Batería Santa Elena: A Historical Gem in San Juan
Discover the rich history and stunning views at Batería Santa Elena, a must-visit attraction in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Nestled in the heart of San Juan, Batería Santa Elena is a captivating historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past. This well-preserved fortification provides stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is an essential stop for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
A brief summary to Batería Santa Elena
- FV9G+M7M, San Juan, San Juan Antiguo, San Juan, 00901, PR
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on-site.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fort's expansive grounds.
- Check local events for guided tours or historical reenactments that may enhance your visit.
Getting There
-
Car
From any location within El Yunque National Forest, head towards Route 191. If you are on the main road, follow the signs to the exit of the forest. Once you reach Route 191, take a right to head toward Route 3. Continue on Route 3 until you reach the intersection with Route 26. Follow Route 26 towards San Juan. After about 30 minutes, take exit 1B toward Calle Loíza. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Avenida Ponce de León. Turn right onto Avenida Ponce de León, and then take a left onto Calle San Jorge. Batería Santa Elena will be on your right; look for parking available nearby.
-
Public Transportation
If you are starting at a location within El Yunque National Forest, your first step will be to take a public bus (Guaguas) from the main entrance of the forest. Look for the bus heading to Río Grande. Once you arrive in Río Grande, you will need to transfer to a bus heading towards San Juan. The main bus terminal in San Juan is called 'Terminal de San Juan.' From there, take a local bus or taxi to reach Batería Santa Elena, located at FV9G+M7M, San Juan. Make sure to check the bus schedules for timing, and keep in mind that the bus fare may vary, typically around $1.50 to $2.00.
-
Taxi or Ride-sharing
For a more direct route from El Yunque National Forest to Batería Santa Elena, consider using a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber. Request your ride from your location in the forest, and provide the destination as 'FV9G+M7M, San Juan, 00901.' The ride should take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, and expect to pay around $30-$50 for the trip. This option is convenient if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
Discover more about Batería Santa Elena
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Panorama Platform
0.3 km
Discover stunning coastal views and rich history at the Panorama Platform in San Juan, a perfect spot for capturing memorable moments.
Casa Blanca
0.5 km
Explore Casa Blanca, a historic museum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, showcasing the island's rich heritage and colonial history amidst stunning gardens.
El Banquillo de San Juan
0.6 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich culture at El Banquillo de San Juan, a scenic hotspot in the heart of Puerto Rico's historic Old San Juan.
Plazuela La Rogativa
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant Plazuela La Rogativa in San Juan, where history, culture, and breathtaking views converge in a beautiful public square.
Monumento Juan Ponce de León
0.7 km
Explore the Monumento Juan Ponce de León in San Juan, a historic landmark celebrating Puerto Rico's heritage and the spirit of exploration.
Puerta de San Juan
0.7 km
Discover the historical significance and stunning views at the iconic Puerta de San Juan, a must-see landmark in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bastión de Santa Elena
0.1 km
Explore the historic Bastión de Santa Elena – a monumental fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering breathtaking views and rich colonial history.
El Morro
0.1 km
Discover the rich history and stunning ocean views at El Morro, San Juan's iconic fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
0.2 km
Discover the history and beauty of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that guards the shores of San Juan with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views.
San Juan National Historic Site
0.2 km
Discover the San Juan National Historic Site, where history comes alive in the stunning fortifications and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico's capital.
Polvorín de Santa Elena (1783)
0.2 km
Explore Polvorín de Santa Elena, a historical gem of San Juan, where the echoes of Puerto Rico's past come to life amidst stunning architecture.
Faro del Castillo San Felipe del Morro
0.2 km
Discover the captivating history and stunning vistas at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a must-visit landmark in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Punta Del Morro
0.2 km
Experience the breathtaking views and rich history of Punta Del Morro, a stunning peninsula in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Bastión de San Antonio
0.3 km
Explore the Bastión de San Antonio, a historic fortress in San Juan, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into Puerto Rico's colonial past.
Paseo del Morro
0.3 km
Explore the captivating Paseo del Morro in San Juan, where history meets stunning coastal views and vibrant natural beauty.
La Ballajá
0.4 km
Explore La Ballajá, a stunning sculpture in San Juan that showcases Puerto Rico's rich artistic heritage and vibrant culture.
Jardín Paseo de Ballajá
0.4 km
Explore the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere of Jardín Paseo de Ballajá, an iconic park in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Casa Rosa
0.5 km
Discover the beauty and history of Casa Rosa, a vibrant landmark in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, that reflects the island's rich cultural heritage.
Las Americas Museum
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant cultural tapestry of Latin America at Las Americas Museum in San Juan, where art and history come alive.
El Bastión
0.5 km
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico at El Bastión, a vibrant center for art, history, and local traditions in San Juan Antiguo.
Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis
0.5 km
Explore Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis, a historical cemetery blending art, culture, and tranquility in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Essential places to dine
Rincón Ibérico
0.5 km
Discover the authentic tastes of Puerto Rico at Rincón Ibérico—where Spanish tradition meets Caribbean flair.
El Patio De Sam
0.7 km
Discover El Patio De Sam: A delightful American restaurant in San Juan offering comfort food with a local twist amidst historical charm.
Singular
0.7 km
Discover Singular in San Juan Antiguo - where tradition meets innovation in Puerto Rican cuisine amidst captivating decor.
Santísimo
0.7 km
Experience authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Santísimo, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry in the heart of San Juan.
Patio del Níspero
0.7 km
Discover authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Patio del Níspero, nestled within Hotel El Convento in historic San Juan.
La Tortuga Bistro Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at La Tortuga Bistro Bar in San Juan—where culinary creativity meets local culture.
El Champi Spanish Tapas Restaurant
0.7 km
Discover authentic Spanish tapas at El Champi in San Juan—where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Tropical Taste Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Tropical Taste Restaurant in San Juan Antiguo – a culinary gem brimming with island charm.
St. Germain Bistro & Cafe
0.9 km
Discover family-friendly dining at St. Germain Bistro & Cafe in San Juan—where vegan delights meet vibrant local flavors.
Deaverdura
0.9 km
Experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at Deaverdura in San Juan - where every dish tells a story.
Café El Punto
0.9 km
Discover authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Café El Punto, where every dish reflects the island's rich culinary heritage.
Pio Pio
0.9 km
Experience exquisite Puerto Rican flavors at Pio Pio in San Juan Antiguo—where fine dining meets vibrant culture.
Barrachina
0.9 km
Experience authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Barrachina - home of the original Piña Colada and vibrant Caribbean cuisine.
Bacaro
0.9 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors at Bacaro in San Juan Antiguo; a culinary gem offering exquisite dishes and warm hospitality.
Pani Agua - Hookah Lounge and Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover Pani Agua - A Hookah Lounge & Caribbean Restaurant in San Juan Offering Seafood Delights and Relaxing Vibes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Don Collins Cigars
0.7 km
Discover the essence of Puerto Rican cigar craftsmanship at Don Collins Cigars in historic Viejo San Juan.
CALETA Locally Made
0.7 km
Explore CALETA Locally Made, a charming boutique in Viejo San Juan offering exquisite handmade jewelry and authentic Puerto Rican crafts.
Y Boutique OSJ
0.8 km
Explore Y Boutique OSJ for an exquisite selection of stylish clothing and accessories that capture the essence of Puerto Rican fashion.
Kamel International Bazaar
0.8 km
Explore Kamel International Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where local artistry meets island culture in a unique shopping experience.
El Galpon
0.8 km
Discover El Galpon, where handcrafted hats meet the heart of San Juan's vibrant culture, offering unique styles for every traveler.
COACH Outlet
0.8 km
Discover the luxury of fashion at COACH Outlet in San Juan, featuring exclusive items and excellent service in a charming historic setting.
Artesanias De Puerto Rico
0.8 km
Explore the essence of Puerto Rican culture through unique handmade crafts at Artesanias De Puerto Rico in San Juan.
Camínalo Outlet Store
0.8 km
Discover unique clothing and stylish souvenirs at Camínalo Outlet Store in San Juan, where fashion meets affordability amidst vibrant local culture.
Sea Foam Rare And Authentic
0.9 km
Discover the essence of Puerto Rico at Sea Foam Rare And Authentic, your go-to gift shop for unique local crafts and souvenirs.
La Calle Mall
0.9 km
Explore La Calle Mall in San Juan for a unique experience of local artistic handicrafts and vibrant culture in a historic shopping paradise.
Souvenirs
0.9 km
Discover unique Puerto Rican crafts at this charming souvenir store, located in the heart of Viejo San Juan, perfect for treasure hunters and gift seekers.
Ole Puerto Rico
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant craftsmanship of Puerto Rico with unique handcrafted hats and handicrafts at Ole Puerto Rico.
Collective Request
0.9 km
Explore trendy women's clothing and accessories at Collective Request in San Juan, where fashion meets the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico.
Urban Tribe
0.9 km
Explore Urban Tribe in San Juan for unique clothing and handcrafted jewelry that embodies Puerto Rico's vibrant culture.
Mariel Arts & Crafts / Souvenirs Old San Juan
0.9 km
Explore Mariel Arts & Crafts for unique Puerto Rican gifts, handcrafted jewelry, and vibrant local art in the heart of Old San Juan.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nono's
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Nono's in Old San Juan, where classic cocktails meet local charm in a historic setting.
El Batey Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Juan at El Batey Bar, where refreshing drinks and live music come together in a lively atmosphere.
El Quinqué De Douglas’ Pub
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant ambiance and delicious Puerto Rican cuisine at El Quinqué De Douglas’ Pub in San Juan's historic district.
Pira Rum
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant tapas scene at Pira Rum, a must-visit bar in San Juan offering delicious small plates and refreshing cocktails.
TJ's Pub
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of TJ's Pub in Old San Juan, where affordable drinks and local charm create unforgettable memories.
La Factoría
0.8 km
Discover La Factoría, a vibrant cocktail bar in San Juan's historic district, where innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere come together.
La Cubanita
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Juan at La Cubanita, where delicious cocktails and lively music create unforgettable moments.
La Taberna Lúpulo
0.8 km
Discover La Taberna Lúpulo: the ultimate beer hall in San Juan, offering craft brews and delicious cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
El CAFETÍN
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at El CAFETÍN in San Juan, where delicious mojitos and a lively atmosphere await you.
LA SOMBRILLA ROSA
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Juan at La Sombrilla Rosa, a welcoming gay bar known for its fun ambiance and excellent cocktails.
Bar Catedral Rooftop | Old San Juan
0.8 km
Discover the perfect blend of breathtaking views, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant ambiance at Bar Catedral Rooftop in Old San Juan.
Marilyn's Place
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Marilyn's Place in San Juan, where local culture meets refreshing cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Casa de Montecristo Puerto Rico
0.8 km
Discover the elegance of Casa de Montecristo, a premier cigar and cocktail lounge in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Atelier Rooftop Terrace
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting Atelier Rooftop Terrace in Viejo San Juan, where breathtaking views and delectable tapas create unforgettable moments.
The Mezzanine
0.8 km
Discover The Mezzanine, San Juan's premier cocktail bar, where every drink tells a story and the atmosphere is electric.
