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Cocktail Tours

Sip your way around the crescent city.

Indulging in a drink is serious fun in the city that invented the cocktail and was the inspiration for iconic drinks including the Vieux Carre, Sazerac , Ramos gin fizz and the Grasshopper. Informed tippling, with the back story thrown into the mix, is a guaranteed good time, shaken or stirred. Experience neighborhoods with the neighbors at their local hang outs or take in some of the more famous New Orleans bars . These cocktail themed tours for the 21 and over set deliver sipping and pub crawls all over town.

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New Orleans Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

2 hours and 30 minutes

French Quarter courtyards, classic cocktails, entertaining history and a little jazz. This small insider tour is quintessential New Orleans!

New Orleans has long been a muse with an unquenchable taste for revelry, muddling sophistication and fancy in equal parts. It’s no wonder the cocktail scene began early…1850 to be exact. Drink in her rich history as you explore the French Quarter, where the hour is always happy.

Enter the Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar through the charm gates, wrought in Spain and blessed by Queen Isabella. Now a restaurant world famous for its jazz brunch and courtyard canopied by a 130 year old wisteria vine, the block has maintained a lively history since 1726.

Relax in the former residence* of Antoine Peychaud, the Creole apothecary who prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal Peychaud’s Bitters, which would later become the key ingredient in the Sazerac, America’s first cocktail and the official cocktail of New Orleans.

At the intersection of two cobblestone alleys in the shadows of the St. Louis Cathedral, is a legendary pirate hangout . There you’ll meet the “green fairy” known as Absinthe , the mystical herbal elixir that induced intoxicating creativity in many authors, artists, poets and musicians.

There’s nothing like soul-stirring jazz to raise your spirits. Your tour ends on a high note at Fritzel's, not your typical dive bar. This jazz pub features the who’s who of New Orleans jazz , drawing jazz aficionados from around the world. You're welcome to stay for the show, then walk to dinner at one of many fine French Quarter restaurants nearby.

Come see why New Orleans is #MoreThanBourbonStreet. 

Tour departs daily at 4pm. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.

Please meet your tour guide at 400 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA 70130 at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour time.

*Note that beginning on March 1, 2023 the stop at Peychaud's will be replaced with Arnaud's and will include a viewing of the historic restaurant's Mardi Gras Museum.

Please note, Gray Line New Orleans partners with a dozen locally owned establishments for this tour and reserves the right to substitute locations and cocktails based on nightly events.

What's included?

• Entry or admission fee
• 2.5 hour guided walking tour with a local, licensed guide
• 4 stops at iconic French Quarter establishments
• 3 classic cocktails, including taxes and service gratuities
• Tip or gratuity
• Tour guide gratuity (optional)
• Additional beverages are available for purchase

Please note

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure at 400 Toulouse Street and check in with a ticket agent at the ticket office.
• In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
• Please dress comfortably as this is a walking tour!
• Due to the historic nature of the tour, some venues are not accessible to guests traveling in wheelchairs. Special arrangements can be made with your tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
• Minimum age is 21 years
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers
• You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity upon arrival.

What to bring

Valid ID/Driver's License

  CONTACT INFO

(504) 569-1401, [email protected], gray line new orleans, 400 toulouse st new orleans, la 70130 usa, useful links, let's connect.

• 504.503.0199
• [email protected]

Legends & Spirits Cocktail Tour

You’ll discover what makes New Orleans a place where history and entertainment are one in the same. Take a step back to the olden days by experiencing the unique cocktail culture of the people of New Orleans while learning a little about both kinds of spirits!

New Orleans Cocktail Tour

• Experience the stories behind classic cocktails that have been profoundly influenced by the history and culture of New Orleans, crafted by some of the best bartenders in our world famous bars
• New Orleans has been called the “Capital of civilized drinking” and we provide you the opportunity to go out and drink like a local, experience the vibrant cocktail culture of the Crescent City, and hear the hair-raising tales of gangsters, rum runners and corrupt politicians who made the Big Easy the boozy bastion of a good time it is today.
• Quaff back the potent potables of poets in America’s original Bohemia, enjoy a rum cocktail on the trail of the last Privateer in the Gulf who escaped from prison, and sip a Sazerac like the Kingfish himself.

BOOK NOW –  SPOTS ARE LIMITED All tours are approximately 2 hours. Tour times:  Daily at 4:30pm Adults:  $27.75 per person (drinks and tips not included)

New Orleans Cocktail Tour: Photo Gallery

Thank you for your interest in the Legends & Spirits Cocktail Tour!

This tour is only offered as a private tour , with rates starting at $300. Please call us at 504-503-0199 , email us at [email protected] , or fill out the form below to check availability.

Tours Are Selling Out Quickly - Book Today! Just 9 People or Less Per Tour!

• BOOK NOW FOR BEST PRICE!

New Orleans Cocktail Tour

Quick Details

• Calendar Availability: Daily except Tuesday
• Clock Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
• Hiking Distance: 1 mile
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Wheelchair Friendly

The New Orleans Cocktail Tour

Cocktail history is new orleans history.

Sometimes neat…sometimes on the rocks…but always very, very interesting!

This French Quarter walking tour explores the parallels between our resilient and vibrant city with the tasty, storied cocktails that (refreshingly!) reflect her.

Get an insider’s look at some of the best French Quarter bars, each with their own story to tell. Imbibe in notable New Orleans cocktails while your guide reveals the historical events that are reflected in each, thoughtfully-chosen ingredient.

Plus, in our tiny group, ask questions! Looking for award-winning bartenders? Love a good dive bar? You’ll get recommendations specifically based on your taste and preferred vibe, many of which only a local would know.

What This Is:

• An outdoor walking tour that visits multiple cocktail venues in the French Quarter
• A history and culture lesson about cocktails that are significant to New Orleans
• Recounting the history of the first American cocktail, invented right in the French Quarter
• Insight into notable people, events, architecture and more
• Interactive! It’s more like a friend is showing you their favorite spots
• The opportunity for personalized recommendations for the rest of your trip

What This Is Not:

• A drunken pub crawl
• A cattle-call of tourists – your tour will only have 9 people or less!
• Bourbon Street
• For guests under 21
• An all-inclusive ticket: Drinks are not included and are optional

The Most Interesting Happy Hour You’ll Ever Have!

Drinks are not included with the tour price, and no guest is obligated to buy drinks at any stop. We also encourage sharing! Please note that no food is available during the tour. This walking tour covers about one mile and will be held rain or shine, so wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven sidewalks and bring proper gear for the weather. At least two people are needed to run this tour (may be booked separately).

Where Do We Meet?

We’ll meet at: the Bourbon O bar inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel at 730 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

• Chevron down What is the minimum age?

This tour visits bars, so everyone in the party must be 21 or older (the legal drinking age in Louisiana).

• Chevron down Can I bring my baby in a stroller?

Since they will not be allowed into the bars, we unfortunately cannot allow children of any age.

• Chevron down Are drinks included?

No, drinks are not included. We have priced the tour without the inclusion of drinks so that our guests can decide for themselves if they want to share a drink, have their own drink, or not drink at all.

• Chevron down How long is the tour?

The tour is scheduled for 2.5 hours (but sometimes due to factors such as walking speed of our guests or weather, the tour may be a little shorter or a little longer).

• Chevron down What if it’s raining?

Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.

• Chevron down Is this just a pub crawl?

This is definitely NOT a pub crawl! Instead, this is a great introductory New Orleans tour where the American cocktail is examined in the context of French Quarter history. Those showing up already inebriated will be asked to leave the tour with no refund given.

• Chevron down Is this a good tour for non-drinkers?

Sure! We’ve priced the tour without the inclusion of drinks so that our guests can decide for themselves if they want to share a drink, have their own drink, or not drink at all.

• Chevron down How much walking will there be?

Depending on the route the guide takes, the walking could be from 0.8 to 1.2 miles. The route the guide decides upon will depend on such factors as weather, walking ability of the guests, drink preferences, number of guests, and whether or not certain bars are open on that day.

• Chevron down How large are the tour groups?

Our groups max out at 9 people! We pride ourselves on small group sizes so you’ll never be a part of one of those massive 12+ person tour groups (some go up to 28!). Plus, our small-group tours give us access to more intimate places that larger groups cannot fit.

• Chevron down Will we be able to get food at any of the stops?

The tour flows from place to place, so stopping for food will not be possible. We HIGHLY recommend that you have a decent meal before the tour, and we will give you great recommendations for afterward!

• Chevron down What bars will we go to, and what drinks are featured at each?

Believe it or not, we don’t know yet! And that’s one of the hardest parts of leading this tour: there are so many great places that we love, yet we can only choose 3! But since our groups are so small, we like to wait until we actually meet you at the beginning of the tour before determining a route. That way we can pick what will best fit your group’s tastes and interests. We typically go to a mix of bars and restaurants in historic buildings and feature a range of drinks (from lighter to pre-prohibition) and often highlight two at each venue to cater to multiple palates.

• Chevron down What if I’m bringing more than 9 people?

No problem! Private tours are available for larger groups. Just select “Private Tour” at check out or give us a call or email.

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Let the good times roll as you discover the Big Easy’s vibrant drinking culture on the original cocktail walking tour of New Orleans. New Orleans has long been a muse with an unquenchable taste for revelry, muddling sophistication and fancy in equal parts. It’s no wonder the cocktail scene began in early 1850 to be exact. Drink in her rich history as you explore the French Quarter, where the hour is always happy. Try 3 different cocktails on your tour, one of them being the Sazerac, which was invented in New Orleans and is one of the city’s most iconic libations.

Description

Stop At: French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

Embark on your exploration of New Orleans’ cocktail culture from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, right on the Mississippi River in the city’s French Quarter. Your group of like-minded 21-and-up revelers will travel the neighborhood’s historic streets, ducking in and out of watering holes and restaurants in buildings that still stand as beautiful examples of French and Spanish Colonial Architecture.

While it’s easy to get lost in the history of your surroundings, the real stars of the tour are the cocktails. Listen in as your guides reveal the stories behind each inventive libation and the characters that brought them to life. Learn the story of the Sazerac, which dates back to 1850.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Enter the Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar through the charm gates, wrought in Spain and blessed by Queen Isabella. Now a restaurant world-famous for its jazz brunch and courtyard canopied by a 130-year-old wisteria vine, the block has maintained a lively history since 1726.

Stop At: St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Aly, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

At the intersection of two cobblestone alleys in the shadows of the St. Louis Cathedral, is a legendary pirate hangout. There you’ll meet the “green fairy” known as Absinthe, the mystical herbal elixir that induced intoxicating creativity in many authors, artists, poets, and musicians.

Stop At: Peychaud's, 727 Toulouse St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Relax in the former residence of Antoine Peychaud, the Creole apothecary who prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal Peychaud’s Bitters, which would later become the key ingredient in the Sazerac, America’s first cocktail and the official cocktail of New Orleans.

Stop At: Fritzel's European Jazz Bar, 733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

There’s nothing like soul-stirring jazz to raise your spirits. Your tour ends on a high note at Fritzel's, not your typical dive bar. This jazz pub features the who’s who of New Orleans jazz, drawing jazz aficionados from around the world. You're welcome to stay for the show, then walk to dinner at one of many fine French Quarter restaurants nearby.

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
• Departure Time: 04:00 PM
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Guided New Orleans Original Cocktail Walking Tour
• 4 stops at iconic French Quarter establishments
• Local taxes
• 3 classic cocktails, including taxes and service gratuities
• Additional beverages are available for purchase

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
• Due to the historic nature of the tour, some venues are not accessible to guests traveling in wheelchairs. Special arrangements can be made with your tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
• Minimum age is 21 years

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
• This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 583 traveler reviews collected by Cool New Orleans and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us , " data-help-center="text-us"> Text Us , or Live Chat to speak with a Destination Specialist Product code: C-3780ST

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Taste Creole classics, Cajun comfort food, balanced craft cocktails, and more on our New Orleans food tours!

Combo cocktail and food history tour in new orleans.

Along with your guide you will visit up to 6 locations: iconic Creole restaurants, craft cocktail lounges, hot sauce bars, proto-Tiki bars, artisanal candy stores and more.

• Users Must be 21+
• Hour Glass 4 Hours

More Popular New Orleans Food Tours

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Food History Tour in New Orleans

Chefs are the new rock stars and this walking food tour is a delicious journey through New Orleans and Louisiana’s rich culinary history!

Cocktail History Tour in New Orleans

Forget Hand Grenades and Hurricanes, this tour goes beyond Bourbon Street!

"New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin." - Mark Twain

"Everything in New Orleans is a good idea." - Bob Dylan

"In America, there might be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful." - Anthony Bourdain

About Doctor Gumbo Tours

Ever been on a boring tour? Dylan O’Donnell, aka Doctor Gumbo, has too. Which is why Doctor Gumbo Tours are designed to be informative, engaging and most importantly: fun! A New Orleans native and former tour operator in Rome, Italy, his mission is to deliver the cure for the common tour.

What does that mean for you?

It means a passionate tour guide, fun facts you’ll actually remember, sites off the beaten path, local knowledge with world perspective, and a tour experience that’s more like a mobile social event than a flavorless death march from one old pile of bricks to the next. This is not your grandmother’s tour (unless your grandmother likes Jack Kerouac). These are Doctor Gumbo Tours…the cure for the common tour!

Recently featured on Hilton Travel and US News & World Report !

What are people saying about doctor gumbo tours.

"This tour was one of the best food tours I have done in years. Our guide, Lindsay, was amazing. she was tons of fun, full of information on the different New Orleans cooking styles and had great recommendations for other stops we should make on our own!"

"We were a group of 8 ranging in age from teen to senior. Our tour guide was Lindsay and she was fabulous. She gave us so much history about New Orleans including heritage, culture and food. The food tastings were all yummy. Can’t say enough good things about this tour!"

"This tour was so much fun!! You get to spend plenty of time at each place learning about Nola history and the history of cocktails and alcohol in a very laid back and fun environment. Hunter was our guide, and he was fabulous. Very full of energy and so much fun walking around his city with him."

"We did the tour with Dr. Gumbo and he was very entertaining and had a great sense of humor. He was so knowledgeable about New Orleans and seemed to know everything about its history. I learned a lot."

"We we lucky enough to get a private food tour with Ben. First off, the food was all fantastic! You hit all the highlights of New Orleans cuisine, Beignets, Pralines, Mufaletta, Poboy, and Seafood Gumbo along with some other phenomenal dishes. We had a great time! This tour was a highlight of our trip."

"We couldn't have asked for a better tour or tour guide! Our guide Nate was not only fun but also very informative! The food and beverages along the way were some of the best we had ever had while visiting the city!"

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Enjoy classic cocktails as you explore the area.

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The New Orleans Original Cocktail Tour is a perfect way to start your getaway in the Big Easy. Travel through the historic quarter and visit some of the most famous bars and restaurants in the city to learn about their famous spirits like the Sazerac, Pimm's Cup and even the famous, or maybe we should say infamous Hand Grenade.

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Reserve Your Tickets

The Sazerac House is your place to discover the history and traditions of New Orleans cocktail culture. Reserve your tickets now for a complimentary tour, exclusive tasting or special event and experience the spirited flavor of New Orleans.

Tours & Exhibits

Explore interactive exhibits, enjoy complimentary samples and experience something new on every visit.

Weekly Tastings

Attend exclusive tastings hosted by expert bartenders to learn even more about classic New Orleans cocktails.

Special Events & Tastings

Join us for one-of-a-kind events celebrating the drinks, customs and traditions that make New Orleans special.

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Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Tour with Transportation

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Gray Line - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Your Brain Gets Thirsty, Too

So treat it to the most unique and delicious history class around!

Drink & Learn experiences are themed, interactive presentations that use famous drinks and ingredients to tell the rich history of New Orleans. Join drinks historian Elizabeth Pearce at unique locations around town as she regales you with tales of rum, rebellion, whiskey, prohibition and more!

The Experiences

Sate your curiosity and slake your thirst all at once!

Each Drink & Learn Experience immerses the attendee in the history of New Orleans and the South by way of famous cocktails and their ingredients. Each drink sampled by visitors plays an integral role in telling the story of the city and the region.

Virtual Happy Hour

Learn the history and techniques behind America’s classic cocktails

Join drinks historian Elizabeth Pearce for a virtual happy hour that combines the engaging history of one classic cocktail with interactive drink-making demos.Each class includes tales of the people, places, and events that informed the drink’s creation, along with a healthy dose of cocktail-mixing advice. Guests will receive a recipe card ahead of time so they can gather supplies and ingredients ahead of time. Classes are limited to 12 guests. Each ticket it good for one person, not for one screen.

Cocktail classes offered:

• Old Fashioned
• Ramos gin fizz

The Cocktail Tour

Drink and learn while walking in the French Quarter

Experience the French Quarter’s most famous landmarks while you hear about the people who gave the city its rich character and sip on the drinks that carry their stories. Notable stops along the way include the Pharmacy Museum, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Port of New Orleans. This tour does not stop at any bars; however, the price includes several cocktails and punches, so you will never have to pull out your wallet to buy a drink!

Drinks include

• St. Charles Hotel Punch
• Praline Liquor

The dynamic woman who will make your experience unforgettable

Elizabeth Pearce

Elizabeth Pearce, founder and owner of Drink & Learn, is a Louisiana native and drinks historian who tells the story of New Orleans through its iconic beverages. She was named a “2017 Person to Watch” by New Orleans magazine.

Pearce is the host of the Drink & Learn podcast, the author of Drink Dat New Orleans, a guide to bars across New Orleans and a co-author of The French Quarter Drinking Companion, a narrative guide to 100 notable bars in America’s most eclectic neighborhood. She is the Education Specialist for the Sazerac liquor company.

Prior to creating Drink & Learn, Pearce was the original Senior Curator of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and was responsible for creating its original exhibits including Toast of New Orleans: The Drinks of the City and its featured local exhibit, Louisiana Eats. Her exhibit Restaurant Restorative was commissioned by the James Beard Awards to honor the role New Orleans restaurants played in the city’s recovery.

She keeps her desk messy and her whiskey neat.

Testimonials

The word on the streets… of New Orleans

Drink & Learn was well informed and highly entertaining. You also get better cocktails than you would in most bars.

T. Cole Newton Bartender and Owner, Twelve Mile Limit

Fantastic New Orleans history through delicious cocktails...I’d do it all over again just for the Sazerac I get to drink while freshening up on my city’s history.

Chris Hannah Bartender, Arnaud’s French 75 Open

Drink & Learn isn’t just for drinkers: in addition to fascinating New Orleans cocktail lore, Elizabeth provides equally fascinating historical and cultural context that makes the two hours pass like minutes. Her knowledge is encyclopedic and her enthusiasm is infectious. Her drinks are good, too!

Jeff “The Beachbum” Berry Vintage tiki drink author

Elizabeth is one of my favorite people to share a drink with.

Todd Price Drinks Editor, The Times Picyune

While many presentations do a great job of educating about drink history, Elizabeth Pearce really steals the show by injecting the passion and showmanship you’d expect from a true New Orleanian. She brings to life the finer aspects of cocktail culture that appeal to so many of us.

Steven Yamada President, United States Bartender’s Guild New Orleans Chapter

While anyone can stroll through the French Quarter with a drink in hand, Elizabeth Pearce mixes history and folklore with a heap of personality to create an unforgettable experience.

Nick Nevares Founder, Eventualizers event services consultation

...so what are you waiting for?

Drink Dat New Orleans

A Guide to the Best Cocktail Bars, Neighborhood Pubs, and All-Night Dives

When she’s not creating and giving Drink & Learn Experiences, owner Elizabeth Pearce writes about drinking culture in New Orleans. Be sure to check out her newest book, Drink Dat New Orleans: A Guide to the Best Cocktail Bars, Neighborhood Pubs, and All-Night Dives. A series of short narratives disguised as a guidebook, this book meanders through the entire Crescent City; from historic establishments to celebrated neighborhood joints to late-night dives, it’s all here. Get your copy today!

Buy Drink Dat from Amazon Buy Drink Dat from your local book store

Drink & Learn Podcast

Join Elizabeth and bartender extraordinaire Abigail Gullo as they share booze history, culture, and a little drinking advice. Subscribe below or wherever you get your podcasts.

The French Quarter Drinking Companion

A guide to the 100 best spots in America’s most notable neighborhood.

Elizabeth’s first book, co-authored with two of her favorite tipplers, was The French Quarter Drinking Companion: a guide to the 100 best spots in America’s most notable neighborhood .

A series of short narratives disguised as a guidebook, this book meanders through the highs (and lows) of storied drinking establishments throughout this famed neighborhood. Co-authors Elizabeth Pearce, Allison Allsup and Richard Read weave stories that reflect on atmosphere, significance, and tattoo motifs present at each watering hole. Get your copy today!

Buy The French Quarter Drinking Companion from Amazon Buy The French Quarter Drinking Companion from your local book store

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Puerto Rico’s southern coast is the island’s best-kept secret

Take it from a guayama native: the caribbean coast is worth exploring from end to end.

The scenery starts to change when you leave the tall hotels and tapón (traffic jam) of San Juan behind.

Head south on Route 52, and you will start seeing the lush green mountains of Cordillera Central. As you approach the southern coast, the dense vegetation transforms into clusters of cactuses and shrubs, painting an arid landscape against the distant view of the Caribbean Sea.

Ranging east to west from the town of Yabucoa to Cabo Rojo, the southern coast of Puerto Rico is rich in culture, food, beaches and nature. But beyond all the tangible attractions, locals say the spirit of hospitality makes the place unique. “Our greatest asset is the people, who make people feel at home,” says Milexys Rosado Romero, the owner of Hacienda Tres Casitas , a farm stay in Cabo Rojo.

I learned this growing up in Guayama, where neighbors traded mangoes for papayas. My parents were always inviting people for coffee, or my dad might arrive home with a bagful of fresh seafood he got from a friend he ran into at the beach.

Unfortunately, no reliable public transport options exist, so renting a car is the best bet to reach the smaller towns and unspoiled beaches. Highway 52 traverses the island from north to south, taking you from San Juan to Guayama in around 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and to Ponce in two hours or less. Highway 2 takes you west to Cabo Rojo and up the western coast, and Route 3 takes you along the eastern coast with scenic ocean views of Patillas and Maunabo.

If traveling during the fall, you may catch surfers in Guardarraya Beach in Patillas. It’s hard to get lost as you can easily find lesser-known beaches via Google Maps, with good cell coverage throughout the region.

Many of the lodgings offered on the southern coast, from the luxury Copamarina Beach Resort to the kid-friendly Combate Beach Resort , have been owned by local families for generations. Farm stays, small inns known as paradors and vacation rentals dominate the accommodations, making for a relaxed scene.

I recommend visiting from Wednesdays to Sundays for a livelier scene and more dining options; earlier in the week is perfect for having the beaches all to yourself.

Low-key beaches in Cabo Rojo

Even the Caribbean Sea beaches on the southern coast of Puerto Rico are in chill mode, more relaxed than their choppy Atlantic Ocean counterparts in the north.

With small waves and shallow waters, Combate Beach, on the southwest corner, is ideal for families. Make it a day-long affair with a passion fruit mojito at Annie’s Place with picturesque sunset views.

For a more rustic beach experience, go to Playa Sucia, one of Puerto Rico’s southernmost beaches. While there, hike the trails leading to El Faro de Cabo Rojo and Puente de Piedra for 360-degree views of a colorful mix of Caribbean blues, sandy-colored rocky enclaves and green mangroves along the coast. Walk a mile and a half north of Playa Sucia, and you will encounter the Salinas de Cabo Rojo, with colorful yellow-shouldered blackbirds flying over the pink salt flats.

Boquerón is a neighborhood known for its stands of local fish, oysters and clams. You can also take a dip at its small sandy strip. The neighborhood is vibrant, with music blaring throughout the many kiosks and beachside restaurants, most specializing in seafood. You don’t have to go far inland to find roasted pork at Camino Los Charros. Rosado also recommends La Catumba Lechonera among the many restaurants that specialize in pork.

Restaurants on the rise in Guayama

“Guayama esta pegao” — in style, according to what I’ve heard from many friends across the island.

A coastal city on the southeastern side, it is known for having a charming plaza (town square) with homes and buildings dating from the 1800s. One of these historical homes houses Gallo Pinto , a restaurant by chef Ángel David Moreno Zayas that has become a destination with dishes like grilled oysters, bone marrow with beef tartare, and fried red snapper.

“I’ve worked in many kitchens in San Juan and the mainland United States, but I wanted to open my restaurant in Guayama,” says Moreno Zayas of his hometown. “It started as a casual place because we were recovering from the pandemic, but now we’ve incorporated more fine-dining elements, and the reception has been spectacular.”

After a feast at Gallo Pinto, one must save room for ice cream at one of Guayama’s classic spots, Rex Cream. Owned by Chinese-Cuban immigrants, the Louke Chang family, it’s a mandatory stop. A scoop of salty-sweet corn ice cream with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon is perfect for a walk along the plaza.

At Pozuelo, a fishermen’s neighborhood beyond the city center, go to El Arcoiris for one of my childhood favorites, the octopus salad with a side of tostones. Or bite into a crispy alcapurria — a fritter made of banana and root vegetables — at El Fogón de Susa as you stroll along the beach.

You can find one of the most impressive wine lists in the south at Prime Market , where local couple Laury Cordero Sabater and Antonio Palau transformed an old home along Route 3 into an ample outdoor patio with a menu specializing in steaks.

Art and culture in Ponce

It’s hard to find Puerto Ricans prouder of their hometown than Ponceños. I’m not disputing their pride, because the city has so much to offer, especially in terms of arts and culture.

“Start with a walking tour of the city center of Ponce to learn about the history of Ponce and gain an orientation of the city,” says Melina Aguilar Colón, the founder of Isla Caribe tours. “One of the sights not to be missed is the Parque de Bombas de Ponce,” she said. Initially built in 1882 for the Exhibition Trade Fair, the Ponce firehouse is a symbol of the city; the distinct red-and-black-striped facade was an inspiration for the Ponce flag.

After walking through the city center, go for cocktails along Paseo de la Salsa Cheo Feliciano, named after the pioneering salsa singer José Feliciano. At El Marlin 107, William Collazo, a big name in Puerto Rico’s cocktail community, mixes drinks with tropical infusions like coconut water, guava and mangoes. On the weekends, expect live music along the street where you can test your salsa skills. For dinner, head to Chef’s Creations, where you catch chef Jorge Rivera cooking over a wood-fired grill in his restaurant’s patio.

Although the city has suffered structural damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017, followed by an earthquake in 2020, Ponce has focused on reconstruction and updates to many of its cultural institutions. The Teatro La Perla, a cultural hub for performance art, is set to reopen in 2025 with plays and musical performances. The Art Museum of Ponce , home of the iconic “Flaming June” by Sir Frederic Leighton (which is currently on loan to the Royal Academy of Arts in London), recently reopened its doors after extensive repairs.

Ponce is also considered the birthplace of plena music, one of the traditional sounds of Puerto Rico. Deeply infused with African beats, plena tells the story of the Puerto Rican people from the early 1900s. You can learn more about plena and other Puerto Rican music like bomba and danza at the Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña, a small museum in the city center.

El Bosque dry forest and bioluminescent bays

According to Aguilar Colón, “everybody knows about El Yunque rainforest, but nobody talks about El Bosque Seco de Guánica, the dry forest on the island’s southwest coast.” I agree.

One of the things that makes Puerto Rico unique is the contrast of ecosystems in a relatively small island. Walking along the trails, you will notice the different varieties of cactuses, Guayacán trees and mangroves as you get closer to the shoreline. Birdwatchers will rejoice with the sights of sparrow hawks, hummingbirds and brown pelicans. The dry forest is one of the island’s hottest places, so ensure you bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Next to Guánica, in the neighboring town of Lajas, there’s another natural phenomenon. La Parguera is home to one of the three bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico. Because of overpopulation, it’s not as bright as in Vieques, but it’s still worth a trip if you’re in the area.

The local dock offers boat rides, and you can also find kayak tours taking you deeper into the bay for better views. Beyond the bay, the Parguera is known for its bustling scene on the weekends with plenty of bars, restaurants and bands.

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel and food writer, digital content creator and the author of “ The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico .” She divides her time between Brussels, D.C. and western New York. Follow her on Instagram @diningtraveler .

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.