Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Best Specialty Museums

Visit the Para la Naturaleza store to book a reservation for guided nature tours or purchase eco-friendly items for your next outdoor adventure. Para la Naturaleza is a nonprofit organization that integrates society into the conservation of natural ecosystems. The organization manages visitor centers and natural protected areas throughout Puerto Rico, including Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce, Hacienda La Esperanza in Manati and Cabezas de San Juan in Fajardo, among others. The Para la Naturaleza store is located in the historic Casa Ramon Power y Giralt. Guided tours of Old San Juan available by reservation.

Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Museo de Arte y Diseno de Miramar (MADMi) an interactive space designed to inspire creativity and innovation through art and design.

A rich maritime history just a short walk away. Visit us and discover one of the treasures of Puerto Rico. The only Maritime Museum in San Juan with the largest lifering collection in the world, ship models: Discovery vessels, Tall ships and Cruise Ships. Discover the history behind galleons and frigates, which defended Old San Juan through old coins, treasures, maps and historical documents.

Located in El Faro Park in Rincon, this small museum of the sea features platforms for spotting dolphin and whales.

A visit to the former home of Dona Felisa Rincón, the first woman to serve as mayor of San Juan from 1946 to 1968, provides a glimpse into a typical Old San Juan home reflecting the politics and personal life of its previous occupant.

Casa Cortés, located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the place to experience the Chocolate Cortés Collection, showcasing works by the Caribbean's contemporary art masters. Currently on exhibit; CCC Caribes, features 58 paintings by 50 artists from 10 countries. Free Admission.Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 11:00am - 5:00pm.

Let's say you have just strolled around the Parque de las Palomas and visited the little (albeit enchanting) Capilla del Cristo. It's still early in the afternoon, and you have no idea where to go next. In that case, my best suggestion would be to visit La Casa Estrecha, which roughly translates to "The Narrow House". Indeed, this yellow two-story house is as narrow as it gets! From wall to wall, this house measures approximately 5 feet; and since it is wedged between two standard-size buildings, the contrast is quite stark. Nevertheless, before la Casa Estrecha was transformed into a house, it was an alley that leads into the central courtyard of the surrounding buildings. Eventually, the alley became obsolete, and it was given a ceiling and a facade so that it could be used as a house. Around the early 2000s, the proprietor, architect Antonio Alvarez, remodeled the narrow building to house an art gallery focused on highlighting the works of San Juan's artists such as John Melendez and Maria Antonia Ordonez. Moreover, one of the most gratifying experiences about this house is its non-interrupted view of San Juan's bay. On a sunny day, you can see all the way to Catano and the mountain range in the distance, including the island's tallest peak: Cerro Punta. Nowadays, Mr. Alvarez opens his fantastic house to visitors who wish to explore its petite dimensions.

Built in 1521 as a home for Governor Juan Ponce de Leon, today this historic landmark contains two interesting museums of Indian and colonial artifacts.

Delve into Puerto Ricos African influences through exhibits ranging from slave histories to African utensils.

The Museo de Vida Silvestre (or Wildlife Museum) in San Juan allows people to see what wild animals from around the world look like. It is filled with a variety of mounted animals in displays that depict their natural origin and behavioral habits. It is a great way to learn about animals from far and wide without ever leaving the metro area.