A breathtaking view of Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, with a massive wave breaking in perfect conditions. The turquoise blue water is crystal clear, and the wave's white foam contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea.

The Ultimate Guide to Rincón, Puerto Rico: Beaches, Food, Places to Stay & More

An awe-inspiring sunset at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, with huge waves breaking on the outside. The sky is a beautiful blend of orange, pink, and purple hues, with the sun setting on the horizon. The waves in the distance are large and powerful, with white foam spraying up into the air as they crash against each other. The water in the foreground is calm and glassy, reflecting the colors of the sunset and creating a sense of serenity. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, with palm trees and other tropical vegetation visible on the shore. Overall, the image conveys a sense of natural beauty and peacefulness, capturing the magic of a sunset at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.

About Rincón

In general, Rincón has a chill, laid back vibe most of the time. Don’t come here in a rush or with a fixed mindset. You’ll have more fun if you just go with the flow and let this little town surprise you. 

 
When to Visit

If you’re just looking to relax at the beach, go on a hike, and watch some beautiful sunsets, Rincón - and Puerto Rico in general - being a tropical island, is practically perfect to visit any time of the year. On the other hand, if you are looking to catch good waves, then the best time to visit would be November-December to April-May.  

Where to Stay

There are superb stays all over town that range from AirBnB’s to boutique hotels, but Villa Playa María’s has got to be one of my favorite places to stay. Is a beautiful property owned by a great couple and is conveniently located (as its name says) right there at Maria’s beach, so you will be right in front of all the action during the surf season. 

A stunning image of Villa Playa María, a luxury surf villa located in Rincon, Puerto Rico. The villa is a spacious, multi-level building with a white exterior and red roof, surrounded by lush greenery. The villa's outdoor area features a beautiful infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxation. The villa's interior is elegantly decorated with high-end furnishings and modern amenities, including a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, and luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The image showcases the villa's stunning ocean views and proximity to the beach, with waves visible in the distance. Overall, the image conveys a sense of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty, capturing the essence of Villa Playa María.


Where to Surf

Most of Rincon’s surf breaks are world class. For example, Tres Palmas can get as high as 30ft+, so it is pretty much considered a break for pros. On the other hand, Dogman’s, Maria’s, Dome’s are also heavy waves when it’s big, but they can also be really fun and inclusive on smaller days.

A picture-perfect wave breaking at Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, framed by beautiful palm trees and a clear blue sky. The wave is large and powerful, with white foam spraying up into the air as it crashes against the turquoise blue water. The surrounding landscape is lush and tropical, with tall palm trees swaying in the breeze and adding to the picturesque setting. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue, with a few fluffy white clouds adding depth and contrast to the image. The overall effect is one of natural beauty, power, and tranquility, capturing the essence of the Reserva Marina Tres Palmas.

Best Breakfast Places

The English Rose is a classic. Is located at the top of a hill overlooking the ocean, and the space has a really beautiful energy to start your day. Another one that is on my top 10 is Casa Isleña; the breakfast board always hits the spot. And of course, at least one day of your stay you’ll need to have breakfast at Stoked. I promise you won't regret it ; )

An appetizing image of the famous Stoked egg salad tartine on sourdough bread from Panoteca San Miguel. The dish is presented on a checkered deli paper garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs. The sourdough bread is toasted and topped with a generous amount of egg salad, made with creamy and savory ingredients. The overall effect is one of deliciousness and sophistication, capturing the essence of the famous Stoked egg salad tartine with bread from Panoteca San Miguel.

Stoked's Egg Salad Tartine

Best places for lunch

If you’re looking for healthy or vegan options, there’s a few places you could check: Passiflora, Sana Farm to Table or Arepas 2 Go. But if in contrast you’re looking to misbehave a little by trying some Puerto Rican delicacies within a local flair, then you could head to El Ancla (a beach side ‘chinchorro’). 

An image of a Passiflora salad served on a compostable box. The salad is a colorful mix of fresh greens, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and passion fruit, arranged in an appealing manner. The compostable box is made from eco-friendly materials and has a transparent lid, allowing the vibrant colors of the salad to show through. The salad is topped with a light vinaigrette dressing, and a wooden fork is included for convenience. The overall effect is one of healthfulness, sustainability, and freshness, capturing the essence of the Passiflora salad served on a compostable box.

Best Food Trucks

For fresh fish with a local flavor head to La Marea Food Truck. Craving some sliders? Looking for a healthy dinner? The LoveShack is a plant based kitchen with delicious options.

Best Restaurants for Dinner

Hands down, one of the most memorable dining experiences you will have in the area is Reina Mora, an inconspicuous farm-to-table restaurant that makes wonders using a variety of locally sourced ingredients. It is located in Aguada, just a short 12-15 minutes drive from Rincón. *Reservation is required and they will be closed for the whole month of September.

Reina Mora dish with ingredients from local farmers and micro greens from their own garden.


For chic, yet chill beachfront dining in Rincón, I would recommend La Copa Llena and Casa Isleña. There’s also a really cool new place called El Despecho, where they serve Puerto Rican plates with a modern, chic flare. If you’re into Thai food, there is Ode to the Elephants; more of a pizza mood? Mi Familias Pizzeria won’t let you down. Up for some sushi? Check out La Sirena. Fresh fish tacos? Calypso. Craving some red meat? Parrillería Vacas Gauchas.

n image of La Copa Llena's outdoor seating area in Rincon, Puerto Rico, at sunset. The outdoor seating area is beautifully decorated with wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. The tables are set with white tablecloths and candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In the distance, the sun is setting over the ocean, painting the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple. The overall effect is one of relaxation, elegance, and natural beauty, capturing the essence of La Copa Llena's outdoor seating area at sunset.


 

An image of surfer Gaby Canals standing on top of the famous Piston Engine at Maria's Beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico. The image is split in half, with the lower half showing the underwater perspective of the piston and the upper half showing Gaby standing on top of it. Gaby is wearing a surf trunks and holding his surfboard with one arm. Surfer: Gaby Canals Photo: Darren Muschett

 Surfer: Gaby Canals Photo: Darren Muschett

Our Favorite Rincón Beach

I can tell you each one of them has its own charm, but Maria’s is special. It’s a wonderful reef break with Desecheo Island popping in the background, that is not only ideal to surf different sizes when there's swell, but is also perfect for snorkelling and paddling when it is flat. 

An image of Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, showcasing the caves nestled by huge rocks at the beach on a sunny day with clear water. The crystal-clear water reflects the bright blue sky and is bordered by soft, golden sand. The rocks at the beach are large and rugged, creating natural caves and coves that add an element of adventure and intrigue to the scene. The caves are partially shaded and provide a respite from the sun. The overall effect is one of beauty, adventure, and relaxation, capturing the essence of Survival Beach's natural wonder and charm.


Nature-based r’n’r?

Go for a walk on the Tres Palmas community trail or go for a hike through Marías newly created hiking trails that will take you all the way to El Faro de Rincón and continue on to the Dome's  Beach trail behind the nuclear plant. You can also plan a day trip to San Sebastian to visit the waterfalls. Another really fun hike you could plan is Survival Beach in Aguadilla. It ends at an almost secluded beach which is unbeatable. 

Off the Beaten Path

Some of the most beautiful beaches on the West side you should definitely check are Playuela and Crash Boat in Aguadilla, Jobos and Shacks in Isabela, as well as Buyé, Playa Sucia and Las Salinas in Cabo Rojo. 

Sunday Morning Recovery

Double espressos, tartines and breakfast empanadas at Stoked. You can also head to The English Rose or Casa Isleña for their bloody mary’s brunch. Then go for a dip and lay under a palm tree while sipping on some coconut water.  

Art + Local Shops

Every Thursday evening at the Plaza, there is the Rincón Artwalk, where a lot of local artisans and artists come to display their pieces. Shops around the square stay open till late at night, so you’ll get a chance to visit those as well. 
 
Some cool shops worth checking out: Playero, Javier Gil Gallery, The Trove, Isla Made, Uncharted Studio, The Bikini Bus, Saluna Apothecary, Bunker Fish.  

Something to bring back as a souvenir? 

Puerto Rican coffee, handmade jewelry, a small artwork; or something ephemeral such as a really nice tan.  
 

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