Same-sex marriage was legalized in Puerto Rico in 2015.
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Long renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and towering mountains, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has become an especially popular vacation destination for both U.S. residents and international visitors, but it's not just the island's abundant natural beauty that draws tourists. Puerto Rico has long been a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers thanks to its many gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, and communities, providing queer visitors the opportunity to explore the island to their heart's content. Whether you're sampling local cuisine in Old San Juan, exploring the beautiful coast of Fajardo, or relaxing in Condado with a cocktail in hand, the island of Puerto Rico is perfect for a laid-back getaway that's open to all types of travelers.
Explore Condado, San Juan's idyllic seaside resort town
Condado is home to the aptly named Condado Beach, which is a particularly popular spot for sunbathing. [+] Local gays and tourists alike.
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Puerto Rico is home to a plethora of LGBTQ-friendly destinations, from Cabo Rojo to Palmas del Mar, but for those looking to stay closer to the capital, there's one truly charming base: Condado. With sandy beaches and plenty of upscale dining options, this vibrant neighborhood is perfect for exploring the wealth of amenities San Juan has to offer, and the Condado Ocean Club is one of the most charming hotels.
Located just steps from the San Juan coastline, this sophisticated hotel epitomizes Condado's upscale charm, with 96 luxurious rooms offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Guests can spend the day lounging around the infinity pool, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at SOCIAL after a long day in the sun. Drinks range from orange-flavored margaritas to ginger coconut mojitos, both of which pair perfectly with shrimp ceviche or spicy tuna tacos. Of course, SOCIAL is not the only dining option available at Condado.
For a truly memorable Pride Month, head to Wicked Lily, a breezy beachside venue known for its glamorous Sunday drag brunch. Upon arrival, guests can sip rum-filled Pilgrimage cocktails or order a bottomless mimosa special, then nibble on crispy calamari and lobster guacamole before the show begins. Frequent performers range from Miss Queen's Club winner Amarala Sophia to RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14 alumna Alyssa Hunter, but no matter who's onstage on any given Sunday, each act is packed with dazzling costumes and jaw-dropping death drops guaranteed to wow the crowd.
Later in the evening, Condado visitors can keep sipping cocktails with a visit to the truly excellent Furtivo Speakeasy Bar, a recent addition to the local drinks scene. In addition to classic cocktails like the Rusty Nail and Bee's Knees, this sophisticated venue also practices the art of craft mixology, serving up complex concoctions ranging from the Tenerife, a flavorful blend of coconut and dark rum, to the Furtivo Expresso, a bourbon-based cocktail infused with rich notes of coffee and pumpkin. In between sips, you can also enjoy the variety of tapas that grace the menu; the croquettes stuffed with smoked ham and the deep-fried tuna baos are two menu items that first-time visitors shouldn't miss.
Discover the rich culture of Bayamon and Old San Juan
Old San Juan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
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And of course, there's no shortage of first-class destinations for those looking to expand their horizons beyond Condado's borders. Just south of the district, Santaella is a particularly upscale venue that sits on the edge of La Placita, a charming open-air market that transforms into a bustling bar district at night. The menu is packed with sophisticated cocktails, and the tropical-fruit-filled Parchita and Golden Family are two must-try choices for rum lovers. And each dish is the most elegant expression of Puerto Rico's rich flavors. First-time diners can start the meal with a crispy alcapurria, stuffed with grilled octopus and white crab. Pasterón is a particularly hearty main course, stuffed with sweet pureed plantain, ground beef, and a rich cheese blend.
For those who want to get in touch with their artistic side during their visit to the island, one particularly attractive spot lies outside the city of San Juan. Located in the neighboring city of Bayamon, LAU Pottery Studio is creating a buzz around the island for its beautiful artisanal tableware, much of which can be found in many of Puerto Rico's finest restaurants. For those looking to try their hand at pottery, the in-person workshops are a must-do activity. Led by founder Laura Serrano, each class offers guests the opportunity to create their own unique vessel, all while enjoying lively conversation and complimentary Aperol Spritz.
Just west of Condado, the historic district of Old San Juan is crammed with centuries-old churches and landmarks, making it a history buff's paradise. But for those looking to experience Puerto Rican history in an intangible way, nothing beats a visit to El Bastión. Located just a stone's throw from San Juan's famous Casa Blanca, this cultural center hosts a variety of events each month, with art exhibits, concerts, workshops, and more on the grounds. Meanwhile, visitors looking to discover a particularly fascinating cultural practice can sign up for a class with La Bomba Va. This local musical group has mastered the art of the bomba, a traditional Puerto Rican genre of music and dance first created by enslaved African laborers, and you can book a class in traditional drumming and dancing.
After class, discover another side of the island's rich culture with The Spoon Experience, a local tour company that highlights Puerto Rico's complex history through food and drink. The Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour™ offers tastings of Puerto Rican staples coffee and rum. Dishes range from pernil (a type of slow-cooked pork dish) to mofongo, a hearty local favorite made with garlic, chicharron and mashed green plantains. Meanwhile, cocktail lovers can opt for a sunset tour to soak up San Juan's vibrant drinks scene, with local creations like the piña colada featured along the way.
Sail the coasts of Fajardo and Luquillo
Fajardo is best known for being home to Laguna Grande, a tranquil body of water with abundant water. [+] Luminous plankton.
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After exploring Condado's vibrant food and drink scene, nothing beats a long journey along Puerto Rico's sun-drenched coast. For the best results, nothing beats a trip to Fajardo. This picturesque municipality on the northeastern tip of the island has long been renowned for its stunning beaches and abundant natural beauty, and Kayak Puerto Rico is perfectly equipped to show you all the region has to offer.
With a fleet of motorized mini-boats and kayaks, this small outdoor adventure company offers guests the chance to experience the wonders of eastern Puerto Rico and its native flora and fauna. To begin the trip, guests will fly east and paddle through the waves to Cayo Icacos, an uninhabited island popular with locals for its soft white sand and turquoise waters. Once there, they can snorkel in search of colorful reef fish, including royal grama and honeycomb cowfish. The island itself is also a top birdwatching destination, with species such as magnificent frigatebirds and red-billed tropics visible from the shore. Plus, on the way back to Condado, there's a truly picturesque lunch spot called Sama.
Recently opened on the shores of the city of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, this idyllic restaurant showcases the culinary expertise of Chef Erika Suarez, a highly acclaimed local restaurateur who made history as the first female executive chef at the island's iconic El Conquistador resort. After soaking up the picturesque ocean views from the open-air dining area, take a seat and sip a refreshing Sama Spritz while enjoying the incredible dishes across the menu. To kick off your meal, the Buttermilk-Marinated Calamari and Caldo e Pescau are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the island's seafood scene, while the Branzino, accented with savory flavors of Hon Shimeji Mushroom and Bonito Beurre Blanc, is an ideal entree.
While the Caribbean is home to many beautiful islands worth exploring, Puerto Rico stands out thanks to its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and welcoming community. This community has made Puerto Rico one of the region's top havens for LGBTQ+ tourism. While the San Juan metropolitan area is home to a number of gay-friendly hotels and nightclubs, throughout Puerto Rico, inclusive communities abound all across the border, allowing queer couples and individuals to experience the island's abundant beauty safely and comfortably.
