The Perfect Day at Sandy Beach Rincón – All You Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to the west coast of Puerto Rico you must visit Sandy Beach in Rincón. Known for its beautiful blue water, sandy bottom and palm lined shore I think it is the prettiest beach on this side of Puerto Rico!
My husband Brent and I have been visiting Rincón for over 25 years and spend time here each winter. This is our favorite beach to hang out at with our friends for a fun day at the beach.
Must Read: 20 Fun Things to do in Rincón, Puerto Rico
The Perfect Day at Sandy Beach in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Getting There & Parking
Getting to Sandy Beach is relatively easy if you are already on the west coast of Puerto Rico. If you’re flying into Aguadilla Airport (BQN) Rincón is only a short 30 to 45 minute drive south.
If you are coming from San Juan and the east coast of Puerto Rico your journey is going to take you a bit longer. The drive from San Juan to Rincon is about 2.5 to 3 hours. It is well worth the day trip if you are up for making the drive but I would highly suggest spending a few nights if not a whole week in my favorite surf town.
Once in Rincón, Sandy Beach is easy to find! Sandy Beach is on the north side of the Punta Higueras lighthouse in the Puntas neighborhood.
Like most beaches in Rincon – parking is relatively limited. There is a small parking lot just past the restaurant Tamboo and another one next to the hotel and restaurant Casa Isleña. You can also park on the side of the road in some areas.
Parking lot location here.
The Beach
Once you get to Sandy Beach you’ll understand why it is so popular! It really is a stunning tropical beach with loads of palm trees, turquoise water and a sandy bottom (unlike a lot of beaches in the area!) It is one of the prettiest beaches in Rincón and one of the best in all of Puerto Rico too!
Pro Tip: Sandy Beach can be very windy when the trade winds blow in. If the forecast is calling for a south wind – you are sure to have an A+ beach day here!
Since the shore is lined with palm trees there is a good amount of shade on the beach to hide from the sun. I would suggest bringing chairs and an umbrella though if you have them available to you!
Sandy beach is super fun to play in the small waves, take a beach walk and look for shells and beach glass or even learn how to surf. There are surfboard rentals and lessons available from Road2Happiness in the Sandy Beach parking lot.
Please be mindful of ocean conditions and know your swimming ability. Sandy Beach is not calm every day. Some days the ocean is rough, waves are huge and there are strong rip currents. There are no lifeguards here.
Pro Tip: I also love coming here around sunrise time. It’s so pretty and the lighting through the palm trees is amazing for photographs!
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Where to get Food near Sandy Beach
Casa Isleña
Ok my favorite restaurant in Rincón is Casa Isleña and although not technically at Sandy Beach it is just down the beach a little. I love coming here for a big breakfast and sitting at one of their tables right on the beach. The huevos rancheros is my favorite and if you’re really hungry the breakfast burrito is HUGE.
They serve brunch all day and have a great dinner menu as well and offer yummy cocktails with fresh juices.
Tamboo
Another option is to have lunch at Tamboo which is right on the beach at Sandy Beach. It is super convenient and they have great piña coladas. Brent and I will also get the Surtido sampler for a snack sometimes. Fried Puerto Rican food is just so dang good.
Big Kahuna @ Casa Verde
Big Kahuna is just a block back from Sandy Beach. Usually we’ll walk off the beach in the afternoon and grab a seat at the bar. The burgers and rum punches are delicious (and thats saying something because I’m not a huge burger fan haha).
Pro Tip: this is also a super fun bar at night!
Jakes Java
Jake’s is a coffee stand but they do serve acai bowls and smoothies. But everyone needs a good cup of coffee at some point so I thought I would include it! Jake’s Java is near the rocky point and the south end of Sandy Beach. Just walk up the stairs and to the road and you will find the coffee stand! Open from 7:30 to 3:30 daily.
Jack’s Shack
Jack’s Shack is at the next beach over from Sandy Beach at Pools Beach. Pools is just on the other side of the rocky point on the south end of Sandy Beach. Jack’s Shack is worth mentioning because it is the most casual food option in this guide.
They have an insanely good fish sandwich and tacos that I recommend ordering. They also serve fresh juices here!
Beaches Near Sandy Beach:
- Pools Beach (.1 miles away)
- Domes Beach (1.75 miles away)
- Maria’s Beach (1.5 miles away)
- Steps Beach (2 miles away)
- The Marina Beach (2.5 miles away)
Must Read: The Top 11 Best Beaches in Rincón
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Where to Stay near Sandy Beach
There are a few small hotels I recommend staying at near Sandy Beach but there are also a lot of airbnb options in the Puntas neighborhood as well. I would just be mindful of exactly where they are because this area has extremely steep hills.
Casa Isleña
Not only my favorite restaurant in Rincon, but Casa Isleña is one of my most recommended hotels when people ask me where to stay. It is a small boutique hotel right on the beach with an oceanfront pool and restaurant. The grounds are really pretty and the rooms are comfortable and Caribbean chic.
Casa Verde
Casa Verde is located just one block back from the beach. This three story boutique hotel has standard rooms featuring two bedroom, one bedroom and studio rooms. Their restaurant Big Kahuna is right next door.
If booking Casa Verde I would just be mindful of which room you book. Some rooms closer to the restaurant and bar can be noisy on weekend nights when the bar is crowded.
