The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend Getaway in San Juan
As the bustling capital city, San Juan is renowned for its stunning beaches, colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and lively cultural scene. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the pristine sands, exploring the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, or indulging in the local culinary delights, there’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise. San Juan effortlessly combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Perfect for bachelorette parties, friendship reunions, or simply a much-needed escape, San Juan promises an array of activities that cater to every taste and interest. Discover the enchantment of Puerto Rico as you make lasting memories in one of the Caribbean’s most cherished destinations.
The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend Getaway
Thursday Evening: A Festive Start
Stay: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
After landing from your flight and taking a 20-minute Uber to your hotel, you are now able to begin your journey with a touch of luxury at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Nestled in the heart of San Juan, this hotel combines elegance with the warmth of Puerto Rican hospitality, setting the stage for an extraordinary getaway. Although expensive, this hotel was simply perfect for a girl’s weekend. It was fun, trendy, and had the best ocean views. Plus the hotel was super classy, offering plenty of restaurant options. It was also within walking distance of many other options as well.
View From Hotel
The infinity pool at the hotel
Dinner: Tacos & Tequila or 1919
Dive into the local flavors right on your first night. The hotel hosts a vibrant experience at Tacos & Tequila, offering an array of cocktails, bites, and live music. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, 1919 presents an exquisite menu that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Choosing dinner for this night depends on what time you land and what you are feeling. Tacos & Tequila is a more casual restaurant where 1919 is a fine dining experience. 1919 has been recognized as the best restaurant in San Juan so the price reflects that.
Friday: Sun, Scenery, and Spirits
Morning-Afternoon: Beach Day
Spend your day basking in the golden rays at one of San Juan’s picturesque beaches. The azure waters and soft sands provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and girl talk. Although the hotel itself does not have a beach, there is Condado’s beach right next door, and is very easy to get to. Nestled between Condado and Isla Verde, Ocean Park Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. A Blue Flag beach, Escambrón is known for its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and coral reefs, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Though technically just outside San Juan in the neighboring district of Carolina, Isla Verde Beach is easily accessible and widely considered one of the best beaches in the area. Also in Isla Verde and known for its gentle waves and shallow waters, Pine Grove is favored by families and beginner surfers
Evening: Sunset Drinks at Bar Catedral Rooftop
As the sun dips below the horizon, head to Bar Catedral Rooftop in Old San Juan. This spot is perfect for enjoying breathtaking sunset views while sipping on tropical cocktails, making it a must-visit for a girls’ weekend in San Juan. This was one of my favorite experiences from the weekend. The charm of old San Juan is what made this rooftop so special and unlike any rooftop, I have ever been to. It is located at the Decanter Hotel and is quite a smaller rooftop bar so give yourself some time in case there is a wait.
Sunset View
Old San Juan
Dinner: The Canon Club
The Canon Club, nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, is a sophisticated dining destination that epitomizes the elegance and rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. Also, it is only about a 5-minute walk from the rooftop bar. The Canon Club is a restaurant and piano bar, that offers live music every night. Make sure to book your reservation in the piano bar room so you can get the full experience. This restaurant was another unique experience and something that I will cherish for a lifetime. Additionally, keep an eye out for the restaurant’s pet parrot. The food wasn’t anything special but the ambiance and experience are what made it such a great time.
Night: A Girls Night Out
Old San Juan, with its vibrant nightlife and historic charm, is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable girls’ night out. La Factoría, a world-renowned cocktail bar hidden in the cobblestone streets, offers an eclectic mix of live music, innovative drinks, and a lively atmosphere that’s sure to start the night off right. Meanwhile, El Batey, with its dive bar allure and walls covered in graffiti, provides a laid-back setting for those looking to enjoy cold beers, classic tunes on the jukebox, and a truly authentic Puerto Rican nightlife experience. These spots promise not just a night out, but a memorable journey into the heart of San Juan’s festive spirit.
Old San Juan by Night
Old San Juan by Day
Saturday: Brunch and Adventures
Morning: Brunch at Christianson
Kickstart your day with brunch at Christianson, where the ambiance and delectable dishes will fuel you for the day ahead. We sat under their patio which had a beautiful floral collection. If you do end up going here, don’t sleep on the French toast. They have an array of styles blending unique and desirable flavors.
Famous French Toast
Outside Patio
Daytime/Afternoon: Pick Your Adventure
Evening: Kumo Rooftop for Sunset and Dinner
For an unforgettable evening, Kumo Rooftop is the place to be. Its stunning views and exquisite cuisine provide a perfect setting for making memories with your girlfriends. We especially like the interior ambiance as it closely resembled styles from Tulum. The food is a combination of two popular styles: Peruvian and Japanese. If you like Mezcal get the Origami. We indulged in the King Pegao, the Japanese skewers, the Korobuta Pork Belly, and the Duck Leg Chaufa. Each part of the meal was full of unique flavors and was absolutely delicious. Adding on, this restaurant really embodies shareable style meals making it great for a group of girls.
Kumo
Kumo
Kumo
Sunday: Exploring and Unwinding
Morning: Old San Juan
Take a leisurely walk around Old San Juan, exploring its charming streets, colorful buildings, and historic sites. This is a great opportunity for sightseeing and capturing beautiful moments of the antique architecture. I would also suggest going to Kaffe Haus for breakfast. It offers menus for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant has a Latin atmosphere and music.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan
Breakfast at Kaffe Haus
Afternoon: Pool Relaxation
Spend your afternoon unwinding at the pool, cherishing the last few hours of your getaway. The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has wonderful lounge chairs throughout the entire hotel, I loved the ones that were right up against the glass wall overlooking the cliff and ocean. We also decided to enjoy the sunset at the hotel by the pool so we could experience the most amount of sun that we could.
The Pool Area at the Hotel
Sunset at the Hotel
Dinner: Azotea Rooftop or Santaella
Nestled atop the esteemed Chef Jose Santaella’s restaurant in the vibrant heart of San Juan, Azotea by Santaella is a rooftop oasis that promises an elevated dining experience unlike any other. This chic rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, complemented by an array of inventive cocktails and a curated selection of tapas that embody the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist. Below this rooftop haven, the renowned Santaella restaurant serves as the foundation of this culinary experience, where the commitment to local ingredients and innovative dishes has established it as a must-visit destination in San Juan’s gastronomic scene. Together, Azotea and Santaella offer a multi-level journey through the best of contemporary Puerto Rican flavors, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a memorable dining experience, from the ground floor to the sky.
A girls’ weekend in San Juan is more than just a trip; it’s an experience filled with laughter, adventure, and relaxation. From luxurious stays to exploring the rich culture and indulging in culinary delights, San Juan provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway. Share this journey with your best friends, and treasure the moments that will last a lifetime.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan
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