Biking

Automobile traffic makes bike travel somewhat risky, mostly because most streets lack dedicated bike lanes—plus, all those fumes can be hard to take. That said, recreational bikers are increasingly donning their helmets and wheeling through the streets, albeit with great care.

Your best bet for a safe and enjoyable experience is to book a bike tour through an outfitter. One popular 45-minute journey takes riders from the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to Condado. It passes El Capitolio and runs through either Parque del Tercer Milenio (oceanside) or Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera, by way of the Caribe Hilton Hotel and over Puente Dos Hermanos (Dos Hermanos Bridge) onto Avenida Ashford. The truly ambitious can continue east to Ocean Park, Isla Verde, and right on out of town to the eastern community of Piñones and its beachside bike path.

Rent the Bicycle. For about $27 per day, this friendly operation offers bicycle rental with free delivery to all major San Juan hotels. They also offer guided tours of Old San Juan and greater San Juan beaches and parks. The bilingual guides are authorized by the National Park Service to give tours of the forts. Capitolio Plaza, 100 Calle del Muelle, Suite 205, Old San Juan, San Juan, n/a Puerto Rico, 00902. 787/661–2728; www.rentthebicycle.com.