Castillo San Felipe del Morro
A majestic 16th-century Spanish fortress guarding San Juan Bay, offering centuries of history and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 16th-century Spanish fortress guarding San Juan Bay, offering centuries of history and breathtaking ocean vistas.
"An absolute must-visit, this fort is a living time capsule with spectacular views and rich history."
🎟️ Two-Day Ticket Value
Your ticket covers El Morro & San Cristóbal for 2 days! Explore both without rushing.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun is intense! Bring water, hats, and sunscreen. Stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Esplanade
Outer grounds
Vast green field perfect for kite flying, offering stunning views of the fortress and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cannon Emplacements
Various levels
Gaze out from historic cannons that once defended the bay, offering panoramic ocean and city vistas.

Sentry Boxes (Garitas)
Walls and ramparts
Iconic cylindrical sentry boxes offering strategic viewpoints and a glimpse into the lives of past soldiers.

Six Levels of History
Throughout the fort
Explore the intricate military architecture across multiple floors, from dungeons to lookout points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tickets & Two-Day Access
Sun Protection & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Two-Day Ticket Value
Your ticket covers El Morro & San Cristóbal for 2 days! Explore both without rushing.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun is intense! Bring water, hats, and sunscreen. Stay hydrated.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of walking and stairs. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all levels.
🪁 Kite Flying Fun
The lawn is perfect for kite flying, especially on windy days. Bring one!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Two-Day Ticket Value
Your ticket covers El Morro & San Cristóbal for 2 days! Explore both without rushing.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun is intense! Bring water, hats, and sunscreen. Stay hydrated.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of walking and stairs. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all levels.
🪁 Kite Flying Fun
The lawn is perfect for kite flying, especially on windy days. Bring one!
🏞️ America the Beautiful Pass
If you have this pass, bring it for a discount on admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castillo San Felipe del Morro for its immense historical significance, stunning ocean views, and the unique experience of kite flying on its expansive esplanade. The value of the two-day ticket covering both major forts is highly appreciated. Some note the intense sun and the physical demands of navigating the fort's many stairs and levels.
"What an incredible piece of history. Admission is cheap and covers both castles in the city.
Be prepared for stairs. The triangle stairway has some really large stairs.
The whole Fort is full of amazing views and cool displays.
The breeze through the fort is so nice on those hot days.
It's amazing to see all the work our National Parks are doing."
Patrick Theobald
"This is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the San Juan area. Admission is only $10 and it’s well worth it for everything you get to explore. The fort is huge and rich with history with multiple floors, hidden rooms and various access points that make it feel like you’re walking through a living time capsule. The views are spectacular, captured some amazing cinematic photos and videos during my visit. Overall though the fort and its rooms, dungeons, walls, etc. show their age but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Every worn stone and weathered wall tells a story and it truly feels like stepping back in time. It can get busy and the sun is intense so I highly recommend bringing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Other than that, I loved every square foot of this place, It left a lasting impression and I know I’ll be visiting again whenever I return to Puerto Rico. Highly recommended!"
Brandon Antonio
"We went to El Morro on a very rainy day! Nonetheless, we enjoyed our visit and were in awe of this magnificent history. Who would have guessed there were six levels to El Morro? Throughout the visit, we learned about the history of the fort. Delightful visit even with the rain!"
Na Lim H.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is located at the northwestern tip of Old San Juan. You can easily walk to it from most parts of Old San Juan, which is a pleasant stroll along the coast. Alternatively, local buses and taxis are available. The walk itself offers beautiful views and is part of the experience.
Parking in Old San Juan can be challenging. There are public parking garages available, such as the Doña Fela parking garage, which are a moderate walk from El Morro. It's often easier to park and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the fort.
Yes, several public bus routes serve Old San Juan and will get you close to El Morro. The 'Trolley' service within Old San Juan is also a convenient and free option that stops near the fort.
Yes, it's about a mile-long walk (approximately 30 minutes) along the historic city walls and coastline between Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. It's a scenic route and a great way to see more of Old San Juan.
If you're staying outside Old San Juan, taking a taxi or rideshare service is the most direct option. Public buses also connect different parts of San Juan to Old San Juan, from where you can walk or use the local trolley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $10 per person, and this ticket is valid for two days and includes entry to Castillo San Cristóbal. Check the official National Park Service website for the most current pricing.
While you can often purchase tickets at the entrance, buying in advance online can save time, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you don't miss out if capacity is reached.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees to national parks, is accepted at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Make sure to bring your pass for a potential discount or free entry.
The fort is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours can vary seasonally or due to special events, so it's always best to check the official National Park Service website before your visit.
Yes, your admission ticket to Castillo San Felipe del Morro is valid for two consecutive days and also grants you access to Castillo San Cristóbal, located on the other side of Old San Juan.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore six levels of military history, including ramparts, gun emplacements, dungeons, and sentry boxes. Enjoy panoramic ocean and city views, and walk the expansive green esplanade outside.
The fort has many stairs and uneven surfaces, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. While some lower levels might be accessible, exploring the entire six levels can be difficult.
You can spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours exploring El Morro, depending on your interest level. If you plan to visit Castillo San Cristóbal as well, allocate at least half a day to a full day.
Ranger-led talks and tours are often available, providing in-depth historical context. Check the visitor center or park schedule upon arrival for times and topics.
The upper levels and ramparts offer the most spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Old San Juan. Don't miss the vantage points near the cannon emplacements.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand esplanade with the fort in the background, the iconic garitas (sentry boxes), and the cannon emplacements overlooking the sea are prime photo locations. The views from the upper ramparts are also breathtaking.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within National Park Service sites, including El Morro, to protect historical structures and visitor experience. Always check park regulations.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional photography setups might require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
Focus on the textures of the old stone walls, the imposing archways, the intricate details of the gun ports, and the unique cylindrical garitas for striking architectural photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as options inside are limited. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating stairs and uneven terrain. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and the most intense sun. The two-day ticket is also great for families who might need to split their exploration over two days to avoid overtiring little ones.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Money-saving tips: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the park. If you have an 'America the Beautiful' pass, bring it for potential free entry. Walking between the two forts is a great way to save on transportation and see more of Old San Juan for free.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Exploring El Morro is like stepping back in time. You can wander through its labyrinthine passages, imagine soldiers on watch in the iconic garitas (sentry boxes), and stand where cannons once roared. The fort's design showcases a sophisticated understanding of siege warfare and coastal defense. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical significance and architectural grandeur, offering a tangible connection to the era of exploration and colonial expansion in the Caribbean.
The Iconic Esplanade and Kite Flying
The tradition of kite flying here is a vibrant display of local culture and a joyful contrast to the fort's military history. Watching kites dance against the backdrop of the centuries-old stone walls and the blue sea creates a unique and memorable scene. It's a perfect place for families to relax, children to play, and photographers to capture stunning images that blend history with everyday life. The constant sea breeze makes it an ideal location for this beloved pastime.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit