Bachelor parties in getaway destinations are quite the thing these days, as we mark milestones in our lives by celebrating in a big way. And what could be bigger than big city nightlife, indulging in the included amenities at a tropical resort, or getting the boys together for the big game or epic festival.
Joining a few days of vacation with a special reason to gather with friends is the perfect combination. Of the endless number of places to hold a bachelor party, consider San Juan, Puerto Rico. Only two to three hours from most east coast cities to less than five hours from the central U.S., with many non-stop flights, San Juan and the island of Puerto Rico, offers the guys an assortment of adventure, nightlife, amazing restaurants, world-famous rums, local beers, and spectacular beaches and water sports.
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El Yunque Rainforest
Spend a day at El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Among the many trails for hiking, take the Angelito trail to its end for a cooling and refreshing swim in the rocky lagoon. Along the way, see many species of ancient ferns, bamboo trees, breadfruit trees and so much more. Breathe the freshest air and at the highest elevations, around 3500 feet, drink from waterfalls.
Just outside the national forest, go horseback-riding and eat lunch at Hacienda Carabali and Rainforest Adventure Park. At this point in the day, you and your buddies will be ready for a drink! At the Bar and Grill, try the mofongo bowl, which consists of fish fillet pieces in a creole sauce, or have chicken or pork instead, with a cold beverage. The dude-ranch atmosphere will surely provide a nostalgic experience for the pals. The area also offers ATV’s and a Go Kart Track
Golf & Outdoor Activities In San Juan
How about a round of golf at one of the many spectacular oceanfront courses in the world, designed by the most celebrated and iconic names in golf? Most are located only one hour or less east and west of San Juan.
For water sports, there is surfing at Luqillo Beach, in the eastern part of the island. Also check out the sport-fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamarans.
Discover by kayak, the glowing waters of Laguna Grande Reserve Bio Bay near Fajardo on the eastern tip of the island. This bioluminescent bay is the home of phosphorescent organisms that light up blue in the night. This is truly a rare experience as there aren’t many of these natural bays in the world and Puerto Rico has six of them.
Nightlife In San Jaun
For nightlife, you can party late into the night at the numerous clubs and rooftop bars throughout the Condado and Santurce neighborhoods of San Juan. Concerts are held at Distrito T-Mobile adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center. And some of the largest casinos are at the Sheraton Puerto Rico, across the street from the convention center and at the San Juan Marriott and the Stellaris Casino. Try not to blow your wedding budget!
Food & Drink In San Juan
Culture and history surround you in Old San Juan with 500-year-old buildings, colonial architecture, two famous and very large fortresses built by the Spanish conquistadors. In this part of the city, walk the narrow cobblestone streets and sidewalks to discover unassuming restaurants serving Puerto Rican specialties such as shrimp and seafood, yellow rice with a side of sweet plantains, or baked grouper with a Creole sauce over it; mofongo, a national dish; stewed pork or chicken entrees; and more. Wash the food down with a Medalla, the beer of Puerto Rico.
Check out La Fonda Del Jabarito on Calle Sol, recommended by the locals. This restaurant exudes Puerto Rican character in a very basic atmosphere. It is a small, crowded place with good food, good prices, and delivers a local experience travelers seek these days. They have tables for six or eight, perfect for a group, like a bachelor party. There are dozens of good restaurants scattered in neighborhoods where most hotels are located, from the glitzy Condado neighborhood on the oceanfront, home to the larger casino resorts, to Santurce and Miramar, popular areas where the locals go.
Another popular area for entertainment and a variety of inexpensive restaurants is the Distrito T-Mobile Plaza next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Here you will find, sport bars serving hamburgers, taco eateries, Puerto Rican cuisine, and Asian food.
Rum Distilleries In San Juan & Surrounding Area
And then there is rum. Rum distilleries and bottling is the largest industry in Puerto Rico. The biggest name in rum is Bacardi but Don Q, made outside Ponce, on the south side of the island, is also very popular. Other brands can be found throughout the island. Many places offer rum tastings and mixology classes.
Another lesser-known favorite, is Ron del Barralito, founded 140 years ago by Pedro Fernandez at Hacienda Santa Ana, and remains Puerto Rico’s oldest rum still in production. Made in ex-sherry American White Oak casks, using natural rainwater, this is a delightful sipping rum.
What Are You Waiting For?
With so much to do in San Juan from adventure to local dining, clubbing, and rum sipping, all within one hour of the city, a short or even extended weekend is a great and unique way to throw a bachelor party. Or any kind of celebration for that matter.
