Ponce, the second oldest city in Puerto Rico, is centered along the southern coast of Puerto Rico.  The city faces the Caribbean Sea gently sloping towards the hills of the central mountains.  Ponce was founded in 1692 by Ponce de Leon’s great-grandson, known as “La Perla del Sur” (The Pearl of the South) housing one of the most elegant squares and buildings on the island.

Ponce is a central location to explore various points of interest in the central mountains and the southern coast of Puerto Rico.

Ponce Puerto Rico - Things to Do & Places to Visit

In Ponce, visitors will enjoy days full of activities, take a walk in the historic city center, visit coffee plantations, take a walk in the past where Taino Natives danced, and visit one of the best art museums in the Caribbean.  Take a day trip to the gorgeous uninhabited island of Caja de Muertos, where you can snorkel and swim in clear turquoise waters.

Ponce Puerto Rico - Best places to visit in Puerto Rico

Following are the best things to do and interesting places to visit in Ponce and nearby.

Best Things to Do & Interesting Places to Visit

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Travel Guide - IconDon't forget to book a tour to the Bioluminescent Bay experience in the nearby charming village of La Parguera after a day of exploring or relaxing in the south region of Puerto Rico. 

Parque de Bombas

Parque de Bombas - Ponce Puerto Rico - Things to Do & Places to Visit

Parque de Bombas is the most visited attraction in Ponce and one of the most photographed landmarks in Puerto Rico.  In 1984, Parque de Bombas de Ponce was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  As you drive towards the plaza, the bright tones of red and black immediately capture the visitor’s attention.   The firehouse is a symbol of pride and respect for the heroic work of the firemen of Ponce.

+ Highlights - Parque de Bombas

Highlights of Parque de Bombas de Ponce

  • First firehouse in Puerto Rico.
  • Built in 1882 as the main pavilion for that year’s Exhibition Trade Fair.

Location: Plaza Delicias 

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Top Rated Places to Stay in Ponce, Puerto  Rico

Caja de Muertos Island

Ponce Puerto Rico - Best places to visit and things to do - Caja de Muertos Island

Caja de Muertos is a short scenic boat ride from Ponce.  The island is a nature reserve, you’ll be visiting a place untouched by development or tourism.   Caja de Muertos is one of the most underrated places in Puerto Rico, it certainly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, once you get there, you’ll probably wish it stays that way, keeping it nice, quiet, and pristine.  This uninhabited island is home to Playa Pelicano, a uniquely beautiful beach, named after all the beautiful pelicans that nest on the hill adjacent to the beach. 

You can enjoy a full day of beach-combing, suntanning, snorkeling, and hiking.  If you’re staying in Ponce, Playa Pelicano is truly the only beautiful beach in the municipality.

Top Rated Tours to Ponce, Puerto Rico

Museo de Arte de Ponce

Flaming June - Museo de Arte de Ponce - Art Museums in Puerto Rico

Flaming June by Frederic Leighton. Flaming June – Wikipedia

Museo de Arte de Ponce is the most prestigious art museum in Puerto Rico, and one of the most well-known across the Caribbean.  “The Ponce Museum of Art is recognized worldwide as an important center of European art in America and continues to offer its visitors a rich panorama of Western art, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. Two strong points within the European collection are Baroque art and Victorian painting.”

Plaza Las Delicias

Plaza Las Delicias - Ponce Puerto Rico - Places to Visit

Like other towns in Puerto Rico, Plaza Las Delicias is located at the center of the historic district.  This is the cultural center, where old friends meet, festivals take place, and the location of some of the most recognized landmarks in Ponce.  

While here, you won’t be able to miss the commanding red and black Parque de Bombas and the town cathedral.  Take a stroll around the plaza, you can visit the Armstrong Poventud Residence (across the cathedral), souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, a casino, admire the elegant architecture, stop at art murals for some colorful vacation photos, and refresh with some ice cream at the beloved Rex Cream. 

Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes

Centro Ceremonial Indigena Tibes - Ponce, Puerto Rico

Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes is the oldest Antillian Indigenous ceremonial complex.  The flooding of Hurricane Eloisa in 1975, uncovered a great archeological treasure in Ponce of great significance to the Antilles and the Puerto Rican people.  

Top Rated Taino Cultural Tours

Castillo Serralles

Castillo Serrales - Ponce, Puerto Rico

Castillo Serralles, a 4 story mansion built in the early 1930’s designed with an elegant Spanish revival style.  The mansion was built by Juan Serrales, son of Juan Serralles, founder of Destileria Serralles (Serralles Distillery), which was the family’s headquarters for 70 years.   Today the mansion houses a museum; it is one of the most photographed buildings in Puerto Rico, a popular venue for events and weddings, and one of the most visited attractions in Ponce.  As you drive around town you can see Castillo Serralles sitting at the top of the hill next to La Cruceta overlooking the center city of Ponce.

Festival de Las Quenepas

Ponce - Ciudad de Las Quenepas - Puerto Rico

One of Ponce’s slogans is “Ciudad de Las Quenepas” (The city of Quenepas – Spanish Lime).  From July – October, you’ll find these delicious treats sold around the plaza, highways, markets… everywhere.  Although quenepas grow around the whole island, Puerto Ricans consider quenepas in Ponce to be extra special.  There are four types of quenepas that grow in Puerto Rico and one of them is named Ponce.

Quenepas Cultural Event

If you’re in Ponce during the summer, don’t miss the Festival de las Quenepas, a cultural event held at Plaza de Las Delicias (center square) where you can enjoy live music, artisan crafts, great food, and of course as many quenepas as your heart desires.

Eating Quenepas

The fruit is best enjoyed and eaten naturally, but in Ponce, you’ll find juice and marmalades, artisan beers, and desserts.  In Vieques, an alcoholic drink is made from quenepas named Bili.
Safety Warning: If you’ve never eaten a quenepa, in the center there is a hard seed that can and most likely cause choking if swallowed accidentally.  Parents of small children should be very careful and teach them to simply eat the outside carefully but never put the entire fruit in their mouth.

Hacienda Buena Vista

Hacienda Buena Vista - Coffee Plantation - Best places to visit in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Leave the city and head up to the mountains to Hacienda Buena Vista, there you can enjoy a guided tour of what used to be one of the most important coffee plantations in Puerto Rico. Hacienda Buena Vista was built in the mid-19th century.   Visitors can learn about the methods of coffee production back in the 1800s.  The plantation was purchased from the Vives family in 1984 by The Conservation Trust of Puerto RicoHacienda Buena Vista is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe

Ponce Puerto Rico - Best Places to Visit  / Things to Do

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe) commonly known as Catedral de Ponce (Ponce Cathedral) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.  The cathedral is located at the center of Plaza Las Delicias facing west, it is the only church situated at the center of a plaza, dividing the square into two plazas (squares).

La Guancha

La Guancha - Ponce Puerto Rico - Places to Visit - South Coast

Please Note: La Guacha Boardwalk is closed as they make improvements due to Hurricane Maria’s damage, but food trucks and artisans have moved to the parking lot next to the playground until improvements are completed. 

La Guancha is a favorite place for locals to gather with friends and families.  It is located in Avenida Malecón (south end) next to Puerto (Port) de las Americas.  You will find a few restaurants open for lunch where business workers come for a nice break by the sea.  La Guancha is a cultural center where the municipality and private organizations celebrate events throughout the year.  Weekends are festive where you may find live music, artisans, and food trucks. 

+ Highlights

  • Restaurants & Kiosks
  • Observation Tower
  • Boardwalk (Currently closed to damage from Hurricane Maria).
  • Boat Ramps
  • Playground

Best Places to Stay in Ponce

Puerto Rico

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Places to stay in Ponce, Puerto Rico - Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

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ALOFT Ponce

Ponce, Puerto Rico

ALOFT Ponce - Best places to stay in Ponce, Puerto Rico

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Nearby Places to Visit from Ponce

Puerto Rico

Other Places of Interest

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Teatro La Perla

Teatro La Perla - Places to Visit in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Teatro La Perla

Teatro La Perla is a beloved cultural center in the city of Ponce, where locals and visitors alike can attend a variety of shows, musicals and events.   Music and art are an integral part of the Puerto Rican culture, some of the most important events held are: Pablo Casals FestivalLuis Torres Nadal Theatre Festival and Theatre Festival of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. 

Teatro La Perla is the second oldest theatre in use on the island.  It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1918 and further damaged in 1924 by a fire.  Teatro La Perla was rebuilt in 1941 with the same facade designed by architect Francisco Porrata Doria and Francisco Gardón.  Teather was remodeled in 1990, it has a capacity of 1,047 seats

Cruceta de La Vigia

La Vigía is a watchtower next to Castillo Serralles, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city.     In 1801 when the city was under control by Spain the city was at risk of attacks, The Vigía was built to serve as a watchtower to protect the city from invaders and pirates.  It was also used to guide ships approaching the port.

The Vigía could use some TLC, it would look amazing painted in white with brand new windows and updated facilities.  Photography enthusiasts and those wishing to have a bird’s eye view of the city will find this attraction worth a stop.  See the map below for the location.

Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro

Panteon Nacional Roman Baldorioti de Castro - Historical Places in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro

Panteon Nacional is a National Historical Site where illustrious Puerto Ricans were laid as their final resting place.  If you’re a Puerto Rican history buff you may find this attraction worth a stop.

Map - Places to Visit in Ponce

Puerto Rico

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Ponce, Puerto Rico

Ponce Puerto Rico Beaches - Beach at Ponce Hilton Resort

Architecture in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Ponce Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Places to Visit - Cathedral in Ponce

Ponce Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico historic cathedrals - Ponce

Ponce Puerto Rico

Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe - Ponce, Puerto Rico

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Travel GuidePlaces to Go ⎮Ponce Puerto Rico –  Tourism Guide & Things to Do