Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean island, home to a colorful capital in Old San Juan, miles of stunning beaches, and welcoming locals. American canines can easily travel to this U.S. territory and enjoy island life with the rest of their pack (who don’t even require passports from the U.S.). Paddle with your pup across clear blue waters, explore the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and visit a dog-centric cafe when you take a trip to the Island of Enchantment.
BringFido's Guide to Puerto Rico
Posted by Billy Francis
Things to Do
“Park life!”
Photo by
@bubbly_walking
Splash on the beach, drive across the country and hike through a rainforest with your best friend on this diverse island.
Play in the Park
If Fido is tired of strolling around San Juan with a leash holding him back, let him run free at Condado Pet Park. Located on Luchetti Street in the Condado Area, this fenced space draws crowds of canines to play on the agility course and lounge under shady trees or gazebos. After chasing tails, hot dogs can cool down at the on-site water fountains.
Land on the Sand
With more than 270 miles of coastline around the island, Puerto Rico has some seriously satisfying stretches of sand. Despite its feline name, Hobie Cat Beach is a big hit among pups thanks to its laidback rules about dogs playing in the surf. Hobie Cats are actually a type of catamaran with colorful sails, and you can watch them carving across the water while you play with your pooch.
Cross the Heart of Puerto Rico
Drive through the middle of the island and enjoy incredible mountain views on winding roads as you explore the La Ruta Panoramica. Made up of 40 secondary roads, this fun scenic route takes intrepid explorers east to west (and back) from Mayagüez to Maunabo. You’ll travel through quiet forests and up misty peaks with stunning viewpoints. La Ruta Panoramica is 42 miles and can be driven leisurely in under two hours.
What’s SUP Pup? Photo by Facebook.com/RinconPaddleBoards
What’s SUP Pup?
Paddle across the water with your canine on a pet-friendly rental from Rincon Paddleboards. Rincon is the “pawfect” location to SUP with your pup thanks to its calm and clear open water. As you paddle, you’ll be able to spot beautiful reefs and colorful fish beneath you. If you’ve never tried this fun activity together, sign up for a lesson before you head out on a rental alone.
Visit a “Fur-tress”
After a morning of walking along the cobbled streets of Old San Juan, make a break for the green space of El Morro, one of the island’s historic fortresses and part of San Juan National Historic Site, overlooking San Juan Bay. While not permitted inside the walls of the fortification, leashed pups are welcome to explore the grounds which feature paved paths with historic markers and dog waste stations. The lush green lawn is perfect for picnics, kite-flying and just enjoying the ocean views.
Roam in a Rainforest
Located 30 miles from San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, and you and Fido can explore miles of pet-friendly trails together. The people of San Juan consider El Yunque a sacred place, so keep your pup on a leash, stick to the trails, and pack out any waste. For epic views across the island, stride out on the moderate El Yunque Trail, or take an easy walk on Angelito Trail to Damas Pool, part of the Mameyes River, and take a dip with your dog.
Places to Stay
“I hope we can snag a sun lounger…”
Photo by
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Fido can sample items from a doggie room service menu, wake up to a mountain sunrise or play in an on-site dog park at these exceptional pet-friendly lodging options in Puerto Rico.
Room Service, Fido?
Four-legged guests will discover 5-star luxury at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a stunning pet-friendly oceanfront property on the coast of San Juan. Pups can chill with their owners in the lobby or by the pool, or they can relax in their ocean view room and order doggie room service items like Bow Wow Tenderloin of Beef, Chicken Puppy Bites or mixed vegetables with eggs and rice. Dogs also receive a comfortable bed and food bowls to use during their stay.
Infinite Views
Immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting island at the pet-friendly Casa Serena. This mountain retreat is a great base for outbound hounds who want to explore the forest or take a dip in the Guaba River. If you’d rather chill out at home and watch the sunset through the green hills, kick back in a hammock or rocking chair on the all-around balcony.
Stay in Old San Juan
Experience the historic heart of Old San Juan from the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. Located on the waterfront, every suite of this pet-friendly property features magnificent views of the Old World charm. Dogs are welcomed at the hotel with loaner pet beds, and water and food bowls.
“This bed receives a “fur star” rating from me!” Photo by Facebook.com/VerdanzaHotel
Hotel and Paw Park
Spend your evenings at the Verdanza Hotel. The pet-friendly rooms come stocked with pet beds, water bowls, a toy and a welcome treat. This popular hotel in the city of Carolina offers spacious rooms with garden, city and ocean views and even has a private Paws Park on the property. The fenced space boasts an agility course that Fido can explore with other canine guests. Verdanza Hotel has also partnered with The Pet Corner, a local groomer that offers spa days, beach walks and play dates for guests with a pet shuttle from the hotel.
Enjoy the Suite Life
Drift off to sleep in Las Piñas Suite, a cozy shipping container conversion in Lajas. Pups can enjoy the fenced backyard off leash and nap in the shade of the covered outdoor deck. After sunset, human visitors can warm up in the private jacuzzi, rinse off in the outdoor shower and then relax around the fire pit or make a delicious dinner on the grill.
“Find peace wherever you go…” Photo by Facebook.com/stregisbahiabeach
Resort Life
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located on a former coconut farm and is situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve. After a day spent lounging by the resort’s two-mile private beach, Fido will love refueling with gourmet grub from the dog room service menu in the luxury and privacy of your suite.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
“I think I’ll take both, thanks.”
Photo by
Facebook.com/Bone-a-pet-eat Pastry & Café
Watch the waves and wave to people on the beach from an expansive pet-friendly patio and toast to an unforgettable trip with your furry best friend at these pet-friendly restaurants and breweries.
That’s a Mouthful!
Bone-a-pet-eat Pastry & Café is a dog-friendly cafe in Ponce that welcomes pups inside and on the patio. The menu features signature drinks and pastries for humans, along with a variety of desserts for dogs to enjoy. If Fido’s birthday lands while you’re on the island, be sure to celebrate with a cake and photoshoot at this fun dog-centric eatery.
Beachfront Eats
Drift is a beachfront restaurant and bar in Loiza that features a spacious dog-friendly deck on the second floor. Relax and take in the view as you dine on fresh seafood and other tropical dishes with a Pacific twist inspired by local culture. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available. Dogs are welcome to join you at one of many outdoor tables.
Taste the Ocean
Guests at the Verdanza Hotel can grab a brew on the pet-friendly patio at Ocean Lab Brewing Co. This casual brewpub serves up a variety of delicious local brews and tasty fare like the Ocean Calamari Bowl, Sourdough and Brown Ale Fondue and Pig Latin Tacos.
“Make sure to get my good side.” Photo by Facebook.com/wickedlilypr
Dinner and a View
Wicked Lily is a beachfront bar and restaurant that serves up Peruvian and Puerto Rican cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner. Order favorites like Lobster Guacamole, Harissa Chicken, Beet Salad or Pork belly al Pastor. Dogs are welcome to join you for an afternoon of people-watching at the outdoor tables overlooking the beach and ocean.
Sample Eclectic Cuisine
Sample an array of eclectic cuisines from Miramar Food Truck Park in San Juan. Pick up a plate from your favorite food truck, then join the rest of your pack at the outdoor picnic tables. Meat eaters can try the roasted chicken thigh or catch of the day, while vegetarians can dig into grilled eggplant.
Puerto Rican Cuisine
Located in the heart of Guaynabo, Restaurante El Fogon Del Rey is a great place to try Puerto Rican cuisine with your pooch by your side. Share a plate of Pionono de Amarillo con Carne, a stuffed savory plantain roll, or try Churrasco, a traditional grilled meat, and ask for a cut for your pup, too.
What are your favorite dog-friendly things to do in Puerto Rico? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by Verdanza Hotel.