We stopped in Ponce's city center and came across this great historic site. It was Puerto Rico's…read morefirst official fire station, dating back to 1885. There was no entrance fee, and there were a few tours available that provided information about the history of the building and its role in Ponce. A quick, interesting, and very informative visit!

While in Ponce, I decided to visit Parque de Bombas, which is a historic red-and-black firehouse…read moremuseum at Plaza Las Delicias. It's often featured on posters, T-shirts, and other items. For example, a specific white Hard Rock Cafe shirt features the Parque de Bombas design on the back. I was quite surprised to learn that it was built in 1882 as a pavilion for an exhibition and later became Puerto Rico's first-ever fire station. For once, it looks nothing like a traditional fire station, and it didn't look that aged, so i suspect the city of Ponce ensures it is well maintained. It is free, but there is a donation pot just after the entrance. So, it doesnt hurt to give a few dollars to such a fine exhibit of firefighting history. On a side note, I parallel-parked on the street for free, as did a few locals. It was around the corner from Jalapeno's restaurant on a one-way street.

This is the other I heart PR sign on the island. Great photo…read moreopportunity! There was a line to take a picture both times we passed it. It's a popular spot!

This Sign is located at the San Juan Airport. Last thing you see as your heading into the airport…read moreto head home it's gets very nostalgic. Literally crying like I should have got one more Bacalaitos. Smh but lol all at the same time. My Puerto Rico I don't want to leave you.

Great visit to Castillo San Felipe del Morro on a Sunday morning…read more Arrived when they opened up at 9am and there was no wait to get in. Spectacular views of the castle itself as well the surrounding areas. Lots of history about the castle displayed through some great exhibits. Lots of walking, hills and some stairs throughout...so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Great gift shop. Friendly and helpful staff throughout. Admission fee is $10, but grants access to Castillo San Felipe del Morro as well as the nearby Castillo San Cristobal up until the following day...so be sure to take advantage and visit both within that period. There is a reasonably-priced nearby parking garage (Ballaja Parking Garage) just a short walk to the entrance. There is also free street parking along Bulevar del Valle in the early morning hours.

Checking out El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) in San Juan, PR was 1 of those experiences…read morethat really stays w/ you long after you leave. This historic Spanish fort was built in the 1500s & played a major role in defending San Juan from sea attacks during the colonial era. Walking through it, you can really feel the weight of that history. The thick stone walls, open courtyards, tunnels, and lookout points all reflect how strategic & intense life had to be back then, especially w/ the constant threat of war & invasion. What really hit me most emotionally was just being there & taking it all in. Standing on the grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it was easy to imagine what it must have been like centuries ago(soldiers watching the horizon, waiting for ships to appear). There's something powerful about physically being in a place that played such a major role in PR's history. It was honestly a really memorable moment for me. Not just b/c of what I learned, but b/c of how it felt being surrounded by so much history in 1 place. It gave me a deeper appreciation for San Juan & the stories built into the island itself.

Great stop along the main forest path…read more Lovely views from the top as expected. Designated parking lot steps away from the tower. There were adequate parking spaces in the late afternoon. Spiral stairs to get to the top. Small gift shop at the bottom.

Hopefully you didn't tire your legs out hiking before coming here. Yokahu Observation Tower has the…read morebest views from atop where you can see the rainforest with a 360 view which are breathtaking. Definitely a must stop during your El Yunque trip.

So here's the story. This lighthouse is old. Like real old. It was build by the Spaniard's in 1863…read more It has clearly recognizable bro classical design at top. Look up - you'll see it. It has been closed for a long time cause it's structurally unsound. Why come here? There's no light on the top. It's an old crumbling structure. You can't go it. Why come? You can walk around it. And you can read about it. (I posted signage) learn the role it played protecting the island of Puerto Rico when Spain owned it. And afterwards. So, learn some history. And when you come here you will be on a C L I F F. Y O U W I L L. L O O K. OUT ON A F I E R C E B O D Y. OF W A T E R. And feel the water blowing on your face. Your sunglasses. Your camera. Take pictures. Of the lighthouse. Of yourself. Sit down on the ground. Get sand on your butt. Smell the air. Relax. And look at the incredible vista. And think what the Spanish must have experienced on this very plot of land back in the late 1880's. Oh, I won't tell you about the secret path to the beach cause it's a secret. If you find it, don't leave garbage. Don't toss cigarette butts. Don't leave water bottles. Don't play your damn radio. Take pictures. Swim nude. Walk. Collect rocks. Wood. And leave. And shake your head and say in whatever your language is "wow, now that's incredible"

What a wonderful time we had!…read more NOTE: To anyone with small children that do not mind - this is located on a cliff, a very steep cliff! With lots of rocks and water below. Keep that in mind if you are taking children there. Also - you cannot go off the trail. You will see signs stating that there are unexploded bombs left over from when the Navy was there. Stay on the trail and you'll be fine. It sounds scarier than it really is. My recommendation would be to go but leave small children and pets at home. Take your camera - you'll be sorry if you don't.

This is our third time visiting, but the first time we come that my daughter is old enough to enjoy…read moreand remember. Everything was as it's always been, with the difference that this time around the roof of the lighthouse was inaccessible. Unfortunately, it is still closed for repairs from damages caused bu Maria. That's where the four stars come in. This is not something they warn you about at the time of the reservation. The grounds are well taken care of and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable of the area. This is a great place to visit and one of the few in the island were the resources are protected. Even with the top deck closed, the view itself it's worth the visit. They also do night tours of the bio-bay. Paths and tour are kid friendly.

Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, or Fajardo Lighthouse, is located in north-eastern Puerto Rico,…read more just north of the port of Fajardo. The lighthouse is within the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, and is managed by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. The lighthouse was constructed by the Spanish in 1880, and officially lit on May 2, 1882. This location is on Cape San Juan, which was "the reference point of those who regularly navigate these islands" as described in 1782 by Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra, writer of the first formal history of Puerto Rico. The original lantern had a range of up to 18 miles, and displayed a fixed white light which flashed red every three minutes. It was changed after the United States invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 after the Spanish refused an offer of $160 million to purchase the territory. The building is of neo-classic architectural style and looks like a small castle. Inside the main entrance a corridor leads to a stairway ascending into the lighthouse tower, with an elaborate cast-iron stairway. They don't let you up to the lantern though, which is what I really wanted to see. The lighthouse is part of the tours run by the Conservation Trust, including the evening tour of the bio bay. (See separate review of Reserva Naturel Las Cabezas De San Juan). You go inside the building to see nature displays and watch a movie about the lighthouse and the bio bay. Then you go up to the deck and admire the view from the highest point of Cape San Juan. Day tours of the nature reserve and lighthouse are scheduled at 9:30am, 10:30am and 1:30pm. Our evening tour started around 7:00 pm. The nature reserve is open to the public during the day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but you need a reservation. Call the Conservation Trust at 787-722-5882 and 787-860-2560 on the weekends. Watch for the entrance gate with the guard building on the north end of a beach on the left side - its real easy to drive right by. In 1981 the lighthouse was listed in the U.S. National Register for Historic Places.

It's iconic! It may not be a big deal for someone living here, but that view of the harbor when…read morewalking up or down is absolutely stunning. It's way better in person than in pictures. Our walking tour started from Blackbeard's Castle. Fortunately, it is much easier walking down than up. They've added more sturdy hand rails which makes it so much safer. It had been closed for a while due to ongoing structural repairs. The Danes constructed it some time in the 1700s. The steps were needed to get from the harbor to the higher parts of Government Hill. The bricks come from the ballast used to balance the weight of cargo in the hull of merchant ships. Many Caribbean structures and even some cities on the US coastal mainland were built with these yellow bricks. They did a good job restoring it while keeping its historical look. It's a cool local experience that shouldn't be missed. A highly recognized landmark in Charlotte Amalie.

My family and I were on a cruise and one of our stops was St. Thomas. While we were in port, we…read moredecided to explore the area and stray away from the portside attractions and vendors. Depending on what you plan to do, St. Thomas is walkable, but they also have public transportation. My family walked around the island and used public transportation as well. If you are interested in going walking up the 99 steps I would definitely recommend visiting Blackberds Castle, because it is located at the top of the staircase. The staircase is located down an ordinary street, so it might be hard to recognize it at first. Make sure to look at photos before going so you don't pass, like my family did. The staircase is well maintained with no visible damage, such as missing stones. To my surprise the staircase was wide making it easy for one person to go up and down at the same time. Since it does get hot in St. Thomas I would recommend going in the morning. This is what my family did and there was a couple climbing the stairs with us. One nice aspect I liked was there were trees covering the top of the stairs, making a wonderful canopy of shade, so that the sun doesn't roast you while making the descent up or down the staircase. If you are interested in walking up the 99 steps I would recommend that you are in good health, because it could be strenuous to some. Don't worry though, because Blackbeard Castle is also accessible by road, so if you are unable to make the climb you do have other options. The best part was making it to the top of the staircase and seeing the gorgeous panamic view of St. Thomas, truly memorizing. If I'm ever back in St. Thomas, I would definitely make the climb again with my family.

This was a cool spot that our tour guide took us too…read more The tunnel had BATS inside of it, fruit eating bats thank goodness. Views are amazing Guajataca Tunnel is a railroad tunnel that connected the town of Isabela and Quebradillas, Puerto Rico. The tunnel is one of the most significant work of the remnants of the national railway system that connected the island during the first half of the twentieth century

Another cool stop for the trip to the West side of the island. On the weekends, there is a small…read moreridable miniature train that recreates the journey that Puerto Rico's railway made across the tunnel back in the early 1900s. Beyond the tunnel, there's a path that will lead you to a beach and some tide pools you can chill in.

This was another huge sign/landmark that was used a lot for photo opportunities by people getting…read moreoff the Carnival Cruise boat we were on as well as other tourists. The sign is just outside the Port of San Juan, a bit down from the I Love (Heart) PR Sign. Not a boricua, but I can certainly appreciate the sign.