Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure beyond the usual tourist hot spots of Puerto Rico like the San Juan area or Vieques, head to the west side of Puerto Rico.
The charming coastal town of Rincon serves as an ideal home base for your exploration of the west side of the island. In this article, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in Rincon.
Since you’ll most likely fly in to San Juan Airport (SJU), I’m including things to do along the San Juan to Rincon drive as well as easy day trips from Rincon accommodations.
Things To Do in Rincon, Puerto Rico
Things To Do in Rincon and Beyond
Gozalandia Waterfall
Just a one hour drive from Rincon is one of Pueto Rico’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls.
While visiting Gozalandia Waterfall, you can walk along the stream, take a refreshing swim at the base of the waterfall, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, jump from one of the waterfall’s many ledges!
The main waterfall was a bit intimidating for my 6 year old so we followed the streams trail and found a much smaller waterfall for him to try a jump. He was so chuffed with himself after that feat, it was adorable.
A visit to Gozalandia Waterfall costs $10 per vehicle.
We recommend bringing:
- Cash for Parking
- Life jackets for little ones
- Water shoes
- Towels
- Sturdy shoes for the slippery hike down
- Water Bottles
Adjacent to the parking lot are restrooms and a small restaurants that’s worth a stop for a refreshing beverage and local fare.
Parque Colon
Finish your day with a stop at Parqué Colón, which features a unique play structure perfect for kids. The rest of the park is pretty run down – but this tree fort was awesome!
Watch the sunset from the adjacent Colon Beach, where my family loved the waves for boogie boarding and my youngest was totally absorbed in collecting cool rocks.
Explore the Many Pristine Beaches
Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach is a favorite sprawling beach for its size and availability of onsite vendors. (FYI: As of 2024, there is not a restroom facility.)
You can pay $5 to park next to the beach or find free street parking and walk down the hill to this beautiful destination.
If you park and walk the beach to the left and over some rocky sections, you may find yourself in a beautifully secluded section of the beach.
It’s debated where it’s name came from. Some sources say the location was famous for a large boat that crashed into the pier and other say the name was derived from when the US Military used the area as a base from which to retrieve downed airmen. They rescued plane crash survivors by boat, hence “crash boat.”
Playa Escalera – Reserva Marina Tres Palmas
Playa Escalera, or “Steps Beach”, is part of the stunning Reserva Marina Tres Palmas. This beach is well-known for its serene atmosphere and vibrant marine life for snorkeling.
As you enter the beach, you’ll see the lonesome steps off to the right. Snap a few photos here then take a walk towards the point in the other direction (left from the parking lot when facing the water), where you’ll find a swing that hangs enticingly over the waves.
As you leave the beach, keep an eye out for the edgy blue crabs that have made their homes in the dirt next to the parking lot.
Reki Beach
Just south of Rincon, we found a quiet beach that easy to access from a parking spot on a dead end road.
It’s a great spot to check out before or after a delicious meal at Villa Confresi or Tropical Gourmet.
Playa Doña Lala
A short walk from Downtown Rincon, this beach is the perfect spot to end your day(s) and watch the sunset.
Day Trip to Cabo Rojo Peninsula
Playa Sucia
Take a scenic drive of about an hour and ten minutes to visit Playa Sucia, a breathtaking beach known for its soft sands and clear waters. Keep reading for another few stops to make along the way to make the extended drive time well worthwhile.
My kids’ favorite part of Playa Sucia were the huge hermit crabs skittering amongst the shady trees. They were the biggest ones they’d ever spotted and had a lot of fun trying to spot them hiding in the exposed roots of the trees.
Insider Tip: I recommend parking in the lot nearer to Playa Sucia, which offers easier access to the beach. During our visit, we mistakenly chose the wrong parking lot, opting for the one closest to Puente de Piedra Beach.
We carried all our beach gear on a long trek in the heat with the expectation of playing on the rocky beach there, only to find that it was only an overlook, not a beach we could play on.
Parking and your visit to Play Sucia are both free.
Puente de Piedra Beach
After soaking in the sun at Playa Sucia, relocate by car to the other parking lot and walk to Puente de Piedra Beach. It’s important to note that while Puente de Piedra Beach is not accessible for beach use, but is rather a scenic overlook at a rock arch.
If you want to walk more of the coastline you’ll be rewarded with more scenic rocky coastline and the historic Faro Los Morrillos lighthouse.
Salinas de Cabo Rojo
On the way to Playa Sucia, you’ll pass interesting pink sand fields of Salinas de Cabo Rojo.
The unique pink color of the sand is a result of the high concentration of salt and the presence of microorganisms, particularly a type of algae called Dunaliella salina.
The brightness of the pink sand can vary throughout the year, influenced by factors such as the salinity of the water, the time of year, and the amount of sunlight hitting it. You can park on the street and walk amongst the salt flats or view them from an observation tower. (Both options are free.)
The photos in the bottom were taken through my sunglasses which really brought out the color! The top picture is unedited, so you can see how faint the pink typically is to the naked eye. With editing though, you can get some really cool shots.
Mayaguez
Mayaquez, a university town with beautiful architecture, is about 25 minutes from Rincon.
Start at the central square to take in City Hall, the central fountain, and step inside the beautiful Roman Catholic church. Just off the square you can also find the old theater.
Once you’ve soaked in your surroundings, grab an ice cream treat at Rex Cream, a favorite among locals.
If further hunger strikes, visit DeRaíz, where you’ll find authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
San Germán
Unless you can squeeze in a stop to San Germán taking the longer route back to San Juan (see below), we recommend day tripping from Rincon so you can experience its charm. It’s about a 45-60 minute drive. You could easily do San Germán and Mayaquez in the same day and still have time for an evening bioluminescent tour.
My kids’ favorite part of San Germán was undoubtedly the Ceiba de la Libertad (Liberty Tree). This iconic ceiba tree was planted in 1898 to celebrate Spain granting Puerto Rico the right to self govern. The tree is on private property, but the owner allows visitors. It is free to visit, just remember to be respectful of their property.
Next in San Germán, try to snag a parking spot downtown near the Convento Porta Coeli and soak in the architecture at the city’s center. This historic convent, dating back to the 17th century, is an excellent example of Spanish colonial architecture and is one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere.
For good food, grab bakery at Panaderia Mi Postre De San German or lunch/dinner at The Taco Maker.
Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera
If you find yourself in the area between April and June AND have little to no moonlight, consider taking an evening trip south to La Parguera.
You’ll want to check the moon phase calendar before booking a tour in La Parquera because the ability to see any bioluminescence depends on near or complete darkness. Make sure the moon is absent or just a sliver.
La Parguera (1 hour from Rincon) is one of only three beaches in Puerto Rico renowned for its bioluminescent properties.
Downtown Rincon Shopping
Next up in our favorite things to do in Rincon; shopping. Start your shopping adventure at Ocean State of Mind where they offer a curated selection of coastal-themed apparel and accessories perfect for beach lovers. Next, head over to Caribbean Trading Rincon for island-inspired gifts, art, and clothing.
Readers, don’t miss a stop at El Coqui Bookstore, an inviting independent bookstore where you can browse both local literature and popular titles. Include a stop at Pepon Souvenirs on your shopping spree, which has a fun selection of handmade crafts and souvenirs.
After a day of shopping, recharge by visiting Rincon Beer Company or enjoy a delicious and quick meal at Puerto Burrito.
Start a Morning at Rincón Bakery
Rincón Bakery was just up the street from our Airbnb and has an outstanding selection of quality bakery items. We started each day with a trip here for breakfast treats that never disappointed.
From flaky pastries, to cakes, to rich, buttery croissants and freshly baked bread, return visits became irresistible.
This is also where I grabbed an americano coffee to fuel up for all the active things to do in Rincon.
Savor Fresh Seafood
For seafood enthusiasts, Rincon has plenty of options to indulge in fresh catches from the ocean. Here are a few spots we recommend:
- Villa Cofresí Hotel’s Restaurant
- La Cambija
- Tropical Gourmet
San Juan to Rincon Drive
By now you know that Rincon is where it’s at, but perhaps you’re wondering what to see along the San Juan to Rincon drive and back?
To start, I recommend making a loop. It’s not the shortest route, but at least you’ll see new and different attractions on your return to San Juan.
On the map below, Rincon is marked on the west coast (half way down) with a little suitcase icon in a blue circle.
Here are the two routes I recommend. Your schedule will influence whether you take the trip clockwise, counterclockwise or choose one way out and back.
Route 1
Mar Chiquita Beach
On the way to Rincon from San Juan, one of the most unique beaches you’ll find is Mar Chiquita Beach.
It’s crescent-shaped cove is framed by steep cliffs. The clear turquoise waters invite you to swim and snorkel. Vendors are there to offer you food and drinks.
PIGS Beer Garden
As rain started to sprinkle on our idyllic day at Mar Chiquita Beach, we hopped in the car and drove over to PIGS Beer Garden for a late lunch and beers. We enjoyed sampling a few craft brews and found the food to be excellent as well.
Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio
If you have time for a rewarding hike, be sure to add the scenic Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio to your itinerary.
Just 35 minutes past Mar Chiquita Beach, this natural reserve is known for its sea caves, rock arches, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Survival Beach
A beach we skipped but is high on our list for when the kids are older is a visit to Survival Beach.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, this hidden treasure requires a walk that leads you down a rugged path, with no cell service to distract you from the experience.
When you reach the shore you’ll find a beautifully secluded beach where you can truly unwind.
Route 2
Visit San German
If you didn’t make it to San German as a day excursion from RIncon, take a brief detour on your route back to San Juan. (More info above.)
Explore Ponce
Ponce is often referred to as “La Perla del Sur” (The Pearl of the South) due to its picturesque coastal scenery and charming plazas.
The highlight of Ponce is soaking in its preserved colonial buildings, such as the iconic Ponce Cathedral, the Plaza Luis Muñoz Rivera, and the striking Parque de Bombas.
The Pork Highway
The Pork Highway, known as the “Carretera del Cerdo,” is a stretch of roadway that has become famous for its numerous roadside eateries, or “lechoneras,” that serve up some of the most succulent roasted pork on the island.
The highlight of any visit to the Pork Highway is the lechón asado, a local delicacy made from whole pigs marinated in a blend of spices and slow-roasted until golden and crispy.
Two popular lechoneras that are easily accessible from the Pork Highway are Lechonera Los Amigos or Lechonera El Mojito.
For those willing to detour further, you can head up the mountain and check out Lechonera Los Pinos or Lechonera El Rancho Original.
Suggested Itinerary for Rincon, Puerto Rico
Day 1: San Juan to Rincon Drive
Depending on time of day, check out some noteworthy sights en route to Rincon. The total drive time from the airport in San Juan to Rincon is just under 3 hours without stopping.
- Land at SJU
- Pickup Rental Car
- Mar Chiquita Beach
- Pigs Beer Garden
- Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio
- Survival Beach
Day 2: Beach Hopping & Dining
- Steps Beach
- Sunset at Playa Dona Lala
Day 3: Outdoor Fun
- Gozalandia Waterfall
- Rompeolas Beach in Aguadilla
- Parque Colon
Day 4: Cabo Rojo Peninsula
- Playa Sucia
- Puente de Piedra
- Salt Flats (Salinas de Cabo Rojo)
- Shopping and Dinner in Downtown Rincon
Day 5: Explore Historic Cities
- Mayaguez
- San German
- Bioluminescent Bay (If conditions allow. See above for details.)
Day 6: A New Route Back to the San Juan Area
- Ponce
- Pork Highway
Pin These Things to do in Rincon, Puerto Rico for Later
There’s plenty of things to do in Rincon and surrounding areas to pack your Puerto Rico vacation with adventure, scenic views, and delicious food.
If San Juan and the surrounding area are also of interest to you, check out our 4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary with the highlights in and around San Juan.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”