Gas, electricity, and food prices keep going up. We're starting to wonder if they'll charge for breathing next. Fortunately, there are still free and low-cost activities to stretch your dollar and make the most of what's left of the summer. Read on for activities to close out the summer on a high note.
1. Exploring the Island's street art
Support local art and explore the different street art routes on the Island. In Añasco, the collective Ciudad Museo PR transformed various abandoned spaces into striking works of art. For an even more complete guide, check out this route of murals you can't miss in Añasco.
If you'd rather stay in the metro area, visit Calle Cerra in Santurce, home of the well-known Santurce es Ley festivals. Known for its graffiti art and large murals, Calle Cerra offers a variety of unique, vividly colored pieces, perfect for that Instagram photo.
#Plateatip: Thirsty during your walk through Santurce? Stop by Esquina Watusi, a bar with a cool vibe where you can grab a few beers 🍻 while taking in the street art.
A stop at the colorful houses in Yauco is a must when you visit the coffee town. This public art project, known as Yaucromatic, uses street art to bring life and color to the town. With more than 60 works spread across Yauco's historic downtown, your visit will take you through its architecture, its history, and above all its famous coffee. ☕️
#Plateatip: Make a day trip out of your visit to Yauco! Check out these 6 places you can't miss when visiting Yauco.
2. Cooling off at a swimming hole on the Island
Charco los Morones is a beautiful natural pool surrounding the Río Viví in Utuado. It's the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the waterfalls and take in the surrounding mountains. Visitors are advised to be careful, as it has strong underwater currents.
#Plateatip: Don't miss these places to visit when you're around Utuado!
It's hot out 🥵. Save on your electricity bill, turn off the AC, and head to San Lorenzo to enjoy Los 7 Chorros. You can take a dip and cool off. This easy-to-reach waterfall is about a 3-minute walk from the parking area and is the perfect spot for a relaxed day with the whole family.
Los 7 Chorros are located just behind Bar González.
#Plateatip: If you're looking for adventure, here are five natural waterfalls to check out. If you prefer something more accessible, explore these easy-access swimming holes and waterfalls around the Island.
3. Going out to dance salsa 💃
The biggest public salsa dance floor comes to Barranquitas this weekend, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Enjoy two days of music, rides, artisans, kiosks, and more with the whole family.
Hours: Saturday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Salsa fills the dance floor in Isabela on Fridays. Bring your favorite dance partner and head out to dance. There will be music, kiosks, classes, and dance showcases at Plaza Pública Manuel Corchado, for the whole family to enjoy.
Hours: Every Friday at 7:00 p.m.
4. Visiting the Parque de Bombas in Ponce
The old Ponce fire station was the first of its kind founded in Puerto Rico. It now operates as a museum and tells the history of this historic site, located on the Plaza de las Delicias. A visit lets you take in the building, known for its red and black color scheme, and learn about the evolution of firefighting technology. Admission is free.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
#Plateatip: Make your trip to Ponce a road trip and follow this guide to get the most out of it! 🚗
5. Take in nature and have a picnic in the park
This leafy park is the ideal spot for a picnic and an afternoon under a tree with the family. You can spend the time playing, riding bikes, roller skating, or enjoying the swings. Admission is free.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
6. Visit a museum with the family
One of the best free museums in Puerto Rico is the Museo de San Juan. It is located in what was once the main public market of Old San Juan. The museum has a permanent exhibition area presenting the history of Puerto Rico and an area for temporary exhibit
Budget activities
If you're willing to spend a little, check out these budget-friendly activities to stretch your dollar. 🤑
7. Watch a movie under the stars ✨
Believe it or not, drive-ins still exist in Puerto Rico! And the best part is that they show movies at the same time as regular theaters, making them the ideal alternative when you want to stretch your dollar. At Autocine Santana, tickets cost $3.50 per person and you can bring your own snacks, or buy from the Snack Bar located between the two screens.
8. Take a walk through the Jardín Botánico
What better way to unwind and connect with nature than visiting the botanical garden in Caguas. Bring your four-legged friend and spend a few hours wandering the garden. You'll both enjoy the activity and the change of scenery. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, and $4.00 for people over 60.
Hours: Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don't sacrifice your fun this summer! Stretch that dollar and make the most of the free and budget activities our 100×35 has to offer.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
