Things To Do in Rincon

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

Happy hour starts at in the late afternoon in Rincón, which is filled with great places to watch the sunset. Join the surfers for a "sundowner" at Calypso's Tropical Bar, Maria's Beach (tel. 787/823-1626), which lies on the road to the lighthouse. Happy-hour specials are daily 5 to 7pm and the bar stays open until the last customer leaves (usually long after midnight), but the party gets started early as the bar sits right behind the town’s best beach.

Surfers flock to Big Kahuna Burger Bar & Grill at Casa Verde Guest House along Sandy Beach Road (tel. 787/823-3756), which has delicious and economically priced burgers, jerk chicken, fresh fish sandwiches, and a variety of wings. There’s a young crowd, really friendly staff, and live music several nights a week.

Tamboo Tavern (tel. 787/823-8550) on Sandy Beach attracts young sun worshippers and surfers with the best mojitos and margaritas in town. It was named one of the best beach bars in America by both “Travel + Leisure” and “Esquire” magazines, as much for its laid back vibe as for its spectacular surf and sunset views. During the day it’s the perfect spot for a break from the sun, and at night DJs, live bands, and popular music keep the crowds happy. The Rum Shack (tel. 787/823-0101), at the Lazy Parrot, also draws a sizeable crowd of locals and travelers.

Bohio Beach Bar (tel. 787/823-2450), which is located on the seaside deck of Villa Cofresi, is the spot for happy hour weekend fun, when the party gets going even before the sun goes down. One “pirate special,” a rum and coconut drink, is enough to get you in the mood and you’ll quickly merge into the fun-loving crowd. Friendly bartenders and wait staff, great music, and outdoor pool tables add to the experience.