The Caribbean - Eight hours @ SJU to sightsee ~~ need suggestions

We have an 8 hour layover during our holiday trip and I have reserved a rental car. We will be TIRED because we are taking a red-eye from LAX the night before and killing time before a 6 pm flight out.

We have briefly been to SJU during cruise stops before. So we have seen the old town area and also did a small tour that included going to the fort (tho I barely remember the rest of it). I thought since we would have time, it would be nice to see areas that we haven't seen. At the very least, it would be nice to find a nice beach and somewhere to relax and have lunch.

Also, we will have our carry-ons to keep up with (BULKY camera equipment and a laptop). I would guess we have to keep those with us and not trust locking them in the truck.

Was estimating getting back to the airport about 1 hr or 1:15 prior to our departure time. Is that sufficient? We are flying AA but are not elite.

So, ideas and which area to aim for would be appreciated :)

Also, does anyone know if their are lockers at the airport? Maybe that way we wouldn't have to drag stuff around with us :)

Have you toured the Bacardi factory? Worthwhile if you are a rum drinker.

Why not visit El Yuque, the rainforest? Good hiking and swimming opportunities.

The Camuy Caves are another option.

Have you toured the Bacardi factory? Worthwhile if you are a rum drinker.

Why not visit El Yuque, the rainforest? Good hiking and swimming opportunities.

The Camuy Caves are another option.How far a drive are these places? Thanks :)

How far a drive are these places? Thanks :)

15 minutes, 40 minutes, and 1 hour and 20 minutes respectively.

While those are all great things to see, I would look at it a little differently. You are flying out at 6 PM and therefore intend to get to the SJU airport around 5 PM. This means that if you go anywhere in SJU or west of it (which includes both the Bacardi factory and Camuy Caves), you will have to fight through AWFUL San Juan rush hour to get back to the airport, and possibly will be stressed about whether you're going to make it in time.

So, I would recommend going somewhere east of the airport, and that way you don't have to fight traffic.

El Yunque is east of the airport, so that's a good option. Or, if you wanted to just go laze on the beach, you could head out towards Loiza or Pinones, which will take you past some nice, isolated, pretty beaches along Route 187 and roadside dining shacks (probably good, but only for the adventurous). Take the 187 exit (right as you exit the airport) and keep going for about 15-20 minutes.

As far as your departure timing - if you actually walk into to the airport terminal 1 hour before your departure, have either already checked-in or are able to check-in at the kiosk, and have no additional bags to check (because your checked bags are being transferred, right?), you should be fine. Be sure you include enough time to return the rental car (I'd allow half an hour, to be on the safe side; things just go a little slower in PR than on the mainland :D)

I don't recall seeing any luggage lockers in the SJU airport, but then again, I have never looked for them there.

Going to SJU in February...

Are there any "drive time" maps with mileage on the internet? Tells average time from destination to destination.

Thanks
T

Mapquest works fairly well in PR.

El Yunque is east of the airport, so that's a good option. Or, if you wanted to just go laze on the beach, you could head out towards Loiza or Pinones, which will take you past some nice, isolated, pretty beaches along Route 187 and roadside dining shacks (probably good, but only for the adventurous). Take the 187 exit (right as you exit the airport) and keep going for about 15-20 minutes. Sounds good -- thanks allot :)

Sorry, no lockers at the airport.
Luquillo Beach is a nice option, towards the east after El Yunque Rainforest. Beautiful beach and food shacks along the road. Also Hacienda Carabali offers horseback tours, go-kart racing and 4-wheeler tours (although you will be very muddy with the 4-wheelers). It's right after the exit for Westin RioMar on the opposite side, before El Yunque.

Have fun..F.



Also, does anyone know if their are lockers at the airport? Maybe that way we wouldn't have to drag stuff around with us :)

Thanks -- at least we're prepared that we'll have to keep the stuff with us. Horseback sounds fun, too ^

We have an 8 hour layover during our holiday trip and I have reserved a rental car. We will be TIRED because we are taking a red-eye from LAX the night before and killing time before a 6 pm flight out.

We have briefly been to SJU during cruise stops before. So we have seen the old town area and also did a small tour that included going to the fort (tho I barely remember the rest of it). I thought since we would have time, it would be nice to see areas that we haven't seen. At the very least, it would be nice to find a nice beach and somewhere to relax and have lunch.

Also, we will have our carry-ons to keep up with (BULKY camera equipment and a laptop). I would guess we have to keep those with us and not trust locking them in the truck.

Was estimating getting back to the airport about 1 hr or 1:15 prior to our departure time. Is that sufficient? We are flying AA but are not elite.

So, ideas and which area to aim for would be appreciated :)
Luquio Beach,,just a few from SJU airort north and is nice for a swim and a good lunch,El Yougue may be too far away for your time ,or take the high road 1/2 way beweet Luis Martin and eat at Hamurgesa. or do as I do,,hang out out the beach at the Marritt in Candato..beweet Hotel el Canario by the Sea,and enjoy the pool to...they will let you in sometimes if yoy walk thright the front door...beach is wide and nice..than explore Caribe Hilton as well,,they too have a smaller cove beach near the bridge beach leading to Old San Juan and a really nice pool, lots of shops and not air from SJU jetway. Have a great trip!

Sorry, no lockers at the airport.Just to let everyone know, apparently you can check your luggage somewhere in the AA terminal (and we're flying AA). Someone on the AA board mentioned it and thinks it's $3/bag. That would be a GREAT option for us ^

I could NOT find the original place I read that, so I re-posted the question and here is that thread -- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=638598&referrerid=14366

I was reviewing someone's trip report for their visit to PR. They mentioned to check and see if the beach you want to visit is 'open'. Does anyone know where to check on schedules?

Thanks :)

Sorry, no lockers at the airport.
Luquillo Beach is a nice option, towards the east after El Yunque Rainforest. Beautiful beach and food shacks along the road. Also Hacienda Carabali offers horseback tours, go-kart racing and 4-wheeler tours (although you will be very muddy with the 4-wheelers). It's right after the exit for Westin RioMar on the opposite side, before El Yunque.

Have fun..F.

my favorite beach in Puerto Rico !!! IIRC Luquillo used to be a coconut plantation/farm, I find it beautiful walking on the beach and seeing the ususually cloud shrouded El Yunque.^

Mrs Sweet Willie and I have dined at the food shacks many times w/o problem. Hot sun, Good food and cold beer^