15 Things To Do In Bayamón Puerto Rico That Are Worth Exploring

Are you visiting Puerto Rico and looking for something to do beyond San Juan? Discover 15 things to do in Bayamón Puerto Rico, from museums and parks to food spots and local attractions.

As locals, we love discovering new towns in Puerto Rico, recently we visited the city of Bayamón.

Bayamón has many things to do and is close to our hometown, making it the perfect destination to spend a day.

Located just a short drive from San Juan, Bayamón is rich in history, culture, food, and outdoor activities.

Bayamón was founded in 1772 and is one of the oldest municipalities in Puerto Rico.

Known as “El Pueblo del Chicharrón” (The Town of Fried Pork), it is celebrated for its cultural heritage, agricultural roots, and contributions to Puerto Rican art and history.

In this guide, we share 15 things to do in Bayamón, including must-visit spots in the city center and beyond.

How to Get to Bayamón

By Car from San Juan:

Driving to Bayamón from San Juan is quick and convenient.

The city is located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of San Juan, and the drive typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, which can get very busy during peak commute hours during the week.

Take PR-22 West (also known as Expreso José De Diego) and follow the signs to Bayamón.

This toll road is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Once in Bayamón, you’ll find plenty of parking options near major attractions.

By Tren Urbano:

For a budget-friendly and stress-free option, take the Tren Urbano, Puerto Rico’s train system.

The Tren Urbano connects San Juan to Bayamón with several stops along the way.

From San Juan, board the train at the Sagrado Corazón station and ride to Bayamón station, the last stop on the line.

The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs just $1.50 per trip.

Many attractions in Bayamón’s city center are within walking distance from the station.

One major drawback of the Tren Urbano is its limited number of stations.

If you’re staying in Condado, Old San Juan, or Isla Verde and have rented a car, we recommend driving to Bayamón for convenience.

When we visit Bayamón, we often take the Tren Urbano, but we have to drive to the Martínez Nadal Station first and take the train from there.

Things To Do In Bayamón’s City Center

1. Museo Casa José Celso Barbosa

Step back in time at this small but historically significant museum dedicated to José Celso Barbosa, known as the “Father of Puerto Rican Statehood.”

The museum is located in Barbosa’s childhood home and showcases his life, work, and contributions to Puerto Rican politics and medicine.

Inside, you’ll find artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide insight into his legacy.

Aside from being his home, Celso Barbosa used the house to receive and treat patients, serving as both his residence and a space for his medical practice.

This home offers a glimpse into how Puerto Ricans lived during that era, showcasing the traditional wooden houses typical of the period.

The museum is free of charge and opens Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

2. Museo de Arte Francisco Oller

If you love art you will enjoy visiting the Museo de Arte Francisco Oller, named after the renowned Puerto Rican impressionist painter.

This museum features works by Oller and other local artists, showcasing Puerto Rico’s rich artistic heritage.

The galleries include paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works that highlight the island’s culture and history.

The museum’s intimate setting makes it a great spot to spend 1-2 hours appreciating art.

The museum opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

3. Iglesia de la Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz church is located in the heart of Bayamón’s city center in the Eugenio María de Hostos Recreation Plaza.

The church was founded in 1772 and it’s known for its colonial-style facade and intricate details.

The interior features stained-glass windows and religious artwork.

The church opens its doors during mass times.

On our first visit, it was closed, but we walked around and admired its architecture from the outside.

The town square where the church is located has large trees providing shady spots to rest along with a beautiful Three Kings sculpture and a bust of Eugenio María de Hostos.

4. “La Esquinita” Beer Garden

For a relaxed afternoon or evening, head to “La Esquinita,” a trendy beer garden in the city center.

This spot is popular among locals and visitors alike for its casual atmosphere and a great selection of local and international craft beers.

It’s a great place to grab a snack and beer before continuing to explore Bayamón.

5. “Los Trailers” Food Park

If you are a Foodie you will love “Los Trailers,”.

This food park features a variety of food trucks offering everything from Puerto Rican street food to international cuisine.

This vibrant spot is perfect for sampling local flavors, such as “mofongo”, “empanadillas”, and “alcapurrias”.

The laid-back atmosphere and communal seating make it an ideal spot for families and groups.

What makes this food park unique is that all the restaurants are located in “trailers” which are containers.

6. Eat Ice Cream at 183 Grados Ice Cream Atelier

This is a must-see spot, especially if you love Ice Cream, Harry Potter, or Star Wars.

183 Grados Ice Cream Atelier, is a local artisanal ice cream shop that has a rotating menu of unique flavors made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

During our visit, many of the ice cream flavors featured unique types of cheese as key ingredients.

We tried the mozzarella with balsamic vinegar, which tasted remarkably like a caprese salad, and the goat cheese with strawberries, a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

If you don’t like cheese don’t worry. We also had coconut with chocolate, and almond flavor as well as matcha with pistachio.

All of the flavors were delicious making it hard to decide. They also have vegan ice cream if you want to try something light.

If you’re a Harry Potter or Star Wars fan you might find ice cream with names inspired by different movie characters. You’ll also enjoy the decor.

7. Paseo DE Las Estrellas

To our surprise, Bayamón has a Walk of the Stars path similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Stroll along Paseo De Las Estrellas, a walkway lined with plaques honoring Puerto Rican celebrities and historical figures.

Among many stars, you can find famous names like Pedro Flores, Lucy Boscana, and Luis Antonio Rivera “Yoyo Boing”.

If you know a little bit of Puerto Rican music, theatre, or art you may recognize some of the names.

If you don’t know about our celebrities you can pick one or two and look them up on the internet so that you can learn about them.

8. Monumento A Los Trovadores

The Monument to the Troubadours is a tribute to Puerto Rico’s rich musical heritage and the art of “trova,” a traditional style of folk music deeply rooted in the island’s history.

Located next to “El Paseo de las Estrellas”, this monument celebrates the troubadours, or “trovadores,” who have played a significant role in preserving and sharing Puerto Rico’s cultural identity through music and poetic storytelling.

The monument depicts the essence of trova music, often featuring guitars or other symbolic elements associated with the genre.

9. Eat at El Nido

For a great dining experience, visit El Nido, a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu changes seasonally but always includes a mix of traditional Puerto Rican dishes and creative culinary creations.

They also have their own craft beer called “Vaquera” which you can enjoy outside under twinkling lights and lush trees.

In addition to their restaurant, you can visit the El Nido store that sells items designed and crafted by Puerto Rican artists.

10. Paseo Barbosa

Paseo Barbosa is a promenade perfect for a leisurely walk or to sit and rest.

The pathway is lined with trees and benches, providing a tranquil escape from the city.

It’s also a great spot to people-watch and enjoy the local vibe.

Additional Things to Do in Bayamón

11. Take a Tour and Make a Cocktail at Casa Bacardí

Located just a short drive from Bayamón city center, Casa Bacardí is a must-visit for rum enthusiasts.

Take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the history and production of Bacardí rum.

The tour includes a complimentary cocktail, and you can even participate in a mixology class to learn how to make your rum-based drinks.

The stunning views of San Juan Bay from the distillery are an added bonus.

12. Parque de las Ciencias

Recently renovated, Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park) is an educational and entertaining destination for visitors of all ages.

The park features exhibits on science, technology, and space exploration, as well as a planetarium and an aviary.

Kids will love the interactive displays, while adults can enjoy the serene park setting and beautiful views.

The park opens from Monday, Thursday, Fri-Sun from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance tickets cost $25 per person.

For more information on the park visit their official website.

13. Museo de Arte de Bayamón

This art museum is another cultural gem in Bayamón.

The Museo de Arte de Bayamón features a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art by Puerto Rican and international artists.

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, workshops, and events, making it a dynamic cultural hub.

The museum is free of charge and opens Monday, Thursday, Fri-Sun from 9 am to 5 pm.

14. El Paseo Lineal Río Bayamón

For outdoor enthusiasts, El Paseo Lineal Río Bayamón is a must-visit.

This scenic trail runs alongside the Bayamón River and is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.

The trail is well-maintained, has parking, and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding greenery.

This is one of our favorite places to visit in Baymon, we visit the park 3-4 times a week to go on runs.

It’s always full of people, it has very good illumination and you feel safe at all times.

15. Parque CENTRAL de los Niños

If you’re traveling with kids, Parque Central de los Niños is a great place to spend a few hours.

This family-friendly park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for kids to run and play.

It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon with the whole family.

Plan Your Trip to Bayamón

Bayamón offers a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences that make it a unique destination in Puerto Rico.

As locals, we have enjoyed exploring Bayamón and were very impressed with all the cool things there are to do in the city.

So next time you’re in Puerto Rico, take a break from the typical tourist spots and discover the charm of Bayamón!