19 Best Things to Do in Rincon (Fun Activities & Top Sites)
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, and 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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19 Best Things to Do in Rincon
Desecheo Island
Go scuba diving at one of the best underwater spots in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Viator’s Top Scuba Diving Tours
Desecheo Island is a small uninhabited island you can see from Rincon. This island is a popular destination for scuba diving because of its crystal clear waters and virgin coral reefs.
Currently, only the company Taino Divers offers scuba diving tours to Isla Desecheo.
👉 Looking for more great things to do? Check out my guide to the top activities in Puerto Rico.
Deep Sea Fishing
Try your hand at catching some fish on an awesome Rincon excursion.
The union of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean makes the waters of the west ideal for fishing. 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.
Snorkeling
Not a scuba diver? No problem. View the marine life on a snorkeling tour instead.
👉 Book a Rincon Snorkeling Tour
One of the best things to do in Rincon is to go snorkeling on one of the beautiful beaches in Rincon. While not all the beaches are suitable for snorkeling, especially during the winter, snorkel enthusiasts can’t miss the chance to practice the water sport at Steps Beach.
If you don’t feel confident doing it alone, you can book this guided snorkeling tour to enjoy a safe experience.
Horseback Riding
Experience Rincon’s beaches via a horseback riding tour.
There are multiple ways you can enjoy the beaches of Rincon, and one of them is while riding a horse! Riding a horse on a beach during the sunset is one of the things you can scratch from your bucket list while visiting this city. There are different guided horseback riding tours you can take, so you’ll surely find one that fits your needs.
Punta Higüera Lighthouse
Visit this still-working lighthouse that was built in 1922.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
There are more than a dozen lighthouses left behind by the Spaniards around Puerto Rico. Punta Higüera Lighthouse in Rincon is one of them, and it sports a height of 70 feet. This lighthouse started its service in 1922 and although it’s automated, it works up to today.
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
Rincon’s Art Walk
Catch this awesome art festival every Thursday in Rincon.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
One of the things Puerto Ricans are best known for is for always finding an occasion to get together and celebrate with good music and food. That’s the experience you can enjoy every Thursday evening in Rincon’s Art Walk, where you’ll find local crafts, food, and music all while enjoying a tropical vibe atmosphere.
Steps Beach
Reach the steps and check out the natural pools at this stunning beach.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Steps Beach is one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches of Rincon and its name comes from the concrete steps on the shore. Besides its famous steps, this beach is home to natural pools and beautiful scenery. During the winter, waves can reach over 20 feet, which makes it ideal for surfing too.
👉 Local Tip: Steps Beach is perfect for sunbathing, and snorkeling in Tres Palmas Reserve. Check out the Aqua Marina Beach Club to stay a few steps away from this beach.
Domes Beach
An awesome beach for surfing in Puerto Rico that also hosts festivals.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Domes Beach is one of Rincon’s top beaches for surfing. Located a few minutes away from the lighthouse, this beach gets its name from the dome that was once a nuclear facility right behind it.
The beach sports excellent waves for surfing, areas for camping, and a swing. This beach is also home to multiple surfing festivals during the winter.
🛎️ 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.
Sunset
Watch the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Rincon is famous for its colorful and breathtaking sunsets and it’s something you can’t miss if you’re in the city. There are multiple spots from where you can enjoy the sunset, but one of the best is the viewpoint in front of The Beach House in Rincon.
📚 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.
Walk Above the Sea
Check out the wooden staircase that descends into the sea below.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Right in front of La Cueva del Burro in Rincon, you’ll find a wooden stair that descends to the below waters and rock formations. While you travel down the road, you should keep your eyes open or you might miss it. Make a stop not only to take a picture but to enjoy the view as if you’re walking on top of the water.
Whale Watching
Bring your binoculars and spot some whales from January to March.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
If you love whales, then you’ll be glad to know you can see them from Rincon. Every winter season, from January to March, humpback whales frequent the southwest coasts and locals gather along different viewpoints to take a peek at them. Punta Higüera Lighthouse serves as a whale-watching park.
🚗 How to Get There: If you’re arriving at San Juan airport, you should rent a car if you’re planning to tour around the island. You can use Discover Cars to find the best price for your rental car and if you have any worries about driving by yourself in Puerto Rico, read my guide to driving on the island.
Cafe 413
Enjoy a local coffee at this excellent Rincon cafe.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939) 697-8188 | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily, 8 am – 9 pm Thursday
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 sports both a bar and a coffee shop, and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or brunch. The coffee here is to die for, or if you’re more of a tea person, don’t miss the Chai Latte.
Surfing Class
Learn how to surf in Rincon.
If you’re a surfing enthusiast, but you don’t know how to surf yet, then you can start by taking your first class in Rincon. Since the city is the capital for surfing on the island, you will find multiple surfing schools that provide guided lessons regardless of your age, weight, or gender.
See our guide to surfing in Puerto Rico for more.
Shop in the Town Center
Set your inner shopaholic free at the many stores in Rincon’s town center.
Rincon sports a colorful town center with souvenir shops, art galleries, bakeries, bars, and small boutiques. Set your shopaholic free and go store hopping around the plaza. You can also grab a quick lunch at the area, or enjoy a nice coffee while sitting on the benches.
🛎️ 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.
Sandy Beach
Hunt for sea glass on this Rincon beach.
Sandy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Rincon, both for its waters and the beach bars around it, but craft makers and souvenir lovers will find it perfect for hunting Sea Glass or small “frosted” crystals on the shore.
Local Gallery
Purchase local crafts, paintings, and other artwork at one of Rincon’s galleries.
Besides its wonderful beaches, Rincon also sports different galleries visitors can enjoy, including The Uncharted Studio and F Javier Gil Gallery pictured above. Besides admiring the local art, you can also buy local crafts and paintings.
Rincon Public Beach
Have a swim at this beach with turquoise waters.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
If you´re looking for a beach with facilities where you can spend your day swimming, then head over to Rincon’s Public Beach. This beach with turquoise waters is where the locals go to relax, snorkel, and kayak. It sports free parking, showers, bathrooms, and even gazebos you can rent for any type of activity.
👉 Are you a beach lover? Don’t miss the guide to the top beaches in Puerto Rico.
Spanish Wall Beach
Hike to this superb “hidden” beach in Rincon.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Spanish Wall Beach is one of the secret beaches from Rincon even when it’s reachable from Domes Beach. The beach gets its name from the historic Spanish wall ruins that used to be the railroad. You can access the trail from Domes Beach, you can also reach Pools Beach and Sandy Beach along the coast.
Gastropark@115
Enjoy dinner at this awesome food truck.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 12 – 10 pm Thurs to Sun, Closed from Mon to Wed
Foodies will not lack options in Rincon, especially in Rincon’s Gastropark@115. This food truck park sports food for all different tastes and it’s open until late so you can visit when you’re hungry for a night snack. They also host live music during some days of the month.
FAQs About Rincon
Is Rincon worth visiting?
Rincon is one of the top destinations to visit in Puerto Rico and visitors should spend part of their vacation there. Rincon sports top notch beaches, great local cuisine, historical buildings, and local festivals travelers can enjoy.
What is there to do in Rincon Puerto Rico today?
Travelers that visit Rincon can take surfing lessons, surf in Playa Domes or Maria’s Beach, enjoy food at the kiosks in Sandy Beach, go shopping, horseback riding, snorkeling, and scuba diving too.
What is Rincon known for?
Rincon is best known as the Caribbean’s surfing capital for its world class surfing beaches, and its beautiful sunsets. Rincon is also known as one of the best spots in Puerto Rico to see humpback whales during the winter.
Is Rincon Puerto Rico safe for tourists?
The city of Rincon is probably the safest city for tourists after San Juan and Carolina. The city is home to dozens of expats and it’s also one of the top tourist destinations in Puerto Rico. See our full guide to Puerto Rico safety for more information.
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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!
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.
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
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.
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! 😋
Thanks for your amazing suggestion on Puerto Rico. I’m planning to go on june, and your blog is really helping me <3
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!!