SAN JUAN w/ Kids- Fort & Old San Juan

[skydog802]

Yes, you do have time. The forts are El Morro and St Cristobel (or something like that). They are about 3/4 mile apart. it is $ 3 to get in one and $ 5 to get in both.

 

If the free trolley is not there when you get off the ship get a taxi to the fort. You can walk back through old town. That is a nice (and all downhill) trip. the ship docks right off of the street.

 

Sorry--forgot to answer the second part of the question. Both forts are run by the National Park service. El Morro and the building across the street have nice historic interpretation.

 

I think children will enjoy El Morro more. (but, both are nice to visit) El Morro has excellent views. There is a HUGE grassy area in front of the fort that children frequently run around. (we are talking 5+ acres) Also, kites are big at El Morro. I saw a vendor when I was there in March selling kites for $3-$6. (nothing fancy)

Thank you for the response. Sound like a plan for my family. :)

[robinlbe]

Appreciate all these great postings.

 

We, too, will be in San Juan on a Sunday from 3pm-midnight....seems a bit odd if the whole idea is for that area to get our money and for us to experience that area (and want to return!!). But then again, I suppose we aren't the type of folk they cater to since we aren't casino/drinking/nightclub type people.

 

Oh well....sigh.

 

Btw, a shout out to Littlebabynurse......are you a NICU nurse? Just curious. My daughter was a 23.5 wk, 590 grammer who is now 19 years old - a gifted cellist and writer :) I obviously have a tender spot for NICU folks :)

[skydog802]

Appreciate all these great postings.

 

We, too, will be in San Juan on a Sunday from 3pm-midnight....seems a bit odd if the whole idea is for that area to get our money and for us to experience that area (and want to return!!). But then again, I suppose we aren't the type of folk they cater to since we aren't casino/drinking/nightclub type people.

Neither is my family. We don't do casinos and other wild stuff. We like to enjoy the local areas, check out architecture, museums, scenery, explore local stuff, and have local food. We had a good time in San Juan. I would suggest that you head to the forts as soon as you dock as they close at 6:00PM. Take the trolley which is free and very enjoyable. From the dock, walk to the left of the pier to just about across from the Senor Frogs bar. There is a trolley stop there. Take it to El Morro fort which is a little further away but get ready to be mesmerized with the stunning views. Once you're done with El Morro, take the trolley to San Cristobal fort which you would have seen as you headed to El Morro. From here, walk across the street on the cobble stone road and just go a few blocks. Then, take any left street which will bring you right in the heart of the shopping area. Restaurants, shops, and Governor's House is located in this area. Very walkable and easy. There's a local guy selling fresh coconuts. Get him to shave a fresh coconut, drink the juice, and then he'll cut it open so you can eat the flesh. We enjoyed it. If you need a pharmacy to pick up snacks, and other supplies, it's right by the dock near Senor Frogs.

[robinlbe]

Oh, Skydog!!! That sounds like a wonderful and fun plan!!!!

Thanks so much. I'm printing that off and taking with us:)

 

Blessings...robin

[vette-ss]

My plan is to get off the ship and get to one of the forts (most likely El Morro) as soon as we can. We will work our way by foot back to the ship with the kids, stopping at shops and seeing sights along the way. We'll probably get back on board for dinner, check the kids into kid camp, and the mrs and I will go back into OSJ for a miniature celebration. It will be our bachelor/bachelorette party of sorts, as we get married the next day in St. Thomas.

[Ms411]

This is a lovely area on early weekend evenings.

 

http://www.discoveringpuertorico.com/2009/07/paseo-de-la-princesa-in-old-san-juan/