Scuba diving, rafting, and surfing are some of the popular sports you can indulge in. Beaches in Costa Rica are diverse and offer different experiences for travelers. Visit our rental car page for 10% or more off the base rate, plus free extras like a second driver and car seats. source: Simon Dannhauer (Shutterstock) The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April. Whether you are going for vacation or looking to move, it is easy to get caught up in the “Pura Vida” laid back lifestyle and enjoy life at a slower pace. ” “ Bars, 3 floors, lovely balcony with tables and chairs, dark-sand beach just a stone throw away, but one would have to get dressed to go there. So, I’ve put together a list of the best beaches Costa Rica has to offer (as well as a few helpful tips on how to get there). Found in Costa Rica’s the Nicoya Peninsula, many consider Playa Montezuma as one of the many Costa Rica beaches that offer a laid-back and serene experience. Besides breathtaking beauty, some of the best beaches Costa Rica are ideal for outdoor adventures. A surfer rides a wave off the shores of Playa Dominical in Costa Rica's Southern Pacific. Established in 1563 by a Spanish conquistador, Cartago is a prime destination for history buffs. It is best to stay in the city of La Fortuna and from there take a bus to visit the park. Discover the sunny Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The infrastructure of this region is growing, and the climate is hot and dry, making it an attractive escape for tourists that are looking to get a reprieve from cold, harsh winters. Los Sueños, located in Herradura Bay just to the north, boasts a beautiful hotel, pricey condos and Los Sueños Marina. Why you need to stay here: If you're at all a beach person, then Kurà has access to seven beaches along the coastline. If it's your first time exploring Costa Rica's beaches, then be sure to head to Tamarindo on the Guanacaste coast. Think about it: when someone says, "Costa Rica," you probably think, "fantastic beaches!"Right? Best Towns to Stay in Costa Rica? Given its massive coastline, the country is a paradise for adventure lovers. You are sure to see Costa Rican majestic wildlife on the Palo Verde Boat Tour. If beaches are your main motive for coming to Costa Rica, you will be in a difficult situation to choose from. 7 Best Beaches in Costa Rica. Rewarded the title of the “Greenest Country in the World” in 2009, Costa Rica is also known to visitors for its stunning beaches and many active volcanoes (which can be visited under proper guidance and safety). Manuel Antonio . “ In Costa Rica "beach front" is a little different than Mexico "beach front" In costa rica beaches are exclusively public property right up to where the sand stops. As a country with dual coastlines, a tropical climate and a firm commitment to the continued preservation of its natural wonders, Costa Rica beaches are among … All beaches in Costa Rica are public. We break down the best places to stay in Costa Rica and the best areas to stay in Costa Rica here! 2. Manuel Antonio is one of the easiest and best beaches to get to from the capital, Jaco being the only one closer, and when it comes to listing the best beaches in Costa Rica, you can’t leave this one out. Costa Rica is a land of jungles, volcanoes, oceans, and of course, beautiful beaches. Some are fashionable and full of amenities, like those in Samara or Manuel Antonio. But there are two areas that have everything, from surfer bars to top-end retreats, party beaches … “Costa Rica Beaches ... so I stay for a month in the area to prepare a more complete article and with additional resources as photos and videos to give a better view to the reader who is considering visiting the place,” added Corrales. Whether you rent a car, take a taxi, or hit the bus station from San Jose, you will be on the paradise in a couple hours or less! From sandy Caribbean beaches on the edge of coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving, to magnificent enormous beaches pounded by the waves, there is a beach in Costa Rica to suit any taste. This unique destination is sure to offer something for you — even if you're seeking access to luxury accommodations in a town that still has a laid-back vibe with a nightlife scene that will tempt you to stay up way past your bedtime. The ultimate first Costa Rica is fortunate to have beaches both in the Atlantic and in the Pacific. You can even request a free cooler for those beach trips! If you want a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience, here are some of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. There is something for everyone! Costa Rica is famous for its miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. By law, the first 50 meters measured from high tide is considered public land. It is estimated that 600 beaches surround the entire national territory. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica are located in the Guanacaste region on the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as the Caribbean Coast in the Puerto Viejo area. With more than 1200 kilometers of coastline, its paradisiac beaches are within national parks and protected areas, such as the Manuel Antonio National Park, Cahuita National Park, Bribri de Talamanca Reserve and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Atenas is known for its warm, agreeable climate and is a great place to stay along the scenic “old road” from the central valley to the beaches of the central pacific. In a country with frequent earthquakes, holding onto relics of the past can be difficult. From volcanoes to beaches, rivers to lakes, rain forests to cloud forests, and picture-perfect landscapes in-between, Costa Rica is heaven on earth for newlyweds looking to unwind once all the wedding dust has settled. Punta Leona is located in Tarcoles, a district of Garabito. We’ve assembled a list of five of the best family beaches in Costa Rica to help guide your journey with your family through this beautiful country. On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo in Limón is not to be missed. Costa Rica beaches are among Latin America's best. From a lush interior to tropical sandy beaches, Costa Rica offers enough hiking, sunbathing, beachcombing, sightseeing and wildlife viewing to keep you busy. Surrounding areas such as Mal País and Santa Teresa offer several hotel options as well. Costa Rica has long been a popular destination for traveling surfers of all skill levels. Table of Contents show The Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica. With so many great options to choose from, here is a list of my favorite top beach towns in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Marriott Brand is always an excellent option to stay, as travelers will be pampered with the best amenities and will feel like home. People come here to surf, swim, soak up the sun, or simply enjoy the laid-back beach towns sprinkled along the coasts. There are hotel accommodations for everyone looking for a place to stay in Montezuma Costa Rica. Costa Rica opens to all U.S. travelers on November 1—making the country’s hundreds of beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts available once more. This is the type of beach to escape to if all you want to do is get some much needed R&R.. Hermosa means ‘beautiful’ in Spanish, which is a … There is also a thriving, tightly-knit expat community. Along the central and southern Pacific coast, for example, you’ll find mostly surfing beaches with bigger waves. You can get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the local culture and agricultural traditions in the charming small towns of Costa Rica. As you travel to different parts of the country the nature of the beaches changes. While most visitors want to experience the country’s tropical beaches, many don’t realize how diverse the choices are. A world-class destination for surfing, the west coast of this emerald isthmus is spotted with beach resort towns, bars, restaurants, surf schools, hotels and vacation rentals. From tropical white sand beaches to black sand beauties, there are Costa Rican beaches to suit every taste. It’s a hotspot for adventurous travelers who want to surf, zip line or go ATVing, while travelers looking for a flop and drop destination will find plenty of beachfront resorts to escape the bustle of everyday life. Only to return to the States with stories of long lefthand pointbreaks and empty beaches with almost endless peaks. With Californians first exploring its Pacific coastline back in the 60s and 70s. Best Beaches in Costa Rica. Dominical and environs. Location: Along the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This means no one can claim ownership and nothing can be built unless it’s been government-sanctioned. For the best views in all of Costa Rica from a hotel, or perhaps the best in the world you have to stop by Hotel Three Sixty. Playa Hermosa is one of the more popular beaches in the North of Guanacaste. If driving from San Jose towards the Central Pacific, it’s located a little over an hour from the city. Stay in one of Costa Rica’s oldest cities and the country’s first capital: Cartago. Map of Guanacaste, Costa Rica Playa Hermosa. Costa Rica occupies a privileged place in the heart of Central America for the richness of its beaches, comprises 1,228 km of coastline, of which 1,016 km are from the Pacific coast and 212 km in the Caribbean Sea, you are separated by just three hours in vehicle or 45 minutes by air from San José. ” 2020. Hotel Punta Leona. Welcome to your essential Costa Rica travel companion! Enormous, glassy waves roll majestically toward Costa Rica’s Pacific shore, taking with them a daring fleet of surfers before smacking down loudly in a spray of white. As the largest province in Costa Rica, with beautiful white-sand beaches, Guanacaste is a surprisingly quiet vacation destination, as it is also the most sparsely populated in the country side. Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are the reasons Costa Rica beaches rank among the best in the world. Costa Rica has two coasts and more than 300 beaches, some the domain of turtles. Costa Rica is a beautiful, rainforested country in Central America known for its expansive coastline of picturesque beaches. If you ask visitors which Costa Rican beach is the most beautiful, no two people would agree. Manuel Antonio is usually at the top of everyone’s must-see list of destinations in Costa Rica, and it is a particularly wonderful family getaway spot. From yoga retreats and surf lodges to villas and five-star hotels, you can find anything that you need for a great stay on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s off the beaten path and it might be hard to get to, but don’t let these stop you from enjoying its pristine waters, off-white fine sand and rocky beach. Three Sixty Boutique Hotel, Ojochal. ... and unlimited attractions spanning the two coasts are the reasons why Costa Rica’s beaches are ranked among the best in the world. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, eco-tours, and adrenaline filled tours. When to Go to beaches in Costa Rica. The Central American country of Costa Rica is an amazing and diverse place, but can be challenging to get around to some of the more remote regions. From the national park to the stunning beaches and scenery, Manuel Antonio is a region of Costa Rica that you will never want to leave. Here's a breakdown of what to eat, when to go, where to stay, and things to do in Costa Rica especially if this is your first trip. Costa Rica’s commitment to preservation should ensure that these beautiful sand beaches stay pristine for years to come. Jacó has an incredible selection of restaurants and activities to stay busy and happy. 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