The Best Honeymoon Ideas in Puerto Rico The Best Honeymoon Ideas in Puerto Rico

The Best Honeymoon Ideas in Puerto Rico

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Why go?: Puerto Rico has it all — romantic beaches, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, and lively Latin culture. The best part is it’s just a quick flight from the continental U.S. and you can leave your passport at home.

Best ideas: Wander the streets of Old San Juan, trek through the lush foliage of El Yunque National Forest, relax on white sandy beaches, and kayak through bioluminescent bays.

Good to know: Avoid visiting during the rainy season (June through November). Nothing ruins a honeymoon like a hurricane.

Puerto Rico has all the makings of the perfect honeymoon: dreamy sands flanked by turquoise waters and plenty to do beyond the beach. Plus, after planning a wedding, the thought of organizing a complicated honeymoon is exhausting. You may not want to deal with visas, foreign currencies, language barriers, and other things that could put a damper on your romantic escape. 

Enter Puerto Rico as the ideal solution, offering U.S. visitors a destination that’s culturally diverse yet still allows you to visit with your U.S. passport and use your U.S. dollars since it’s a Caribbean island but also an unincorporated U.S. territory. Plus, everyone speaks English, though if you want to practice that high school Spanish, you can — ¡Ole!. A Puerto Rican honeymoon adventure is ideal for beginner travelers who may be nervous about going to a foreign country, for those wanting to stay closer to home and have a shorter vacation — or for a very tired bride and groom who need a sexy getaway but can’t deal with the logistics of a more complicated trip. Puerto Rico is easy, beautiful, romantic, and can be very affordable — don’t worry, there are some swoon-worthy luxury options, too. What’s not to love? Start packing

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Traveling & Getting Around in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is just a few hours by plane from many destinations around the U.S. An easy and painless flight over, it’s nice to be able to reach paradise so quickly via various airlines like Delta, American, JetBlue, and even low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines. While flying with Spirit may not be the luxury you’d imagined for your honeymoon, snapping up a one-way fare for $60 is certainly enticing, leaving you with plenty of extra cash to spend on other things like dining, lodging, or any activities once you get there. As I mentioned earlier, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, meaning you won’t need any visas or passports, making logistics even easier.

A honeymoon in Puerto Rico is best done during the high or shoulder seasons. High season is from December to March, but visiting between April and June should have you seeing sunny skies and fewer visitors for those wanting emptier beaches. Although you may also have great weather from June through November, there’s always the risk of a hurricane or excessive rain. Considering the island just finally recovered from the devastation Hurricane Maria caused in 2017, you may not want to test your luck. While it may be worth the risk to visit during rainy season for a regular trip, a honeymoon is special, so it may be best to avoid traveling to the island during this season entirely, if only for the peace of mind. 

While Puerto Rico is logistically easy, that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of its own culture. In fact, it’s just the opposite. San Juan has a wonderful salsa culture, and visitors can listen to live music and dance at many bars and clubs in the area. Street art is abundant, especially in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood. Monuments can be found around the city, and El Morro fortress, which sits at the edge of the city, gives insight to the island’s unique history.

If you love the beach, Puerto Rico is also right for you. Tiny islands off the coast like Culebra and Vieques give off that wild desert-island and secluded-beach feel. Surfing, snorkeling, and diving are popular activities. For something more energetic, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Kayaking through bioluminescent bays, rainforest walks, and exploring natural parks like Humacao get you off the beach and more into nature.

Honeymooning in Puerto Rico: Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • It’s affordable.
  • You can use U.S. dollars.
  • You don’t need a passport.
  • The island offers a mix of beach, culture, history, and nature.
  • It’s close to the continental U.S. for easy arrival.

Cons:

  • To explore, you’ll need to drive a lot.
  • Parking can be difficult in Old San Juan.
  • Visiting during hurricane season could ruin your honeymoon.
  • The island can be crowded during high season.

Puerto Rico Regions and Neighborhoods

Getting around the island is best done by renting a car. Expect traffic, especially during the busy season or when visiting popular destinations such as El Yunque National Forest. You can visit the outer islands by ferry or a short plane ride.

  • San Juan

    San Juan, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    Colorful buildings line the cobblestone streets of Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan. A city offering the best of everything — luxury digs, windswept beaches, and Spanish colonial history — it’s the perfect base for your romantic Puerto Rican honeymoon. For beaches, it’s best to stay in the Condado area and for historic charm, Old San Juan.

  • Vieques

    Vieques, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    A wild, rugged island off the coast of San Juan, this is a secluded spot perfect for honeymooners. With semi-wild horses that freely roam the island and opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and prime relaxation, this island is for those wanting to chill out in tranquil surroundings. 

  • Culebra

    Culebra, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    A rustic paradise with some of the most stunning beaches in all of the Caribbean, this isn’t the place to find sprawling, luxury resorts, or fancy dress-t0-the-nines restaurants. Expect quaint B&Bs and Mom-and-Pop style eateries — if you can drag yourself away from the pristine beaches, that is. 

  • Fajardo

    Fajardo, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    A region about an hour east of San Juan, this is the place to visit if you love water sports, exploring, and perhaps a visit to Bioluminescent Bay. The nearby beaches of Luquillo are long, sandy, and frequented by locals. This area is also close to the El Yunque National Forest. 

  • Ponce

    Ponce, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Aerovisual Media / Discover Puerto Rico)

    Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, Ponce is a great base for exploring the island’s southern coast and soaking in all the local charm along La Gauncha boardwalk and nearby natural wonders like Guánica forest. 

  • Rincón

    Rincón, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    The laid-back shores of Rincón are perfect for surfers, hippies, or anyone wanting to enjoy epic sunsets. 

  • Best Attractions & Activities in Puerto Rico

  • Kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay

    Bahía Bioluminiscente, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    Puerto Rico is home to a few bioluminescent bays, where the water glows at certain times thanks to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that are stimulated by movement. One of the best places to see this phenomenon is Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques. Thanks to the lack of light pollution in the bay, the glow can be quite strong. Depending on where you choose to enjoy your honeymoon, you can also visit Laguna Bay in Fajardo or La Parguera, reachable from Ponce, for a bio bay adventure. 

  • See the Free-Roaming Horses in Vieques

    Vieques, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    The horses on Vieques Island aren’t really wild, but they do roam free. Since Vieques is small and calm, owners allow their horses to wander, meaning visitors can enjoy spotting the animals on the beach and around the island. 

  • Cabo Rojo

    Cabo Rojo, 00623, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Beautiful Destinations / Discover Puerto Rico)

    Known as one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful capes, this area, which is about an hour from Ponce, is famous for its stunning beaches and amazing marine life. Playa Sucia is one of the best beaches, which is ironic, as the name means “dirty beach” and is anything but. The nearby island of Isla de Mona is known as the Galápagos of the Caribbean due to the plethora of underwater life and reptile species (iguanas) that inhabit the island. 

  • El Yunque National Forest

    Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Luis Figueroa / Discover Puerto Rico)

    No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a visit to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Walk, hike, or visit the waterfalls in this magical natural environment. 

  • Learn to Surf

    Cll Miramar, Rincon, Rincón 00677, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Rincón Surf School & Resort)

    Rincón is known for its big swells, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Rincón Surf School offers private lessons starting at $120 per person. Board rentals are also available for more advanced surfing couples. 

  • Go Diving

    4 Cll Pedro Marquez, Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    Culebra Divers offers dives at more than 50 sites and will take you to whichever one has the best conditions on that particular day. With a maximum of six divers per group, diving experiences feel curated and private. One-day, two-tank dives start at $120 per person. 

  • Old San Juan

    Viejo San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    You can always enjoy a walking tour of Old San Juan, but nothing is more romantic than getting lost along its colorful, historic streets. Make sure to visit the famous San Felipe del Morro castle and fort, which overlooks the ocean. 

  • Bosque Seco de Guánica

    Carenero, Guánica 00653, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Beautiful Destinations / Discover Puerto Rico)

    This special biosphere reserve is a tropical dry forest located about 30 minutes from Ponce. With 12 different walking trails, beaches, and mangroves, you can spot diverse flora and fauna and enjoy a romantic natural escape. It’s also possible to mountain bike in the forest. 

  • Humacao

    Humacao, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Fernando / Discover Puerto Rico)

    Spot lizards, turtles, monkeys, and birds at Humacao Nature Reserve. After a walk through the forest, you can kayak or go for a ride on horseback. Don’t forget to visit the rugged beach that makes up part of the reserve. 

  • Rum Tasting at Casa Bacardi

    PR-165, Cataño, 00949, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Casa Bacardi)

    Enjoy a historic tour through the famous Casa Bacardi, complete with a rum tasting and mixology tips. Tours and tastings start at $60 per person. 

  • Caja de Muertos

    Caja de Muertos, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of East Island Excursions)

    East Island Excursions will pick you up in Ponce so you can enjoy a day trip to the small island of Caja de Muertos. Famous for its nature reserve and Pelicano beach, the island’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling — keep an eye out for sea turtles — and you can visit a museum and lighthouse on the island. 

  • Pick a Beach, Any Beach

    Mata De Plátano, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo of Luquillo Beach courtesy of Fernando Diez / Discover Puerto Rico)

    Puerto Rico is chock-full of beautiful beaches. Visit the beaches along Condado and Isla Verde in San Juan, Luquillo near Fajardo, Flamenco and Tortuga on Culebra, Sun Bay on Vieques, Crashboat near Rincón, and Sucia near Ponce. 

  • Go Salsa Dancing

    Caribbean Towers #21, Ave. Ponce de Leon 670, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Lyma Rodríguez / Discover Puerto Rico)

    While many of the bars in San Juan offer beginner salsa classes or a relaxed evening of live music where you can dance, if you want a private class, check out the local branch of the Arthur Murray Caribbean Dance School. 

  • Catch a Perfect Sunset

    El Morro, San Juan, 00916, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico)

    Puerto Rico has some spectacular sunsets. The best spots to see them are on the west side of the island, like virtually any of the beaches in Rincón. El Morro fort and castle in Old San Juan is especially stunning at sunset, too. 

  • The Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs in Puerto Rico

  • The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

    Best Resort-Style Amenities State Road 187 Kilometer 4.2, Río Grande, 00745, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort)

    Vibe: Located between San Juan and Fajardo, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort has a private beach, multitiered pool, butler service, and an 18-hole golf course. The hotel also allows honeymooners to list resort activities on their online wedding registry, meaning you can ask your wedding guests to get you things like spa services or even pay for part of your room.

    Price: Room rates start around $500 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. 

  • Hotel El Convento

    Best for History Buffs 100 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Hotel El Convento)

    Vibe: This historic hotel dates back to 1646 and, as the name suggests, was once a convent.

    Price: Honeymooners will love the Romantic Memories package (starting at $189 per night), which includes an in-room gift of sparkling wine and chocolates, a daily drinks-and-hors d’oeuvres reception, and rose petal turndown service. 

  • O:LV Fifty Five

    Trendiest Adults-Only Hotel 55 Cll Barranquitas, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of O:LV Fifty Five)

    Vibe: A trendy adults-only hotel with just 26 suites, O:LV Fifty Five is one of the newest and hippest spots on the Puerto Rico hotel scene. The rooftop pool is the place to be, and splurging for a design balcony suite is worth it.

    Price: Rates start at $280 per night, while balcony rooms run upwards of $340 per night. 

  • El San Juan Hotel

    Best Pools 6063 Av. Isla Verde, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of El San Juan Hotel)

    Vibe: Glamorous and sexy, El San Juan Hotel is inspired by high-end island living. You’ll find artful ocean references in everything from the decor to the music to the cuisine, and at the property’s four swimming pools.

    Price: Rates start at $350 per night, but honeymooners should splurge for the Villa & Breakfast package, which includes a complimentary breakfast buffet for two adults per day if the Banyan Villa, Pool Villa, or Ocean Villa are booked. 

  • Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

    Best "Go Big or Go Home" Splurge 100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado, 00646, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve)

    Vibe: For the ultimate in opulence, stay at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which has rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely so guests can admire the ocean views. Some rooms have plunge pools as well. The resort, located about 40 minutes west of Old San Juan, also has its own 11-mile Rockefeller Trail, taking you past the beach, woods, and golf course.

    Price: Rates start at $850 per night and you can expect to pay an additional $125 in resort fees on top of that. 

  • While many of the most romantic and luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico are located in and around San Juan, there are few select options around the island if you prefer to honeymoon elsewhere.

  • Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

    Best Amenities 1150 Av. Caribe, Ponce, 00716, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort)

    Vibe: Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort is home to a golf course, tennis courts, two pools, and a casino. While this isn’t an all-inclusive resort, dining options range from casual to elegant and everything in between.

    Price: Rates start at $195 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night. 

  • Royal Isabela

    Most Secluded 396 Ave Noel Estrada, Isabela, 00662, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Royal Isabela)

    Vibe: About two hours west of San Juan on a secluded beach, you’ll find the Royal Isabela, a luxurious golf resort that feels like a true honeymoon escape. Each of the resort’s peaceful casitas comes with a private plunge pool and terrace.

    Price: Rates start at $350 per night. 

  • Malecón House

    Best Boutique Hotel 105 Calle Flamboyan, Vieques, 00765, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Malecón House)

    Vibe: For a relaxing, comfortable stay on the island of Vieques, visit Malecón House. The 13-room boutique hotel is luminous and breezy, setting the tone for an enjoyable stay.

    Price: Rates start at $180 per night.

  • Airbnb: Coconut Treehouse

    Best Value Rincon, Rincón, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

    Vibe: For a memorable and quirky Rincón adventure, stay in a wooden cabin set high above the foliage complete with a kitchen and living area. With a deck overlooking the ocean — complete with hammock — you’ll never want to leave.

    Price: Rates start at $135 per night. 

  • Airbnb: Ruisenor's Nest Cottage

    Best Views Culebra, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

    Vibe: A hidden escape on the quiet island of Culebra, Ruisenor’s Nest Cottage is a small private space with awe-inspiring sea views. Note that you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to get here.

    Price: Prices start at $130 per night.

  • A note on cruises: Only consider taking a cruise if you’d prefer to quickly stop in San Juan as part of a much larger Caribbean adventure that also stops in places like the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and beyond. This type of trip is completely different from spending actual time in Puerto Rico as you may only have a few hours to see the sights of Old San Juan before getting back on the boat.

  • Best Restaurants & Bars in Puerto Rico

  • Oceano

    Best Views 2, calle Vendig, San Juan, PR 00907
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    (Photo courtesy of Oceano)

    One of the most romantic beachfront dining spots in San Juan, Oceano boasts a Miami vibe with a Puerto Rican twist. The restaurant is best visited at lunch or at sunset to enjoy its superb ocean views. Sample the colossal shrimp mofongo, which is a plateful of jumbo shrimp, yucca mofongo and passion fruit reduction ($29). 

  • Marmalade

    Best Wine Bar 317 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar)

    This San Juan restaurant and wine bar focuses on sustainable food and wine. The cocktail list is pretty impressive too, with drinks like the Jimi Hendrix, made from muddled mint and sliced jalapeños drowning in fresh cucumber juice, Hendrick’s gin, and a touch of lime. Marmalade’s four-course tasting menus start at $75 per person, plus $49 for the wine pairing. 

  • Niche Bistro

    Best Brunch Menu 8 Calle Taft, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Niche Bistro)

    While French-inspired Niche Bistro is a romantic San Juan dinner date spot, it’s also a great place for breakfast, especially if you’re a late riser. The bistro is open for brunch until 3 p.m. on weekends and 1 p.m. on weekdays. You can expect to spend under $20 for breakfast and coffee or around $80 for a two-course dinner with wine. 

  • Casita Miramar

    Best for Traditional Puerto Rican Cuisine 00907, 605 Av. Miramar, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Casita Miramar)

    For traditional Puerto Rican cuisine in an historic Spanish villa, dine at Casita Miramar. Allow plenty of time to dine as this popular San Juan spot doesn’t accept reservations and you’ll probably have to wait. The beef stew is especially hearty and delicious ($15). For something lighter, try the avocado stuffed with mahi ($26). 

  • Verde Mesa

    Best Farm-to-Table Food 107 Calle Tetuan Esq, Calle San José, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Verde Mesa)

    This cozy, vintage restaurant is perfect for a quiet San Juan evening meal. With its focus on farm-to-table organic ingredients, you really can’t go wrong with ordering almost anything on the menu at Verde Mesa, but we recommend the swordfish sandwich ($15). 

  • La Factoria

    Most Creative Cocktails 148 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of La Factoria)

    Voted one of the world’s top 50 bars, La Factoria is one of San Juan’s hottest haunts for a night of cocktails and salsa dancing. Make sure to order the Rocket Man cocktail, made with Ketel One vodka, Creole green juice, honey, and spices. The bar continues to donate proceeds from this drink to support post-Hurricane Maria roofing efforts. 

  • La Copa Llena

    Best Place for Dinner at Sunset Black Eagle Marina, Rincon, Rincón 00677, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of La Copa Llena)

    For a laid back sunset cocktail and tapas, visit La Copa Llena at the Black Eagle in Rincón. Sample the manchego-and-chorizo appetizer ($3) or the chargrilled octopus with Rancho Gordo heirloom beans, yogurt, and lemon doused with salsa verde ($18). 

  • Sabor y Rumba

    Best Place to Eat Alongside the Locals #66 Calle Reina Isabel, Ponce, 00730, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo of food at Sabor y Rumba courtesy of TatoBrujo)

    Located in what was once a cinema in the 1960s, the Sabor y Rumba restaurant in Ponce now has a gorgeous outdoor patio perfect for relaxed and romantic dining. Sample the house speciality, pork mofongo topped with guava. Expect to spend around $50-60 per person for a three-course meal and drinks. 

  • Cinco Nudos Fajardo

    Best Local-Style Seafood Carr. 987 Km. 2.4, 00738, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Cinco Nudos)

    For an afternoon of seafood fun in Fajardo, visit Cinco Nudos. The waterfront space offers great two-for-one happy hour deals if it’s mojitos you’re after. For a real splurge, order the Caribbean lobster ($19.95 per lb), drenched in spicy rum, butter, and herbs. 

  • Vibra Verde

    Best for Vegans and Vegetarians Culebra, 00775, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of Vibra Verde)

    One of Culebra’s most revered rustic cafes, Vibra Verde offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy dining options, as well as delicious, hearty breakfasts. Expect to wait, as the spot is popular among both locals and visitors. Don’t leave without ordering the organic fresh guava juice ($4).

  • Biekes Bistro

    Best Caribbean and Argentinian Cuisine 340-01 Calle Antonio G. Mellado, Isabella II, Vieques, PR 00765
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    (Photo courtesy of Biekes Bistro)

    For a blend of Caribbean and Argentinian flavors, head to Biekes Bistro in Vieques. The obvious choice when on an island is to order the seafood, so plan to do so here. Choose the catch of the day, usually red snapper or grouper, and pair it with a glass of sangria ($8). 

  • La Estación

    Best Street Food Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico
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    (Photo courtesy of La Estación)

    We know barbecue isn’t the most romantic cuisine, but stopping at La Estación in Fajardo for lunch is worth appearing in front of your newly wedded partner covered in barbecue sauce. The restaurant features a new style of cuisine called Nuyorican BBQ that combines American barbecue techniques with a palate of Caribbean flavors and spices. Sample the slow smoked pulled pork kayak, which is sweet plantain stuffed with pulled pork, local cheese, cilantro-lime crema, and pickled red onions ($11). 

  • Bottom Line

    Puerto Rico is a beautiful, affordable, and easy getaway. The island has just the right mix of culture, cuisine, adventure, and beaches to make any couple a pair of happy honeymooners. So leave your passport at home, hop on a flight and voila, just a few hours later you’ll be in La Isla Encantada: the paradise of Puerto Rico.