than sand banks in the middle of sparkling seas.

5 Best Caribbean Islands for Kids

Their proximity to the US in particular means few visitors have to endure the boredom of a long-haul flight, and many islands are known for their family-friendly resorts and attractions. These are the Caribbean islands we think are the best when traveling with kids.

Puerto Rico

When it comes to bringing history to life, no island in the Caribbean does it quite so well as Puerto Rico. San Juan’s historic district will take you and the kids right back to the time of the earliest European settlement in the Americas.

Its cobbled and winding streets lead to Castillo San Cristobal, one of the largest Spanish-built forts in the entire Caribbean, and one ripe for exploration. Meanwhile, the citadel of Castillo San Felipe del Morro has excellent play areas in addition to its hundreds of years’ worth of history.

Not to be outdone by neighboring islands, Puerto Rico is also able to boast areas of subtropical rainforest alive with chattering wildlife. El Yunque National Forest offers several trails suitable for kids, who get to splash about in a cooling lagoon or lake at the end of the walks too. They’ll also love racing to the top of Yokahú Observation Tower for unmatched views across the region.

The island’s golden beaches lead into waters that teem with a kaleidoscope of different fish and coral species, which thrive as far out as the smaller and quieter Puerto Rican islands of Vieques and Culebra. If you need one final push, it’s this – as a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, and US citizens don’t even need to bring a passport!

 Top 11 Activities For A Family Vacation In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico a 5 Star Vacation Destination

Anguilla

At just 15 miles long and three miles wide, Anguilla is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have a wealth of family attractions. The island’s main draw is undoubtedly its 33 idyllic white sand beaches, which regularly notch-up awards as some of the finest in the world.

I recommend starting at the wide expanse of sand at Maundays Bay, and checking out the competition from there. Sites like WIMCO have a range of excellent family-friendly villas and rentals right on many of the beaches too.

Anguilla’s dining scene is generally excellent, with restaurants happy to make allowances for children’s sometimes very specific dietary requirements. However, this British overseas territory is very much about sun, sea, and sand.

Scuba diving continues the laid-back atmosphere of Anguilla below the waves, while those looking to get the blood pumping might want instead to try horse-riding, parasailing or hang gliding. All are available from its beaches. The most adventurous kids will also surely love spelunking – or crawling around in some of the island’s underground caves.

Although the island’s currency is the East Caribbean dollar (and not British Pounds Sterling), the US dollar is also widely accepted.

Jamaica

Although it’s true Jamaica’s larger size means you’ll need to limit yourself to one section of the island, the upside is a larger diversity of things to do with the kids than is possible on Anguilla.

The island has plenty of rich golden sands for that authentic Caribbean getaway (just check out images of Negril, which stretches on for an astounding seven miles, or the more famous Montego Bay), but head inland and you’ll also find the dramatic landscapes of the Blue Mountains, draped in lush vegetation, and hiding a wealth of beautiful waterfall locations.

At Ocho Rios, for instance, families can head out to Dunn’s River Falls, which tumbles down a hillside for 600 feet. Nearby, you can also glide gently downriver on an inflated tube through the exotic scenery above the city itself.

For a quieter Jamaica experience without missing out on attractions, families often instead head to Port Antonio, which is nestled within the foothills of the Blue Mountains, yet is just a short distance from the coast. Its two picturesque harbors are visible from much of its accommodation. Here you can swap the inflated tubes of Ocho Rios for the pirate-like wooden rafts that are used to float gently along the Rio Grande.

One of the Caribbean’s better-known islands for family vacations, competition between all-inclusive resorts keeps costs down, and ensures there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Check out my previous post on the 5 best things to do with kids in Jamaica for some ideas.

Are Your Kids Too Old For Beaches Resort
6 Day Trip Ideas from Kingston, Jamaica

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic might not be at the top of your list of Caribbean islands that are great for kids, but it should be. Those in the know hail it as the region’s adventure capital.

On the all-important coast, alongside its beaches, there are chances to try your hand at surfing, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Inland, the island offers canopy tours through the rainforest and zip-lines that slide through the vegetation.

Like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic boasts several great value all-inclusive resorts, including Onyx Punta Cana on the northeast coast close to Playa Macao, which despite the number of hotel rooms still feels out of the way and undiscovered.

Further north along the coast is Puerto Plata, or the Port of Silver, one of the first places Christopher Columbus landed on his world-changing 1492 voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World. The city is therefore an important place in the history of the United States itself.

Direct flights to and from the US make getting to the Dominican Republic with a family all the easier, while you can let the all-inclusive resorts deal with all the logistics so you can just enjoy time with the kids on your well-deserved vacation.

Best things to do in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Breathless Punta Cana Resort &  Spa an Adults Only Paradise

Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana

Margaritaville Cap Cana Island Reserve

Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana

Martinique

For a family Caribbean vacation with a difference, it’s hard to argue against Martinique. Technically part of France, and equivalent to Hawaii’s position within the United States, here the sophistication of Paris meets the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean.

The French tricolor flies from all the important buildings, and the French language is widely spoken (as well as English, which is taught in schools). So, if you fancy a trip to Europe without even having to leave North America, Martinique is the island for you.

Not only that, but the island has a great infrastructure due to its close connection with the mother country, and a range of attractions which make it a destination which offers a little of everything the Caribbean as a whole has to offer.

Increasingly easy to get to from the United States, here small villages dot the beaches, and stays on the island have a much more personal and individual emphasis compared to the larger all-inclusive resorts of Jamaica and Dominican Republic.

For the most part, accommodation options are family-run, giving them the feel of a family home and ensuring they are very used to children. They normally comprise a handful of rooms just a short distance from the nearest patch of pristine sand. Despite this, it’s still easy to get on the water with a number of water sports, while the island’s heritage is an equally tantalizing proposition.

Bottom Line

The Caribbean is a fantastic option when considering a vacation with the kids. The five islands I’ve highlighted might not share much on the face of it, but each one of them offers something different for vacationers and their kids that for me make them the best in the region.

What are the Best Caribbean Countries to Visit?

7 Top Barbados All-inclusive Family Resorts

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

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Puerto Rico’s list of attractions is truly amazing, including El Yunque Rainforest the only rainforest part of the US  National Park Service full of waterfalls, scenic walks, and even a zip line. Here you can literally climb into the clouds. I can’t imagine how cool this would be, especially with my kids.

If you enjoying offroading consider taking an ATV through the foothills of the United States’ only rainforest by visiting Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is an action-packed ranch and a favorite adventure destination in Puerto Rico. For those seeking a tropical adrenaline rush, take off on an ATV through the 600-acre ranch in the foothills. During this invigorating ride, you get to experience the spectacular scenery of Puerto Rico’s east coast on top-of-the-line vehicles.

Don’t feel like going to the rain forest, then go to the beach!

Puerto Rice also has 270 miles of beaches. One of their beaches, Flamenco Beach, is considered one of the best beaches in the world. We are a family of beach bums, so this sounds like heaven.

Bioluminescent Bays

Puerto Rico is home to multiple Bioluminescent Bays and just going to see these alone would be creating a 5 star vacation experience. These bays glow at night due to a micro-organism that glows whenever the water is disturbed, leaving a trail of neon blue. You can go kayaking in the moonlight and enjoy the glowing waters.

The brightest bioluminescence effect in the world, recognized by Guinness World Records in 2006, can be found on the magical island of Vieques. Located to the east of Puerto Rico’s main island, the small island of Vieques can be reached either by ferry or via a small plane. Once there, travelers can arrange a kayak tour (some even have glass-bottom kayaks) with companies such as Bieque Eco Trips and Aqua Sunset Tours.

Need more adventure? Check out the caverns.

The Camuy Caverns are here too. The caverns are part of a large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy. There are over 10 miles of caverns with 220 caves and 17 entrances. For fun you can go spelunking in caverns. 

Officially discovered in 1958, archeological evidence shows that the caves were explored hundreds of years ago by the Island’s indigenous inhabitants. 

World’s Largest Rum Distillery

Visit the world’s largest premium rum distillery – When you arrive at Casa Bacardí you will be greeted with a welcome cocktail at the waterfront Bat Bar Pavilion. You will then join a guided tour to discover how Bacardí rum is made, and learn about the family-owned company’s history of craft and innovation. Other experiences include a rum tasting tour, mixology class and bottling your own Bacardí.

 

 

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

• El Blok – Tucked away on the island of Vieques, El Blok is a chic and sustainable boutique hotel designed by award-winning architect Natanial Fuster. This concrete sanctuary sits directly across the street from the beach and is ideal for the adventurous traveler looking to explore the island’s beauty, including the natural wonder of Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent in the world recognized by Guinness World Record in 2006. With only 30 guest rooms available in the adult-only environment, visitors can enjoy the ethereal, coral-reef inspired space without the feeling of being trapped in a school of fish. 

 

• O:Live – Resting along the Condado Lagoon and located in San Juan’s most luxurious district, the O:Live Boutique Hotel is the idyllic spot for those looking for a quiet, intimate getaway. The award-winning 15-room hotel is uniquely crafted to be the perfect setting for a traveler’s love story, complete with private verandas and outdoor soaking baths. Guests can take their love story off the pages too by taking the time to explore Condado, the most luxurious district of San Juan filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, the famous Casino Del Mar and the gorgeous Condado Beach where visitors can sail, snorkel, dive, surf and more.

 

• Combate Beach Resort – In the serene and untouched Cabo Rojo region of Puerto Rico, this 47-room boutique hotel offers a rugged terrain, windswept vistas and azure waters surrounding the retreat. Guests can venture off to enjoy some time at the local Salt Flats before experiencing the history and beauty that is the popular Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Between the hotel size and easy access to beautiful nearby attractions, travelers can enjoy their trips to the fullest extent without having to navigate crowded beaches or tightly packed restaurants.

 

• Rainforest Inn – Escape to the El Yunque Rainforest with this beautifully secluded yet luxurious bed and breakfast nestled deep within the jungle. Adventure through the beautiful, lucious rainforest to find wonders like La Coca waterfall and Yokahu Tower, an observation spot overlooking the vast vegetation covering the east coast of the island. Amidst the beautiful terrestrial paradise, guests will find themselves immersed in local Puerto Rican culture at this eco-lodge’s private villas while still feeling a thousand miles away from civilization.

Have you been Puerto Rico? What was your favorite thing? Leave a comment below!

Read Next:

Top 12 Activities For A Family Vacation In Puerto Rico

5 Best Caribbean Islands for Kids

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