What Are The Best Beach Towns In Costa Rica – The Pacific Coast

Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Saturday, April 22nd, 2023

What are the best beach towns in Costa Rica to visit on the Pacific coast? I have a baker’s dozen for you to check out!

Costa Rica is a paradise for beach lovers with its stunning Pacific Ocean coastline. It is home to some of the best beach towns in the world, offering a unique blend of sun, sand, and adventure. They are the ultimate destination if you’re looking for a Pura Vida vacation. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Costa Rica’s beach towns have something for everyone. In this post, I’ll share some of the best beach towns on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

As a regular traveler here, believe me when I tell you that there’s nothing more “Pura Vida,” (pure life)than a Costa Rican beach!

But What Makes A Good Beach Town?

A beach town is a community or settlement located near a beach or coastline that attracts visitors seeking a beach vacation. A good beach town typically has a combination of beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a variety of activities and amenities to offer visitors.

According to a survey conducted by TripAdvisor, 90% of respondents said that the quality of the beach is the most important factor when choosing a beach vacation destination. In addition, 80% of respondents said that a good beach town should have a variety of dining options, and 75% said that access to outdoor activities such as water sports and hiking trails is important.

Best Beach Towns In Costa Rica

Costa Rican beach towns stand out from other beach towns due to their natural beauty, commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism, focus on adventure tourism and vibrant local culture. All of their beaches are public and protected against development. Maritime conservation is of extreme importance here.

Costa Rica, unlike other beachy tourist destinations, goes to great lengths to preserve their stunning and pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. the country is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. Most of the beach towns in Costa Rica have implemented sustainable tourism practices to protect their natural resources and minimize the impact of tourism on the environment.

Safety is another factor when traveling. And let’s face it, if you’re sunbathing on a beach, in a foreign country, you might feel kind of “exposed”. All the Costa Rica coastal cities and towns rank very high with travelers for safety.

In fact, they are ranked 38th on the 2022 Global Peace Index. That’s the highest of any country in Central or South America. Its neighbor, Panama, is the next closest at #61.

Okay, let’s talk about popular beach towns!

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a small town located on the northwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Many people widely recognize this beach town for its long sandy beaches and world-class surf breaks. The sand in Tamarindo is light beige, and the water is warm and clear.

Technically, Tamarindo has seven beaches. You should explore them all – Playa Grande, Playa Avellanas, Sugar Beach, Playa Conchal (and I’ll highlight it below), Tamarindo, Langosta, and Pirates Cove.

Tamarindo is a great spot for surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. You can also go horseback riding, kayaking, or take a sunset cruise. The town has a vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants that cater to all tastes.

The Tamarindo River empties out into the Pacific, and its estuary spans over 1500 protected acres. This creates a unique ecosystem and an opportunity for additional tours and excursions that other beach towns don’t have.

One of my favorites is the Tamarindo Estuary Tour. The estuary is located in the Leatherback Turtles Marine National Park. This impressive forest is home to almost 175 bird species, including an endemic hummingbird that can only be found in three places in the world, and one of them is here in Costa Rica’s Tamarindo estuary. Biodiversity and unspoiled beauty are two keywords to keep in mind on this tour, especially for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

The Tamarindo Estuary Tour, is very popular, regularly 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can find more details here!

Manuel Antonio

And just FYI, Tamarindo is on the Nicoya Peninsula and is an easy drive from the Liberia International Airport.

Manuel Antonio, located within the province of Puntarenas, is inarguably one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica. It has a central Pacific coast location. It is famous for its breathtaking beaches and lush greenery. There are four primary beaches, although the locals will tell you there’s more, found here. They are generally considered to be Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido, and Playita.

The sand in Manuel Antonio is light brown, and the water is crystal clear. Dense rainforest surrounds the town, making it an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife watching. You can also go on a catamaran tour or take a sunset cruise. The town has a laid-back vibe with plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local cuisine.

Quick Note on Getting There

Beach towns are known for their activities. So a trip to the Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. The fastest way to the Park is via the town of Quepos, and that’s an easy drive down the coast. Or, an even easier trip via Sansa Airlines. This regional airline has direct flights to Quepos via both international airports (Liberia and Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose).

One of the most popular tours is the Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches and it books up quickly. This trip includes a guided walking tour through four different trails inside the Park. My personal advice to you is to book the morning tour. It’s cooler and it ensures time for the beach.

Be prepared to have your camera (or your phone) at the ready because you’ll be spotting a great variety of wildlife. This Park is well known for species like Howler and Whiteface monkeys, sloths, lizards, armadillos, amphibians, snakes, and beautiful birds.

If you’re worried about the “snakes”, don’t be. Here’s an article that explains everything you need to know about snakes in Costa Rica.

The Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife Beaches is rated 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with over 666 reviews.

You can find more details here!

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a bohemian beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Surfers and yoga enthusiasts head here for the stunning beaches lined with wild palm trees, world-class surf breaks, and yoga retreats.

The sand in Santa Teresa is light brown, and the water is clear and warm. The town is a great spot for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach yoga. You can also go on a fishing trip or take a canopy tour. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of cafes and restaurants that serve healthy food.

Speaking of tours, that reminds me. How about a glow-in-the-dark boat tour? No, it’s not a gimmick. A scenic drive up the coast from Santa Teresa is Paquero Bay. And it’s one of the few places on earth you can see an abundance of bioluminescence. The Bioluminescence Tour by Boat is very popular, and more accessible than a self-guided kayak tour. This tour leaves at sunset, and there’s a chance to swim and snorkel.

Science Nerd Alert

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs in various marine organisms, including plankton. The bioluminescent plankton found in Paquera Bay, Costa Rica, is a type of dinoflagellate called Pyrocystis fusiformis. These plankton produce a blue-green light when disturbed, creating a magical and mesmerizing effect in the water.

The bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction within the plankton’s cells. The Pyrocystis fusiformis contains luciferin, a light-producing pigment, and an enzyme called luciferase. When the luciferin interacts with the luciferase, it produces a chemical reaction that emits light. The bioluminescent plankton in Paquera Bay can be seen almost year-round. The best time to witness this phenomenon is during the new moon phase when the night sky is darkest.

Bioluminescence Tour by Boat is a unique experience, in a rare biosystem. This Costa Rican beach town has bragging rights! Rated 4.5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can find more details here!

Jaco

Jaco is a bustling beach town located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. People head to Jaco for long sandy beaches, world-class surf breaks, and vibrant nightlife. The sand in Jaco is black, and the water is warm and clear.

That dark brown, almost black sand comes from eroded volcanic material like lava, basalt rocks, and other minerals crushed and eroded over time. By the way, there are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica: Turrialba Volcano, Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Irazu Volcano. Don’t panic. They’re not that active!

A Quick Note on Getting There

It’s also about an hour and a half drive from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Take a shuttle, or rent a car. I, myself, like Discover Car. Easy, online, everywhere in the world, it sorts all the car rental companies for me. And you might want to read my post about driving in Costa Rica before you head out

The town is a great spot for surfing, sport fishing, and kayaking. You can also take a zip line tour or go on a crocodile safari. The town has a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to all tastes. And there are plenty of boutique hotels nearby.

A short drive north of Jaco (in your zippy rental car – preferably a 4-wheel drive) is Carara National Park. Amongst the diverse flora and fauna, you’ll find the largest remaining populations of the rare Scarlet Macaw. They mate for life, so avid amateur ornithologists will have a chance to see bird families.

Let me take a slight detour here, and offer you the perspective of one of Jaco’s long-time residents. Check out this video from my friend over at Bike Hike Botany. She can show you all the best places that are “off the beaten path”! Her knowledgeof local trails and plants is mind-blowing!

Take the entire day and go for a Full-Day Carara National Park and Tarcoles River Tour.

Go exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Carara National Park’s rainforest through a guided hike on trails ranging from secondary to primary and old-growth forests. I actually marvel at the canopy of wild cashew and fig trees. They are over 40m high. That’s 130 feet.

A Beach Town Happy Place for Birdwatchers!

Birdwatchers will appreciate the abundance of species (like mated pairs of Scarlet Macaws), and other vertebrates such as monkeys, agoutis, and deer can also be spotted, along with a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates on the forest floor. Immerse yourself in the naturalist experience by contemplating the magic of the tropics and pondering important questions about ecology and nature. And the tour definitely covers a stop at the famous Tarcoles Bridge to see the crocodiles.

Make sure you have everything you need to go birdwatching on this trip. Here’s a quick packing checklist for birdwatching in Costa Rica

When you’re in Jaco, don’t miss the opportunity for a Full-Day Carara National Park and Tarcoles River Tour. It’s rated 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can find more details here!

Samara

Samara is a charming beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I love this Costa Rican beach town for its peaceful, crescent-shaped white sandy beach, clear blue waters, and coral reefs. The sand in Samara is fine and soft, and the water is warm and perfect for swimming.

This is another marvelous beach town that has multiple beaches to its credit. The primary one is Samara Beach. But there is also Playa Buena Vista, Barrigonas, and the one below in this YouTube video of Barco Quebrado – meaning Broken Boat. Samara Beach is the only one with restaurants on it.

All the others are more secluded, and they’re great for packing a lunch, a big umbrella, and some sunscreen so you can spend the day.

Check Out This 360 View

These beaches have some protection and are great spots for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also take a sunset horseback ride or visit the nearby wildlife refuge. This place has a laid-back vibe with plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local cuisine. I highly recommend the Rustic Sheriff for fish, burgers, sandwiches, and the Costa Rican staple arroz con pollo…chicken and rice! If you want more seafood, pasta, and from-scratch pizza or great salads then head down to the restaurant called Gusto Beach. They serve food and drinks on the beach!

Samara and the surrounding area are a great mix of beaches and mountains. And the best way to see it is on a guided ATV tour. Try the ATV Mountain & Beach Tour that literally starts and ends on Samara Beach. Enjoy the ride through the hills and jungles while taking in the mountaintop views and spotting local wildlife with help from your guide.

After the ride, stop at an area beach to enjoy a swim. All the safety gear is provided, along with fruit and water for the 3+ hour trip. If you plan on swimming, bring a towel!

The ATV Mountain and Beach Tour is another 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, you can reserve it now and pay for it later.

You can find more details here!

Marbella

The tiny, beautiful beach town of Marbella is a secluded oasis located on the northwestern Pacific coast. It’s not one beach, but rather a collection of 24 beaches that stretch along 27 miles of coastline. Almost all have glistening black sand and are perfect for surfing. The sand here is light brown, and the water is clear and warm.

The town is a great spot for surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. You can also visit the nearby turtle sanctuary or take a day trip to the nearby Guanacaste National Park. And it’s a one-minute walk from the secluded beach to the Tiki Hut Bar and Restaurant.

There’s also a fabulous Argentinian steak house! Walking distance from the beach, only open two days per week, and there is no official menu. the chef just comes to the table and tells you what’s available. This is one of the perks of a fabulous beach town in Costa Rica, the hidden gems! There’s no website or Yelp Review. Just – BAM – an amazing place to eat in the middle of nowhere!

Skip the tours! Marbella is one of the closest places that you can visit that’s “untouched” by commercialism. Take a surf lesson, do some yoga, hike, read a book, and relax! I realize that it can be difficult to do “nothing”. But this is the happy place for those who want to unplug, decompress, and be “unreachable”!

Take a Hike

Take a hike…it’s what I do the most while I’m in Costa Rica. I walk everywhere. Trails, beaches, back roads. You name it. If you’re going to hike around Marbella, you’ll want to be comfortable. And open-toed shoes or flip-flops aren’t what you need. I have a solution, check out my post on hiking shoes.

And if you’re going to take a hike, I suggest that you ensure you have a few apps on your cellphone. I recommend several essential apps in a recent post. You’ll want a navigation or mapping app. I strongly suggest a safety app, so you can get emergency help that will help locate you…even in the jungle. Probably a translation app too, unless your espanol is perfecto!

Ostional

Ostional is a small expat (primarily Italian) beach town located on the northwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I love to visit this beach because it has gorgeous and unique, black sand; and because of the annual arrival of thousands of sea turtles every year for their nesting season. The en masse arrival of the rare Olive Ridley Turtle is known as the Arribadas. And it only takes place here and in Mexico.

The sand in Ostional is black, and the water is clear and warm. The town is a great spot for all sorts of wildlife sightings, and of course, the wildlife refuge is one of the best places to see them. Otherwise, almost everything in this small hamlet revolves around surfing, kayaking, and hiking. You can also take a hike to the nearby Nosara River or go on a kayaking tour.

If it’s kayaking that you’re looking for, then there’s a convergence of Río Montaña and Río Nosara forms a lagoon. This unique spot is the habitat for almost 270 recorded species of birds. The ecosystem of mangrove swamps can be explored with a guided river trip on a quiet electric motor boat or by renting kayaks to silently glide through the waters. The best time for these tours is early morning or late afternoon.

If you want to see sea turtles, then I suggest the Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach. This tour has you covered for turtle sightseeing. It will take you to either Corozalito Beach or Camaronal Beach to see them. Or, if it’s time for the Arribadas, it will take you to Ostional instead. You’ll see the bulk of the Arribadas from June to December. These are considered the “cooler” months.

The Olive Ridleys are waiting for on the Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach. It rates 5 out of 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

You can find more details here

Uvita

Uvita is a picturesque beach town located on the southwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The large coral reef helps to give this place its beautiful beaches and the Marino Ballena National Park ensures that the humpback whales are protected.

The sand in Uvita is light brown, and the water is clear and perfect for swimming. The town is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and whale watching. You can also visit the nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls or take a canopy tour if you need a jungle fix.

Snorkeling off the coast of this Costa Rican beach town is world-class because of the proximity of the Cano Island Biological Reserve. In fact, the Snorkeling Report recognizes this spot as the best place to snorkel in all of Costa Rica…on either coast! The hard coral reef that borders the reserve is why you will be able to see sea turtles, sharks, rays, and colorful fish at such a shallow depth.

Rare Marine Reserve

Let’s go to the Cano Island Biological Reserve (Isla del Cano) and go snorkeling. Take the Snorkeling Tour in Caño Island with Lunch. This trip starts early, 7:30 am to be exact. It departs from the Beach at Drake Bay about an hour south of Uvita (the distance is due to the lack of road through the national parks).

At Drake Bay, you catch the boat for a scenic 45-minute journey to the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Your guide will provide the necessary information and equipment before you begin your first snorkeling dive. You’ll get to dive and swim at two separate locations near the island. Then head back to Drake Bay for lunch at a local restaurant.

I also understand that in a post-COVID world, you may not be comfortable using someone else’s mask and (especially) their snorkel. No matter how well they disinfect it, many people still prefer to bring their own.

I recommend one with a tempered glass anti-fog lens so you don’t miss a single thing. This comes as a set with both a mask and snorkel. These are lightweight, pack easily, and the mask is meant for snorkeling and free-diving. Anything for SCUBA is going to be much more expensive.

Don’t miss the opportunity for some world-class snorkeling at this amazing marine reserve, on the Snorkeling Tour in Cano Island with Lunch. Fellow snorkelers have rated it 5 out of 🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳

You can find more details here!

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is a picturesque beach town located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. And it gets its name from the stunning beach that’s made up of tiny crushed seashells, giving the sand a unique and beautiful texture. The water at Playa Conchal is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can also rent jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the area’s coastline

Playa Conchal is also home to the Westin Golf Resort and Spa, which boasts a championship golf course and a luxury spa. Visitors can indulge in a relaxing massage or facial after a day of exploring the beach and surrounding area.

This place is super laid-back and very well-known known for its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore nearby islands, hike through the surrounding nature reserves, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

But if you’ve relaxed, mellowed out, and decompressed enough, then it might be time for some adrenaline. It might be time for the Jet Ski guided tour in Playa Conchal.

This 2-hour trip departs from Conchal Beach. Two adults can ride one jet ski as you follow your guide up and down the coast taking in all the sights. And there’s an opportunity for a swim. A planned opportunity, falling in doesn’t count. Bring your snorkeling gear if you want to dive deeper and see the turtles and dolphins face to face.

The Jet Ski guided tour in Playa Conchal fills up fast. It’s rated 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

You can find more details here!

Garza

Garza is a small fishing village located on the northwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I head here for the early 1960s, untouched, beach town vibe. You too will love the beautiful white sandy beach and its tranquil atmosphere. The sand in Garza is light brown, and the water is warm and clear. This place is a favorite with the local kids and it’s a great spot for fishing, swimming, and beachcombing.

Personally, I recommend Vibert’s Secret Spot Ocean Experiences for a full day of deep-sea fishing. You catch your launch boat from the beach!

There’s onshore and offshore fishing to be had. Grouper, Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, and Sailfish. Just an FYI in advance, you will need a Costa Rican Fishing License. You can get it online easily (yes, in English).

And, please tell Vibert and Pia, that you heard about them from me and this blog. They’re awesome people and will take great care of you!

You have a choice of a full or half day, and he has two sizes of boats. Google rates Vibert’s Secret Spot Ocean Experiences with 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can find more details here!

Pelada

Pelada is a peaceful beach town located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. A totally hip little place that’s known for its stunning white sand beach and clear blue waters. The sand in Pelada is fine and soft, and the water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

This neighborhood has a relaxed vibe, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local culture, and amazing sunsets. Pelada is connected to several other small neighborhoods that make up the larger town of Nosara. Trails, built and maintained by the Nosara Conservation Association, run through the jungle. On the trails, you can often see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and birds.

Aside from surfing, which is primo here. But this little beach town has several other hidden gems that the big tour companies often overlook.

Grab an e-bike for the Cali Bike Shop, and cruise the beach, trails, and side roads. All the bikes here are brand new, and top-of-the-line! It’s a sustainable and eco-friendly way to get to your yoga classes or go sightseeing!

Visit the Cali Bike Shop and rent an e-bike. Rated 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Google. Tell Dado that you heard about it from the I’m Thinking of Retiring Blog!

Just an FYI, hop on that e-bike and ride down the street and check out the Nosara Art Gallery and the extraordinary work of local surf artist Juan Garcia. Take that e-bike a bit farther down the road to La Luna Restaurant for brunch. That’s where the above video was taken.

Playa Carillo

Playa Carrillo is a hidden gem located on the Nicoya Peninsula, just south of Samara (less than 20 minutes, and it’s even on a paved road). This secluded beach town boasts a stunning crescent-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. The water is calm and perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Playa Carrillo is also a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can charter a boat for a deep-sea fishing excursion. After that, there’s not much here. There are no restaurants anywhere along the beach-road stretch. It’s a pure beach! Bring your coolers and your beach umbrella, and just soak it in.

And don’t underestimate the power of a paved road! This is one of the few “beach towns” where you can literally park your car on the shoulder of the road and step onto the beach.

There are several excellent restaurants, but they’re about 8-10 minutes away, longer on foot. But not to worry. There are frequently small local vendors that set up tables or food carts in the center median of the palm tree-lined boulevard.

This beach is ideal for swimming, walking, sun-tanning, and reading a great book (read, roll over, bake).

Guiones

Guiones is a vibrant beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. This is another of my favorite beaches, I love its long stretch of golden sand beach and world-class surf breaks. You can walk for miles.

If you’re headed here for world-class surfing and want your own board with you, check out my tips for getting your pieces of large sporting equipment on the airplane. Good for SCUBA gear too.

The sand in Guiones is light brown, and the water is warm and perfect for surfing, swimming, and kayaking. Guiones has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also take yoga classes, explore the local nature reserves, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Dos Barrios – Two Neighborhoods

Guiones has two neighborhoods that connect to the beach, North Guiones, and Guiones. These aren’t just two of the “best beach towns in Costa Rica”, they are two of the “best surf towns in Costa Rica”! And there is a definite “boutique” vibe here.

Surfing founded these tiny hamlets, but yoga contributed to their growth and popularity. Add unique dining experiences, fun activities, and a wide array of accommodation options and you have one of the best small towns in the country.

Surfing is ideal here for beginner and intermediate surfers, of all ages. The surf instructors are certified, talented, and patient!

It’s also a mecca for yoga. There are options for retreats and yoga-specific hotels. Or, you can stay at a beautiful B&B like Casa Vitality. Places like Casa Vitality are steps to the Pacific, where you can take a Morning Beach Yoga at Playa Guiones.

With the Morning Beach Yoga at Playa Guiones, you’ll have an hour of breathwork and ” a nourishing and strengthening movement sequence”. It finishes with a light refreshment. Yoga mats are provided. I prefer to take my own because it’s thicker and came with a carrying strap, and I like the “extra padding”. I have one for the beach and one for the studios.

Namaste with the Morning Beach Yoga at Playa Guiones. Rated 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with bendy-stretchy people!

You can find out more about it here!

Costa Rican Beach Towns – FAQs

Let’s Sum Up The Best Beach Towns

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is home to some of the most stunning and vibrant beach towns in the world. From the tranquil and secluded Playa Carrillo to the lively surf town of Guiones, each beach town has its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure-packed vacation, you’re sure to find the perfect destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the beauty and magic of these incredible beach towns.

Cheers,
Cynthia

Looking for more to read? More questions about Costa Rica?