Overview

Things to see and do

Wander around “El Pueblo” the charming town center and its main plaza is a gathering place for the locals who come here to catch up with friends, play a game of dominos, or sip on a cup of coffee at one of the surrounding cafes. The bustling plaza is lined with many restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and stores. 

Visit the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge covering 1,836 acres of coastal subtropical dry forest, it is one of Cabo Rojo’s top attractions and a great place for hiking and birdwatching. It was established in 1974 and is one of nine reserves managed by the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats are part of the refuge and were added in 1999, they are the first site in the Caribbean designated by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The refuge is designated as an important stop-over point for migratory birds and is designated a Critical Habitat for the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. 

Check out the historic, picturesque Los Morrillos Lighthouse that helps navigate ships through the Mona Passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It was constructed in 1882 and boasts an elegant neoclassical architecture with green windows. The lighthouse is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, there is an observation deck where visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. The structure is part of a maritime lighting system that was included in the US National Register of Historic Places in 1981. 

Visit the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats home to the famed pink and reddish waters that contrast with the turquoise color of La Playuela beach. The flats have been in production since 1511, are a popular destination for eco-travelers, and have been recognized as an important wildlife habitat. There are many hiking trails.

Spend the day at La Playuela (Playa Sucia) one of the most beautiful, idyllic beaches in the country, also recognized among the best in the Caribbean. A crescent-shaped beach located close to the lighthouse and salt flats. It boasts soft white sand and turquoise waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. 

See El Puente Natural, Cabo Rojo’s famous natural stone bridge that has become one of the most photographed spots in Puerto Rico, frequently appearing on magazine covers. It is part of the Boqueron State Forest which is an easy scenic hike from Los Morrillos Lighthouse. 

Take a boat trip or an overnight trip (it's a 3-4 hour boat ride) out to Isla de Mona, the third largest island in Puerto Rico, and a nature reserve. Some highlights include exploring hidden caves filled with ancient petroglyphs and observing the natural wildlife such as the endemic Mona ground Iguana. 

Shopping

There are a few shopping opportunities in Cabo Rojo such as the town’s central plaza with some local stores selling authentic gifts and souvenirs. There are also a few beach-themed shops by the beaches selling beach attire and surfing gear.

Beaches

There are 28 miles of sparkling coastline along the shores of Cabo Rojo, which is the most in any area of the entire island of Puerto Rico. Visitors can discover 18 beaches including Buye, and Combate which are two very popular beaches that offer beach rentals, calm clear waters for swimming, and kiosks and restaurants nearby. This area is great for a summer family beach vacation and Balneario de Boqueron is one of the top family beaches located in the Boqueron State Forest with crystal clear, calm waters, it is a Blue Flag beach that meets strict standards of water safety and quality. Boqueron Beach is also lined with different food options and souvenir shops and offers excellent nightlife. Buye Beach is a unique beach lined with beautiful soft white sand, clear, calm waters, and a peaceful serene atmosphere.

Cuisine

There are some great local family-owned restaurants in Cabo Rojo many blessed with ideal locations along the beautiful beachfront with outstanding views. There are some quaint cozy spots serving up authentic dishes, sensations spots with sunset views, hidden gems, and well-known establishments to choose from, Cabo is a food lovers paradise. Fresh fish and seafood are pretty much found on every menu in town along with other delicious local delicacies and creative cocktails. A lively area is around the town's central plaza where locals and tourists gather to eat, drink, and converse. Many restaurants are situated around the popular plaza with options to enjoy dinner al fresco with the sweet sounds of salsa. Cabo Rojo is quite a popular culinary destination with restaurants that offer diners a delightful taste of Puerto Rican culture through delicious meals.  

Food is a very important part of Puerto Rico’s culture blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taino cuisine into delicious dishes full of flavor. Some of the staple dishes to try on the island include mofongo; deep-fried green plantains, and tostones; double deep-fried plantain wheels, and lechon asado; a slow spit-roasted pork dish with mouthwatering meat and crispy skin which has been declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.

Nightlife