17 Best Things to Do in Rincon (Fun Activities & Top Sites)
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Outdoors | Family-Friendly | Food & Shopping
Whether you want to spend the day surfing, swimming, shopping, or hiking, there are some awesome things to do in Rincon on your vacation.
Rincon is famous for having the best beaches to surf in Puerto Rico and the entire Caribbean, but even if you’re not a surfer, there are other great things you can do in this city located on the west coast.
I’m a Puerto Rico local who has written an entire ebook on Puerto Rico. To help you have the time of your life, I’ve summed up the best things to do in Rincon so you don’t miss a bit of the fun. Oh, and be sure to bookmark my guide to staying in Rincon if you need a hotel!
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17 Best Things to Do in Rincon
Punta Higüera Lighthouse
Visit this still-working lighthouse that was built in 1922.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Sunset Whale-Watching Tour
There are over a dozen lighthouses in Puerto Rico and Punta Higüera Lighthouse in Rincon is one of them. The 70-foot impressive structure was built in 1892 by the Spaniards and later rebuilt by the United States Coast Guard in 1922.
Nowadays, this lighthouse is surrounded by a passive park. Its location over a cliff on Rincon’s coast makes it an ideal place to spot whales during the whale season from January to April. But you can always book a sunset whale-watching tour to see them up close.
If short on time, take this amazing tour through the west of Puerto Rico so you get to visit Domes Beach and Punta Higüera Lighthouse, along with other destinations on the west coast of the island.
👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Aguada
Tres Palmas Beach Marine Reserve
Not a scuba diver? No problem. View marine life on a snorkeling tour instead.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tres Palmas Snorkeling Tour
Snorkeling on one of the beautiful beaches in Rincon is one of the best things to do in the coastal town.
While not all the beaches are suitable for snorkeling, especially during the winter, snorkel enthusiasts can’t miss the chance to admire the elkhorn reefs at the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
This marine reserve, which has a 3.8 km perimeter, was established in 2004 to protect the endangered colonies of elkhorn coral. Now, it houses numerous species, including sea turtles, squids, lobsters, and parrotfish.
One of this reserve’s most popular areas is Playa Escalera (Steps Beach). If you don’t feel confident snorkeling alone, you can book this guided snorkeling tour to enjoy a safe experience.
Domes Beach
An awesome beach for surfing in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Domes Beach is one of Rincon’s top beaches for surfing. Located a few minutes away from the Punta Higuera Lighthouse, this beach gets its name from the dome that was once a nuclear facility right behind it.
Domes Beach features a right point break with occasional lefts. Waves are surfable most of the year, but stay most consistent from Fall to early spring, with the peak in October. The beach is quite popular, which means you’ll find lots of crowds here.
It’s also a great beach for camping in Puerto Rico and spotting whales during the late winter season and early spring. This beach is also home to multiple surfing contests, including the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit and the Rincon Surf Fest.
🛎️ Local Tip: Rincon is the best place to stay in Puerto Rico if you’re a beach lover. You can read my complete guide to where to stay in Puerto Rico to see what other places are great for staying in this tropical paradise.
Maria’s Beach
Learn how to surf on this beach in Rincon.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Surfing Class in Maria’s Beach
Beginner surfers will find Maria’s Beach to be one of the best spots to take their first surfing class in Puerto Rico.
This popular surf break welcomes both beginners and experienced surfers, depending on the season and which part of the beach you’re visiting.
While it can get crowded (especially from late summer through early spring), you’ll still find multiple takeoff zones to catch your first wave in Maria’s Beach. The typical wave here is a long, fast wall, and it breaks over a reef bottom.
Keep in mind it’s a crowded spot, with surfers, tourists, swimmers, and even paddleboarders. See our guide to surfing in Puerto Rico for more.
Best Outdoors
Desecheo Island
Go scuba diving at one of the best underwater spots in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Diving Tour to Desecheo Island
Desecheo Island is a small, uninhabited island you can see from the west coast. This island is a popular destination for scuba diving in Puerto Rico because of its crystal clear waters and virgin coral reefs, like the one known as Candyland.
Currently, few companies offer tours to Isla Desecheo. If you’re a certified diver, you can book a scuba diving tour with Aquatica Underwater Adventures.
Worry not if you don’t have any experience diving, you can book a snorkeling tour to Desecheo with Taino Divers to enjoy what I recommend as one of the top activities in Puerto Rico.
The Mona Passage
Try your hand at catching some fish on an awesome Rincon excursion.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Fishing Trip in Rincon
The union of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean at the Mona Passage makes the waters of the west ideal for fishing.
Some of the species you can catch at the Mona Passage include Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and snappers.
Multiple companies offer boat trips for fishing enthusiasts with the option to do deep-sea fishing, live bait fishing, and kite fishing, making Rincon the perfect day trip for fish lovers. If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, book a spearfishing tour in Rincon.
Spanish Wall Beach
Hike or ride to this superb “hidden” beach in Rincon.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Horseback Riding Tour to Spanish Wall Beach
Spanish Wall Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Rincón. The beach is reachable by hiking from Domes Beach, and it gets its name from the historic Spanish wall ruins on it.
Spanish Wall Beach lacks facilities, and it isn’t great for swimming. However, it’s a great spot for introverts looking for a scenic landscape to relax.
You can also visit on a horseback riding tour.
Steps Beach
Reach the steps and check out the natural pools at this stunning beach.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Snorkeling Tour in Steps Beach
Located within the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Steps Beach (aka Playa Escalera) is one of my favorite beaches in Rincón for its unique landscape. The beach’s name comes from the concrete steps sitting oddly on the natural shore.
Besides its famous steps, this beach is home to natural pools formed by natural rock barriers and beautiful scenery without beach houses or hotels.
During the winter, waves can reach over 20 feet, which makes it ideal for surfing too. During the summer, when the tide is low, make sure to book a snorkeling tour at this beach.
Best Family-Friendly
Rincon Public Beach
Have a swim at this beach with turquoise waters.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Out of Rincón’s beaches, Rincón Public Beach is the most family-friendly one. The beach has facilities including gazebos, bathrooms, showers, and parking. This beach with turquoise waters is where the locals go to relax, snorkel, and kayak. You’ll find plenty of rentals on-site.
👉 Are you a beach lover? Don’t miss the guide to the top beaches in Puerto Rico.
Noches de Galería
Catch this awesome art festival every Thursday in the main plaza.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Puerto Ricans are known for their cultural festivals, which is why Noches de Galería is the best thing to do in Rincón if you want to enjoy the city’s culture, music, and art.
Unlike Puerto Rico’s yearly festivals, Noches de Galería takes place every Thursday evening in Noches de Galería. Besides enjoying live entertainment, you’ll find local crafts and food, all while enjoying a tropical vibe atmosphere.
Sandy Beach
Hunt for sea glass on this Rincon beach.
Sandy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Rincon. Its shore is covered in restaurants, beach bars, shops, and apartment rentals, which means you’ll always find a crowd and lively atmosphere here.
Depending on the season, you can swim at the beach, but most of the time, the ocean conditions at Sandy Beach are better for surfing, with consistent waves.
Fret not! Even if it isn’t swimming, you can enjoy long strolls through the beach, and hunt Sea Glass or small “frosted” crystals on the shore.
Gastropark@115
Enjoy dinner at this awesome food truck.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 3 – 10 pm Thurs- Fri, 12 – 10 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed
Foodies will not lack options in Rincón, especially in Rincon’s Gastropark@115. This food truck park has food for all different tastes, from sushi to hamburgers.
The food truck park is open until late, so you can visit when you’re craving that late-night snack. You’ll often find live music on weekends too.
Best Food & Shopping
La Cueva del Burro
Eat a fritter, see the sunset, and stand over water at this local restaurant.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 408-1017 | Hours: 1 – 8 pm Fri, 12 – 8 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mon-Thurs
There is no denying that La Cueva del Burro is one of the best places to go in Rincón if you’re craving a local empanadilla. The restaurant is located by the coast and specializes in seafood empanadillas, but you’ll find other fritters and treats on the menu.
Besides its food, one of the main attractions of this restaurant is its prime location for enjoying the sunset. You can either admire it from the location’s second floor while eating or from the wooden stairs across the restaurant.
The landing of the stairs is over water, making it not only a VIP spot to see the sunset, but a great photo opportunity.
🚗 How to Get There: If you’re driving from San Juan to Rincón, use Discover Cars to find a rental car for a fair price. Read more in my guide to driving in PR.
Cafe 413
Enjoy a local coffee at this excellent Rincón cafe.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 697-8188 | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
If you haven’t tasted a good Puerto Rican coffee yet, then I recommend you stop at Cafe 413 in Rincon’s Town Center.
This casual restaurant has both a bar and a coffee shop, and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or brunch during your visit. The coffee here is to die for, or if you’re more of a tea person, don’t miss the Chai Latte.
The Beach House
Watch the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 12 am daily
The Beach House is one of the most popular restaurants in town, especially if you’re looking for a place to experience nightlife in Rincón. You’ll often find live entertainment and tourist crowds during the weekends.
While it lacks that local Puerto Rican vibe, you’ll enjoy the varied burger menu, which you can accompany with your favorite beer or cocktail.
Believe it or not, visiting the restaurant for its food is optional. Instead, I recommend this place as one of the best viewpoints to watch Rincon’s infamous sunsets. If you’re not visiting the restaurant, just park on the side road and walk to the viewing platform.
📚 Related Reading: Rincon is one of the top places you need to visit during your vacation in Puerto Rico. Read the complete guide to find out about the other places you can’t miss.
F. Javier Gil Gallery
Take a beautiful piece of Rincon home when you buy it at this gallery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 589-7176 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Fri-Mon & Wed, 1 pm – 9 pm Thurs, Closed Tues
Besides its wonderful beaches, Rincón also houses different galleries visitors can enjoy, including Javier Gil Gallery, pictured above.
Located just steps from Rincón’s central plaza, this shop is a must-stop if you’re looking to buy some graphic tees to take home. But these aren’t your average souvenir shirts, they showcase striking images of Rincón and Puerto Rico, captured through F. Javier Gil’s lens.
The gallery specializes in landscape, underwater, surf, and aerial photography, particularly scenes from around Rincón. You can take a piece of the island home with you, whether on canvas or a one-of-a-kind shirt.
The Uncharted Studio
Revamp your vacation wardrobe with these ocean-inspired pieces.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 200-6808 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Wed, 10 am – 10 pm Thurs, 10 am – 8 pm Fri-Sun
Located right by Rincon’s plaza, The Uncharted Studio is a great stop in town if you’re looking to add some unique and ocean-inspired wardrobe.
Founded in 2005, this shop’s products are eco-friendly, while also being comfortable and stylish. Besides t-shirts and swimwear, you’ll also find jewelry, footwear, and hats.
🛎️ Need a hotel? Villa Cofresi is a great hotel to stay in close to the town center and has top bars, restaurants, and festivities within walking distance.
Puerto Rico: A Local’s Travel Guide
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That’s it for the best things to do in Rincon! This beautiful city is one of the top destinations in Puerto Rico and even if you’re not a surfer, you will love your stay in Rincon. Before you go, be sure to bookmark our epic Rincon travel guide!
👉 If you’re looking for more great places in Puerto Rico, check out the 33 best places to see around the island!
After reading this, I won’t be going to Rincon but not because there is anything wrong with the place, because I don’t wanna pick up the negativity that’s oozing out of all of these comments… I hope you people find your magical, perfect destination that’s untouched by anything else… wow!!
Jeremy, I lived in Rincon in the late seventies. It was starting to get built up. Now that I’ve returned to see how it’s changed, I still see its beauty , sunsets, friendly locals, good food. There’s lots to do if you love the beach . However if you are older ( the roads may scare you) sick, and want what Rincon was 50 years ago….. Otherwise, try it one time. Don’t let the negative talk make you miss a nice experience.
Thanks for your amazing suggestion on Puerto Rico. I’m planning to go on june, and your blog is really helping me <3
Agree with the other comments. Rincon is getting extremely built up so it is getting harder to find the old town that we loved so much. (I heard there are 500 building permits out!) Can the infrastructure support this? I doubt it.
I’m going back next year but wonder what I will find. Good news – the mangos are amazing this year. Pick them up where you find them and enjoy! 😋
Too many tourists. There are many other beautiful towns in Puerto Rico, please give Rincón a break. The locals are now having to suffer bad traffic jams just to get to the hospital or pharmacy. Too much screaming and partying in residential areas. Peace is gone.
I was in Rincon in December and stayed at Sandy Beach, I grew up near by in Aguada. It’s beautiful there. Spend 4 days , cost of food is a bit higher but that is the same for all parts of PR, I visited the local places and small mom and pop shops and got fresh sea food and good local food. Have to learn and ask and people will give good advice at the local shops. The person who maintained the air bnb gave us good tips, I am familiar with the area so was easy to move around. On thing wanted to add is it’s a sleepy town and I loved it. Also it’s safe to eat at the food trucks and local street stands best information from the owners of those shops
Very touristy. Unfortunately Rincón has preserved none of its beautiful Puerto Rican heritage. The food is average yet costs as much as it does if you were, say, in NYC.
It’s true Rincón is one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in Puerto Rico, but it certainly doesn’t affect any of the beautiful natural landscapes of the city. After all, the beautiful sunsets and beaches of Rincón don’t have to do with the people that stay or visit the city, right? But I do understand your concern! What would you recommend to do in Rincon? Or what’s your favorite destination on the island to experience the heritage?
Agreed! Not as peaceful as it was. Visit other towns also please
Wow, it’s sad that you see it that way. If you know where to go and support local not only will you be able to eat for $7-9 a plate but you can also immerse yourself in the culture. My guess is that Anonymous came to Rincon expecting to find everything easy. We can’t share all of the secrets if you want to enjoy yourself you have to seek them out. Rincon not only is the epitome of Puerto Rican heritage its what most strive for.