You might as well call us Mr. and Mrs. Puerto-Retersik—we recently slipped away for a few days to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in Puerto Rico, and we adored it. San Juan delivered the perfect mix of beach relaxation, easy travel, and little adventures, so we wanted to share where we stayed, what we did, and what we ate in case you’re planning a trip.

Why Puerto Rico?

After an adventurous honeymoon in Alaska, we were craving a more relaxing, beach-focused escape for our tenth anniversary. Puerto Rico checked the boxes: short flights from the U.S. East Coast, no passport or currency hassles since it’s a U.S. territory, and a welcoming atmosphere where English is widely spoken. The island felt easy to navigate, friendly, and perfectly laid-back—ideal for slowing down and enjoying a few days without the routine of home.

Where We Stayed

We followed the advice to “get a modest room in a nice hotel” and stayed at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, just minutes from Old San Juan. We booked a package deal that bundled flights and hotel during the low season, which made the trip more budget-friendly. The hotel isn’t all-inclusive, which we prefer since we like trying local restaurants, but it offered multiple pools, beach access, and on-site dining—perfect if you want to relax and stay onsite.

We had about three and a half days and dedicated one day to doing absolutely nothing—lounging by the pool, reading, and ordering tacos delivered right to our chairs from a nearby restaurant. It was blissful. The property also offers a small beach with hammocks and a lagoon, in addition to larger sandy stretches nearby.

Mango tacos became a favorite, and we treated ourselves to a surprise couples massage at the hotel spa. The spa’s private lounge was a peaceful spot to linger after our treatment, and we spent part of the afternoon admiring the outdoor furnishings—small joys of travel.

What We Did – Adventure Day

One day we rented a car for 24 hours and set out east of San Juan for hiking, beach time, and a night kayaking adventure. Our driving route included Luquillo for beach time and a row of local food kiosks—open-air spots serving authentic Puerto Rican dishes. There we tried mofongo, a delicious plantain-based specialty, and loved it.

Next we visited El Yunque National Forest, the U.S. National Park System’s tropical rainforest. With limited time, we followed the visitor center’s recommendation for the La Mina Waterfall hike. The trail was lush and scenic; the waterfall was busy when we arrived, so we enjoyed the hike as much as the final viewpoint.

As night fell we drove on to Fajardo for a guided kayak tour through a mangrove channel to a bioluminescent bay. The guides were professional and made the experience memorable. Our tour had a later start for maximum darkness, and despite a full moon that made the glow slightly subtler, we paddled through tree-canopied waterways and saw the water sparkle when stirred—like glitter in the dark. It was enchanting and totally worth the late night.

We got back late, but we still enjoyed the hotel’s 24-hour hot tub—an unexpectedly private and relaxing way to end the day.

What We Did – Culture Day

Our second outing was a culture-packed day in Old San Juan. We took a short ride to the historic area and explored the massive colonial forts, Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Both offered dramatic ocean views, winding ramps, and iconic garitas (sentry boxes) perfect for photos.

Between the two forts we wandered Old San Juan’s streets, stopping to photograph colorful buildings, ornate balconies, and charming doorways. The neighborhood is ideal for strolling—every corner seems to offer another great photo op or a small café to relax in. We lunched at a tapas spot tucked beside a hotel courtyard, where outdoor dining and gentle breezes made for a lovely meal.

Squeezing In One More Adventure

On our last morning we fit in a few more treats: a final taco from a nearby food truck—possibly the best of the trip—and an hour of stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon behind our hotel. The calm water even held manatees, so paddling among them felt like a gentle, unexpected finale.

All told, Puerto Rico was one of our most relaxing and enjoyable anniversary trips. It’s a great option for a short getaway with minimal planning required—you can book a flight-and-hotel package, reserve one special activity like a kayak tour, and still leave room for spontaneous adventures. We came home refreshed and excited to bring the kids on future trips, knowing that a simple, well-chosen escape can feel effortless and restorative. Happy travels!