Comparing And Contrasting 20 Costa Rica Beach Towns To Help You Decide Which One(s) To Visit

Comparing And Contrasting 20 Costa Rica Beach Towns To Help You Decide Which One(s) To Visit

We compare and contrast the 20 most sought-after Costa Rica beach towns according to a variety of criteria to help you pick your favorite!

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Beaches, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Caribbean Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Costa Rica Itinerary Planning, Dominical, Drake Bay, Featured, Featured Front Page, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, Jaco, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Samara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, Uvita (Bahia), Where To Go In Costa Rica
Award-Winning Blue Flag Beaches In Costa Rica (Photos & Map; Most-Recent Winners)

Award-Winning Blue Flag Beaches In Costa Rica (Photos & Map; Most-Recent Winners)

We explain Costa Rica’s ecological blue flag program, describe 25 exemplary beaches, and list 40 notable others so you can select the eco-friendly beach that’s best for you!

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Bahia Salinas, Beaches, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Cahuita, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Central Pacific Beaches, Dominical, Drake Bay, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, Jaco, Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Samara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tortuguero, Uvita (Bahia), What To Do In Costa Rica, Where To Go In Costa Rica
Nikki Solano Talks Costa Rica on Rick Steves’ Europe Monday Night Travel Show

Nikki Solano Talks Costa Rica on Rick Steves’ Europe Monday Night Travel Show

Watch Nikki Solano cover 10 of the most sought-after Costa Rica destinations (and standout experiences at each) on Rick Steves’ Monday Night Travel Show.

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Beaches, Caribbean Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, City Exploration, Costa Rica Itinerary Planning, Costa Rica Photography, Costa Rica Questions and Answers, Costa Rican Culture, Drake Bay, Extras, Featured, Flights to/from Costa Rica, Food and Drink, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Hanging Bridges (Suspension Bridges), Hot Springs, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, La Fortuna (Arenal), Malpais, Mangroves, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Moon Costa Rica (2019), National Parks, Hiking, and Walking, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Plantations (Food Tours), Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Jose, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Saving Money In Costa Rica, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, Transportation In Costa Rica, Travelers' Costa Rica Questions and Answers, Vegetarian and Vegan, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, What To Do In Costa Rica, Where To Go In Costa Rica, Where To Stay In Costa Rica, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Spotting, Gardens, and Exhibits, Ziplining (Canopy Tours)
Where To Go In Costa Rica: 70+ Costa Rica Destinations (In Photos)

Where To Go In Costa Rica: 70+ Costa Rica Destinations (In Photos)

See our master list of Costa Rica destinations for photos of 70+ places to consider when narrowing down where to go in Costa Rica.

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Alajuela, Atenas, Bagaces, Bajos del Toro, Beaches, Bijagua, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Cahuita, Cano Negro, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Cartago, Central Pacific Beaches, Dominical, Drake Bay, El Castillo, Escazu, Featured, Featured Front Page, Golfito, Grecia, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco, La Fortuna (Arenal), Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Nuevo Arenal, Ojochal, Orosi, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Poasito (Vera Blanca), Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Samara, San Gerardo de Dota, San Jose, San Ramon, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Sierpe, Siquirres, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tortuguero, Turrialba, Uvita (Bahia), Where To Go In Costa Rica, Where To Stay In Costa Rica, Zarcero
Photos of Playa Herradura Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Herradura Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Herradura Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco
Photos of Playa Blanca Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Blanca Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Blanca Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco
Photos of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Uvita (Bahia)
Photos of Playa Mantas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Mantas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Mantas Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco
Photos of Playa Ventanas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Ventanas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Ventanas Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches
Photos of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches
80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them

80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them

See our master list of Costa Rica beaches for photos of 80+ beaches in Costa Rica to help you decide which one(s) to visit!

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Bahia Salinas, Beaches, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Cahuita, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Central Pacific Beaches, Dominical, Drake Bay, Featured, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco, Las Catalinas, Limon, Malpais, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Ojochal, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Pavones, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Samara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tortuguero, Uvita (Bahia), Where To Go In Costa Rica
Learn About Moon Costa Rica, Our Costa Rica Guidebook Published By Moon Travel Guides!

Learn About Moon Costa Rica, Our Costa Rica Guidebook Published By Moon Travel Guides!

Our Costa Rica guidebook, Moon Costa Rica, is full of tips, recommendations, photos, maps, and itineraries. Learn more!

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Accommodation Recommendations, Aerial Trams, Airport Information, Alajuela, Atenas, Bagaces, Bahia Salinas, Bajos del Toro, Beaches, Bijagua, Biking, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Budget-Friendly Tips, Cahuita, Cano Negro, Canyoneering, Canyoning, and Rappelling, Car Rentals, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Cartago, Central Pacific Beaches, City Exploration, Costa Rica Itinerary Planning, Costa Rica Photography, Costa Rica Questions and Answers, Costa Rican Culture, DIY Costa Rica, Dolphin Watching, Dominical, Drake Bay, Driving Directions, El Castillo, Escazu, Extras, Featured Front Page, Flights to/from Costa Rica, Food and Drink, Free Discount Codes For Costa Rica Hotels, Car Rentals, and Shuttle Services, Gluten-Free, Golfito, Grecia, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Hanging Bridges (Suspension Bridges), Heredia, Herradura, Hot Springs, How To Choose A Costa Rica Accommodation, How To Save Money In Costa Rica, Internet, Technology, and Electronic Devices, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, Jaco, La Fortuna (Arenal), Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Mangroves, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Montezuma, Moon Costa Rica (2019), National Parks, Hiking, and Walking, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Nuevo Arenal, Ojochal, Orosi, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Our Donation Project, Packing and Travel Prep, Papagayo, Pavones, Plantations (Food Tours), Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Poasito (Vera Blanca), Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Recipes, Rincon de la Vieja, Safety and Practicalities, Sailing, Samara, San Gerardo de Dota, San Isidro de El General, San Jose, San Ramon, San Vito, Santa Ana, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Saving Money In Costa Rica, Shopping and Souvenirs, Sierpe, Siquirres, Snorkeling, Spanish Language, Spending Money In Costa Rica, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tilaran, Tortuguero, Tour Transportation, Transportation In Costa Rica, Turrialba, Uvita (Bahia), Vegetarian and Vegan, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Weather Information, What To Do In Costa Rica, Where To Go In Costa Rica, Where To Stay In Costa Rica, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Spotting, Gardens, and Exhibits, Zarcero, Ziplining (Canopy Tours)
Costa Rica Family Travel: Things To Do In Costa Rica With Kids

Costa Rica Family Travel: Things To Do In Costa Rica With Kids

Plan to travel to Costa Rica with kids? We outline the best things to do and provide child and student discounts!

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Aerial Trams, Alajuela, Atenas, Bagaces, Bahia Salinas, Bajos del Toro, Beaches, Bijagua, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Cahuita, Cano Negro, Canyoneering, Canyoning, and Rappelling, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Cartago, Central Pacific Beaches, City Exploration, Dolphin Watching, Dominical, Drake Bay, El Castillo, Escazu, Golfito, Grecia, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Hanging Bridges (Suspension Bridges), Heredia, Herradura, Hot Springs, Jaco, La Fortuna (Arenal), Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Mangroves, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Montezuma, National Parks, Hiking, and Walking, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Nuevo Arenal, Ojochal, Orosi, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Pavones, Plantations (Food Tours), Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Poasito (Vera Blanca), Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Sailing, Samara, San Gerardo de Dota, San Isidro de El General, San Jose, San Ramon, San Vito, Santa Ana, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Sierpe, Siquirres, Snorkeling, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tilaran, Tortuguero, Turrialba, Uvita (Bahia), Volcanoes, Waterfalls, What To Do In Costa Rica, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Spotting, Gardens, and Exhibits, Zarcero, Ziplining (Canopy Tours)
Photos of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco
Photos of Playa Manuel Antonio Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

Photos of Playa Manuel Antonio Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection

We provide photos of Playa Manuel Antonio Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Manuel Antonio (Quepos)
How The Manuel Antonio National Park Is Different Than Other Costa Rica National Parks

How The Manuel Antonio National Park Is Different Than Other Costa Rica National Parks

Over two decades, we’ve visited the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica several times. In this article, we explain what keeps us going back.

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Mangroves, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), National Parks, Hiking, and Walking, Wildlife Spotting, Gardens, and Exhibits
Central Pacific Beaches In Costa Rica

Central Pacific Beaches In Costa Rica

Want to visit one of the Central Pacific beaches in Costa Rica? Don’t miss these noteworthy beaches!

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Beaches, Central Pacific Beaches, Herradura, Jaco, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Puntarenas, Uvita (Bahia), Where To Go In Costa Rica
Where To Go In Costa Rica: Determining The Best Places To Visit During Your Trip

Where To Go In Costa Rica: Determining The Best Places To Visit During Your Trip

Use our Costa Rica Destination Tool to filter 66 Costa Rica destination recommendations according to nearly 150 different criteria. Learn more!

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Alajuela, Atenas, Bagaces, Bahia Salinas, Bajos del Toro, Beaches, Bijagua, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Cahuita, Cano Negro, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Cartago, Central Pacific Beaches, Dominical, Drake Bay, El Castillo, Escazu, Golfito, Grecia, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Heredia, Herradura, Jaco, La Fortuna (Arenal), Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Nuevo Arenal, Ojochal, Orosi, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Pavones, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Poasito (Vera Blanca), Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Samara, San Gerardo de Dota, San Isidro de El General, San Jose, San Ramon, San Vito, Santa Ana, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Sierpe, Siquirres, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tilaran, Tortuguero, Turrialba, Uvita (Bahia), Where To Go In Costa Rica, Zarcero
Is Costa Rica Busy? (Photos) Must-Know Info About Crowds And Groups

Is Costa Rica Busy? (Photos) Must-Know Info About Crowds And Groups

We describe (with photos!) when and where you might encounter crowds or groups in Costa Rica, all while answering the question: Is Costa Rica busy?

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Aerial Trams, Alajuela, Atenas, Bagaces, Bahia Salinas, Bajos del Toro, Beaches, Bijagua, Biking, Brasilito (Playa Conchal), Budget-Friendly Tips, Cahuita, Cano Negro, Canyoneering, Canyoning, and Rappelling, Caribbean Beaches, Carrillo, Cartago, Central Pacific Beaches, City Exploration, Dolphin Watching, Dominical, Drake Bay, El Castillo, Escazu, Featured, Featured Front Page, Golfito, Grecia, Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Beaches, Guapiles, Hanging Bridges (Suspension Bridges), Heredia, Herradura, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, Jaco, La Fortuna (Arenal), Las Catalinas, Liberia, Limon, Malpais, Mangroves, Manuel Antonio (Quepos), Manzanillo, Matapalo (Northern Pacific), Matapalo (Osa Peninsula), Monteverde (Santa Elena), Montezuma, Mud Baths, Museums and Theaters, National Parks, Hiking, and Walking, Nicoya Peninsula Beaches, Nosara, Nuevo Arenal, Obstacle Courses, Ojochal, Orosi, Osa Peninsula Beaches, Papagayo, Pavones, Plantations (Food Tours), Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific), Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Junquillal, Playa Negra (Guanacaste), Playas del Coco, Poasito (Vera Blanca), Potrero, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Sailing, Samara, San Gerardo de Dota, San Isidro de El General, San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, San Vito, Santa Ana, Santa Teresa, Sarchi, Sierpe, Siquirres, Snorkeling, Tamarindo, Tambor, Tilaran, Tortuguero, Transportation In Costa Rica, Tree Climbing, Turrialba, Uvita (Bahia), Viewpoints, Volcanoes, Volunteering, Waterfalls, Waterslides, What To Do In Costa Rica, Where To Go In Costa Rica, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Spotting, Gardens, and Exhibits, Zarcero, Ziplining (Canopy Tours)