The recently renovated Casa Blanca (1 Calle San Sebastían, Old San Juan, 787/725-1454, Tues.–Sat. 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m., $2) was originally built as a home for the island’s first governor, Juan Ponce de León, although he died on his quest for the Fountain of Youth before he could ever take up residence. Construction was begun in 1523, and for more than 200 years it served as the residence of Ponce de León’s descendants.
Today Casa Blanca is a museum of 17th- and 18th-century domestic life featuring lots of impressive Spanish antiques. Don’t miss the cool, lush gardens that surround the house and the views of both San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.