Family-Friendly El Morro, Old San Juan: The Most Popular Historic Site in Puerto Rico

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a magnificent military structure guarding the entrance of San Juan Harbor and one of the most recognized images of Puerto Rico. The iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, affectionately known as El Morro, is a 16th-century fortress that offers a blend of history, stunning views, and family-friendly activities that make it a must-visit destination. Here’s how to make the most of your visit with the top things to do at family-friendly El Morro, Old San Juan.

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A Quick History of El Morro, Old San Juan.

Here is a brief walk down memory lane of your favorite history class.

In 1493, the most famous Spanish explorer, Christopher Colombus, discovered Puerto Rico and claimed it for Spain. Pirates continuously invaded the island to steal the riches and claim Puerto Rico as their own. Therefore, in 1539, a fort was constructed at the northwest tip of Old San Juan to adequately protect the harbor.

In the late 1500s, buccaneers from England continued to attempt to conquer the island. Therefore, the fort needed further fortification.

Then, in 1625, a briefly successful invasion by the Dutch occurred, and they approached the island from the land side. However, the Dutch only ruled for about six weeks. However, the experience was enough to require further protection; therefore, they built the walls surrounding San Juan.

After 150 years of enlargements and enhancements beginning in the 1700s, the fort now stands at six levels of defense.

General Information on Your Visit to Family-Friendly El Morro, Old San Juan.

The entry fee is $7 for adults; kids are free. Operating hours are 9 AM-6 PM.  Grab a map at the entrance and begin your self-guided tour of all six fort levels. There is a park movie every fifteen minutes that is worth your time.

Touring the six levels of defense of El Morro will take you about 1-2 hours. It’s hot, so be sure to hydrate (you can purchase water in the gift shop) and wear sunscreen.

Climb the stairs, ramps, and tunnels.  Explore the barracks, the dungeons, and the kitchen. Walk into the garitas, the small enclosures where the guards stood watch.  Take in the picturesque, instagrammable view.  Imagine what the men saw while protecting their land.  This job must have been quite lonely, but wow, what a view of the Atlantic.

Do It for the Gram: Captivating Spots for Photos in El Morro, Old San Juan.

• Cannons and cannonballs are still present in the fort for the perfect photo-op. Kids love it.
• Garitas are small enclosures where the guards stood watch. What a view.
• The spiral staircases. They are narrow, so be careful.
• Three flags fly: the Puerto Rican flag, the United States flag, and the Cross of Burgundy flag (Spanish military flag).
• The lighthouse in El Morro was the first lighthouse built in Puerto Rico. It was damaged in the Spanish-American War in 1898 and rebuilt in 1899. In 1906, structural damage was discovered, and the lighthouse had to be demolished and rebuilt again in 1908.
• The Main Plaza is where the troops would assemble for inspection and daily living activities.  
• Strangely enough, the view from the restrooms is spectacular, so don’t forget your camera.
• And don’t miss the unforgettable coastal cemetery view from the top level of El Morro.

The Enchanting Grounds of El Morro, Old San Juan.

The inside of Castillo San Felipe del Morro is genuinely astounding. But, in my opinion, spending time exploring the outside grounds of El Morro is a must.

Become a kid again and fly a kite.

Set aside time to fly a kid on the grounds of El Morro, a most beloved pastime for families. Time to relax, take a deep breath, turn into a kid again, and fly a kite. Or even have a picnic.

Next, head over towards La Puerta de San Juan (the San Juan Gate) and begin your tour of the outside of El Morro. This hike offers spectacular views and even more photo ops.

Once you walk through the gate, you will discover Paseo del Morro to the right. Walk alongside the majestic walls of the fort toward the entrance of San Juan Bay. It will be hot and sunny. Wear sunscreen and bring some water no matter what time of year you visit.

You may also book this sailing tour aboard The Amazing Grace, which will provide yet another astonishing view of El Morro from the San Juan Harbor.

Continue Paseo del Morro toward San Juan Bay, around the majestic structure.  The path ends in a picturesque coastal cemetery with incredible views of Old San Juan and La Perla, the site of the music video for the song, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi, a famous Puerto Rican singer.

Now it is time to grab a Piragua from the closest Piragüero and cool off.

These children couldn’t get enough of this cold, sugary treat!

Sit in the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, relax briefly, and watch the kids play in the fountain. You may wish to bring a change of clothes for them as they may not be able to resist.

I think she dared him to run through!

Tour inside and out El Morro in Old San Juan, capture fascinating images, get some exercise, immerse yourself in history, and spend quality time with your family.  The scenery is phenomenal.  It is always one of our favorite things to do in Puerto Rico.

I have created The Top Ten Must-See Attractions in Puerto Rico if you want to see what else the island has to offer. You and your family will love it. Make sure to rent a car for convenient sightseeing.

Strolling around Old San Juan after your tour of El Morro will complete a historical and cultural day in Puerto Rico.

Insider Tips for Visiting Family-Friendly El Morro Old San Juan

• Arrive Early: Beat the midday heat and crowds by starting your visit in the morning.
• Stay Protected: Bring sunscreen, hats, and lots of water. The grounds are open and can get quite warm.
• Bring Your Own Picnic: Pack a picnic and a kite for a relaxing and fun-filled day on the lawns.
• Check Event Schedules: Look up the National Park Service schedule for special events during your visit.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Exploring El Morro means walking—make sure everyone has comfy shoes.
• Consider a Family Tour: A guided tour designed for families can enrich your experience and make history engaging for kids.

El Morro is more than just a fortress; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored by families of all ages. By planning ahead and taking advantage of all the family-friendly features, your visit to El Morro will be a memorable part of your trip to Old San Juan. Happy exploring!