Costa Rica has two coastlines surrounded by amazing jungle and landscape, Costa Rica is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America.
There are gorgeous beaches on the Pacific that enjoy wonderful sunsets and incredible Caribbean beaches surrounded by candy-colored corals.
Playa Conchal
The beautiful white sand of Playa Conchal is just north of Tamarindo, it wraps around the turquoise bay that is perfect to take some sun, swimming or even snorkeling. Because the beach is south of the underwhelming Playa Brasilito, Playa Conchal is usually overlooked by many visitors. But for those who have visited it; it’s definitely a paradise. There is only one hotel close to the location, and fortunately, the big resort is set back from the tree-lined beach, helping playa conchal to retain a natural feel.
Dominical
There are few locations along with Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast that offer as many activities and accommodation options as Dominical. The Dominical is a pretty famous area because of its consistent surf and pristine beaches. The shores are normally lined with locals trying to cash a fish, and although the area is changing, the town offers a range of dining and accommodation options for budget, middle, and high-end travelers. Most luxury hotels are a short drive from the town center.
Manuel Antonio
This stunning beach is part of the Manuel Antonio National Park, this beach has long been considered one of Costa Rica’s best beaches. Just west of the beach is imposing Punta Catedral (Catedral Point)., a rocky headland shielding the beach from powerful waves. The water here is consistently calm, making it a terrific choice for families with young children, friends, or even teenagers. The surrounding national park, meanwhile, is filled with life; flora and fauna. You can easily spot white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, green iguanas, and sloths. Manual Antonio is also one of the few places in Costa Rica that are home to a healthy population of endangered squirrel monkeys.
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo, it’s north from Playa Conchal, it has a combination of mellow waves and high-end development that make it one of the family-friendly beaches in Costa Rica. The soft sand slopes gently into the ocean, and the beach gives consistently lovely sunsets. Expensive homes and condos dot in the hills on either the end of the beach and the overall vibe are upscale and relaxed.
Samara
The Samara beach town provides a charming balance of the typical Costa Rican atmosphere with a low tourist presence. From one end to the other, it’s a big beach stretches some 3 miles (5 km), and some lesser-known beaches are found nearby. To the north lies the beautiful Playa Baritones and to the south sits Carillo and Punta Islita. There are a lot of activities for visitors to enjoy, including horseback riding, bike rentals, fishing tours, and snorkeling.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches, Tamarindo is an action-packed destination known for a great beginner surf and lively and funny nightlife. The town is also surrounded by Las Baulas National Park, with greatly protects endangered leatherback sea turtles that nest on nearby beaches between October and February. Tamarindo attracts lots of people, because of its beach life, the great nightlife, and the wildlife all around, it’s no wonder why it attracts so many people. Tamarindo is an exciting place to be an amazing place to visit.
Punta Uva
Punta Uva is definitely a highlight between the beaches, it lies at the end of the unmarked dirt road that heads to the place. Home of the town’s most spectacular beaches separated by a lush point called Re Cliff, Punta Uva is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting destinations. Golden sand, pristine water, palm trees, coral reefs, monkeys, and the kindness of the locals. As you wander around Punta Uva, keep an eye for the flora fauna, especially the green macaws. These magnificent parrots, which are native to the region but highly endangered, were recently reintroduced to Punta Iva as part of a captive breeding program.
Santa Teresa
The beach of Santa Teresa is famous for two things: beautiful beaches and great surf. Located near the dramatic southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa combines stunning natural beauty with an upscale backpacker vibe. It remains relatively difficult to get to, Santa Teresa is not overrun with ‘sun and fun’ tourists who arrive in budget package deals. Instead, this rugged area lures more adventurous travelers in the backpacker, hippie, surfer mold. Although it takes some effort to get to Santa Teresa, the gorgeous beaches are worth it. Just ask the locals ex-pats, many of whom arrived on vacation and never left.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande beach is a long stretch of beach that is popular with surfers for its consistent waves. Both Playa Grande and its waters are contained in the Marino Las Bauer National Park, a water sanctuary created to protect the nesting sites of giant leatherback turtles, with can with between 550 and 1,545 lbs. Due to the sensitive habitat that surrounds Playa Grande, there are few nighttime options, but Tamarindo, which is just up to the road, offers dozens of options.
Montezuma
Montezuma is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Full of natural beauty, it’s easy to take off and enjoy the outdoors for a day. There are limited luxury accommodations, but travelers will find a variety of comfortable options. For its small size, Montezuma has a high number of quality restaurants.
