Puerto Rico: Visit the Island of the Stars (2024)

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood is not limited to the red carpets or studio lots of Los Angeles. A popular celebrity destination, Puerto Rico features key celebrity hot spots, hip hotels, and locations from famous films shot on the island. With its beautiful beaches, exclusive resorts, and culinary excellence it’s no wonder why A-list stars flock to the Island.

CELEBRITIES SLEPT HERE

If you're hoping to spot a celebrity, look from them coming and going from these top hotels.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort (pictured above) – Located at the foot of El Yunque Rainforest, romance and luxury describe this five-star resort that Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony frequent when visiting the island. Marc Anthony was recently spotted on the beautiful Bahia Beach golf course, and Amaury Nolasco of Prison Break fame is known to host his annual golf tournament here. It’s clear this elegant and exclusive hotel suits celebrities to a tee.

W Retreat & Spa Vieques – Always ahead of the curve, leading lady Angie Harmon and family escaped winter with a getaway to one of Puerto Rico's best kept secrets, the W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island. The hotel, nestled on two secluded beaches, is an ideal natural haven for those celebrities looking for relaxation and adventure.

El San Juan Hotel & Casino – With its beachfront location in the Isla Verde district of San Juan and 15 minutes from the shopping, entertainment, and history of Old San Juan, keep an eye out for celebrities such as Enrique Iglesias when visiting this starlit hotel.

Las Casitas Village – With its enclave of private villas and sweeping ocean views, it’s no wonder that Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz chose Las Casitas Village as their place of rest and relaxation while shooting Pirates of the Caribbean. Located on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, near El Yunque Rainforest, Las Casitas feature a private infinity pool and 24-hour butler service.

La Concha Resort – Hip, stylish, retro and chic, it’s clear why Hollywood names such as Aaron Eckhart choose to stay at La Concha Resort when visiting Puerto Rico. La Concha Beach Resort is situated on the sun-splashed corner of prime Caribbean beachfront in Condado, San Juan’s most elegant district, and fifteen minutes or less from the vibrancy and action of Old San Juan.

Puerto Rico: Visit the Island of the Stars (1)Hotel El Convento bar

RESTAURANTS TO DINE FOR

Considered the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, stop by one of these restaurants to taste the offerings of celebrity chefs or spot a Hollywood star enjoying the island’s culinary excellence.

Pikayo – The flagship project for Chef Wilo Benet, celebrity chef who was featured as a judge on Top Chef Season 4, combines exquisite global taste with exclusive ambiance. Located in Conrad Condado Plaza in San Juan, Pikayo is a local favorite and regularly hosts famous personalities from around the world.

Budatai & Bar Gitano – Venture to another restaurant and bar in the chic Condado area to taste the flavors of Iron Chef contestant and Food Network favorite, Robert Treviño. The Nuevo Latino flavors and energy of these establishments make them places to see and be seen.

Marmalade – Located on Fortaleza Street in San Juan, red carpet siren Scarlett Johansson has been spotted at this trendy restaurant and wine bar. A fine dining experience paired with an uber hip lounge, this establishment has real star quality that attracts Hollywood’s most recognizable socialites.

Tamboo Beach Bar & Harbor Restaurant – If you’re headed to Rincón, Puerto Rico, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Kate Moss hanging out at these relaxed beach venues. One of Esquire’s Best Bars in America, Tamboo Beach Bar offers A-list celebrities the perfect laid-back escape.

Gran Melia Resort Cafe – Looking for the bold and the beautiful? Head to this gem of a resort nestled on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast in Coco Beach, Rio Grande and you might catch the current Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete, sipping chardonnay poolside.

Puerto Rico: Visit the Island of the Stars (2)W Retreat Spa Vieques Island sea view

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Location. Location. Location. Visit these sites to see where scenes from popular films were shot on the island.

Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides (2011)
Check out Palominito, the small island located on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, near El Yunque Rainforest, to see where Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz filmed scenes from the next Pirates of the Caribbean film. Also, check out Fort San Cristobal in Old San Juan to get a glimpse of another Pirates scene.

The Rum Diary (2011)
Naguabo, located on the east coast of the island, north of Humacao and south of Rio Grande, is said to be the birth place of the pastelillo de chapín, a popular food in Puerto Rico. Johnny Depp frequented this local area taking in the varied culinary delights. This film, shot entirely in Puerto Rico, is mainly based in Old San Juan but, also, takes in the Condado and Isla Verde areas.

Treasure Island (2011)
This two-part TV miniseries brings Elijah Wood to Caja de Muertos Island for filming. Only 3 miles off the coast of Ponce, “Caja de Muertos” (Coffin Island), is one of Puerto Rico’s most pristine habitats with a rare wildlife refuge and reef system.

Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)
George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey were on set at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus Old Science Building for several days while shooting this movie. Cayey is a town in central Puerto Rico noted for its surrounding mountains, cool weather and misty mornings.

Golden Eye (1995)
Stop by the Arecibo Radio Telescope, the largest radio telescope in the world, and gaze at the location where Pierce Brosnan shot the famous scene as James Bond in the 007 hit Golden Eye and also featured in the famous sci-fi flick, Contact. The observatory is open to the public and can be reached from San Juan in 1 hour and 15 minutes by road, the last section of which involves a spectacular winding drive amid lush tropical vegetation.

For more information on travel deals to Puerto Rico and accommodations, visit www.seepuertorico.com

Puerto Rico: Visit the Island of the Stars (2024)

FAQs

Where can I see celebrities in Puerto Rico? ›

Club Brava – the one of the hottest night club in Puerto Rico is Club Brava. It hosts the international DJs and celebrities from around the island and world.

What is the most beautiful island in Puerto Rico? ›

With its white-sand beaches and active reef, Culebra is one of the most idyllic destinations in the Puerto Rico archipelago.

Where do celebs stay in Puerto Rico? ›

Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Why Celebrities Are Flocking to This Boutique Hotel. Vacation like the stars – that's the tempting opportunity that Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in Dorado, Puerto Rico, offers its guests.

What is the best side of the island to stay on in Puerto Rico? ›

What side of the Island is best in Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico's west coast is best for beach bummers, surfers, and nature lovers. Puerto Rico's north coast is best for people who like the buzz of the metro area but also natural escapes. The east side is best to find luxurious hotels and clear beaches.

What is the #1 attraction in Puerto Rico? ›

1. Castillo San Felipe del Morro. El Morro was initially fortified in 1539 and completed in 1589. Rising 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense.

Is Puerto Rico good for stargazing? ›

Stargazing Charters in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico

Bio Bay tours only take place when the Moon is NOT full so the conditions for stargazing are amazing. The Bio Bay tour is not to be missed during your visit to Vieques, experience the magical stars in the water and the twinkling ones above you.

Is Puerto Rico as nice as Hawaii? ›

If you have a larger budget and prefer diverse islands with plenty of activities, you can head to Hawaii and all its numerous diverse appeals. But if you're up for more culture, cheaper costs, a beach, and amazing people, Puerto Rico is your best bet.

What are 3 things that Puerto Rico is known for? ›

Puerto Rico is the world's leading rum producer; 80% of the rum consumed in the United States hails from the island. There is a counted number bioluminescent bays in the entire world. Puerto Rico is home three bioluminescent bays.

Where is the bluest water in Puerto Rico? ›

The beaches with the clearest waters in Puerto Rico include Tortuga Beach in Culebrita, Playa Pelícano in Caja de Muerto, Playa Caracas in Vieques, Cayo Aurora, Icacos Beach, and Gilligan's Island.

Where did Megan Fox stay in Puerto Rico? ›

Well, that's one way to relax. While Megan Fox made it seem like she and Machine Gun Kelly got engaged beneath a beautiful banyan tree in the heart of nature, Page Six can exclusively reveal that the “Bloody Valentine” rocker actually proposed outside the Spa Botánico at the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico.

What island do celebrities go to? ›

Anguilla is a special place that celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Justin Timberlake like to visit. Even Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner call Anguilla their favorite place to escape. The best part is that the private villa rentals are not so far out of reach when you're traveling on a budget.

What is the best month to go to Puerto Rico? ›

High season, one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico, runs from mid-December through mid-April. These are the months with the least amount of rainfall and the mildest temperatures.

Which is better Costa Rica or Puerto Rico? ›

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest destinations in Central America. Puerto Rico is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. They are very similar in what safety risks they have, but with Puerto Rico being a United States territory, it's a bit more developed.

What time of year is best to go Puerto Rico? ›

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is between December and April for fresh weather, empty beaches, and local festivals, but it is also the high season for tourists. Summer and fall are good seasons for less expensive travel and warmer beaches. With year-round warm weather, Puerto Rico is always a great vacation spot.

What not to miss when visiting Puerto Rico? ›

Spend some time exploring Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla – the site of a former military port that still has some of the military pier infrastructure, surf in Rincon, a sleepy town on the west coast that is a favorite of expats, kayak over to Gilligan's Island (Cayo Aurora) from Guánica and do some snorkeling, visit ...

What should I do on my first day in Puerto Rico? ›

During your first day in Puerto Rico, explore Old San Juan so you get familiarized with the culture, the climate, and way of driving in Puerto Rico, before heading anywhere else. If travelers are staying closer to Isla Verde, then they can visit the Piñones and the Isla Verde Beach.

Can you see the Milky Way in Puerto Rico? ›

Yep. San Juan does have high light pollution. A million plus people, It's bright. But the Altantic is very dark and there is a nice star field.

Can you run red lights at night in Puerto Rico? ›

Nighttime Driving in Puerto Rico

After midnight, you can drive past the red lights so you don't have to stay alone at the intersection.

Is the Bahamas or Puerto Rico better? ›

If you're deciding between them, it really depends on what you're looking for. Puerto Rico is great for those looking for a Caribbean experience outside of beaches and resorts. The Bahamas is amazing for families, beach-lovers and divers. No matter what you choose, either place offers the chance of an amazing vacation!

Is it cheaper to go to Hawaii or Puerto Rico? ›

While Puerto Rico is less expensive compared to Hawaii, it's by no means cheap. You can expect to spend between $150 and $180 per day.

Is Puerto Rico cheap to vacation? ›

Is Puerto Rico cheap to visit? Puerto Rico isn't a cheap destination in comparison with other Caribbean islands, but solo travelers can spend a week in San Juan for $700, and couples for $1,200. Budget travelers can save even more by cooking their meals or traveling in the low season.

What is the biggest problem in Puerto Rico? ›

Puerto Rico's money problems, which have grown over the past two decades, are the result of many factors: Years of borrowing to cover budget deficits, poor economic growth, political corruption and a population decline all play a role.

Why is Puerto Rico so special? ›

#1: The island is gorgeous

Dreamy beaches, palm trees, old Spanish forts, jungles, waterfalls, tropical drinks, delicious seafood—Puerto Rico has it all. The island is even home to the USA's only rainforest. It's no wonder they call it The Island of Enchantment.

What is Puerto Rico's nickname? ›

Its nickname is "Isla del Encanto," or "Island of Enchantment," and on the surface, Puerto Rico seems to fulfill every paradisiacal promise made about it by glossy travel magazines.

Where is the best place to meet a celebrity? ›

20 Random Spots Where We Can Easily "Bump Into" Major A-List Celebs
  • 13 Serendipity 3.
  • 14 JG Melon. ...
  • 15 Bagatelle. ...
  • 16 Rainbow Room. ...
  • 17 Broadway. ...
  • 18 Madison Square Garden. ...
  • 19 The Polo Bar. ...
  • 20 Rockefeller Center. ...
Oct 10, 2018

Where do you see the most celebrities? ›

Celebrities can be found in all kinds of places in the US and abroad, but the highest concentration of famous people is still in Hollywood Hills.

What street do most celebrities live on? ›

All the big Hollywood tours know that some of the best celebrity homes are on Mulholland Drive, Alpine Drive, Bedford Drive, and Benedict Canyon. Not only are there plenty of celebrities living there today, but some legends from Hollywood's past stayed there as well.

What celebrities live in the San Juan Islands? ›

Bill Gates, Steve Miller, and Tom Skerritt are some of the other well-known people who own estates on the San Juan Islands.

Where do famous people go to vacation? ›

Top 10 Celebrity Vacation Destinations
  • St. Moritz, Switzerland. ...
  • Amalfi Coast, Italy. The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. ...
  • Los Cabos, Mexico. ...
  • Aspen, Colorado. ...
  • Anguilla, British West Indies. ...
  • Lake Como, Italy. ...
  • St. ...
  • Paris, France.
Aug 24, 2022

Who is the number 1 celebrity? ›

2010s
No.RecipientCareer
1Jennifer LopezMusician / Actress
2Oprah WinfreyTelevision personality
3Justin BieberMusician
4RihannaMusician
5 more rows

Who is the most Googled celebrity of all time? ›

Top 100 Most Searched People In the US

According to a variety of sources, Queen Elizabeth II is the most searched person in Google, followed by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

Where can I drive to see celebrity homes? ›

Mulholland Drive is the perfect place to do some celebrity sightseeing. After all, several major stars own homes on the scenic Beverly Hills Road.

Who Has the Best celebrity House? ›

Top 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Houses In The world
  • Beyonce and Jay Z's Bell Air Mansion in Los Angeles. ...
  • George Clooney's mansion in Italy. ...
  • Bill Gates's house in Medina, Washington. ...
  • Taylor Swift's mansion in Beverly Hills. ...
  • Tiger Woods House in Florida. ...
  • Ellen DeGeneres's house in Montecito- Santa Barbara.
Aug 9, 2022

What state is home to the most celebrities? ›

Most celebrities tend to gravitate to the coasts of the United States – making their home in California or New York.

What is the best time to visit San Juan Islands? ›

The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October. July and August are the warmest months to visit and also the busiest. The summer months bring on peak prices, too. Knowing how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook.

Does Bill Gates have a house on San Juan Island? ›

"Top Gun" actor Tom Skerritt has a home on Lopez Island, while Bill Gates has one on Shaw Island and musician Steve Miller is selling his mansion on namesake San Juan Island for $16.8 million.

Is San Juan Islands worth it? ›

The San Juan Islands are located off the coast of Washington State, bordering Vancouver and Victoria BC islands. These islands are one of the true natural wonders of the world and definitely worth a visit, especially if you love the outdoors.

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