Resorts in Ponce, Puerto Rico

The second largest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce is easy on the eyes and intriguing all the same. Its 19th-century Spanish architecture, meandering caves and idyllic beaches make this coastal city a popular travel destination for those wanting to stay at the best resorts in Ponce.

Known as the land of plantains, pork, and sofrito, the best way to get acquainted with Puerto Rico is through your taste buds. Be sure to try empanadillas, half-moon-shaped turnovers filled with meat and potatoes, and some rellenos de papa, mashed potato croquettes filled with flavorful picadillo (ground beef hash). These foods are never far when you stay at the top Ponce resorts.

As you explore Ponce, you’ll find many old buildings and monuments are a nod to the city's past, painted in bright, pastel colors with Spanish colonial flair. Built in 1882, Plaza las Delicias is a city square that has long been the epicenter of Ponce and the heart of its culture. The plaza has been used as a political meeting place for centuries, and these days is the site of most major events in Ponce, from festivals and protests to sporting events and concerts. Resorts in Ponce are not far from Plaza las Delicias, which is home to several historical buildings. You’ll find the storied Casa de la Bomba station, which was part of Ponce's first fire department, as well as the Casa Alcaldes (the mayor's house). This iconic building was built in 1891 and still functions today as an office building.

If you want a view of Ponce like no other, be sure to visit the Cruceta del Vigia. This massive concrete structure was built in 1984 to pay homage to the original, where early settlers once looked out for merchant ships and would-be invaders, including pirates. Today, the cross-like structure has withstood natural disasters including many a hurricane, and stands at the highest point of the city. But to get to the top, you’ll need to climb about 300 steps, so bring comfortable walking shoes.

With a landscape pillaged by hurricanes, Ponce is still home to 28 beautiful beaches near resort hotels in Ponce. Beach loungers will love Esquinita María Playita. With an entirely flat sugar-white sand beach, you can relax here away from the tourist crowds, and may even see a turtle or two.If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to take a stroll along the La Guancha Beach Boardwalk. Adjacent to a marina, it features an amusement park area and an open-air amphitheater, restaurants, and snack bars that are open until late amid lively nightlife.

Also worth a stop is Caja de Muertos Beach, located on the Isla de Caja de Muertos, an inhabited island off the coast that’s only accessible by ferry. Because of high turtle traffic on the island, it’s protected by the Reserva Natural Caja de Muertos natural reserve, but hiking and swimming are permitted in the area. Surrounded by the turquoise sea, this picturesque island is home to a variety of amphibians and lizards including wild iguanas, so have your camera ready! Whether you decide to stay in Ponce or explore the rest of what Puerto Rico has to offer, when you book your stay at resort hotels in Ponce, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Don’t forget to check out our resorts nearby in San Juan and La Romana.