How To Have A 3-Day Weekend In San Juan, Puerto Rico

Editor's Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. Puerto Rico was heavily impacted by Hurricane Maria. Please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com for updates.

One in 10 readers spends just a long weekend in the Caribbean, so every minute counts. Check out how to spend your three day weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The San Juan Water and Beach Club will serve as your center for a slothlike afternoon on the shoreline. Book a spa appointment and stroll the sand come sunset in Isla Verde or Condado. End the night with dinner at La Placita de Santurce, a trendy spot in the metro area. A farmers market by day, come twilight, it's the place to spin pina coladas at one of the family-owned bars.

Rise with the sun and carve up some waves with WoW Surfing School. Rinse off and score some retail therapy in Old San Juan, where the seven blocks are filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Stop at the kiosks along the road to pick up a picnic and drive 30 minutes to El Yunque National Forest for a hike among waterfalls and coqui, tiny tree frogs native to Puerto Rico. come nightfall, head to Fajardo's Bio Bay, located in a natural reserve dotted with mangroves. Kayak into the darkness and watch the water come alive with millions of glowing microorganisms, known as dinoflagellates. Look for shooting stars and distinct constellations.

Take note: you should arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before your flight. But there's plenty of time for brunch at Cafe Marquesa. Red-velvet pancakes with cream-cheese glaze are for digging in with no remorse. Cinnamon French toast, eggs Florentine and breakfast pizza (not an oxymoron!), topped with queso blanco, are other favorite.