Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮ Puerto Rico Places to Go – Destinations ⎮ Ponce Puerto Rico
Favorite Tour in Ponce
A day trip to the uninhabited paradise of Caja de Muertos offers opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in clear turquoise waters. Ponce serves as an excellent base to explore the captivating beaches and attractions in the southwest, central mountains, and southeast, conveniently located about 1.5 hours from San Juan.
Ponce Travel Guide
Ponce, the second oldest city in Puerto Rico, is situated along the southern coast, gently sloping towards the Caribbean Sea and the hills of the central mountains. Founded in 1692 by Ponce de Leon’s great-grandson, it is aptly known as 'La Perla del Sur' (The Pearl of the South), boasting one of the most elegant squares and buildings on the island. In Ponce, visitors can immerse themselves in days filled with diverse activities – strolling through the historic city center, exploring coffee plantations, stepping back in time to where Taino Natives once danced, and visiting one of the finest art museums in the Caribbean.
🏨 Best Hotels & Resorts in Ponce
Top Tours & Excursions from Ponce
Main Attractions in Ponce
- Caja de Muertos Island
- Parque de Bombas - located at the Town Square of the Historic District of Ponce
- Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce's Art Museum)
- Plaza de Las Delicias (Town Square) - located at the Historic District of Ponce
- Hacienda Pomarrosa
- Centro Ceremonial Indigena Tibes
- Castillo Serralles
- Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Guadalupe
- Hacienda Buena Vista
- La Guancha (Currently under re-construction)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Ponce
Pros
- The Luis Muñoz Marin (SJU) airport is only 90 minutes from Ponce, and the drive is easy and direct.
- With a car rental, you'll have easy highway access to San Juan, the central mountains, the offshore cays of La Parguera and bioluminescent bay, the Guanica Dry State Forest, the historic district of Ponce, charming quiet towns nearby, and the great beaches of the southwest.
Cons of staying on the south coast
If you're ok driving, there are no cons to staying on the South Coast. There are no beaches in Ponce; you'll have to drive to Guanica, Lajas, and Cabo Rojo for the best beaches on the south coast. From Ponce it is all highway driving to the best beaches, so you won't waste much time,
Getting Around Ponce
A car rental is really necessary to enjoy a great vacation on the south coast of Puerto Rico. As we previously noted, Ponce is the best town to stay due to the hotel options and excellent central location. You can be in San Juan in 1 hour, take a drive along the scenic southeast coast, enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the amazing beaches of the southwest, and head into the central mountains for the scenery and top attractions.
Best Things to Do in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Tours in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Please visit our guide for Best Things to Do on the South Coast of Puerto Rico for more attractions and activities.
Photo Gallery of Ponce, Puerto Rico
Places of Interest to Locals & Events
Teatro La Perla
Panteon Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro
Festival de Las Quenepas
One of Ponce’s slogans is “Ciudad de Las Quenepas” (The city of Quenepas – Spanish Lime). From July – October, you’ll find these delicious treats sold around the plaza, highways, markets… everywhere. Although quenepas grow around the whole island, Puerto Ricans consider quenepas in Ponce to be extra special. There are four types of quenepas that grow in Puerto Rico and one of them is named Ponce.
Quenepas Cultural Event
Eating Quenepas
Top Rated Tours in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Things to Do ⎮ Puerto Rico Places to Go – Destinations ⎮ Ponce Puerto Rico