Insider’s Guide to Rincon, Puerto Rico

When expats move to Puerto Rico, it’s either to the bustling and vibrant city of San Juan or the hippie surfer’s paradise of Rincon. Imagine if Burning Man created a beach community where locals live happily ever after, surfing the perfect wave and frolicking around the island. That’s Rincon in a nutshell. Here’s what to do and see to experience the town like a local.

Get Coffee at Cafe 2 Go

This little coffee roadstand coffee is a local haunt, run by barefoot locals with dreadlocks and good vibes. They also serve breakfast burritos (great for kicking hangovers) and fresh fruit smoothies.

Crack Open a Coconut Cocktail

It may be a hotel, but Villa Cofresi has a seaside bar that serves famous piratas — a favorite Rincon sunset drink. Served in a giant, hollowed out coconut, a pirata is a combination of different rums, coconut milk and creme de cacao.

Buy a Drink (or a Spear Gun) at La Estacion

This stop on your Rincon journey is a rite of passage more than anything. What was once the town’s fire station is now a local watering hole … where you can purchase your cocktail on the right-hand side of the bar and your nunchucks on the left. Half of the bar is dedicated to selling everything from spear guns and rifles to fishing tackles and snorkeling gear. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or simply a cocktail, La Estacion is worth a stop.

End the Night at Taco Love Land

Attached to La Estacion is Taco Love Land, which serves the best tacos in town for cheap, cash-only prices. You can find locals lined up when they open at 4 p.m. and a stream of regulars popping in to socialize throughout the night. The secret? Parmesan-crusted tortillas.