Castillo San Felipe del Morro Tours

El Morro which includes general coastal views and heritage elements
Castillo San Felipe del Morro showing general coastal views and views as well as a couple
Castillo San Felipe del Morro which includes heritage elements and general coastal views
Castillo San Felipe del Morro showing heritage architecture
Castillo San Felipe del Morro showing landscape views, heritage architecture and general coastal views


This walled fortress was once used to protect Puerto Rico from invading colonies, and today offers visitors a dramatic reminder of that history.

El Morro National Monument, also known as the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, offers a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s history as well as some of the best views in the city. This 400 year-old fortress sits on the northern tip of the San Juan Island., with breathtaking opportunities for photos or just to sit and contemplate the sparkling blue water.

This impressive stone fortress was originally built and used by Spanish colonialists to defend against attacks from the sea. From the late 19th century until 1961, El Morro was occupied by the American Military service and operated as an active military base for both World War I and II. Today, the site is has UNESCO World Heritage status and attracts over two million visitors per year, making it the city’s most popular historical attraction.

Begin your visit to El Morro with a free orientation, given hourly by rangers. The 20-minute talk gives an excellent overview of the history and architecture of the fort, and is offered in both English and Spanish. Discover why the walls are over 18 feet (five meters) thick and how it took over 200 years to complete construction of the massive building.

Explore the grounds of El Morro on your own time with the help of a self-guided tour, and don’t be shy about asking a ranger for additional information. Maps and tour brochures with descriptions of points of interest are included in the entrance fee, and there are annotated markers throughout the park.

Climb through the fort’s six stories for some of the best views of San Juan. From the third level visitors can take in breathtaking views across the historic city, and the ocean beyond it.

El Morro, or Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, is located on the outskirts of Old San Juan. While no public transportationation operates within the historic quarter, you’ll will have no problem reaching El Morro on foot. Taxis are also available in the area, however driving yourself is not recommended due to the narrow, one-way streets and the difficulty of navigation. El Morro is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and there is a modest fee for entry.

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Reviews of Castillo San Felipe del Morro

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
677
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
211
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We could walk there from La Terraza but it was very hot in the morning sun. We've seen it before, so we didn't climb the steps.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I would add thousand pictures, but it's 100x to experience it yourself.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Grandkids ages 2 through 10 loved it. This is easily a 3-4 hour attraction.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Must visit!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

you need to plan really good how to get there is imposible to find parking space there ...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

So much history and so beautiful!

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castillo San Felipe del Morro

When visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Take an exhilarating zipline course for a unique perspective of the fortress, capture stunning photos at designated spots, and join guided tours to learn about the rich history and architecture of this iconic landmark. These experiences will enhance your visit and provide memorable moments during your vacation.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, check out Ole Curiosidades, located 0.6 miles from Castillo San Felipe del Morro. You can also visit Mercado Agricola Natural, just 0.5 miles away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, head to Distrito T-Mobile, which is 2 miles away and offers a lively shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of the Coca-Cola Music Hall, just 2 miles from Castillo San Felipe del Morro, where live concerts elevate your spirits. For tranquility, visit Luis Munoz Marin Park, 5 miles away, offering serene landscapes ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation amid nature.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Yunke Zipline Adventures, located 26 miles from Castillo San Felipe del Morro, where you can soar through the treetops. Enjoy the scenic beauty on the Big Tree Trail, 25 miles away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Dive into excitement at Water City PR, 29 miles distant, for underwater sports.

Nightlife

In San Juan, Teatro Tapia offers a cultural and romantic theater experience just 0.9 miles from Castillo San Felipe del Morro. For thrill-seekers, The Wheel amusement ride is 1 mile away, while Carribbean Cinemas VIP Distrito provides a cozy cinema atmosphere 2 miles away, perfect for entertainment and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castillo San Felipe del Morro

When visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you'll find a wealth of historic attractions including the impressive fort, the iconic gate arch, and the beautiful piazza. This site offers a rich cultural experience and opportunities for outdoor exploration, perfect for travelers seeking to delve into the area's history and charm. Be sure to explore all that El Morro has to offer, including its breathtaking views and significant historical significance.

  • San Juan Gate: Experience the charm of San Juan Gate, a historic arch that serves as a gateway to the old city. With its rich cultural vibes, this landmark invites you to step back in time and explore the stories etched into its stone.
  • La Fortaleza: Visit La Fortaleza, a historic fort that stands as a symbol of Puerto Rico’s resilience. Its cultural significance and stunning architecture make it a fascinating place to learn about the island's history and heritage.
  • San Juan Ferry Dock: Dive into adventure at San Juan Ferry Dock, a lively marina that offers outdoor activities and beach vibes. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront and catch a ferry to nearby islands for a day of exploration.

Best time to go to Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The best time to visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Castillo San Felipe del Morro falls in August and September. September has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Castillo San Felipe del Morro falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January76.5°F (24.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February76.5°F (24.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March76.6°F (24.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castillo San Felipe del Morro

To save money on your visit to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, consider traveling during the off-peak months from September to November for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and consider their package deals to combine hotels, flights, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castillo San Felipe del Morro are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Castillo San Felipe del Morro is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castillo San Felipe del Morro is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Castillo San Felipe del Morro is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Castillo San Felipe del Morro with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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