31 Best Things to Do in Rincón (Fun Activities & Top Sites)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Beaches | Outdoors | History & Culture | Food & Drinks | Shopping

Whether you want to spend the day surfing, swimming, shopping, or hiking, there are some awesome things to do in Rincón on your vacation.

Rincon is famous for having some of the best beaches to surf in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region, but even if you’re not a surfer, there is plenty to do in this coastal town. 

I’m a Puerto Rico local and certified tour guide, and I’ve summed up the best to see and do, 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!

31 Best Things to Do in Rincón

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 Rincón 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 for whale watching during the whale season from November to April. But you can always book a sunset whale-watching tour to see them up close.

👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Aguada

Tres Palmas 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 Rincón 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 corals 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 Rincón’s top beaches for surfing. Located a few minutes away from the Punta Higüera Lighthouse, this beach is named after the dome in it, which was once a nuclear facility.

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 frequently hosts surfing contests like the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit and the Rincón Surf Fest.

🛎️ Local Tip: Rincón is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you’re a beach lover, but 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 Rincón.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Surfing Class in Rincón

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.

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 popular among families and downtown visitors. 

Although the beach has facilities including gazebos, bathrooms, and showers they need a bit of maintenance, and swells have destroyed some of the beach’s structures. But, there’s plenty of parking and space on the beach to find your own spot. 

This beach with turquoise waters is where the families go to relax, snorkel, and kayak. You’ll find Sunset Village at the north side of the beach, with shops, bars, and restaurants.

👉 Are you a beach lover? Don’t miss the guide to the top beaches in Puerto Rico.

Black Eagle Marina

Take a boat tour through Rincón’s coast.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Sunset Catamaran in Rincón

With such beautiful sunsets and turquoise shores, it’s not surprising that Rincón is a popular destination for sailing. So, if you’re a boating enthusiast, make sure to check out the Black Eagle Marina, right by a beach with the same name. Most of Rincón’s snorkeling, diving and fishing tours depart from this marina.

One of the most popular picks is the sunset catamarans tour, which allows you to see Rincón’s mesmerizing sunsets while navigating its shore.

Best Beaches

Sandy Beach

Hunt for sea glass on this Rincón beach.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

Sandy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Rincón. Its shore is lined by restaurants, beach bars, guest houses, and apartment rentals, which means you’ll always find beach enthusiasts here, especially on weekends. 

While some visitors like to dip their feet in the water, the ocean conditions at Sandy Beach are really better for surfing, and I wouldn’t recommend trying your luck! Good news is you’ll find surf shops and surfing schools nearby, so it’s a great spot to kickstart your surfing hobby.

Alternatively, you can enjoy long strolls through the beach, and hunt Sea Glass or small “frosted” crystals on the shore.

Keep in mind that with so many rentals and restaurants, there are few spots through which you can access the shore. The best one is through Sandy Beach’s public parking lot, which has wooden stairs down to the beach.

Pool’s Beach

See the sunset shine over the tidal pools of this beach.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

Neighboring Sandy Beach, Pool’s Beach is known for its tidal pools formed by the rock barriers and reefs on the beach. 

The reef bottom creates some fun waves, so you’ll find bodyboarders and shortboards here catching waves during the fall and winter seasons. 

Although not good for swimming, Pool’s Beach is great to enjoy a quiet afternoon, see the sunset. and read a book on the beach. 

Córcega Beach

Swim in the calm waves of this beach on Rincón’s south coast.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

Córcega Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Rincón for swimming, and so, it’s family-friendly. Sadly, it’s been heavily lined with apartment buildings, rentals, and beach houses that make it hard to access it or walk the entirety of the beach.

But still, you can reach the calm and turquoise waters of this beach at different spots, and each has its charm. 

I recommend visiting through the pedestrian access of Calle Caleta Los Frailes. Despite the heavily urbanized coastline, when I visited, I only found someone else on the beach, and the calmest waves I had seen that morning. 

There aren’t any amenities, though! So make sure to bring along anything necessary for a beach day.

Spanish Wall Beach

Hike or ride to this superb “hidden” beach in Rincón.

📍 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, reachable only 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. When the tide is low enough in summer, make sure to book a snorkeling tour at this beach.

Playa Los Almendros

Swim in this beach with calm waves and a unique landmark on its shore.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Center of a debate to preserve its shore from urban development, Playa Los Almendros is well worth fighting for, as its turquoise shore is one of the best for swimming in Rincón. This beach with golden sand has calm tides, although very few palm trees and places to take refuge from the sun. 

So bring along your beach umbrella and everything you need for a beach day, as there aren’t any amenities in Playa Los Almendros. If you’re visiting, make sure to visit El Bote de Millán, a boat on a platform in honor of  Sr. Emiliano (Millán) Altiery and other fishermen in the area.

Doña Lala Beach

Enjoy breakfast at this beach right by downtown.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Although right by downtown, Playa Doña Lala is as calm and as safe for swimming as its neighbor, Rincón Public Beach. One of the things I like the most about this beach is how accessible it is. It’s within 8 minutes walking distance of Rincón’s plaza, making it the perfect beach if you’re not renting a car.

If you do have a car, the beach has a free parking lot you can use. I absolutely recommend visiting early in the morning. Stop at Rincón Bakery, ask for a sandwich (egg, cheese and ham, if you ask me), and a coffee to go, and cross over to the beach to enjoy your breakfast with a view of the ocean.

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 for 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, 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 Rincón 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 Rincón the perfect day trip for fish lovers. If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, book a spearfishing tour in Rincón.

El Último Brinco

Photograph this waterfall hidden in Rincón’s mountainous interior.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

It’s true Rincón’s beaches are its main attraction, but for those who are looking for quick getaway off the coast, el Último Brinco is a good alternative. This 30-foot waterfall is mesmerizing during the rainy season and seems like it pops out of nowhere in this coastal town. 

There is an access road at the 17.9 km marker, but the road down to the waterfall is only for 4×4 vehicles, so park at the side road if the space is available. Located in the Calvache neighborhood, it’s said this waterfall is called the “Last Jump” as people lost their lives diving into what they thought was a deep pond.

Although it’s deeper under the waterfall, I wouldn’t recommend swimming here anyways, as the water often tests positive for contamination and bacteria. Instead, visit to snap pictures and relax for a few minutes to the sound of rushing water. Although it was perfect and beautiful when I visited, there are some seasons when the water level is low, and there is a lot of debris or algae in the area.

Bosque La Armonia

Hike along the coast through this community forest.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Next to Maria and Indicador Beach, Bosque La Armonia is a coastal forest with hiking trails, wooden boardwalks, resting spots, and parking. The local community has managed the forest for over a decade and has planted hundreds of trees in an effort to reduce coastal erosion.

The trail extends about a quarter of a mile along the beach and has side trails that connect to the beach. It’s a great spot to do birdwatching, too, so make sure to bring your binoculars and your camera.

Paseo Comunitario Tres Palmas

Hike along the coast through this community forest.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Another trail to check out on the coast of Rincon is Paseo Comunitario Tres Palmas. Like Bosque La Armonia, this trail is also managed by the community. It runs for about half a mile through the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, connecting Steps Beach to Dogmans Beach.

The trail covers about half a mile and has a lot of green foliage. It’s easy to explore and mostly flat, so it’s great even for beginners.

Best History & Culture

Escuela de la Cultura

Immerse yourself in the local art scene and buy handmade crafts at this cultural center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 823-1034 | Social Media | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Mon-Wed & Fri; 8 am – 9 pm Thurs; Closed Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free 

Located right next to Rincón’s public parking, Casa de la Cultura (also known as Galería Municipal de Rincón) is one of the town’s most recent projects, and still a work in progress. What used to be an old school is now a series of galleries exhibiting art by local Rincón artists. 

What is best about this place is that artists don’t pay to exhibit their pieces, and the pieces are available for sale, with all earnings going directly to the artist.

Each previous classroom is a different gallery, with an exhibit and even a souvenir store. The gallery also includes a hall with portraits of ex governors and Rincón’s previous mayors. My favorite was the Folkloric Music Gallery, with multiple tiples examples (including one with more than a hundred years!), ancestors of the renowned cuatro instrument.

Escuela de La Cultura already has six rooms and it’s expecting to open another 11 as part of the project.

👉 Are you a beach lover? Don’t miss the guide to the top beaches in Puerto Rico.

Galería de Surfing

Relive Rincón’s surfing history through this photo gallery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 823-1088 | Hours: 8 am – 3:55 pm Mon-Fri; Closed Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free

Rincón is often regarded as one of the meccas of surfing in Puerto Rico. The town’s surfing history and culture go back a few decades, and the best place to learn about them is in Galería del Surfing. 

Located in Ventana Al Mar by Doña Lala’s Beach, this small gallery hosts dozens of photographs that showcase Rincón’s development as a surfing destination since the 1968 Surf World Championship.

The gallery also has signed boards from both local and international surfers, historical pictures of the town of Rincón, and a complete section dedicated to the female surfers in Puerto Rico. I spent over forty minutes touring the small gallery, and I’m not even a surfer!

If you’re into surfing, visit the Surfing Hall of Fame right outside.

Barrero’s Tunnel and Wall

Cross the tunnel of this historical Spanish wall into the beach.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

Like much of Puerto Rico, Rincón has a history with sugarcane. The town once produced sugarcane and had a railway to transport it to the nearest plantation in Aguada. Nowadays, the plantation days are long gone, but you can still visit the old railway path in Barrero, where you’ll catch splendid views of the coast, especially if you’re visiting during sunset. 

The historical wall has a tunnel that you can take to cross to the coast. While mesmerizing, keep in mind this road is narrow enough to fit only one car, and it’s over 8 feet above the coast. Drive carefully!

Rincón Art Walk

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.

Best Food & Drinks

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. 

Keep in mind parking is limited at this kiosk and the whole road to get there is wide enough to fit a single car.

🚗 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.

Rincón Beer Company

Grab a drink at this microbrewery in Rincón.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 904-9115 | Website | Hours: 4 – 11 pm Mon-Fri; 12 – 11 pm Sat-Sun

As if the sun, the waves, and culture festivals didn’t make Rincón a great beach destination already, add to that that this fishing town has its own microbrewery: Rincón Beer Company.

Located right by the main plaza, the Rincón Beer Company has 16 on-tap beers from local microbreweries and each time you visit, you get to try something new, as the brewery releases a new beer on Fridays. Cocktails are also available if you’re not much into beer along with a variety of appetizers and dishes to go with them.

Gastropark@115

Enjoy dinner at this awesome food truck.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 3 – 10 pm Thurs; 12 – 10 pm Sat-Sun; Closed Mon-Wed and Fri

Foodies will not lack options in Rincón, especially in Rincón’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.

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 Rincón’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 Rincón’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.

Best Shopping

F. Javier Gil Gallery

Take a beautiful piece of Rincón 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.

El Coquí Bookstore

Scout the shelves to find your favorite book at this secondhand bookshop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 223-8935 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat; 9:30 am – 9 pm Thurs; Closed Sun 

I confess I have an obsession with second hand bookshops, which is why whenever I visit another town, I research if there are any I can visit. And to my surprise, I found one just in downtown Rincón: El Coquí Bookstore. This shop started out as a street vending kiosk, and turned later into a local shop.

The store has a table and a reading area, and the shelves are organized by category, and language (although some are mixed here and there). The owner welcomes you and guides you to what you’re looking for when you enter, but later leaves you to explore. 

One of the best things about this shop is that, since it’s in a very touristy town, you’ll find both books in English and Spanish. You’ll also find board games. In their social media, they announce open mic nights, book signings, and community events.

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.

Playero

Get your beach essentials at this surf shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 609-7500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat; 11 am – 4 pm Sun

Playero is one of the most renowned brands among beach lovers in Puerto Rico. The brand was founded in 1977 in Ocean Park, San Juan by Tony Yordán. 

The family business has been a trusted brand for all things beach, from swimwear to beach accessories for 35 years. Although it started in San Juan, Playero expanded throughout Puerto Rico, and back in 2003, the family relocated to Rincón, where you can now buy your beach essentials and even surfboards!

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That’s it for the best things to do 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 43 best places to see around the island!