San Juan National Historic Site is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Old San Juan, situated on the north coast of Puerto Rico, and is famous for its historic forts, city walls, and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
San Juan National Historic Site Location Map, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top Attractions Inside San Juan National Historic Site
- El Morro Fortress – Historic citadel with panoramic views of the Atlantic and San Juan Bay.
- San Cristóbal Fortress – Large fort featuring tunnels, cannons, and exhibits on military history.
- City Walls – Preserved defensive walls surrounding Old San Juan with scenic walking paths.
- Garitas (Sentry Boxes) – Iconic lookout points along the fortifications offering ocean and city views.
- Historic Cannons and Artillery – Displays of defensive weapons used to protect the city.
- Visitor Center – Educational exhibits, maps, and information about the site’s history and architecture.
- Guided Tours – Ranger-led tours highlighting the forts’ history, construction, and strategic importance.
San Juan National Historic Site Facts
| Official Name | San Juan National Historic Site |
| Location | Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico (USA) |
| Latitude & Longitude | 18.4705° N, 66.1229° W |
| Total Area | 75 acres (30 hectares) |
| Established / Designated | Established 1949; UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service |
| Region / Concept | Historic fortifications, colonial-era defense system, cultural heritage site |
| Main Features | Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, San Juan Gate, City Walls, Fortín San Juan de la Cruz |
| Visitor Activities | Fort tours, historic exhibits, photography, walking the city walls, ranger programs |
| Trails & Access | Paved walking routes through Old San Juan and between fortifications |
| Accessibility | Limited wheelchair access in historic structures; accessible visitor centers |
| Nearby Landmarks | Old San Juan, Paseo del Morro, La Fortaleza, San Juan Cathedral |
| Entry / Fees | Approx. $10 per adult (valid for both forts); children under 15 free |
| Best Time to Visit | December–April (dry season with best weather) |
| Annual Visitors | Over 1 million |
| Nearby Airport | Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) – 13 km |
| Transportation | Walking, taxi/rideshare, local bus, cruise-port access |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC−4 (no daylight saving time) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm |
| Famous For | Spanish colonial fortifications, El Morro Lighthouse, sweeping ocean views |
| UNESCO / National Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983); U.S. National Historic Site |
Distances from San Juan National Historic Site to Nearby Landmarks
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Castillo San Cristóbal – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Paseo de la Princesa – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- La Fortaleza – 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
- Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista – 0.9 km (0.6 mi)
- Puerta de San Juan – 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
- La Perla – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
- Museo de Las Américas – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- Plaza de Armas – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- San Juan Gate – 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
- Escambrón Beach – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Condado Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Puerto Rico Convention Center – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Isla Verde Beach – 11 km (6.8 mi)
- Ocean Park Beach – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Plaza Colón – 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
- Ballajá Barracks – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- San Juan Bay Marina – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Castillo San Jerónimo – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
- Miramar district – 4 km (2.5 mi)
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