Rincón, Puerto Rico

Rincón is laid-back, sun-soaked, and effortlessly cool — the kind of place where days revolve around the ocean and nothing ever feels rushed. It felt safe, welcoming, and easy to settle into, especially if you’re looking for a surf-town vibe without the chaos.

Getting Around

You definitely need a car here. Beaches, coffee shops, surf spots, and sunset viewpoints are spread out, and having your own wheels lets you explore freely and on your own schedule. Driving is straightforward and made the trip feel even more relaxed.

Surfing in Rincón

If you’ve ever thought about learning to surf, this is the place.

I took a surfing lesson here and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip. In the summer, the waves are smaller and much more forgiving — perfect for beginners. Starting with a lesson made all the difference, and once I got the hang of it, I was able to just rent a board and keep practicing on my own.

This was something that pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but it paid off in the best way. Few things beat the feeling of catching your first wave and realizing you’re actually doing it.

Coffee & Local Finds

Stoked was hands-down my favorite coffee shop in Rincón. The coffee was consistently solid, and the space itself was so charming — filled with cute, locally made jewelry and gifts that made it impossible to leave empty-handed. It’s the perfect post-surf or slow-morning stop.

Wildlife Moments

You’ll find hermit crabs all over the island, casually crossing paths and hiding in their little shells — honestly one of the cutest and most unexpected parts of being in Puerto Rico.

Adventure You Can’t Miss

You 10000% have to go to Gozalandia Waterfall. Cliff jumping and swimming here was absolutely fantastic — a little daunting at first, but so much fun once you commit. The water is refreshing, the setting feels wild and tropical, and it’s one of those experiences that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

What to Eat (Must-Try Puerto Rican Food)

Puerto Rico’s food deserves its own spotlight — do not skip these:

  • Puerto Rican beans & rice: Comfort food at its best — deeply seasoned, hearty, and filling.

  • Tostones: Crispy, salty fried plantains with a perfect crunch.

  • Maduros (sweet plantains): Soft, caramelized, and slightly sweet — the ideal balance to savory dishes.

  • Seafood: Eat it as often as you can. Fresh, simply prepared, and unbelievably flavorful.

  • Mofongo de camarones: Mashed plantains mixed with garlic and savory goodness, topped with shrimp — so, so delicious and incredibly satisfying.

  • Parchita (passion fruit): Bright, tangy, and refreshing — the perfect drink to wash it all down.

Catamaran & Snorkeling

Opt for a catamaran tour with snorkeling right off the boat. This was fun, easy, and low-stress. I loved not having to swim too far into the ocean with snorkeling gear — the salt makes me nauseous, so being close to the boat and able to hop right back on whenever I needed a break made the experience much more enjoyable.

Beaches & Daily Life

Make time to check out different beaches around Rincón. Each one has its own personality, but overall the vibe is chill, surf-focused, and rooted in spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Before You Fly Out of San Juan

On your way out, stop at La Casita Blanca in San Juan. It’s a local favorite — 10/10 across the board. Very traditional, incredibly homey interior, lively energy, and food that is truly to die for. Pick literally anything on the menu and you won’t be disappointed.

The Overall Vibe

Rincón is easygoing and soulful — surfboards stacked on cars, sunsets that stop you in your tracks, and days that flow naturally from beach to coffee to ocean again. It’s a destination that encourages you to slow down, try something new, and fully lean into the moment.