Nothing heralds Rincón’s arrival as a real tourism destination more than the fact that it has developed a shopping culture. It’s a west coast beach town, so surf shops still rule, but they’re now as much about fashion as function. Nothing shows that more than Natty Surf Boutique & Gallery (tel. 787/823-7000, at Sunset Village), which has a large beach-fashion collection for women, an art gallery, and surfboards. Sunset Village, on Calle Cambija next to Rincón public beach, where Natty Surf is located, is a modern beachfront structure that’s home to shops and restaurants and is near the town's public beach.

Perhaps nowhere is the upgrading of the Rincón retail scene more evident than at its traditional town square, which recently underwent a renovation. New restaurants and chic boutiques have opened alongside the Catholic Church, local bakery, and simple bars and cafe. There is also free Wi-Fi, surf, and tourist shops.

Several properties, from higher-end guest houses to the larger hotels, have upgraded their shops and are stocking fashionable clothes, island fine art, gourmet foods, and coffee, jewelry, and much more beyond basic necessities. 

For anything from a sarong to a pair of sandals, head to the Mango Beach Shop (tel. 787/823-2100) in Puntas. The Red Door Boutique (tel. 720/289-5079), also in Puntas, is an inspired gift shop.

A number of galleries have also sprung up in town, some of single artists, some serious fine-art ventures, and others a mix of original art and jewelry and fashion items. One that stands out, The Playa Oeste Tropical Surf Art Gallery & Gift Shop Carretera (Rte.) 413, Km 0.5 (tel. 787/823-4424), has fine art, photography, jewelry, and other crafts.

If you want to really shop till you drop, head to Barceloneta where you’ll find the Prime Outlets, 1 Prime Outlets Blvd. (tel. 787/846-5300), with more than 90 stores, including Coach, Adidas, Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Lauren, offer factory outlet prices at a beautiful outdoor mall that feels like a downtown village. It’s open Monday through Saturday 9am to 9pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm. To get there, take PR 2 (Hwy. 2) north to Arecibo, and then take the De Diego Expressway 22 towards San Juan. Take the exit (salida) 55 in Barceloneta for the Prime Outlets

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.