Admin
June 19, 2023
Experience the vibrant charm of Old San Juan during the sizzling summer months! Check out these fun activities, refreshing treats, and cool spots that will make your summer in Old San Juan an unforgettable adventure.
Beat The Heat
Playa Escambron
Escambron is one of the best beaches in the Old San Juan area. They have parking, restrooms, and even showers to rinse off! The beach itself is diverse in uses, the main beach and largest stretch of sand is perfect for lounging around in the sun and catching some rays. You won’t find much along the lines of wildlife, but the beach is calm and protected from the tides making it great for kids and adults alike. The smaller beach is located on a bay, the beach is not as tanning friendly and is used for scuba and snorkeling classes with Scuba Dogs. You can also find a significant population of green sea turtles living in the bay, make sure to go in the early hours of the day if you want to see them!
Escambron is also a well-known surf spot, if that’s your vibe you can rent a surfboard across the street or bring your own.
Playa Del Capitolio is closer to the center of Old San Juan than Escambron. Located right across the street from the capital building this beach boasts amazing views of the Atlantic. The tide brings in lots of sea glass and knick-knacks making it a popular spot for collectors. Playa Del Captiolio is also a lot less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area, especially on the weekends!
Refreshing Treats To Cool Off
When the sun’s rays become relentless in Old San Juan, nothing beats indulging in some icy treats to cool off!
Look out for piraguas, the traditional Puerto Rican twist on a snow cone. These brightly colored shaved ice cones are generously covered in fruity syrups with flavors like tamarind, passion fruit, and coconut. You’ll often find vendors pushing their piragua carts along the cobblestone streets, offering a respite on a hot summer day!
Limbers
Another local favorite are limbers, frozen ice cups that are both refreshing and irresistible. These handheld treats are traditionally made from a variety of tropical fruits however, there are flavors such as Nutella and vanilla as well.
Seek out small local shops or street vendors to savor a taste of these frozen delights.
For a more modern take on frozen treats, visit Señor Paleta, a charming popsicle shop in Old San Juan. Indulge in their gourmet popsicles made with fresh ingredients that come in many creative flavors.
Don’t miss out on these staple summer treats as you explore the colorful streets of the city!
Parks
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at one of Old San Juans many beautiful parks!
Located just across the street from Playa Escambron is Luis Munoz Rivera Park. It’s a popular place among locals where you can take a walk along the lush paths and breathe in the fresh sea air. This park is also great for bike riding, yoga, and other active hobbies.
The most popular and well-known park in Old San Juan is Parque De Las Palomas. This park has a large flock of friendly pigeons that you can feed. The pigeons are highly socialized with people and will land on anyone around so be prepared. There are vendors located around the park that you can buy birdseed from to feed the pigeons!
Last but not least is Parque Pasivo, tucked away in the northeastern corner, this park is perfect for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy a more private experience surrounded by Bougenvilla trees. The main attractions is the group of iconic stray cats living in this park, all of which are taken care of by the organization Save A Gato.
