Parque de Bombas
An 1883 wooden firehouse in bold red and black stripes, right on the plaza.
Ponce
Puerto Rico's elegant southern city, with a striped red-and-black firehouse and one of the Caribbean's finest art museums.
Ponce was the island's old rival to San Juan, grown rich on sugar and rum. Its plaza and neoclassical houses are the pride of the south, along with the famous Parque de Bombas.
The 2020 earthquakes damaged parts of the south. Check on the art museum, which has been repairing its building.
- Best Time
- December–May
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 90 minutes by car south of San Juan.
What to See
2 of 4 are freeMuseo de Arte de Ponce
Rich in European paintings, with Leighton's Flaming June. Check its status and any temporary location.
Castillo Serrallés
The Spanish Revival mansion of the Don Q rum family, on the hill above the city.
La Guancha
A seaside boardwalk with food stalls, good for the evening.
Know Before You Go
- Earthquakes in 2020 damaged some buildings. Check before planning around one.
Where to Stay
Stay near the plaza.
Where to Eat
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Go Next
Must-SeeSan Juan
Puerto Rico
A 500-year-old walled city of blue cobblestones and huge Spanish forts, with big Atlantic beaches and great nightlife.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyRincón
Puerto Rico
The Caribbean's great surf town, on the island's west coast, with winter waves, whale-watching and famous sunsets.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the US Territories list.