Caribbean - Puerto Rico Spring Break

Me and 20 friends are taking a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico for spring break in two weeks, we are staying at the Radisson in downtown San Juan. What are some fun places to visit, I know their is the Barcadi factory and ATVing in the rain forest. What are some good restaurants, clubs, beaches, and tourist attractions that people recommend?

Thank you Flyertalk members for the responses

Radisson... in Downtown San Juan?

I assume you mean the Ambassador Plaza in Condado.

Its the Radisson in San Juan, I was just assuming that would be downtown from the look of the map

Here is the link to clarify exactly http://www.radisson.com/condado-hotel-pr-00907/prsanjua

Your hotel is not in Old San Juan. It is in a different area.

Hotel websites tend to mislead, in order to avoid appearing unattractive. So, a hotel might use words like "easy access to Old San Juan". This, translated, really means "we are not in Old San Juan". How "easy" the access is depends on the circumstances. For example, getting a trip to the Space Station was "easy" for John Glenn, but would be "difficult or impossible" for most of us. Here, if your idea of "easy" means "within walking distance", then Old San Juan would not be "easy", but might be considered "a moderate inconvenience".

As far as beach, you are already in Condado, they are good. If you want a better one, do a day trip to Culebra Island, you can reach it by ferry, for about $5, however you need to find transportation to Fajardo, which is about 1 hour drive. each way. Another good beach is Rincon, or Gilligan's Island by Aguadilla, but again this is more of a day trip as they are away. One that is closer Pinones, where you can have some local PR food, I always enjoy eating in DONDE OLGA, close to the Pinones entrance. On the weekends, a trip to Guavate for roast Pork is a good idea.

As for restaurant, I like Bebos in Loiza Street, also Metropol, Vaca Brava. Personally, I prefer the local bakeries, where you can get a Cuban sandwich or a Media noche. try to stay away from hotel restaurant, as they tend to be pricey. Clubs, well, most of the big hotels always have a party like atmosphere in the lobby, live music, DJ;s dance, etc. You can also check the lobby of Hotel La Concha which is also close by in Condado.

Another day trip and sightseeing area is Old San Juan and el morro. There is an excellent bar in old San Juan, called La Taberna Lúpulo, it has an excellent beer selection, however it is a bit small to handle your group.

You can also try some kayaking in the bioluminescent bays of PR, in Fajardo or la Pargera.

If you like golf, try rio mar, or caguas, there are several courses in the area.
Not sure what else to say, perhaps one the locals can chime in, mkt are you there? He is an excellent person to hook up with.

hope you enjoy your trip to my hometown.

Took me a good hour or so to walk from the bus station / ferry terminal area in Old San Juan to Ave de Diego which is a few minutes away from the Radisson so I'd expect around 45 mins to walk it.

As for the Bacardi distillery, you might be able to catch a public bus for less than a $ each from outside the hotel that takes you to the bus station. It's then a 5 minute or less walk to the ferry (50c each way) and then you'll need a cab ($15 each way holding 4-8 people?) as it's a good couple of miles or so away and not the best areas to walk through.

Thank you arollins and xenole for all your recommendations.

I don't think I will be able to make to Fajardo or other far beaches. I will have to check out some of the restaurants your suggested above.

I will make sure to use the cab to get to the Barcardi distillery, is there any parts of San Juan that are not too safe to be in and are advised to stay out of. Also do the clubs/bars have cover and is coke easily available, love rum and coke.

Also I don't plan on hanging with the group of 22 for all activities, I think on some days people will just head to the beach while others do trips.

I have heard of going ATVing in the region, does anyone have information about this?

In Old San Juan stay out of La Perla. I repeat, STAY OUT OF LA PERLA.

As far as Coca Cola goes, yes... it's easily available. This is Puerto Rico, not Somalia.