There are a number of wonderful sights and places to visit in the Arecibo area. If you are doing something else in the area, and you have kids, consider a stop at Fun Valley Park. This small amusement park (think permanent carnival) will keep the kids entertained while not breaking your bank account, or your vacation schedule.

The Cambalache State Forest (Bosque Estatal de Cambalache) offers a lovely oasis for picnics and gatherings, and it has several miles of trails designed for enjoying nature via mountain bike or walking. This is one of the few places in Puerto Rico where you can mountain bike along cool and shaded forest trails.

For a great drive along the north coast, take Road 681 in Arecibo instead of Route 2 or Route 22. This coastal road allows you to stop off and enjoy a number of amazing views and beaches. While the Atlantic Ocean can be too rough to swim during much of the year, it provides a great backdrop for a nice afternoon or quick stop by the beach.

Have you ever considered being a pilot? Do you want to get some amazing views over the northern coast of Puerto Rico? If your answer to either of these questions is Yes, then an ultralight First Flight Training Lesson might be just the thing for you! Fly 4 Fun offers ultralight First Flight Training Lessons that go out over the coastline in Arecibo, and you can even fly the plane yourself if you want.

Balneario Punta Salinas, in Toa Baja, is a Blue Flag Beach that offers a wide, crescent-shaped beach. Being a Blue Flag Beach means that it has restrooms, showers, life guards, water-quality testing, along with other facilities and amenities. Though it’s not the prettiest beach on the island, it is only about 20 minutes from the San Juan area, so it a just a short drive to get to a beach "out of the city".

The Northeast Ecological Corridor is a wonderful stretch of about 6½ miles of coastline, from Luquillo to Fajardo. We had never been in that area, so after some recent guests told us about the long walk they took along the beach there, we decided we needed to see it ourselves. It really is a wonderful, natural place. We hope that more awareness of Puerto Rico’s natural wonders will encourge people to want to preserve it.

When you are on vacation on a large island like Puerto Rico, which has so many things to see and do, it’s often the case that you don’t get a chance to do everything you would like to. Usually, something gets missed. If you are interested touring some of the Puerto Rican countryside and doing an adventure tour — now, don’t have to choose. Tropical Adventure Guides has a "culture and adventure tour" that offers a little of both!

We’ve been to a number of beaches along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, and I’ve rarely been let down by their rugged beauty. Playa La Esperanza was no exception. Located in Manatí, it is a remote and beautiful place. Not only did it have a great cove for cooling off in the water and beautiful views, it had a surprise — a black sand beach area.

Hoping to do some horseback riding during your tropical island vacation? How would you like to ride through a lush valley, across thousands of acres of a protected nature reserve, and then end up on a beautiful beach? Horseback Riding Puerto Rico in Manatí can make that happen for you. And, they have other trips suited for all members of the family, even non-riders.

The sugar era played a huge role in the history of so many Caribbean islands to make them what they are today. As the remains of the sugar mills disappear, a huge part of our local history goes with them — lost, not preserved, not discussed … forgotten. Recently, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust has completed the first phase of the restoration of the old sugar plantation Hacienda La Esperanza in Manati. They are now offering tours to help educate people on this forgotten part of Puerto Rico’s history.

Playa Puerto Nuevo is another must-visit beach. I would have to say it is on my Top-10 list of beaches in Puerto Rico. Located on the north coast, in Vega Baja, about 45 minutes west of San Juan, it is has something for everyone.

The north shore of Puerto Rico has miles of beautiful shoreline and it is one of my favorite spots for great views on the island. Mar Chiquita is a small cove of a beach protected from the rough Atlantic by a rocky wall. This picture-perfect beach, located in the town of Manatí, is not always good for swimming, but it is always beautiful.

MLB Winter League Baseball in Puerto Rico has started! Get out to one of the stadiums in San Juan, Carolina, Caguas, Ponce or Aguadilla and support your favorite team. The action is non-stop and it is a great family-friendly atmosphere!

Here is another example of a local historical spot that is way under-visited. The Museo Casa Jesus T. Piñero is located right on Route 3 in Canovanas. Ray and I have passed this place literally hundreds of times and never have stopped in. We finally went for a visit recently and got a special tour of this beautifully restored home that has historical significance for Puerto Ricans.

PR4Less Tours offers a River Horse Adventure that is unlike any other trail ride we’ve ever taken. We learned about Paso Finos and then rode our horses through town, fields, forest and along a river. Oh … and we got to go swimming in the river with the horses, too!