Stopped in San Juan today. Was a short day so we didn’t get to do a lot, docked at 7, off the ship around 9, and back by 1:30. Wish we had more time. We walked up to the famous Umbrella Street (Calle Fortaleza) for that can’t-miss photo op, then took the free trolley up to El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) for some history and those ocean views that make you pause. We grabbed local snacks, the kids cooled off with coconut ice cream and piraguas, and by the time we wandered back it was already time to board. Back on the ship we did Deck 12 games, finally hit the sky course(Jor-El loved it!), and curled up on the Lido for a movie night. On our way to Grand Turk for a full day by the sea.
At a glance
Old San Juan is walkable from the cruise piers; Great for quick DIY days with kids.
El Morro (San Juan National Historic Site): Adults $10, kids 15 and under free, ticket covers both forts and is valid 24 hours. Usual hours 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Umbrella Street = Calle Fortaleza (seasonal displays sometimes change or streets may close for events/security).
Note on trolley: Old San Juan’s free trolley service has been intermittent and is not currently operating; walk, rideshare, or flag a free garita cart if you see one.
How we did San Juan in a half day
We rolled out around 7:30, got dressed, and grabbed a quick breakfast so we could be in Old San Juan by nine-ish. The walk alone is a vibe, cobblestones, pastel buildings, little plazas, so even a short stop feels like a mini city stroll. Umbrella Street was partially closed when we got there (hello, island life), so photos weren’t perfect, but the colors still make you smile.
From there, we hopped the trolley up to El Morro. Admission for me was $7 and the kids were free (16 and under) budget-friendly win. We wandered the grounds, learned a little, and let the boys run those wide lawns with the Atlantic stretching out in front of us. On the way down we did exactly what you’re supposed to do on a hot Puerto Rico day: empanada in one hand, coconut ice cream in the other, and tangerine snow cones for the kids. No sit-down lunch, just quick bites and vibes.
By 1 p.m. it was a gentle hustle back to the ship (short calls vanish fast). We cleaned up, grabbed snacks, and headed to Deck 12 for table tennis, bean bag toss, pool, and that sky course the boys had been eyeing. Movie on the Lido(blankets, popcorn, yes please), then a late dinner, Filet Mignon and orange soufflé for me, a little nibbling for the kids because… second wind pending. We wrapped early; tomorrow’s Grand Turk and we’re saving energy for all-day beach.
9:00–9:25 Walk from the pier into Old San Juan; the historic core is compact and scenic.
9:25–9:45 Quick stop at Umbrella Street (Calle Fortaleza) for photos; expect crowds later in the morning.
9:45–10:15 Continue uphill toward Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) blue cobblestones, plazas, and city-wall views along the way.
10:15–11:15 El Morro: buy the 24-hour fort ticket, explore ramparts, lighthouse views, and wide lawns.
11:15–12:30 Stroll back down, stop for coconut ice cream/empanadas/piraguas from street vendors.
12:30–1:00 Head to the ship with a buffer (short call!).
Stop-by-stop highlights
Umbrella Street (Calle Fortaleza)
The Instagram-famous canopy sits on Fortaleza Street near the Governor’s Mansion. Displays can rotate (umbrellas, flags, art) and the street may close at times, grab your shot early.
El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro)
Sixteenth-century fortress guarding San Juan Bay. Admission $10 for ages 16+, kids 15 and under free; your ticket also works for Castillo San Cristóbal within 24 hours. Typical hours 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (verify day-of).
Getting around quickly (with kids)
Walk first: The core sights (Fortaleza, plazas, El Morro) are within a compact radius from the cruise piers.
Trolley update: The free trolley that once looped Old San Juan has not been in service recently; if mobility is a concern, consider a quick rideshare or keep an eye out for free garita golf carts.
Costs snapshot (typical)
El Morro ticket: $10 adults; kids ≤15 free; valid for both forts 24 hours.
Snacks: Street empanadas and piraguas (shaved ice) are easy, fast, and budget-friendly near the plazas.
Sample timeline for a 7:00–1:30 call
9:00 Walk into Old San Juan → Fortaleza Street
10:00 Arrive El Morro → explore
11:15 Snack crawl back down (ice cream/empanadas/piraguas)
12:30 Return to ship
Family notes
Short stop = tight choices. We skipped sit-down lunches and focused on one headliner (El Morro) plus quick street snacks and photos.
Hills + cobblestones. Wear good shoes; bring a mini umbrella or hat for shade.
FAQs
Is Umbrella Street walkable from the ship?
Yes, Fortaleza Street sits within Old San Juan’s walkable core from the cruise piers.
Are the umbrellas always up?
Not always; Fortaleza’s canopy changes and the street may close for events/security. Go early and be flexible.
What are current El Morro hours and fees?
Plan on 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and $10 adults (kids ≤15 free), valid for both forts for 24 hours. Always recheck day-of with NPS.
We grabbed coconut ice cream from this vendor and so happy we did. Inexpensive and perfect to cool down on a hot San Juan day.
