15 Must-see stops for your visit to Cabo Rojo
Every day we discover new hidden gems across the island that remind us just how beautiful Puerto Rico truly is. Today, we’re sharing some of Cabo Rojo’s best-kept secrets that you absolutely can’t miss. Get ready for an extensive list – here are 15 essential stops for your Cabo Rojo adventure!
📍Places to Visit in Cabo Rojo
1. Punta Guaniquilla
Location: Natural Reserve Punta, Guaniquilla, Cabo Rojo
Features: Outdoor, Budget-Friendly, Cabo Rojo, Ecotourism
Reconnect with nature at this stunning wildlife refuge. The landscape’s beauty comes alive where limestone formations meet grasslands and mangroves, all surrounding the serene Guaniquilla Lagoon. You’ll feel transported to another world entirely. Explore the various trails for an immersive experience surrounded by wildlife, pristine nature, and coastal views that accompany you every step of the way.
2. Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Location: 301 PR Llanos Costa Cabo Rojo, 00623
Best for: Sunset views and photography
Features: Outdoor, Adventure, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, Free, Parking, Pet-Friendly
Standing proudly on white limestone cliffs with sweeping Caribbean Sea views, this lighthouse ranks among Cabo Rojo’s most photographed landmarks. From its tower, the endless blue of the ocean creates a nostalgic atmosphere that takes you back in time. As you explore, you’ll uncover fascinating historical details about this maritime beacon that has guided travelers for generations.
3. Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Pole Ojea, Cabo Rojo, 00623
Features: Outdoor, Budget-Friendly, Ecotourism
Experience incredible biodiversity at this refuge that protects six different ecological systems. The trails offer excellent opportunities to spot migratory birds and local wildlife. It’s paradise for nature enthusiasts and hiking lovers alike. Stop by the Visitor Center to plan your adventure and discover more nature reserves across the island.
4. Las Salinas (The Salt Flats)
Location: Las Salinas Interpretive Center, PR-301 Km. 11 Cabo Rojo, PR, 00622
Best for: Photography and scenic walks
Features: Adventure, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, Road Trip
The famous Pink Beach sits within the Wildlife Refuge, where salt lagoons and mangroves create a stunning palette of blues and pinks. It’s like walking through a living painting! Take a leisurely stroll along the path and witness one of Puerto Rico’s most ecologically significant treasures.
5. Boquerón Village
Location: José de Diego Street, Cabo Rojo, 00623
Features: Cabo Rojo
Looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends, savor delicious food, enjoy cocktails, and capture Instagram-worthy photos? Boquerón Village is your answer. This charming coastal town offers an impressive array of restaurants, local artisans, and vibrant scenery that will steal your heart.
🍽️ Where to eat in Cabo Rojo
6. Buena Vibra Bar & Tapas
Price: $$$$
Location: Route 308, Km 7.0, La Garita Sector, Bo. Belvedere 00623
Features: Outdoor, Fusion Food, Family-Friendly, Seafood, Parking, Pet-Friendly, Restaurants
Buena Vibra Bar & Tapas nails it when it comes to great vibes and warm hospitality. From the moment you walk in, you’re family – and that’s just the start of a finger-licking culinary adventure. Their creative Caribbean cuisine plays with bold flavors, bringing together tropical fruits and local spices that make every dish memorable. If you find yourself in Cabo Rojo, don’t miss this gem.
7. Mi Viejo y Yo
Meal: Lunch
Location: PR-101, Cabo Rojo 00623
Features: Outdoor, Chinchorro, Family-Friendly, Parking, Pet-Friendly, Restaurants
For a taste of nostalgia and tradition, head to Mi Viejo y Yo. This rustic gem lives up to its family-friendly name with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in authentic Puerto Rican fritters and snacks that taste just like grandma used to make. Empanada lovers swear by this place – especially for the shrimp ones! Call ahead to check their current hours.
8. Valmar
Meals: Lunch // Dinner
Location: PR-102, Cabo Rojo, 00623
Features: Outdoor, Bars, Cabo Rojo, Casual Dining, Outdoor Dining, Parking
Where creative cuisine meets stunning aesthetics, you’ll find Valmar delivering unforgettable dining experiences. The menu showcases craft cocktails, premium meat cuts, fresh-caught seafood, and seasonal desserts that change with local availability. Live music and breathtaking ocean views provide the perfect backdrop for any celebration. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a memorable night out with friends and family, Valmar delivers.
9. Estratos Café & Açaí Bar
Meal: Breakfast
Location: 14 Pedro Albizu Campos Street, Cabo Rojo 00623
Features: Outdoor, Brunch, Coffee Shops, Creole Food, Fusion Food, Family-Friendly, Parking, Pet-Friendly, Restaurants
Homemade goodness meets exceptional service! That’s the winning combination visitors rave about at this food truck. Their secret? Great vibes, locally sourced coffee, and service that makes you want to settle in and reset your day over that perfect earthy aroma. Their breakfast and brunch options are the ideal way to fuel up for your Cabo Rojo adventures.
10. Tacos and Flowers
Location: Highway 307 km 9.3, 153 Estación Street, Cabo Rojo, 0062
Features: Mexican Food, Restaurants
Tucked into downtown Cabo Rojo, this colorful and cozy spot knows how to put a smile on your face. Tacos & Flowers brings joy and authenticity to every plate with Mexican-inspired dishes that pack the perfect punch of flavor and spice. Toast your visit to Cofresí with their signature margaritas and mouthwatering tacos. Vegetarians will find plenty of delicious options too!
🏝️ Best beaches to visit in Cabo Rojo
11. El Combate Beach
Location: PR-3301, Cabo Rojo, 00622
Best for: Water activities
Features: Beach
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, El Combate Beach offers everything you need for a perfect beach day. The crystal-clear, calm waters create ideal conditions for swimming, family fun, and snorkeling adventures where you might discover the extensive reef system below. Don’t miss jumping off the iconic pier – it’s a local tradition that adds a splash of Caribbean healing to your day.
12. Buyé Beach
Location: Buyé Road, Cabo Rojo 00623
Best for: Families with children
Features: Outdoor, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, Free, Parking, Pet-Friendly, Beaches
Consistently ranked among Puerto Rico’s favorite beaches, Buyé captivates visitors with its pristine white sand and gentle waters. The shallow, calm conditions make it ideal for young children. Pro tip: head right when you arrive to find the tree-lined path that provides natural shade and cooling breezes – your best friends on a sunny beach day!
13. Playa Sucia (Playuela)
Location: Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, 00622
Best for: A relaxing day with friends
Features: Cabo Rojo
Locals call it Playuela, and it’s arguably Cabo Rojo’s most Instagram-famous beach. Its strategic location near Los Morillos Lighthouse and the Nature Reserve transforms a simple beach day into an epic adventure. Start with swimming and sunbathing, wander through the palm groves and mangroves, then cap it off with a spectacular sunset from the lighthouse. This is one stop you simply can’t skip!
14. Boquerón Beach (Balneario)
Location: B Street, Cabo Rojo, 00623
Features: Outdoor, Family-Friendly, Beach
With lifeguards on duty, food vendors, BBQ areas, and ample parking, it’s the perfect spot for a worry-free day of picnicking and swimming. Everything you need for the ideal beach day is on this beach that’s minutes away from Boquerón Village.
15. Playita Azul
Location: Joyuda Heights, Cabo Rojo, 00623
Best for: Sunbathing and water sports
Features: Beach
The clear waters at this beach will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene. With its warm golden sand and vibrant coral reefs creating the perfect picture of Caribbean paradise, this beach offers ideal conditions for tranquil water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
This article was translated using Claude and was originally published in Spanish.
