The oldest city on U.S. soil, San Juan is the place to be if you're looking for a fantastic Puerto Rican retreat.  There's so much going on in this beautifully blended combination of old-world charm and modern amenities that your vacation will be action-packed, fun-filled, and entirely too short.

When you arrive in Puerto Rico, you'll have flown into San Juan/Luis Munoz International Airport - and your adventure has just begun.  When you've settled in, it's time to start exploring the "Walled City."

JUST FOR KIDS
The El Morro Fortress has found a place in kids' hearts for centuries - and for good reason!  It looks like a picture straight from a book of fairy tales.  It's got buttressed stone walls and it's even located on a rocky promontory.  Of course, no castle would be complete without a dungeon, and El Morro doesn't disappoint; there's a subterranean prison and plenty of creepy, dark niches on the way to the tower.  Peer out over San Juan Harbor from the top of the fortress and take a bunch of pictures!

ADULTS ONLY
Is Roulette your game?  How about Blackjack?  The casinos in San Juan have it all - even Texas Hold Em - and you can enjoy an evening or two shooting craps and pulling slot levers while sipping on fine Puerto Rican rum.  

After you've hit the jackpot (or your spending limit - whichever comes first), try your singing and dancing skills at one of the clubs on Calle de Cristo, where the parties continue until the wee hours of the morning.

SWIMMERS AND SUNNERS
Whatever your tastes, you'll find the perfect beach in San Juan.  Soak up some rays at the mile-long Ocean Park Beach and test your sea legs by windsurfing the thigh-high waves!  The locals seem to favor Isla Verde Beach, where there are dozens of picnic tables for relaxing in the shade; it's a great place to mingle with some of the city's residents.  There are dozens of other beach areas, so no matter which one(s) you choose, you'll love playing on the stretches of golden sand that helped catapult San Juan to a top spot on travelers' lists.

HISTORY BUFFS
If you're into history, you've got to make the quick jaunt to the Cathedral de San Juan.  It's over four hundred years old, and they keep some Ponce de Leon artifacts in a marble crypt.  It's a must-see for history buffs, because they allow you to photograph to your heart's content - and they don't even have an admission fee.

Connected to El Morro (mentioned above), which protected San Juan from sea-borne threats, you'll find Fort San Cristobal.  This place was designed to protect the city from attackers who traveled by land - and it's packed with amazing historical tidbits.  They run several tours each day, both in English and Spanish, and it's definitely worth a walk-through!

SHOPPERS
You'll be delighted to know that San Juan is a duty-free zone; that means you don't have to pay taxes on what you buy!  Walking down the streets of Old San Juan, you'll find dozens of quaint little shops, elegant boutiques, and everything in between.  The only downside is that there are limits on the amounts of some duty-free items that you can bring home, so check before you go on a wild shopping spree.  

If you're an avid shopper, pack an empty bag in your suitcase.  You'll need it to bring home everything that you buy at Plaza Las Americas - the largest shopping center on the island.  There are local crafts and big-name stores mixed in with great eateries, and it's a huge place (so don't forget your most comfortable shoes).

ODDS AND ENDS
Cockfighting is legal in Puerto Rico, so if that's your thing, there are plenty of venues where you can check it out.

There's excellent fishing in San Juan Harbor, too - taking a stroll toward the pier, you'll find several places where you can rent equipment and buy bait and tackle.

Your San Juan vacation will rank among the top trips you've ever taken.  You'll be able to relax, see things that you'll never find anywhere else in the world, and enjoy Puerto Rican culture to the fullest.  The hardest thing you'll do in San Juan is head back to the airport to go home!

This travel guide was brought to you by world-traveler and PR lover Angie Papple.