The crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, and pristine beaches of the Caribbean need little introduction. You already know they are sheer perfection! Puerto Rico is where you go to dip your toes into their waters, proverbial and otherwise. This gorgeous little island, just south of the southern tip of the U.S., is self-governing but technically a territory of the U.S., making it an easy trip from the States—the currency is dollars, and American travelers won't even need a visa.
Often referred to as the “Crossroad of the Caribbean,” it's also the pinkest of the Caribbean islands, with gay marriage having been legal there since 2015, the highest LGBTQ+ population in the Caribbean, and a banging pride festival every June. The whole island is a pleasure to explore, from beaches with bioluminescent waters to tropical rainforests, but the island's colorful capital, San Juan, is where you can really feel the beating Caribbean heart and fiery Latino soul of Puerto Rico, all while indul ging in its unique culture, exquisite gastronomy, and vibrant gay nightlife scene.
Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Puerto Rico (San Juan)
4. Sightseeing & Activities in San Juan
5. Gay Tours in San Juan
6. Restaurants and Cafes in San Juan
7. Puerto Rico Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Puerto Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Puerto Rico
10. Gay Events in Puerto Rico
11. Day Trips from San Juan
General Tips
Puerto Rico has its own unique culture and customs yet remains closely connected to the United States. Though Puerto Rico is not one of the 50 states, it is a territory of the U.S., which means Puerto Ricans receive a U.S. passport, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. Great news for any Americans who want to visit— that’s right, you don’t even need a passport, there’s no money exchange, and it’s just a quick flight from the southern U.S., with many direct flights to other major U.S. cities. There are also a number of direct flights from other parts of Latin America and easy connections to Europe through Spain.
San Juan has plenty to do and see, and it’s worth spending at least a few days there before visiting other parts of the island. Popular neighborhoods include Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, and Ocean Park. The LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are spread out across the city, but you'll find many centered around Santurce—where the partying often spills out into the streets. You can spend half a day exploring Old San Juan, where you’ll find blue cobblestone streets, open plazas, and many great boutique shops—all styled in Spanish colonial architecture. The old town is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, so it’s beach weather all year long. Winter and spring are the best times to visit for milder temperatures and fewer tourists.
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Transportation & Airport Transfer
The best way to get to your hotel or accommodation in San Juan from the airport is to take a taxi or Uber. Taxi rates are fixed at around $21, depending on your destination. Rideshares like Uber can pick you up at the designated area on the ground floor of Terminals A and B. Bus service also runs from the airport; however, large luggage is not allowed on the bus, so a taxi or Uber is a better option. You can also pre-book a shared airport transfer.
Taxis are easy to find at the airport when you arrive, as well as throughout metro areas like Condado, Santurce, Isla Verde, Miramar, Ocean Park, and other nearby districts. Ridesharing is now common in Puerto Rico, particularly in San Juan, but Uber is currently the only major rideshare company offering its services on the island.
Gay Hotels in Puerto Rico (San Juan)
San Juan currently has only one gay hotel in the city. Coqui del Mar, listed below, is the only property specifically marketed and operated as a gay hotel/guesthouse. The other hotels listed below are all gay-friendly. While some of these properties are LGBTQ+ owned and operated, they are open to all guests and do not provide the same LGBTQ+ atmosphere that a dedicated gay hotel would.
Coqui del Mar Guest House – This small, gay-owned guest house is located in Ocean Park and offers 12 different room types to suit all budgets. They have large apartments with full kitchens or a shared, hostel-style room for solo travelers on a budget. Experience a local vibe while soaking in the two pools (one is always clothing optional) or the jacuzzi. Walk to the gay-friendly beaches, the gay cruising beach, bars, restaurants, and the lively San Juan scene. Highly recommended if you're looking for a great social atmosphere with other gay guests. The property is also 420-friendly and can help you obtain a license to purchase legally during your visit.
O:live Boutique – This luxury boutique hotel offers 15 rooms and is just a short walk from the beach. Expect a full Mediterranean-style experience, from its modern, eclectic decor to the rustic Mediterranean restaurant within the hotel.
Condado Ocean Club – Ideally situated in the bustling heart of Condado, directly on stylish Ashford Avenue. This full-service lifestyle boutique hotel offers a chic oasis for urban travelers.
La Concha a Renaissance Resort – La Concha has a friendly vibe and is in close proximity to the gay beach. You can expect to see other gay guests here. The hotel boasts a mid-century modern look, an upscale casino, and is set in a fabulous oceanfront, shell-shaped building. The property features multiple swimming pools and a stylish lobby bar.
The Tryst Beachfront Hotel – This hotel is located right on Atlantic Beach and was, years ago, a gay hotel. Although it is no longer a gay hotel, it sits directly in front of the gay beach (popular on Sundays) and just around the corner from Oasis, one of San Juan's popular gay bars. The hotel also has a nice outdoor restaurant with beautiful ocean views.
Andalucia Guest House – A gay-owned gem in Ocean Park, this cozy inn is decorated with Spanish/Moroccan flair and is surrounded by trendy restaurants and shops. It's located just four blocks from the beach. The owners are welcoming and eager to share their favorite San Juan tips, making this guest house one of the city’s best values.
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Sightseeing & Activities in San Juan
Barcardi Distillery – You can’t miss a trip to the Bacardi Distillery for a tour of the famous rum-making facility. Tours include a traditional rum tasting or a mixology experience, where you’ll learn to make mojitos and piña coladas. This tour includes transportation from San Juan, but you can also reach the distillery economically by taking the Aqua Express #2 ferry from Old San Juan to Cataño and then catching an Uber or taxi to the distillery. It's also possible to drive the entire way by car, though it will be more expensive as it involves going around the entire San Juan Bay. Book tour →
Culinary Tours – Indulge in the culinary delights of Old San Juan with a food and history tour of the fortified colonial city. Walk its blue cobblestone streets and sample the food and drinks that make Puerto Rico a favorite for food lovers. Book tour →
Old San Juan – Take a tour of the oldest city in the U.S. and its territories. where colorful, centuries-old buildings line narrow cobblestone streets overlooking the Atlantic. Explore iconic landmarks like El Morro and San Cristóbal, imposing forts that once guarded the city which are now filled with fascinating artifact or just wonder and take in all the vibrant plazas, hidden courtyards, and art-filled galleries. Book tour →
Las Américas Museum – Housed in the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, the museum features diverse exhibits that highlight indigenous heritage, African influences, and the colonial legacy of the Americas, with galleries showcasing traditional crafts, contemporary art, and historical artifacts.
Gay Tours in Puerto Rico (San Juan)
Puerto Rico Gay Tours – Puerto Rico Gay Tours is operated by the owners of Coqui del Mar Guesthouse. Enhance your gaycation in San Juan with a trip to the rainforest, explore stunning caves, or take a guided excursion to the gay beach. They offer regularly scheduled gay adventure trips with a certified gay tour guide. Book tour →
Restaurants and Cafes in San Juan
Marmalade – A fusion of contemporary French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine. Put yourself in the chef’s capable hands with a tasting menu, or create your own feast from the à la carte options, complemented by wine pairings from Marmalade’s well-stocked cellar.
1919 – At this upscale restaurant, the focus is not just farm-to-table but ocean-to-table. Enjoy sophisticated dishes like crispy grain salad or braised veal cheeks with apio polenta, passionfruit curd, coconut ganache, and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.
La Casita Blanca – A beloved traditional dining spot in the Santurce neighborhood. With its charming, old-school vibe, this restaurant serves home-cooked Puerto Rican comfort food. The daily menu, posted on a whiteboard, includes favorites like stewed beef with rice and beans, codfish with mashed root vegetables, and crabmeat gazpacho.
Cayo Caribe – A friendly eatery where Creole and seafood dominate the menu. Try savory dishes like mofongo with lobster, mahi mahi tacos, arroz mamposteao, and chuletas (pork chops), all showcasing the best of Puerto Rican home cooking.
Cocina Abierta – This modern restaurant in Condado takes an open-minded approach to its menu, with influences from the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond. A lively, trendy spot, it's close to many popular hotels.
Acapulco Taquería Mexicana – Step into taco heaven at this Mexican spot in the trendy Calle Loíza neighborhood. Whether you're craving chilaquiles, totopos, or tacos loaded with carnitas or pollo al pastor, you're in for a flavor-packed fiesta.
Jose Enrique Restaurant – Celebrity chef Jose Enrique’s restaurant, praised by Gordon Ramsay, offers authentic Puerto Rican cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Expect dishes like swordfish schnitzel and mouth-watering hangar steak. It gets busy, so arrive early to avoid the wait.
Puerto Rico Gay Bars and Clubs
San Juan’s local nightlife is not to be missed, especially in the Condado neighborhood, where you’ll find most of the gay bars and gay-friendly spots. Puerto Rico’s gay scene is lively and well-developed for such a small island.
Tia Maria Bar & Liquor Store – Despite the name, it’s a bar, not a liquor store. A favorite among both locals and tourists, it's a popular hangout spot.
SX Club – A vibrant club featuring strippers, go-go dancers, and a darkroom. With friendly bartenders, loud music, and a front-facing dance floor, it’s a lively, fun option.
Oasis – A restaurant, lounge, and bar open all day until late. Monday nights are popular, with happy hour and go-go dancers. It’s conveniently located near Atlantic Beach (the gay beach).
La Sombrilla Rosa – For an authentic Puerto Rican vibe, visit this iconic pink bar on San Sebastian Street in Old San Juan. Known for its cheap drinks and fun atmosphere, it’s a local favorite. Try the jello shots!
Toxic Nightclub – What’s your poison? Whether you’re into drag shows, stand-up comedy, strippers, or Circuit parties, this club has it all. With two floors, happy hours, and a neon-lit dance floor, Toxic is the place to dance until the early morning hours. It’s located in the Santurce Arts District and open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Puerto Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
Xteamworks – San Juan’s gay sauna and bathhouse. The entrance is marked by a doorbell next to a steel mesh gate on the ground floor. Located a bit far from central areas, so it's best to take a taxi or Uber at night.
Gay Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is generally gay-friendly, and you likely won’t encounter issues on any of the beaches. Still, as with anywhere, use your best judgment and be mindful of your surroundings.
Atlantic Beach – The main gay beach in San Juan, especially popular on Sundays in front of the Tryst hotel. Known for its LGBTQ+ presence since the 1960s, it’s less defined as a gay beach today but remains welcoming.
Ocean Park – Just a short walk from Atlantic Beach, this spot attracts a younger crowd, including college students. It’s also a laid-back, gay-friendly beach.
Gay Events in Puerto Rico
Hydro Caribbean Festival – Hydro Festival is the first gay music festival in the Caribbean and a newer addition to the gay circuit scene. Planning your trip around this event is a great option if you enjoy circuit parties and lively music-filled celebrations.
San Juan Pride – Held in June, San Juan Pride features a vibrant parade along with a variety of events and parties throughout the weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Winter Pride Fest – Puerto Rico’s only winter LGBTQ+ festival offers four days of exciting events, including a pool party, catamaran tour, drag shows, and a burlesque brunch.
Day Trips from San Juan
Bioluminescent Bay – One of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico is visiting the Bioluminescent Bay on Isla Vieques. While you can take a day tour, consider staying overnight at the gay-owned and operated Casa de Amistad in Vieques. Known as Puerto Mosquito or Mosquito Bay, it’s one of the best bioluminescent bays in the world and a natural landmark of Puerto Rico. At night, the bay glows due to micro-organisms in the water, creating a neon blue light whenever the water is disturbed. Book tour →
El Yunque National Forest – Discover a unique ecosystem that has amazed visitors for centuries. Stop by the popular La Coca Waterfall, enjoy panoramic views from the Yukaho Tower, and visit Puente Roto to see the Mameyes River. Book tour →
Featured image by Discover Puerto Rico.
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