Old San Juan with kids- Viejo san Juan con niños

Our son was 18 month sold when we strolled the street through old San Juan

(Please excuse my spelling on all my posts :)

Directions, Restaurants, Treats

San Juan is great for exploring:

HEAT:

We have gone during July HOT summer months and December, hot but not awful. Please stay hydrated and take many breaks. Little ones love ice cream right? Spot for guy with Local helado, pineapple, passion fruit and coconut flavors, they are on a cart and have bells the ring to catch your attention. Also a Piragua, traditional shaved ice with sweet syrups.

Coble Stone Streets: These are historical not great for strollers, you will need a umbrella stroller for tiny sidewalks, its doable.

Park of Pigeons/Parque de las palomas: At the end of Calle San Cristo

Growing up Everyone goes feeds the pigeons. 

 Getting There & Parking: In Old San Juan you will put your GPS to go to El Morro (fort), once entering old san juan you will be on rt25, you will see ocean on your right. Pass the "white house" on left, 

continue on the right, onto calle Norzagaray (you may not see street signs, look at corner walls, of old buildings) you will see other portion of fort (Castillo San Cristobal) on the right, Turn right here. 

Ocean is on your right. continue until you see a small plaza (called Plaza del Quinto Centenario, may not see the name) on the left with a brown sculpture totem, make a left onto the right of plaza and you will find parking underground. (otherwise you may have to drive around to find street parking)

Here you can walk to El Morro (kite flying is what all children do here and buy a piragua (ice slushy) or helado (fruit sorbet passion fruit is my favorite) these are a couple of dollars.  After the Morro fort,  walk back towards parking lot (further up) and find Calle del Cristo, its like walking away from the ocean. This street has many shops along the way and many gift shops to stop and explore. But if you are hungry, keep walking towards Calle Fortaleza. You will not miss it. Here is a tourist picture point with many umbrella installations (2018-19) on the right. For food head left on Calle Fortaleza on left side of the street. 

Food: and go into El Punto, its a small hallway with gift Artisan shop, walk to the end and you will see the cafe/restaurants. We love coming here for their stuffed Avocados or Tostones (Fried plantain cups), Anything you order here will be good. Local beer is Medalla and they also have jugos del pais (fresh local fruit juice, passion fruit, guava, tamarindo, etc. Ask what they have for fresh juice.) You will find staff speak English.

For Vegeterian/Vegan option: https://stuffedavocadoshop.com/

Señor Paleta has become a favorite of All natural ice pops: https://www.wearepaleta.com/

Other Local Favorites in Old San Juan: Vaca Brava restaurant

After eating return to umbrellas, take pics and head left to el Parque de las Palomas (park of the pigeons, yes... a place to feed pigeons ;)

If everyone is feeling good, you can continue to explore by walking back to Calle del Cristo towards the Cathedral church and make a left, you will find another walk away towards the ocean view... feel free to explore and walk. But remember you have to find your way back the up the hill to the car.

August 2019 My son at 7yrs old

Sundays after 6pm or so, Paseo de La Princesa street is enjoyed by the locals with Artisans, music and food. Great to catch the sunset. walk around and have dinner at any local restaurant.