What to Pack for Puerto Rico

Are you wondering what to pack for Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico is such a vibrant island, it’s hard not to fall in love with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re wandering the colorful streets of Old San Juan or lounging on the beach, packing the right essentials packed makes a world of difference for a stress-free trip.

This was our second visit to Puerto Rico- it’s only about a three-hour flight from NJ. When packing, I focused on the pieces I reach for most in summer. I try not to overpack and generally do a good job of keeping my clothing choices minimal. Shoes, however, are always my weakness!

Today, I’m sharing everything you need to pack for your Puerto Rican vacation, from must-have outfits to essential chic accessories and smart travel tips.

Let’s dive into the ultimate Puerto Rico packing list to help you feel prepared and stylish for your tropical getaway!

What to Pack for Puerto Rico

Packing for Puerto Rico is all about balancing comfort with style. You’ll want to be prepared for sunny days, cool evenings, and exploring the island’s charming streets and beautiful beaches. Here’s everything I packed to ensure I stayed both chic and comfortable throughout the trip.

Swimsuits

Having a variety of swimsuits is essential for any Caribbean getaway. I packed three swimsuits for this vacation, knowing  we would be snorkeling one day, and spending plenty of time on the beach. Having a few options ensures there is always a dry one ready to go.

I chose three favorites from The Hermoza, a women-owned brand I adore for their modest yet chic styles. Their swimsuits offer full coverage in the back, which is something I always look for. For this trip, I opted for a chic one-shoulder swimsuit for lounging on the beach, and 2 classic one-piece swimsuit options, which felt equally stylish and practical.

For reference, I also own several Summersalt swimsuits (you can read my post about them here). In comparison to The Hermoza, I find that Summersalt swimsuits run slightly larger and are cut higher in the seat, making them a bit more cheeky. Both brands are great, but The Hermoza was my go-to choice for this trip.

Stylish Swim Cover-Ups

For easy beach-to-lunch transitions, I packed a pair of cotton shorts that are simple, versatile, and endlessly wearable over swimsuits. Since I have fair skin and don’t like to spend too much time in direct sun, I also brought this lightweight cover-up. It’s like an oversized button up shirt- super soft, comfortable and perfect for staying cool while protecting your skin.

Versatile Linen Dresses For Day and Night

Linen dresses are a must-have packing essential for tropical vacations, including Puerto Rico! The light and breathable fabric is just what you need for staying cool in the Caribbean heat. I find that short linen dresses are especially versatile for transitioning seamlessly from day to night.

I wore my white linen dress during the day with sneakers for exploring Old San Juan. If you plan to visit El Morro fort, keep in mind that some areas are very steep- sneakers are much easier to walk in than sandals. However if you are sticking to the colorful streets of Old San Juan, sandals will work just fine.

When packing, I always prioritize double-duty pieces to avoid overpacking. This linen dress is a summer staple for me- I reached for it again and again this past summer. In the evening, swapping sneakers for chic wedges and adding a woven clutch really elevates the look.

I highly recommend adding a timeless linen dress to your packing list for endless outfit options. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, I also love this affordable dress option.

Statement Dinner Dress For Special Evenings

For every vacation, I always pack at least one statement dress for special dinners, or more elevated evenings out. It’s not only practical but also feels special to have a dress you feel good in on memorable nights.

One brand I love for statement making dresses is Fanm Mon. Their linen and cotton dresses are perfect for warm-weather evenings and beach wedding attire, with hand-embroidered details that are absolutely stunning. Each piece feels timeless and unique, making it a standout in any vacation wardrobe.

Fit tip: This brand runs small. I’m wearing a size XS in this dress, but it’s quite snug around my chest. If you’re unsure, I recommend sizing up. It’s always easier to tailor a piece down if needed. 

I especially love long dresses for balmy nights when it’s warm and humid, but breezy. Fanm Mon’s have a distinctive charm that makes it hard to find anything quite like them.

Raffia Travel Bag

I love raffia bags, but it’s so hard to find one with a zipper. This bag zips fully closed, which makes it perfect for travel. It keeps your items safe and secure- no worrying about anything spilling out.

My usual go-to travel purse is my Longchamp La Pliage bag, but ever since finding this zippered raffia bag, I’ve been reaching for it more and more. I like to pack one larger bag for daytime, something roomy enough to fit all my essentials, and a smaller bag for evenings out. This trip, I brought this smaller raffia bag with a lovely woven link shoulder strap (I also love this more affordable option).

If you’re looking for the perfect straw bag for summer, you’ll love my guide to the Best Straw Bags for Summer.

A Comfortable Cotton Sundresses for Day and Night

This is another versatile day-to-night option. Light, casual dresses are perfect for island days and warm evenings. I have a few midi dresses from Marine Layer, and what I love most about them is their effortless ease and comfort. Made from super-soft gauzy cotton, these dresses feel breezy and light.

I styled this dress for a day of strolling through Old San Juan with my flat sandals, then swapped out my shoes for wedge heel sandals for dinner back at the resort. A comfortable midi sundress like this is a must-have in any vacation wardrobe—you’ll find yourself reaching for it over and over again.

Versatile Shoes for Exploring Puerto Rico

Having comfortable shoes is so important for any vacation, especially a vacation where you will be doing a lot of walking. When packing for Puerto Rico, I do suggest bringing your sneakers if you are going to explore the forts in Old San Juan. El Morro can be very steep in places and there are a lot of steps. For leisurely walking through town, your favorite pair of sandals works well too.

For this trip I wore my sneakers on the plane, and packed these chic sandals (if in-between sizes, take the next size down- I wear these in size 7), along with a pair of comfortable flip flops, and these wedge heels in ivory.

How To Pack For Puerto Rico

Now that we’ve talked about what to pack for Puerto Rico, let’s talk about how to pack smartly for your trip. I always prefer to pack a carry-on over a checked suitcase to minimize chances of lost luggage and to move through the airport more quickly. Some people refer to roll their clothes, but I’ve found that packing flat works best. Rolling can cause unnecessary bulk, and I like to fit as much as I can.

For this vacation to Puerto Rico, I brought my Paravel carry-on suitcase (my husband brought this one from AWAY), along with this personal travel bag that fits right under the seat in front of you. It’s the perfect companion for toiletries (I keep them in this case), a book, a hat, wallet, and phone.

Packing Tips:

• Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane: This minimizes packing space. I wore my sneakers, which I knew I would need for exploring the forts in Old San Juan.
• Keep electronics together: Some airports require phones, laptops, etc to be placed in a bin during security checks. Keeping them in one spot saves time.
• Easy access travel accessories: Keep your passport or driver’s license, and boarding pass (digital or printed) in an easily accessible part of your travel bag.

Sunscreen

If you are using a carry-on suitcase, ensure all of your liquids are under 3 oz. Sunscreen is essential for staying protected under the Caribbean sun. Be sure to pack a broad-spectrum SPF for your face and body. I love this Supergoop sunscreen for the face, and it’s well under 3 oz. If you forget to pack sunscreen, no worries. It’s readily available at the resort or in local shops.

A Packable Hat

I think a hat is essential for extra sun protection. While there are so many cute straw hats available, I opted to bring a pastel baseball cap instead. It’s easy to pack plus the light color blends seamlessly with the colorful island setting. If you prefer the protection of a raffia hat, this one is easy to pack.

Sunglasses

Another added sun protection tool. Plus sunglasses always make you look extra stylish. I love white sunglasses for a retro mood, but the tortoise style are the most versatile.

Packable Light Layers for Cool Evenings

The evenings can get breezy in Puerto Rico. While it can get hot during the day, both times we visited the island, it was a little chilly at night. I recommend packing a light sweater, wrap, or even a pair of lightweight linen pants to pair with a tank top. It’s just enough to keep you comfortable without overheating.

Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated in the Caribbean heat is essential. Bringing a reusable water bottle ensures you always have water on hand. We actually just re-used a few plastic water bottles from the hotel, but a sturdy reusable option is even better for sustainability.

 

Puerto Rico Packing List

Pin this so you can refer to it later!

 

Packing for Puerto Rico is all about finding the perfect balance between style and practicality. With versatile pieces like linen dresses, chic swimsuits, and comfortable yet stylish shoes, you’ll be ready for everything from sandy beaches to charming Old San Juan streets.

The key is to choose pieces that are versatile enough to wear from day-to night. So pack smart, embrace the island vibe, and enjoy every stylish moment!

Is there a must-pack item you swear by for tropical vacations? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your go-to picks!

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