Puerto Rico is a virtual "playground in paradise" for today's baby boomer generation. With its spectacular scenery, rich history, exciting activities, and world-class dining and shopping, the island meets and even exceeds the discriminating tastes of the over-50 crowd.
The most important element in Puerto Rico is the beach. The island has miles and miles of shore, ranging from crowded, noisy beaches to secluded stretches of white sand to intimate little coves and inlets. There a few beaches that you'll find totally deserted, especially on weekdays. You can rent a jet ski, para sail, snorkel, surf, kayak, sunbathe, or just take a relaxing stroll along the palm-lined strand.
Many boomers enjoy golf, and Puerto Rico is well-known as the "Golf Capital of the Caribbean." Over 20 beautiful courses, designed by greats like Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Greg Norman, offer an enjoyable round for all skill levels, whether you're a beginner or a pro. The courses provide scenic views of mountains, lakes, and the blue ocean waters, and are all well maintained.
The island is a real delight for shoppers, from sprawling malls in the big cities to fascinating little shops in the quaint towns and villages. Old San Juan offers trendy boutiques with chic styles, local art, and handmade native crafts.
Historical sightseeing in Puerto Rico is superb. Amble along the cobbled lanes of the old city, viewing numerous monuments, cathedrals, museums, galleries, and forts. A must-see is El Morro, a 500-year-old stone fortress with turrets, dungeons, secret chambers, and winding hallways and stairs. Nearby is the Cathedral de San Juan, one of the few examples of medieval architecture in the New World.
At Caparra, you can view the ruins of a 1508 colony. The Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center in Ponce have the mostly-intact remains of a 1500-year-old Taino village and is considered the most important archaeological site in the entire Caribbean.
Dining in Puerto Rico will prove to be a true culinary adventure. A plethora of restaurants offer every type of food imaginable, from burgers to chicken to succulent lobster and prime beef. Choose from sidewalk cafes, seafood shacks, or 5-star dining. Some of the best food on the island is actually found at the little roadside grills, where fresh seafood is cooked over an open fire. Be sure to try these delicacies!
There are plenty of natural sites you'll want to fit into your vacation, too, like El Yunque National Rain Forest, with its colorful birds and flowers, towering trees, misty mountains, and waterfalls. Or explore caves and sink holes at Cumuy Cave Park. Bio Bay offers nighttime visitors a natural light show, performed by aquatic phosphorescent creatures that shine a bright neon blue in the dark water.
For the more adventurous, ride horses along the beach or through mountain trails, learn to surf or sail, explore underwater caverns and reefs at numerous dive sites, climb a mountain, go rappelling or zip-lining, kayak through winding mangrove-lined lagoons, or cycle along some challenging terrain on the mountain bike paths.
Many baby boomers travel extensively. If you haven't visited the warm, welcoming shores of Puerto Rico, put it on your travel agenda. If you've already been a visitor to this tropical island, I'm sure you can't wait to return!
This guide to Booming in Puerto Rico was brought to you by Holle Abee.
There is nothing like living up your retirement by zipping through a tropical rain forest attached to a giant cable. And there is nothing like relaxing in your gorgeous Puerto Rico holiday home while you thank your lucky stars that you survived zipping through the forest attached to a giant cable.