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

---

Written by Nikki Solano

Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️

---

Deciding which beach town to visit

Have you decided to vacation in Costa Rica? If so, congrats! You’re going to love it here… if you choose to visit Costa Rica destinations that provide the type of experiences you want to have. 😉

And so the stress-inducing, sweat-producing, chaos-creating stage of Costa Rica trip planning begins: narrowing down and selecting Costa Rica destinations that are worth your time and money.

Most travelers split their time between one or more inland destinations (such as the epicenter of adventure, La Fortuna, or the jewel of the cloud forest, Monteverde) and one or more coastal destinations. But with a total of 1,228 kilometers of Costa Rican coastline to choose from (along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts), deciding which Costa Rica beach town(s) to visit can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task. Fortunately, we’ve made the intimidating process much easier; we compiled two decades’ worth of data collected from our numerous visits to Costa Rican beach towns, updated it, and summarized the 20 most sought-after Costa Rica beach towns to help you determine which one(s) would be—or would not be—a good fit for you and your travel group. (Are you a member of our sister site, DIY Costa Rica? If so, you can use the handy Costa Rica Destination Tool provided on that website to automatically zero in on the best Costa Rica beach town—as well as non-coastal, inland destinations in Costa Rica—for you/your travel group according to customizable search criteria.) More specifically, you can use our summaries below to compare and contrast Costa Rica beach towns according to the following criteria:

Note: Logged in DIY Costa Rica members, if you click on a criteria type below, you’ll be taken to the specific page on the DIY Costa Rica website where our suitable beach town recommendations are provided. Non-DIY Costa Rica members, you can review the beach town summaries provided further below in this article to manually compare and contrast the most popular Costa Rica beach towns. Or, if you’d like to join DIY Costa Rica so you can access that website’s private content, including the automated Costa Rica Destination Tool, you can do so here! 🙂

• Coastal region (i.e., whether a beach town is located in the Caribbean region, the Central Pacific region, the Guanacaste/Northern Pacific region, the Nicoya Peninsula region, or the Osa Peninsula/Southern Pacific region)
• Distance from San Jose (Costa Rica’s capital city; near the SJO Juan Santamaria International Airport) and Liberia (near the LIR/Guanacaste International Airport)
• Beach status (i.e., whether a beach town’s primary beach is public or private)
• Popularity among travelers (i.e., whether a beach town is very popular, moderately popular, not very popular, or off-the-beaten-path)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style (i.e., whether a beach town emits a feeling that’s exclusive, family-friendly, funky/trendy/artsy, laid-back/casual/relaxed, lively/upbeat/bustling/social, luxurious, metropolitan, romantic, secluded, or zen/tranquil)
• Ecosystem(s) (i.e., whether a beach town is home to beach, cloud forest, dry forest, mangrove forest, paramo, or wetland ecosystems)
• Climate/Temperature(s) (i.e., whether a beach town is known for having cool/brisk temperatures and/or cloudy/shady periods, hot temperatures and lots of sun, or warm temperatures and intermittent sun)
• Cultural Interests(s) (i.e., whether a beach town showcases Afro-Costa Rican culture, expat culture, Indigenous culture, rural/cowboy/farming/fishing culture, surf culture, or urban/industrial culture)
• Sites and Attractions (i.e., whether a beach town is home to specific sites and attractions)
• Tours and Activities (i.e., whether a beach town offers specific tours and activities)
• Accommodations (i.e., whether a beach town offers all-inclusive resorts or luxurious properties, cabins/cabinas/casitas/bunglows/lodges, condos/vacation homes, hostels, hotels, or non-all-inclusive resorts or luxurious properties)
• Other Must-Haves, including beach towns that are accessed via paved roads only, beach towns that host multiday health retreats, beach towns that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, beach towns that provide a variety of high-quality dining establishments, beach towns that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, beach towns that have a hospital in town, or beach towns that are non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences, including beach towns that are in close proximity to a beach, beach towns that have a vibrant nightlife, beach towns that offer a volunteering opportunity, or beach towns with a walkable town center/hub

Brasilito

Is Brasilito the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Brasilito, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 275km (approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 70km (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Luxurious
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica)
• Sites and Attractions: Cacao (chocolate) plantation, Dive site, Golf course, National park or nature reserve, Snorkel site
• Tours and Activities: Cacao (chocolate) tour, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Sailing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling
• Accommodations: All-inclusive resort or luxurious property, Condo/vacation home (ideal for long-term stays), Hotel (private accommodation), Non-all-inclusive resort or luxurious property
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Cahuita

Is Cahuita the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Cahuita, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Caribbean
• Distance from San Jose: 200km (approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 410km (approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Afro-Costa Rican culture, Indigenous culture, Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Cacao (chocolate) plantation, Dive site, National park or nature reserve, Notable statue/sculpture/monument, Orchid/flower gardens, Snorkel site, Surf break, Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Cacao (chocolate) tour, Hiking, National park tour, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, White-water rafting, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Dominical

Is Dominical the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Dominical, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Central Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 215km (approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 290km (approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Not very popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Microbrewery, Surf break, Waterfall
• Tours and Activities: Kayaking, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Waterfall tour, Yoga
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Drake Bay / Agujitas

Is Drake Bay the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Drake Bay, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Osa Peninsula/Southern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 375km (approximately 7 hours by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 460km (approximately 8 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Not very popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Secluded, Zen/tranquil
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Mangrove Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): N/A
• Sites and Attractions: Canals, Dive site, National park or nature reserve, Snorkel site, Turtle nesting site/hatchery
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Hiking, Mangrove tour, Night tour, Scuba diving, Sea turtle nesting, Snorkeling
• Accommodations: All-inclusive resort or luxurious property, Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: N/A
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Volunteering opportunity

Jaco

Is Jaco the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Jaco, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Central Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 100km (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 185km (approximately 3 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Funky/trendy/artsy, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture, Urban/industrial culture
• Sites and Attractions: Art gallery/studio/shop, Farmer’s market/craft market, National park or nature reserve, Notable street art, Surf break, Viewpoint/lookout spot, Waterfall
• Tours and Activities: Aerial tram, ATV/buggy tour, Bird-watching, Boat tour, Cacao (chocolate) tour, Canyoning (rappelling), Crocodile tour, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, National park tour, Shopping, Surfing, Waterfall tour, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Vibrant nightlife, Walkable town center/hub

Manuel Antonio / Quepos

Is Manuel Antonio the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Central Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 170km (approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 255km (approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach (access to beaches inside the Manuel Antonio National Park require payment of the park entrance fee)
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social, Luxurious, Romantic
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Mangrove Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Art gallery/studio/shop, Butterfly garden, Cruise dock/port, Dive site, Farmer’s market/craft market, Marina, National park or nature reserve, Remarkable river, Reptile/amphibian exhibit, Snorkel site, Surf break, Tombolo, Trapiche (sugarcane mill), Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: ATV/buggy tour, Bird-watching, Boat tour, Canyoning (rappelling), Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Mangrove tour, National park tour, Night tour, Obstacle course, River tubing, Sailing, Scuba diving, Shopping, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling, Sugarcane tour, Superman cable, Surfing, White-water rafting, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation), Non-all-inclusive resort or luxurious property
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of high-quality dining establishments, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Destinations with a full-service hospital in town (not just a medical clinic), Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Vibrant nightlife, Volunteering opportunity, Walkable town center/hub

Montezuma

Is Montezuma the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Montezuma, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Nicoya Peninsula
• Distance from San Jose: 310km (approximately 6 hours by car; a shorter route is possible by taking the ferry that connects Puntarenas, in the Central Pacific region, with Paquera, on the Nicoya Peninsula)
• Distance from Liberia: 240km (approximately 4 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Funky/trendy/artsy, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Rural/cowboy/farming/fishing culture
• Sites and Attractions: Butterfly garden, Dive site, Microbrewery, National park or nature reserve, Snorkel site, Surf break, Waterfall
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Hanging bridge exploration, Hiking, National park tour, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Waterfall tour, Yoga, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Nosara / Guiones / Pelada

Is Nosara (Guiones) the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Nosara (Guiones), Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Nicoya Peninsula
• Distance from San Jose: 255km (approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 125km (approximately 3 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Zen/tranquil
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: National park or nature reserve, Notable statue/sculpture/monument, Snorkel site, Surf break
• Tours and Activities: ATV/buggy tour, Bird-watching, Boat tour, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Sea turtle nesting, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling, Surfing, Yoga
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hotel (private accommodation), Non-all-inclusive resort or luxurious property
• Other Must-Haves: Destinations that host multiday health retreats, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Walkable town center/hub

Playa Flamingo

Is Playa Flamingo the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 280km (approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 55km (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica)
• Sites and Attractions: Dive site, Marina, Snorkel site
• Tours and Activities: Kayaking, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling
• Accommodations: All-inclusive resort or luxurious property, Condo/vacation home (ideal for long-term stays)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Playa Grande / Palm Beach Estates

Is Playa Grande the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Playa Grande, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 270km (approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 75km (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest, Mangrove Forest, Wetlands
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Canals, National park or nature reserve, Remarkable river, Surf break, Turtle nesting site/hatchery
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Fishing, Mangrove tour, National park tour, Safari float tour, Sea turtle nesting, Surfing
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Condo/vacation home (ideal for long-term stays), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach

Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)

Is Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 275km (approximately 5 hours by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 33km (approximately 40 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Rural/cowboy/farming/fishing culture
• Sites and Attractions: Dive site, Snorkel site
• Tours and Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Condo/vacation home (ideal for long-term stays), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Playas del Coco

Is Playas del Coco the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Playas del Coco, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 275km (approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 35km (approximately 45 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica)
• Sites and Attractions: Dive site, Notable statue/sculpture/monument, Notable street art, Pedestrian boulevard/boardwalk, Snorkel site, Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: ATV/buggy tour, Boat tour, Fishing, Sailing, Scuba diving, Shopping, Snorkeling
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Vibrant nightlife, Walkable town center/hub

Potrero / Surfside

Is Potrero the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Potrero, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 280km (approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 50km (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Not very popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica)
• Sites and Attractions: Dive site, Snorkel site
• Tours and Activities: Kayaking, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach

Puerto Jimenez

Is Puerto Jimenez the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Osa Peninsula/Southern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 375km (approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 460km (approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Not very popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Mangrove Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Rural/cowboy/farming/fishing culture
• Sites and Attractions: Cacao (chocolate) plantation, National park or nature reserve, Surf break
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Cacao (chocolate) tour, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Gold panning, Hiking, Mangrove tour, National park tour, Surfing
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Caribbean
• Distance from San Jose: 215km (approximately 4 hours by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 425km (approximately 8 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Funky/trendy/artsy, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Afro-Costa Rican culture, Indigenous culture, Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Cacao (chocolate) plantation, Dive site, Farmer’s market/craft market, National park or nature reserve, Snorkel site, Surf break, Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Cacao (chocolate) tour, Cooking class, Hiking, Kayaking, National park tour, Scuba diving, Shopping, Snorkeling, Surfing, White-water rafting, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Vibrant nightlife, Volunteering opportunity, Walkable town center/hub

Samara

Is Samara the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Samara, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Nicoya Peninsula
• Distance from San Jose: 235km (approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 115km (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Art gallery/studio/shop, Farmer’s market/craft market, National park or nature reserve, Remarkable river, Snorkel site, Surf break
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Hiking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Sea turtle nesting, Shopping, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling, Surfing, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Walkable town center/hub

Santa Teresa

Is Santa Teresa the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Santa Teresa, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Nicoya Peninsula
• Distance from San Jose: 315km (approximately 6 hours by car; a shorter route is possible by taking the ferry that connects Puntarenas, in the Central Pacific region, with Paquera, on the Nicoya Peninsula)
• Distance from Liberia: 245km (approximately 4 hours by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Funky/trendy/artsy, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social, Luxurious, Romantic, Secluded, Zen/tranquil
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Art gallery/studio/shop, National park or nature reserve, Surf break
• Tours and Activities: ATV/buggy tour, Bird-watching, Hiking, National park tour, Shopping, Surfing, Yoga, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation), Non-all-inclusive resort or luxurious property
• Other Must-Haves: Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Walkable town center/hub

Tamarindo

Is Tamarindo the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Tamarindo, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Guanacaste/Northern Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 260km (approximately 5 hours by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 75km (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car)
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Funky/trendy/artsy, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Lively/upbeat/bustling/social, Luxurious, Romantic
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Dry Forest, Mangrove Forest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica), Indigenous culture, Surf culture
• Sites and Attractions: Art gallery/studio/shop, Dive site, Farmer’s market/craft market, Labyrinth, Microbrewery, National park or nature reserve, Notable street art, Reptile/amphibian exhibit, Snorkel site, Surf break, Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Mangrove tour, National park tour, Pottery, Safari float tour, Sailing, Scuba diving, Sea turtle nesting, Shopping, Snorkeling, Stand-up paddling, Surfing, Zip-lining (canopy tour)
• Accommodations: Condo/vacation home (ideal for long-term stays), Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation), Non-all-inclusive resort or luxurious property
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Destinations that provide a variety of high-quality dining establishments, Destinations that provide a variety of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free dining opportunities, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Close proximity to a Spanish school (for Spanish language learning), Vibrant nightlife, Walkable town center/hub

Tortuguero

Is Tortuguero the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Tortuguero, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Caribbean
• Distance from San Jose (if traveling from the La Pavona dock): 115km via ground travel (approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by car to the boat dock), then a boat ride that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Distance from San Jose (if traveling from the Cano Blanco dock): 135km via ground travel (approximately 3 hours by car to the boat dock), then a boat ride that takes approximately 1 hour
• Distance from Liberia (if traveling from the La Pavona dock): 115km via ground travel (approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by car to the boat dock), then a boat ride that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Distance from Liberia (if traveling from the Cano Blanco dock): 135km via ground travel (approximately 3 hours by car to the boat dock), then a boat ride that takes approximately 1 hour
• Beach Status: Public beach
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Top destination (very popular, with good reason)
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed, Secluded
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Mangrove Forest, Rainforest, Wetlands
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Afro-Costa Rican culture
• Sites and Attractions: Canals, National park or nature reserve, Turtle nesting site/hatchery, Wildlife rescue center or animal exhibit
• Tours and Activities: Bird-watching, Boat tour, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Mangrove tour, National park tour, Night tour, Safari float tour, Sea turtle nesting
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Volunteering opportunity, Walkable town center/hub

Uvita / Bahia

Is Uvita the best Costa Rica beach town for you?

For help deciding which Costa Rica beach town to visit, here’s a summary of things to know about Uvita, Costa Rica:

• Region(s): Central Pacific
• Distance from San Jose: 225km (approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes by car)
• Distance from Liberia: 310km (approximately 5 hours by car)
• Beach status: Public beach (access to beaches inside the Marino Las Baulas National Park require payment of the park entrance fee)
• Popularity: Moderately popular destination, Not very popular destination
• Atmosphere/Vibe/Style: Family-friendly, Laid-back/casual/relaxed
• Ecosystem(s): Beach, Rainforest
• Climate/Temperature(s): Hot temperatures and lots of sun, Warm temperatures and intermittent sun
• Cultural Interests(s): Expat culture (ideal for retirees looking to move to Costa Rica)
• Sites and Attractions: Dive site, Farmer’s market/craft market, National park or nature reserve, Notable statue/sculpture/monument, Snorkel site, Surf break, Tombolo, Waterfall
• Tours and Activities: Boat tour, Dolphin- and/or whale-watching, Kayaking, National park tour, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Waterfall tour, Yoga
• Accommodations: Authentic/rustic cabin/cabina/casita/bungalow/lodge, Hostel (shared accommodation), Hotel (private accommodation)
• Other Must-Haves: Access via paved roads only, Destinations that host multiday surf and/or yoga packages or yoga teacher trainings, Non-mountainous/lowland destinations only
• Other Preferences: Close proximity to a beach, Walkable town center/hub

Map of the 20 most sought-after beach towns in Costa Rica

The map below shows where each beach town described above is located in Costa Rica.

Pura vida!

Do you have questions about Costa Rica beach towns or need help selecting the perfect beach destination(s) for you according to your specific wants or needs? No problem! When you’re ready, make an appointment here to communicate with me (Nikki) privately and we can discuss these and other topics to get your questions answered fast and your Costa Rica trip poised for success. Pura vida, amigos! 🙂

---

---

Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! We're truly grateful for your time and preference.

Do you know that your spam-free reading experience is most important to us? Unlike some other Costa Rica blogs, we do not to sell your personal information, and we choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog so we can keep your visit as distraction- and junk-free as possible. Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blog—including its 300+ articles—is entirely voluntary! If you find our content valuable, and you'd like to thank us for making the trip-planning process easier and your Costa Rica vacation more enjoyable, please consider making a small donation ($1, $2, $3, or an amount of your choosing) to our blog. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. 😊 Pura vida, amigos!

Click on the button above to donate through PayPal. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here.) A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details.

---

Love our blog? Check out our other Costa Rica-related projects, too:

---

---

---