The Historic District of Old San Juan: There's nothing like it in the Caribbean. Partially enclosed by old walls dating from the 17th century, Old San Juan was designated a U.S. National Historic Zone in 1950. Some 400 massively restored buildings fill this district, which is chockablock 
with tree-shaded squares, monuments, and open-air cafes as well as shops, restaurants, and bars. If you're interested in history, there is no better stroll in the West Indies.
San Juan is a city of dichotomies – Spanish and English, Puerto Rican and American, Ancient and Modern. To understand the city like a Sanjuanero, one must understand the symbiotic relationship between each of the city's districts. Old San Juan is the historic heart of the city. Spanish colonial homes dating back hundreds of years border plazas with statues honoring Christopher Columbus, among others. In sharp contrast, the city's Condado, Ocean Park and Isla Verde sections of town are 100% modern glitz and glamour. Comparable to Miami Beach and Las Vegas, these regions are home to the high-rise hotels, beaches and casinos prized by tourists from around the world.
Castillo de San Felipe del Morro: Located in Old San Juan and nicknamed El Morro, 
this fort was originally built in 1540. A sixteenth-century citadel that lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan. For many years it guarded the entrance to San Juan bay and defended the city from sea borne enemies. El Morro, which means "promontory", is part of San Juan National Historic Site and was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983.. Rich in history and legend, the site covers enough territory to accommodate a nine-hole golf course.
The Historic District of Ponce: Second only to Old San Juan in terms 
of historic significance, the central district of Ponce is a blend of Ponce Créole and Art Deco building styles, dating mainly from the 1890s to the 1930s. One street, Calle Isabel, offers an array of Ponceño architectural styles, which often incorporate neoclassic details. The city underwent a massive restoration preceding the celebration of its 300th anniversary in 1996.
Museo de Arte de Ponce: Located in Ponce, this museum has the finest collection of European and Latin American art in the Caribbean. The building was designed by Edward Durell Stone, who also 
designed the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Contemporary works by Puerto Ricans are displayed, as well as works by an array of old masters, including Renaissance and baroque pieces from Italy.
The Museum’s collection comprises one of the most respected samples of Western art, spanning from the High Middle Ages to the 19th century. The galleries representing the various schools are renowned for their quality. Equally important is the Puerto Rican art collection, which ranges from the 18th century to the present day and includes great masters such as José Campeche, Francisco Oller, Miguel Pou, as well as the best contemporary talent such as Myrna Báez, Francisco Rodón, Antonio Martorell and Arnaldo Roche Rabell, among others.
Tropical Agriculture Research Station: These tropical gardens contain one of the largest collections of tropical species intended for practical use. These include cacao, fruit trees, spices, 
timbers, and ornamentals. Adjacent to the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico, the site attracts botanists from around the world.
This important site, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was founded in 1901 and has since collected over 2,000 species of exotic flora from all over the world. Ceylonese cinnamon trees, cacao, teak, mahogany and many ornamentals are a few of the finds you will study during your free, self-guided tour. Plan your visit for the morning hours - afternoon rains can be counted on.
The City of San Germán: Only an hour's drive from Ponce or Mayagüez and the beaches of the southern coast, and just over 2 hours from San Juan, San Germán, Puerto Rico's second-oldest town, is a little museum piece. It was founded in 1512 and destroyed by the French in 1528. Rebuilt in 1570, it
was named after Germain de Foix, the second wife of King Ferdinand of Spain. Once the rival of San Juan, San Germán harbored many pirates who pillaged the ships that sailed off the nearby coastline.
Thanks to a breadth of architectural styles, San Germán is also the second Puerto Rican city (after San Juan) to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings, monuments, and plazas fill a 36-acre (14-hectare) historic zone. Today's residents descend from the smugglers, poets, priests, and politicians who once lived here in "the city of hills," so-called because of the mountainous location.
Iglesia Porta Coeli: The main attraction of San Germán is the oldest church 
in the New World. It was originally built by Dominican friars in 1606. The church resembles a working chapel, although Mass is held here only three times a year. Along the sides of the church are treasures gathered from all over the world.
