25 Best Sights in Rincón and the Porta del Sol, Puerto Rico

The crescent-shape strand is the most secluded, and beautiful, of the area's beaches. It's commonly referred to as "Playa Sucia" (Dirty Beach) by locals, because of the blankets of seaweed that drift to shore during winter months. The label is rather unfitting for the white sand and turquoise waters that mark the island's southwestern corner, reachable by way of a dirt road lined with mangroves. Amenities: none. Best for: hiking; swimming.

The long stretch of sand at this beach off Route 101 is a favorite with islanders, especially on weekends. This is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it is recognized for its adherence to high environmental standards. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

Families enjoy the tranquil waters, playground, and shelters for seaside picnics. The beach is within walking distance to the center of town. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats Interpretive Center has two-hour guided tours along nature trails and a small display about the salt flats. The best part of the center is a massive observation tower that lets you scan the outline of Cabo Rojo itself. Next to the main building is an audiovisual center where presentations on marine ecosystems and bird migration are offered.

Protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this uninhabited island—about 20 km (13 miles) off the coast of Rincón—is home to lizards, rats, and rhesus monkeys, first introduced in 1967 from Cayo Santiago. Among divers, it's known for abundant reef and fish life. The main draw here is "Candyland," a rocky bottom that rims the island and slopes to 120 feet. Long tunnels and caverns covered with purple hydrocoral distinguish one formation known as Yellow Reef. With visibility of 150 feet, this is also a popular snorkeling spot. Other sites have plentiful fish and coral in shallower water just off Rincón's shores.

Named for the eerie green domes on a nearby power plant, this beach is extremely popular with surfers, with its consistent rights and occasional lefts. On a good surf day, arrive early if you want a spot on the sand. Though not recommended for swimmers because of the rocks, it's a great whale-watching spot in winter. The dirt road leading to the parking area is rather steep and difficult to exit. There are no facilities here, so plan accordingly. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing.

This great beach draws large crowds on weekends to its rustic waterfront eateries and calm waters. You can rent small boats and kayaks here. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: partiers; swimming.

The area's most popular attraction is this neoclassical lighthouse, dating from 1881. The magnificent structure, built on a limestone cliff, has amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. It is open to the public, and you are free to hike around the rugged terrain or relax on La Playuela or one of the other pink-sand beaches nearby. There are no facilities here, so bring water, food, and sunscreen.

Explore karst topography and subtropical vegetation at the 2,357-acre Guajataca State Forest, between the towns of Quebradillas and Isabela. On more than 46 walking trails you can see 186 species of trees, like royal palm and ironwood, and 45 species of birds—watch for red-tailed hawks and Puerto Rican woodpeckers. Bring a flashlight and descend into the Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind) to find stalagmites, stalactites, and other strange formations. At the forest entrance there's a small ranger station where you can pick up a decent hiking map (get here early, as the rangers don't always stay until closing time).

Along Route 107—an unmarked road crossing through Punta Borinquen Golf Club—you'll find the ruins of La Ponderosa, an old Spanish lighthouse, as well as its replacement, Punta Borinquen, at Puerto Rico's northwesternmost point. The original lighthouse was built in 1889, destroyed by an earthquake in 1918, and rebuilt in 1920 by the U.S. Coast Guard. Just beyond the ruins is a local surf spot, Playa Wilderness.

This surf spot, south of Domes, can get crowded when the waves are high. When waves are small, it serves as a schoolhouse for surf lessons. It's popular with locals, as much for its breaks as for its proximity to the Calypso Café. To get here, look for the street sign reading "Surfer crossing." Amenities: none. Best for: sunsets; surfing.

About 80 km (50 miles) off the Morrillos Peninsula, at the island's very southwestern tip, Mona Island sits brooding in the ocean. Known as the "Galápagos of the Caribbean," the 14,000-acre island has long been a destination for adventurous travelers. It's said to have been settled by the Taíno Indians and visited by both Christopher Columbus and Juan Ponce de León. Pirates were known to have used it as a hideout, and legend has it that there is still buried treasure to be found there. Today, however, Mona's biggest lure is its distinctive ecosystem. It is home to a number of endangered species, such as the Mona iguana and the leatherback sea turtle, as well as a number of seabirds, including the red-footed booby. Off its coast are reefs filled with 270 species of tropical fish, black coral, and purple sea fans. On land, you can explore 200-foot cliffs on the island's north side or an abandoned lighthouse to the south. The only way to get here is by boat—planes aren't permitted to land. Several tour operators in Joyuda, Boquerón, Mayagüez, and Rincón offer camping trips and will help arrange permits from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.

You need to reserve at least a few weeks ahead for an overnight stay.

In the fields south of Isabela toward the town of Moca, a French family settled on a coffee and sugar plantation in the 1800s. The grand two-story house was immortalized in the novel La Llamarada, written in 1935 by Puerto Rican novelist Enrique A. Laguerre. In the novel, about conditions in the sugarcane industry, the house belonged to his fictional family, the Moreaus. Although it doesn't have many furnishings, you can walk through the house and also visit Laguerre's personal library in the mansion's basement.

Surrounding the Faro de Punta Higuero (Rincón's lighthouse), Parque Pasivo El Faro has small kiosks at the water's edge. If you're lucky, you may spot a whale in the distance. (Have patience, though, as it could take days to see one.) You can also glimpse the rusty, mint-color dome of the defunct Bonus Thermonuclear Energy Plant from here; it has been closed since 1968. The park—complete with benches and a refreshment stand—is a nice place to take in sunsets. The lighthouse is closed to the public, but it's hard to walk away without taking a photo of the stately white structure.

Crystal clear water laps this white-sand beach that's lined with swaying palm and almond trees for shade. It's a bit hard to find and very crowded on weekends, so visit during the week or during the off-season. In high season, some kiosks with food and drink are open. Parking along Calle Buyé is free, but you'll pay $3 to park at the Buyé Beach Resort. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The long stretch of yellow sand in front of Villa Cofresí is considered one of the best swimming beaches in Rincón. It's also perfect for relaxing and stand-up paddleboarding. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking.

Named for the rescue boats used when nearby Ramey Air Force Base was in operation, this beach has soft, sugary sand, water as smooth as glass, and the sort of colorful fishing boats pictured on postcards. A food stand serves the catch of the day with cold beer. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming.

Near this beach is El Tunel de Guajataca, part of an old tunnel used by a train that once connected the towns of Isabela and Quebradillas and transported sugarcane. Just before El Tunel is El Merendero de Guajataca, a picnic area with cliff-side trails. This is not a swimming beach due to strong currents, but it's a great place for walks and photo ops. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

Just north of Playa Crashboat, this beach with big sucking barrels is favored by surfers. There is limited parking and no beach area, just coral. On a good surf day, this is where you come to watch the pros charge the waves. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing.

Famous for surfing, this beach also has a couple of restaurants with oceanfront decks. Down the road, the gorgeous dunes and long stretches of golden sand are great for walks or runs. Route 466 runs parallel to the shore, and there's parking and beach access along the way.  Next to the large rock formation is a strong riptide that drags people out to sea. The water is only about thigh high, but when the wind changes, the current is like a raging river. There are no lifeguards, no signs, and no roped-off areas, so be sure to stay close to shore. Amenities: none. Best for: partiers; surfing; walking.

Not far from Playa Jobos, this is a beautiful beach for swimming; it has a protected natural pool perfect for children. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking.

Known for its surfing and horseback riding, this secluded spot also has an area called the Blue Hole that's popular with divers. It is east of the Villa Montaña beach resort, where you can stop in for a great meal at the oceanfront restaurant, The Eclipse. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; surfing; swimming; walking.

This undeveloped beach near La Ponderosa ruins is recommended only for experienced surfers, as it can have dangerous breaks. The long rights, and difficulty in reaching the break, make it popular with locals. To get here, take Route 107 through the Punta Borinquen Golf Club. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing.

This beach, which takes its name from the mysterious concrete steps at the water's edge, is home to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. It's a good place to find sea glass; on calm days, it's also an excellent snorkeling spot. At other times, the waves can be huge. Indeed, on a handful of days each year, the waters deliver epic rides that draw surfers from around the globe. A small food truck serves coconut water, fish tacos, empanadas, and other treats. The beach is hard to find—look for the turnoff at a whale-shape sign reading "Playa Escalera." Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; sunsets.

The Teatro Yagüez is an extravagant yellow-and-white theater dating from 1902 that's famed throughout the island for its lavish, columned facade, impressive chandeliers, and domed roof. The structure, a little over-the-top, is still the main venue for theater in Mayagüez.