Ponce, The Pearl of the South (La Perla del Sur) is gaining traction among avid travelers and for good reason! It is one of Puerto Rico’s top destinations, so be sure to visit.
Sun-kissed beaches with warm gentle waters make it perfect for snorkeling and other outdoor activities!
The mind-boggling variety of architecture is another reason to give this seaside town a try.
Read on to discover Ponce’s incredible gems that demand a visit!
Ponce’s Top Attractions:
The Historical Connection
Historic building in Ponce, Puerto Rico – Photo by Eric Ardito on UnsplashHistory buffs will love this city!
Founded by Juan Ponce de León y Loayza in 1692, it is rightly called a window to Puerto Rico’s Spanish colonial past!
Ponce played a pivotal role in the region’s economic and cultural history in the last two centuries and this is seen through the town’s architectural splendor and diversity.
You’ll find styles in Spanish colonial, Art-Deco, Gothic Victorian, Moorish, and Neo-Classical – Ponce has it all!
A Culture Trip
Traditional Festival in Puerto Rico – Photo by Becerra Govea on PexelsPonce is celebrated for its world-famous festivals, music concerts, and artistic installations which are all part of its identity.
The city is also associated with being the birthplace of the musical genre called Plena.
You might hear it at bars and cafes during live music sessions!
Carnaval Ponceño, the Ponce Jazz Festival, and the Christmas Concerts are the best time to witness the glory of Puerto Rican traditions. Culture fans should also check out our Caguas guide here.
Foodie Heaven
Empanadas – Photo by Daniel Balarezo on PexelsWalk down to the sea-facing boardwalk and find La Guancha, a snack lover’s paradise!
Look out for the kiosks that serve classic Puerto Rican delicacies like the flavorful octopus salads, deep-fried empanadas stuffed with meat or seafood, or the iconic mofongo made from mashed fried plantains.
Cool off with rum cocktails, local beers, and freshly squeezed fruit juices!
Don’t forget to try the delicious Puerto Rican coffee – it is truly out of this world and will give you a pick-up after all that sightseeing!
Seaside Fun
When in Ponce, plan a day trip to Pelicano Beach at the Caja de Muertos Island.
This is the first beach in the Caribbean located inside a Natural Reserve that has been honored with the prestigious Blue Flag Award.
A profusion of pelicans and other sea birds make this spot a favorite with wildlife enthusiasts.
The translucent waters and white sandy shores are ideal for a day of picnicking, swimming, or some good ol’ sun-basking.
The beach picnic tables and gazebos are appreciated by families and large groups!
To get here, catch the ferry from La Guancha and book a tour from one of the operators there.
Ponce’s Top Historical Sites:
Museo de Arte de Ponce
A good starting point would be at this museum located on Avenida Las Américas.
It boasts one of the most important Pre-Raphaelite collections in the Western Hemisphere with around 4,500 artworks spread out across fourteen galleries.
Art enthusiasts can’t afford to miss this one!
Museo de Arte de Ponce showcases objects not just from Puerto Rico but also Europe and Latin America.
After your visit, spend time in the garden which has some interesting sculptures and art installations.
The museum gift shop is a great spot to pick souvenirs to take home.
Parque de Bombas
Parque de Bombas Ponce PR by Hiram Santa on UnsplashIt is almost impossible to miss this quirky and colorful, red and black wooden building which once used to be a historic firehouse.
Located on the Plaza Las Delicias square, the building today has been converted into a museum that showcases important memorabilia connected with the fire-fighting world in Puerto Rico particularly Ponce.
Peruse through old photographs of the firemen who bravely fought the 1899 fire which threatened to raze the entire town to the ground.
Small kids in particular will love the traditional fire trucks!
Hacienda Buena Vista
Gain valuable insights into Puerto Rico’s coffee-making industry at this hillside farm located in Ponce!
Don Salvador de Vives built it in 1833 growing just fruit.
It wasn’t until several years later that he started growing coffee which would soon be exported to the US and Europe.
A guide will lead you through the jungle and you’ll see a hydro-electric system, and all the machinery used for de-pulping and husking.
The museum here showcases old photographs, artifacts, former slave quarters, and old farm buildings.
End your visit by sampling farm-grown coffee.
El Museo Castillo Serralles
This magnificent mansion is a throwback to Puerto Rico’s rum distillery days and the prosperity it brought.
Perched upon the southeastern slopes of the breezy El Vigia hilltop, this house was built in the 1930s by Ponce’s influential magnates.
You will learn more about the sugar boom which led to the establishment of rum distilleries such as Juan Serrallés’ Don Q Rum.
The sugar boom truly transformed Puerto Rico’s landscapes.
The El Vigia Hill meanwhile is a mecca of sorts for photographers!
Stay on until dusk to view Ponce’s city lights twinkling in the distance.
Ponce’s Top Hotels:
Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino
Located close to the Art Museum of Ponce, Park of Bombas, and Castle Museum Serralles, this hotel stuns visitors with its high-tech amenities.
The rooms and suites have some interesting designs and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a seating area, and a mini fridge are some of the amenities you can expect.
The hotel’s rooftop lounge boasts lovely city views where you can enjoy a rum cocktail and ambient music.
The American-style Hard Rock Café is perfect to enjoy a high-energy rock concert or pick up some rock memorabilia.
The staff will help you arrange excursions to the Island of Caja de Muertos (aka Coffin Island), or Gilligan’s Island in Guanica.
Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino
For those who love being in the center where all the action is, this hotel won’t disappoint!
In fact, the Parque de Bombas and Ponce’s Cathedral are steps away.
Located inside a restored colonial building bang on Plaza Las Delicias, the hotel’s biggest draw is its on-site casino.
There are 69 non-smoking rooms and 7 well-appointed suites to choose from.
Room amenities include a coffee maker, a work desk, an LED television, and free Internet access to ensure you are connected at all times!
Satiate food cravings at the onsite Melao Coffee Shop which serves burgers, wings, tacos, and wraps.
Don’t forget to swim a few laps at their outdoor pool!
Boutique Hotel Belgica
For an intimate experience, try Boutique Hotel Belgica, a centrally located gem that is close to tourist attractions like the Plaza Las Delicias and the Ponce Museum of Art.
Although all the rooms are on the second floor and there is no elevator, once you get there, you’ll love the plush interiors and the 25-foot-high cathedral ceiling.
There’s also air-conditioning, a smart TV, and a mini fridge!
High-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms at no extra charge!
The hotel’s pet-friendly policy makes this hotel ideal for animal lovers.
Solace by the Sea
Located inside Ponce’s Recreativo el Tuque complex right by the sea, this property is a favorite for those keen to explore Puerto Rico’s southern coast.
The hotel is well-connected to the main highways so you’ll be in the city center of Ponce in no time!
The 102 rooms feature amenities like a flat-screen television, a desk, a hairdryer, and daily housekeeping.
Pets are welcome and kid’s meals are provided upon request making this a wonderful escape for families!
There are sun loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas you can use when at the beach.
Surrounded by lush vegetation, the swimming pool is a wonderful place to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.
The volleyball and basketball courts are perfect spots for making new friends.
Give Solace a chance if you cherish a lovely seaside location!
Be sure to join an off-site snorkeling excursion, the staff will help you plan it!
While planning your itinerary be sure to check out Puerto Rico’s all-inclusive resorts and luxurious hotels.
Conclusion
That’s it folks, our guide to Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, rightly called the Gateway of the Caribbean.
The clean waterfront La Guancha, balmy beaches, world-class museums, and varied architectural styles make Ponce an ideal destination for every kind of traveler!
Pack some sunscreen and come over.
There’s much to discover and enjoy!
We hope our guide to Ponce will help you when planning a visit to this underrated Puerto Rican destination!