Things to do & places to visit in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Ponce #12 destination in Puerto Rico 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 3.331 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/Puerto_Rico, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 5:04.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Fundación Biblioteca Rafael Hernández Colón (5 reviews)
- History museum
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

I like the history of Rafael Hernández Colón. Is a good structure and is free. This structure have a room for activity, wedding, conference, study and theater. See more..
5.0 Pelican Beach (5 reviews)
- Breathtaking...
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

If you want to visit one of Puerto Rico's most pristine beaches, then head over to Pelicano Beach at Caja de Muertos Island in Ponce. This fantastic place has been recognized for its cleanliness and environmental care; it's no wonder it was the first ever Caribbean Beach in a Natural Reserve to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award. The calm, crystalline waters and white, sandy shore of the Caribbean Sea will allow you to have a relaxing time. Although it's a small beach, it has picnic tables and gazebos for large groups to go and have fun. The name "Pelicano Beach" comes from the abundance of pelicans in the area--a reserve for these and other birds is located right next door. See more..
5.0 Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Guadalupe (2 reviews)
- The Cathedral of Many Memories
Churches & Cathedrals

Right in the center of Ponce's Historic Zone is the Cathedral Our Lady of Guadalupe, better known as Ponce Cathedral. The building ads up around 300 years of history, going through many changes in its lifetime. This opened the path to become an official historic site in 1984. The prestige it has gained over the years has earned it much love from the residents, and on certain holidays, thousands of people set off to attend the ceremony at this neo-classical church. See more..
5.0 Antiguo Casino De Ponce (1 review)
- Fun road trip with my sis
Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites

The Antiguo Casino de Ponce (English: Old Ponce Casino), or simply the Casino de Ponce, is a historic structure, built in 1922 and located in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Originally built as a social club for Ponce's elite, it is currently used as the premier reception center of "The Noble City of Puerto Rico". The building, designed by Agustin Camilo Gonzalez in the Second Empire and Neo-Rococo styles, has a French facade and tones. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 28, 1987. The building has been called "an icon of Ponce's architecture, history, and identity." It is owned and administered by the Ponce Municipal Government. See more..
5.0 Fuente de los Leones (1 review)
- The fountain of the People of Ponce
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Fountains

Fuente de los Leones is located in Plaza las Delicias. It's a one-of-a-kind water fountain surrounded by lion statues. The lions hold a lot of significance because it is the animal that symbolizes the city. See more..
5.0 Casa Paoli (1 review)
- The king of Tenors and the Tenor of kings
Friday: Speciality Museums
Casa Paoli (English: Paoli House) is a historic house in barrio Cuarto, Ponce. The house is significant as the birthplace of Antonio Paoli (1871-1946), a tenor who was the "first Puerto Rican to reach international recognition in the performing arts" and "one of the most outstanding opera singers of all times". The house was the childhood home of the artist and he was introduced to art and opera at this house. In 1987, the house was turned into a museum to honor the career of Antonio Paoli. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2009. See more..
4.5 Parque de Bombas (549 reviews)
- A Nice, Free Quick stop
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This loudly-colored building in black, red, green and yellow, was built for a volunteer fire-fighter's brigade. See more..
4.5 Isla de Caja de Muertos (527 reviews)
- Absolutely do this
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 AM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Isla de Caja de Muertos is an uninhabited island 8 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, perfect for a day trip of swimming, relaxing and exploring the Caribbean setting. As part of the Caja de Muertos Nature Reserve, it's home to beautiful reefs, marine life and greenery. Here, you can set off on one of the impressive hiking trails through the undisturbed forest, which leads to an interesting old lighthouse and even a pirates’ cave. You can also book a local boat tour to go snorkeling. This island is a ferry ride away from La Guancha in Ponce. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museo Castillo Serralles (489 reviews)
- Interesting tour, great Ponce views and the best cocktail
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

Evoking the era of the sugar barons of Puerto Rico, this beautiful Spanish Revival mansion was built in 1930 for the Serrallés family, owners of the Don Q rum distillery. See more..
4.5 Hacienda Buena Vista (208 reviews)
- All that and a cup of coffee
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Farms

Come up to the mountains and follow the trail to the waterfall that gave Hacienda Buena Vista its name. What used to be an important coffee plantation was also the scenario of a unique relationship between land, water and slavery. Today, at the heart of the former hacienda is a carefully restored historical site containing structures more than a century old and a hydraulic turbine that's the only one of its kind. Completely refurbished, the turbine is still powered by the water of Río Canas and serves as the main engine for other machines of the time. Spaces are limited, please reserve in advance online or by phone. More dates are available for groups by request. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of our Lady of Guadaloupe (129 reviews)
- Beautiful Cathedral in a shade of a fire station
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This elegant 17th-century cathedral rises majestically in the midst of Ponce. See more..
4.5 Museo de la Historia de Ponce (88 reviews)
- Very interesting
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

Situated in a beautiful and architecturally significant building, this museum traces the city's history from pre-Columbian times to the present. See more..
4.5 Casa Wiechers-Villaronga (19 reviews)
- Museum house
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:20 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The Casa Wiechers-Villaronga is a neo-classical style mansion in Ponce. It was designed and built in the early twentieth century. The house was acquired and restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and now operates as the Museo de la Arquitectura Poncena (Museum of Ponce Architecture). See more..
4.5 Catholic University of Puerto Rico (17 reviews)
- The best
Educational sites

This institution enrolls more than 7,000 students and has colleges of business, education, science and law. See more..
4.5 Cardona Island Light (12 reviews)
- Great day!
Lighthouses

Some of the reviews here are not of this island but of Coffin Island. Cardona Island is merely a 15 boat ride from La Guancha area by a tour boat. It’s a great beautiful island! Beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling. The great beaches lacking in Ponce are here. You can bring your food or pay to be fed, I rather bring my own. Great for families with children of all ages. A must while in Ponce ! See more..
4.5 Museo Casa Armstrong Poventud (11 reviews)
- Getting to know our history
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Casa Armstrong Poventud was the first of its kind--it set the stage for the Ponce Creole architectural style that characterizes the area. It was designed by Manuel Domenech, a Puerto Rican architect, and belonged to Carlos Armstrong Toro, a well known merchant. It is located in the Ponce Historic Zone, right across the famous Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe cathedral. As of 1991, Casa Armstrong has been operating as a museum. See more..
4.5 Centro Cultural Carmen Sola de Pereira de Ponce (6 reviews)
- Beautiful art center
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Carmen Sola de Pereira Ponce Cultural Center, founded in November 12, 1963, is the city's cultural center located in its historical zone. Many educational, art, and culture events can be hosted in this antique building. Each month, the center hosts "Noches de Galeria", a night dedicated to art expositions by artists from all over the island, especially Ponce. See more..
4.5 Panteon Nacional Roman Baldorioty de Castro (3 reviews)
- A Special historic place to visit!
Cemeteries

Roman Baldorioty de Castro National Pantheon, also known as Cementerio Antiguo de Ponce, is Ponce's oldest cemetery-turned-museum. With over a hundred years of history since its inauguration in 1842, it was converted into an official pantheon in 1991. This famous burial place is considered Puerto Rico's only National Pantheon, as well as the only cemetery made into a museum in the Caribbean. As the name leads on, the remains of the famous politician Baldorioty de Castro are located here, as well as those of other illustrious people. See more..
4.5 School of Fine Arts (3 reviews)
- Home of the Future of Arts in Puerto Rico
Educational sites

Ponce's School of Fine Arts, housed in old Spanish army headquarters, may have something to do with the city's prodigious artistic output. See more..
4.5 Parque de Bombas (549 reviews)
- A Nice, Free Quick stop
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This loudly-colored building in black, red, green and yellow, was built for a volunteer fire-fighter's brigade. See more..
4.5 Isla de Caja de Muertos (527 reviews)
- Absolutely do this
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 AM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Isla de Caja de Muertos is an uninhabited island 8 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, perfect for a day trip of swimming, relaxing and exploring the Caribbean setting. As part of the Caja de Muertos Nature Reserve, it's home to beautiful reefs, marine life and greenery. Here, you can set off on one of the impressive hiking trails through the undisturbed forest, which leads to an interesting old lighthouse and even a pirates’ cave. You can also book a local boat tour to go snorkeling. This island is a ferry ride away from La Guancha in Ponce. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museo Castillo Serralles (489 reviews)
- Interesting tour, great Ponce views and the best cocktail
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

Evoking the era of the sugar barons of Puerto Rico, this beautiful Spanish Revival mansion was built in 1930 for the Serrallés family, owners of the Don Q rum distillery. See more..
4.5 Hacienda Buena Vista (208 reviews)
- All that and a cup of coffee
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Farms

Come up to the mountains and follow the trail to the waterfall that gave Hacienda Buena Vista its name. What used to be an important coffee plantation was also the scenario of a unique relationship between land, water and slavery. Today, at the heart of the former hacienda is a carefully restored historical site containing structures more than a century old and a hydraulic turbine that's the only one of its kind. Completely refurbished, the turbine is still powered by the water of Río Canas and serves as the main engine for other machines of the time. Spaces are limited, please reserve in advance online or by phone. More dates are available for groups by request. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of our Lady of Guadaloupe (129 reviews)
- Beautiful Cathedral in a shade of a fire station
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This elegant 17th-century cathedral rises majestically in the midst of Ponce. See more..
4.5 Museo de la Historia de Ponce (88 reviews)
- Very interesting
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

Situated in a beautiful and architecturally significant building, this museum traces the city's history from pre-Columbian times to the present. See more..
4.5 Casa Wiechers-Villaronga (19 reviews)
- Museum house
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:20 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The Casa Wiechers-Villaronga is a neo-classical style mansion in Ponce. It was designed and built in the early twentieth century. The house was acquired and restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and now operates as the Museo de la Arquitectura Poncena (Museum of Ponce Architecture). See more..
4.5 Catholic University of Puerto Rico (17 reviews)
- The best
Educational sites

This institution enrolls more than 7,000 students and has colleges of business, education, science and law. See more..
4.5 Cardona Island Light (12 reviews)
- Great day!
Lighthouses

Some of the reviews here are not of this island but of Coffin Island. Cardona Island is merely a 15 boat ride from La Guancha area by a tour boat. It’s a great beautiful island! Beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling. The great beaches lacking in Ponce are here. You can bring your food or pay to be fed, I rather bring my own. Great for families with children of all ages. A must while in Ponce ! See more..
4.5 Museo Casa Armstrong Poventud (11 reviews)
- Getting to know our history
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Casa Armstrong Poventud was the first of its kind--it set the stage for the Ponce Creole architectural style that characterizes the area. It was designed by Manuel Domenech, a Puerto Rican architect, and belonged to Carlos Armstrong Toro, a well known merchant. It is located in the Ponce Historic Zone, right across the famous Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe cathedral. As of 1991, Casa Armstrong has been operating as a museum. See more..
4.5 Centro Cultural Carmen Sola de Pereira de Ponce (6 reviews)
- Beautiful art center
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Carmen Sola de Pereira Ponce Cultural Center, founded in November 12, 1963, is the city's cultural center located in its historical zone. Many educational, art, and culture events can be hosted in this antique building. Each month, the center hosts "Noches de Galeria", a night dedicated to art expositions by artists from all over the island, especially Ponce. See more..