I feel like I’m a broken record again. I fell off (like seriously fell off) the blogging wagon. To say that the fall of 2016 was extremely busy is an understatement. But I’m back and I hope that 2017 will see me be more organized in my work and personal life so that I can continue to devote the time to some of the other passions in my life, like Coffee & Cocktails!
So if you haven’t already checked out my weekend guide to San Juan, you can check it out here. When we travel to PR over the summer we usually split up our trip between San Juan and Rincón. Rincón is literally my happy place. So much so, that every year, during our vacation, we scheme and plot on how we can all quit our day jobs and move to paradise! One day, one day!
Rincón is a surfer town in the Northwest part of Puerto Rico. One of the reasons I love it so much is that while it totally has the feel of a Puerto Rican town, there are a ton of “Americans” that have moved down there and so you’ll also find a bunch of great restaurants serving more American types of food rather than traditional Puerto Rican fare (granted, I love me so rice and beans…but after a while, you want something other than rice and beans).
Where to Stay?
Unlike San Juan, you won’t find the typical hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, etc.). We have only ever stayed at places we found on Airbnb. If you go this route, I’d recommend staying down by the Sandy Beach area. It’s close to a bunch of my favorite beaches and always seems to be conveniently located to everything else we want to do.
If you decide you want to stay at a hotel, I’d recommend looking at Villa Cofresi Hotel, Lazy Parrot Inn, and Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel.
What to do?
Beaches
Rincón is all about the beaches. We literally spend a majority of the day at the beaches swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, reading (well, I read, everyone else naps). Some of my favorites:
- Sandy Beach – great beach to just hang out.
- Domes Beach – This is a great beach to snorkel at. Just be careful with all of the rocks and sea urchins!
- Maria’s Beach – another great beach for snorkeling and is also a great surfing spot.
- Steps Beach – one of my favorite beaches. This is a great beach to snorkel and paddleboard (though you have to be careful with all of the reefs and sea urchins).
- The Marina – head to this beach for some great paddleboarding and be sure to stop by and see Damiano and Chikako at Rincón Paddleboard – best place to rent paddleboards in Rincón! Damiano will also drop off paddleboards at any beach in Rincón.
- Rincón Balneario – this (in addition to The Marina) is one of the more calm beaches so if you are new at paddleboarding, I’d recommend this as one of the beaches to learn at.
Rincón Lighthouse & Park
The park and lighthouse offer some great views and photo-taking opportunities. Sometimes you’ll find a couple of locals selling some jewelry and other wares. Stop by on your way down to Domes Beach!
Rincón Art Walk
If you are in town on a Thursday night, you have to check out the Art Walk (and all the local shops). I love picking up last-minute gifts for family, friends, or even myself. I always find lots of talented artists selling one-of-a-kind items.
Sunset Watching
Make the time to watch at least one sunset while you are in town. Head up to the Beach House on Route 413, grab yourself a drink, and then go sit out on the bluff to watch nature’s show. Amazing!
Where to eat?
Most of the time, when you are going to be in a bathing suit all day the absolutely last thing you want to do is eat and drink a ton. But let me tell you…all I want to do while I’m there is go to the beach, work up an appetite, eat, drink, and do it all over again the next day. So where can you go?
Taco Love Land
Hands down, Taco Love Land has the best tacos I’ve EVER (and I mean EVER) had. Their green sauce is like crack. I’d put it on anything and everything. The owner relocated from Tahoe and now operates this little taco stand for about 6 months out of the year. It’s located just outside of a bait shop. Order your tacos (or nachos) and then, while you wait, go to the bait shop to grab some beverages (yes, the bait shop is also a bar – this type of thing is not totally uncommon in Puerto Rico).
Mi Familia Pizzeria
The pizza at Mi Familia is some of the best I’ve ever had. The best part of this “restaurant” is that it’s actually out at the pool deck of one of the hotels. They also have local Puerto Rican beers so they have all the bases covered.
Rincón Brewery
Looking for a place to try some local Puerto Rican beers? This is the place for you! You can have a couple of beers and enjoy a game (or two) of Cards Against Humanity. They also have some snacks should you need something while you drink the night (or day away).
Pool Bar Sushi
Pool Bar Sushi is located out at the pool of a little hotel (are you seeing a pattern yet?) and they truly have amazing sushi! Order some rolls, a cocktail, and enjoy watching some old surfer reels playing on the outdoor projector screen while you eat.
Steps Quick Lunch
If you are at Steps Beach (or even if you are not), you have to get their empanadillas (little pockets of dough filled with cheese, seafood, or meat). So so good! They also have great coffee (if you get to the beach early in the morning).
I seriously could go on and on and on about my love for all things Rincón. If you are looking for a fun (and affordable) vacation, I hope you’ll consider Rincón. And if you need more information, I’ll do my best to help you out!
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