Today was the first day since I arrived in Puerto Rico (3 months ago) that I can remember the sun not shining. In fact today was a pretty dire today with regards to the weather and so it got me to thinking. What is there to do here in Puerto Rico when it is raining?
Well here are a few ideas:
Shopping: Try Plaza Las Americas; this is the largest mall in the Caribbean and is anchored by Sears, JC Penny and Macy’s. There are approximately 300 stores in the mall occupying some 2.1 million square feet. As well as stores there is the multiplex Caribbean Cinema. The mall can become extremely busy on the weekend as it is a major destination for Puerto Ricans looking for a bargain.
Museums / Galleries: The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (299 Av. Jose De Diego, Santurce) is one of the biggest in the Caribbean and is located in the old San Juan Municipal Hospital. Among the exhibits is a collection of Puerto Rican art dating from the 17th century to the present. The museum also houses the Pikayo restaurant that is one of the top restaurants in Puerto Rico.
There is the Museum of History, Anthropology and Art located at the campus of the University of Puerto Rico, which includes a collection of more than 30,000 pieces of Caribbean archaeological artifacts, paintings, drawings, Puerto Rican and International prints, sculpture, posters, folk art, historical documents, philatelics, numismatics and Egyptian archaeological pieces.
You could also check out the Museo de Arte de Ponce. Ponce is on the South Coast of Puerto Rico about 1 hour by car, if you take the main expressway #52. Here you will find a collection of over 3,000 pieces that range from the 14th to the 20th century.
There are also several art galleries in Old San Juan.
Casinos: If you are feeling lucky, try your hand in one of Puerto Rico’s casinos. Most of the larger hotels in the Condado and Isla Verde areas have casinos; Condado Plaza Hotel, El san Juan Hotel, Ritz Carlton, San Juan Hotel and the San Juan Marriot to name a few.
Hopefully, the sun will shine when you are here in Puerto Rico, but if you end up with a rainy day, you still have options.
