TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums US VI and Puerto Rico Long Layover in San Juan

Looking for suggestions for the best ideas for a long layover (about 10 in the morning until about 4.30 in the afternoon) in San Juan.

I'll have 2 small people with me so it'd be nice if they had either somewhere to completely chill for the day or somewhere they can do stuff to wear them out so they have a chance of sleeping on the overnight flight we're getting on <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Any suggestions gratefully received. We're flying in on Cape Air from Tortola and out on Norwegian to London, if that's relevant...

Many years ago, I had such a layover and a friend suggested that we cab it over to the El San Juan Hotel for the day. Not sure how it would work today, if you would be able to use the beach and/or pool. It ended up being a rainy day for us so we just hung out in the lobby. Found a great Cuban restaurant close by for lunch.

How "old" are the small people?

You might consider going to Old San Juan and visiting the fortresses of El Morro and El Castillo de Cristobal.

And, yes you can get day passes for the El San Juan Hotel if beach time tickles your fancy.

Thanks, yeah Old San Juan may be an option. I've never been <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />

Kids are 4 and 8, so they'd probably enjoy that, as long as we can find somewhere to ditch the suitcase - I don't think I can check it through from Cape Air, annoyingly.

Our son LOVED both the forts when he was 5 yo (or maybe he was 6yo, the trips are staring to run together) as well as walking along the water at the wall. There is a gate that leads into a charming neighborhood. We played up the Pirates of the Caribbean vibe and he was enchanted.

You might be able to check into Cape Air right away.

Just an FYI, don't cut yourself too short returning to SJU. Even with Pre-Check, it took us a very long time to get thru TSA last month. The regular line was epic, stretching all the way down the terminal.

I don't know about the suitcase question, but if you can find something to do with it, I think that would be a great option to entertain (and wear out) the kids. The forts are really quite interesting, even for "old" kids! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

There's usually a shave-ice vender near the fort grounds, which is always a treat on a hot day. Also, there's a trolley system that cruises around Old San Juan, so you can park in one of the parking garages, or even on the street, and trolley around.

Do you arrive at 10 and would need to be back by 4? That would be a decent amount of time to get out and do something. You could probably check in to your 2nd flight and check your bags maybe?

Personally, I'd probably just save the hassle though and take a later Cape Air flight.

Check out the hotels on the beach; I have forgotten the one we went to but beach and beach food were available along with chairs and shade. You'll just want to rinse off (bring small towels) before next leg. PS we were told to leave 3 hrs to check in for international flights! So books and toys are mandatory of course <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />