What’s the best beach to visit in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica? Which beach town is family friendly? Where is the best surf? All of these questions and more are answered below.
Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo
Town
The place to be in Guanacaste! Tamarindo is the most developed, highest tourist traffic city in the area. It has the most restaurants, hotels, rentals, and bars, and thus it is the most visited area.
Beach
The beach in Tamarindo is known for the surfing. It has reliable waves suitable for beginners and still plenty fun for more advanced surfers. Several surf shops offer lessons. Because it is so popular, it is also usually crowded, especially during high season (November-April).
Langosta
The quiet sister to Tamarindo. It’s just a few minutes away from Tamarindo, so you can still enjoy all that “Tama” has to offer, but your stay will likely be a bit quieter with a little less nighttime noise.
Playa Grande
Town
“Grande” is a quiet surfer’s town. The RipJack Inn is an awesome hotel right near the beach with a restaurant, yoga studio, and a sand volleyball court.
Beach
The surfer’s Mecca in Guanacaste. This is where the experienced surfers go to catch quality, consistent waves. Not recommended for first-time surfers.
Potrero & Surf Side
A sunset shot of Playa Potrero taken at Hemingway’s
Town
The little town that has it all. Hot spots include:
- Potrero Brewing: not only do they brew a wide variety of craft beers and sours on site (house margaritas are also on tap for you non-beer drinkers), but the folks at Potrero Brewing have designed the ultimate hangout space in the area. The brewery has both inside and outside spaces, with big screen TVs and games inside and a bunch of patio seating and live music setup outside. Across from the patio are three food truck-style restaurants so you can enjoy a snack and stay for a while. Don’t miss Pre-loved Tees, a second-hand, self service t-shirt shop packed with unique tees located in the upstairs of the brewery.
- Hemingway’s: if you’re looking for an oceanfront place to eat, drink, and hang out, there might be no better place than Hemingway’s. Built right next to the beach, Hemingway’s has tables in the sand as well as an entire pool and bar area on the mainland. Live music happens on peak nights and they have a full menu as well as wood-fired pizzas.
- The Shack: offering some of the tastiest food and most well-crafted cocktails in the area, this two-story bar and restaurant is known for hosting live music events often. Check their active Facebook page for updates on upcoming shows.
- Canatico: owned by a married couple consisting of one Canadian and one Tico (hence the name), this pizzeria bar and grill has a delicious variety of bar and grill favorites on the menu, and if you’re staying nearby and need a pizza delivered, Canatico is your best bet.
- Perlas
- Artwave Gallery & Oh Terra Studio: a back-to-back pair of art studios featuring beautiful paintings and gorgeous clay pottery and ceramics from two fabulous local artists.
Beach
At Playa Potrero, the surf can vary a bit at this beach, but it tends toward the calmer side for the beaches in the area. The water is not very clear, and the sand is fine and a bit darker (so it can get hot). The beach has easy public access. There is a Sailing Center right next to Hemingway’s which offers kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals.
On the north side of Potrero you’ll find Playa Penca and it’s little sister, Playa Prieta, which are known by locals to be some of the prettiest, most enjoyable beaches in the area.
Brasilito
Restaurant Patagonia Del Mar, with Playa Brasilito in the background
Town
The town is very small and is mostly a town for the local Ticos; not many tourists stay here, although there are a few small hotels in town. There is a grassy parking area in front of the beach with a few sodas. Patagonia Del Mar boasts the town’s nicest restaurant view, and Masala serves up high quality Indian fare.
Beach
The beach in Brasilito is not that great. The water isn’t very clear and there are very few trees or shady areas. The adjacent beach to the south, Playa Conchal, is known to be one of the nicest beaches in Guanacaste, and since Conchal has restricted access by vehicle (see Conchal below), people will often park at Brasilito and then walk across Brasilito Beach in order to access Conchal Beach.
Flamingo
Flamingo Marina
Town
On one side of Flamingo you have the marina, and on the other side you have the beach. Marina Flamingo is a newly completed area with a large marina of boat slips and high-end shops on the mainland. It’s all quite posh. Surfbox is a favorite for a fancy cocktail or a tasty brunch/lunch, but expect to pay marina prices.
Beach
The beach is gorgeous, with mountain views on each side and fine white sand underfoot. The waves can be larger, not consistent for surfing. You will find several beach vendors offering crafts, massages, and even pina coladas served inside a pineapple!
Conchal
Conchal is a beautiful beach made of tiny white shells. The area around the beach is known as “Reserva Conchal” and is an exclusive, expensive place to get into. There is a golf course as well as a Westin hotel inside. You may be able to find a short term rental inside Reserva Conchal, but if you don’t have a tee time, a rental, or a room at the hotel, you won’t be able to get in. The other way to access the beach is by walking (or riding a horse!) along the sand from Brasilito Beach, or by watercraft.
Las Catalinas
Town
Las Catalinas is a newer development that is quite unlike anything else in the area. It had a Mediterranean vibe, with brightly colored townhomes and walking-only paths. There are some spendy, trendy shops scattered throughout the development. There’s also a robust hiking trail system that starts at a trailhead in Las Catalinas, leading to various beach and mountain destinations. It’s a fun place for a day trip, and in general is a bit more expensive than other places in Guanacaste.
Beach
Playa Danta is the nearby beach at Las Catalinas. It’s a beautiful beach. A moderate hike along the trails will take you to Playa Dantita, the little sister to Playa Danta, which is more quiet and secluded. Dantita is a gem if you’re looking to take a couple hike and picnic lunch on a beach.
Avellanas
Town
It takes a little effort to get there, but Playa Avellanas is a beautiful area. Lola’s is an awesome spot to post up for the day; it’s a beachfront restaurant with many different types of seating areas, included a lofted 2nd story dining area.
Beach
It’s a pretty good surfing beach. Nice sand.
Summary
Guanacaste has so many beaches and beach towns, and they all have their own character. Have a suggestion of another beach or beach town that should be in this article? Let us know in the comments!
Now get out there and enjoy the surf!
