For people who love the ocean (like me!) who are planning their trip to Costa Rica, it can be really hard to narrow down the best beaches in Costa Rica. That might be in part because people look for different things from different beaches.

If you are serious about finding the best beach for you and your family, you’ll want to read this review of 20 of the best beaches in Costa Rica on the Pacific side. Since Costa Rica’s beaches are as varied as they are gorgeous, there’s a beach for every personality on this list!

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Best Beaches in the Northern Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica 

Many people fly into Costa Rica’s newest international airport in Liberia. Liberia is a strategic point as it is about 20 minutes from the nearest beach. If you are going this route, there are several different clusters of top beaches we recommend.

Many of these beaches are within an hour’s drive of Liberia, but if you are flying in late or flying out early, you’ll want to check out our great list of Where To Stay in Liberia. And, if you’re really interested in checking out more than a couple of these best beaches in Costa Rica, our number 1 tip is to rent a car (click here for a great car rental discount)! Without a car, it’s going to be more difficult for you to beach hop and explore many of the best beaches Costa Rica has to offer. 

Here’s our list of the best beaches in the Northern Guanacaste Region: 

Tamarindo Beach

The town of Tamarindo is also one of the busiest tourist centers in the region. It has everything from a farmer’s market to food trucks beachside to international cuisine. There are countless tour operators, surf schools, and even a brewery. Add tons of places to stay (everything from budget hostels to high end luxury villas) and you’ve got a recipe for success. Basically, if you want it, you can most likely find it in Tamarindo.

Given this popular area, Tamarindo Beach is one of the most developed and beautiful beaches in the northern Guanacaste area. A long swath of golden sand beach with waves that are perfect for those learning to surf is what best characterizes Tamarindo Beach. You can expect a busier party/Spring Break vibe here year-round, so it’s a great place to spend a week and is still safe for families. 

Where to Stay at Tamarindo Beach:

• Hotel Tamarindo Diria
• Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
• Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
• The Coast Beachfront Hotel
• Hotel La Palapa

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Playa Grande 

Playa Grande is home to a pristine white sand beach that seems to stretch endlessly. Although it’s lined with shade trees and palm trees that are just begging for a hammock, Playa Grande is often deserted. That means it is perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy the beach. High tide brings in great surf and lots of surfers, which is fun to watch!

There are several restaurants on the way in and out of the main parking area, so you can easily pack up and grab a bite before heading back to the beach for sunset. With few hotels and a host of high-end private residences, Playa Grande is super chill, and a popular destination with surfers.

You can stay in Tamarindo and make the drive here or take the water taxi. But, if you’re looking to stay in a quieter area (but with all the amenities in Tamarindo fairly nearby), staying in Playa Grande for quick beach is a great choice. 

Where to Stay at Playa Grande: 

• Villas Kalei
• RipJack Inn Boutique

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Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas may very well be my favorite beach in Costa Rica. It’s well off the beaten path, and up until recently, most people didn’t even know it was there. Home to one of my favorite restaurants- Lola’s- you will often find the big pink pig named Lola wandering the beach.

There are tons of shade trees along the beach, tidepools, and perfect surfing and boogie-boarding waves. Apart from Lola’s, there isn’t much in the way of services at this beach, so make sure to pack in what you need for the day.

Where to Stay near Playa Avellanas: 

• Cabinas Las Olas
• SoulShine
• 2 Blu Moons Boutique Hotel
• Mar Botánico – Allevanas Beach Hotel
• JW Marriott

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Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is one of the closest beaches to the Liberia airport, making it a preferred home base for many tourists. Boasting a Hard Rock Café, a huge American-style supermarket, and countless bars and restaurants, Coco Beach is definitely the happening place to be.

This beach is also a hub for international visitors looking for scuba diving in Costa Rica as it’s near some of the most crystalline waters and some of the best places to find coral reefs in the area. It’s also a unique black sand beach, which is pretty fun to see.

Coco Beach is a great home base from which to beach hop, so that’s why it’s on this list. The beach itself isn’t my favorite, although the sunsets are epic. Make sure to watch the sunset at Bar El Ancla or Cafe de Playa. You won’t regret it!

There are several amazing beaches nearby (like Playa Ocotal) where you can spend a calm day before heading back into the tourist fray at Coco Beach.

Where to Stay at Playas del Coco: 

• Toro Blanco Resort
• The Palms at Coco Beach
• Hotel Good Life

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Playa Hermosa

There are not one, not two, but three Playa Hermosas in Costa Rica, all on the Pacific Coast. So… don’t get confused! The Playa Hermosa that I am talking about here is to the north, in the Guanacaste province.

One other is adjacent to Jaco, and one is even further south at Marino Ballena National Park, about a 6-hour drive from Coco Beach. When renting a car in Costa Rica, make sure you put in the correct Hermosa Beach to your GPS, Waze, or Google Maps.

Now, this Playa Hermosa is just a 10-15 minute drive from Coco Beach. But, it’s significantly quieter and more chill than Playas del Coco. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste  is a tiny little inlet home to crystal blue waters with local restaurants and tons of local Costa Rican families. There’s a local banana boat driver who often comes offering inexpensive rides that keep everyone laughing.

The waves are calm, and there are tons of mini supermarkets just steps from the beach, so you can just keep going back for cold beer and you don’t even need a cooler! The sunsets here are EPIC. 

Where to Stay at Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste: 

• Hotel Bosque del Mar
• Hotel Villa del Sueño
• Hotel Villa Acacia

Playa Panama

Another one of my favorite beaches, Playa Panama is an easy trip from Coco Beach. The beach is groomed to a gorgeous wide flat area lined with palm trees leading up to the small beach. The water is warm, the waves are small, and the atmosphere is super calm.

Not much in the way of services here, but don’t leave too soon. The sun sets right over the water most times of the year, making the end of the day at Panama Beach the place to be. If you want a quiet spot with a great beach nearby, this can be a good place to stay for a couple nights. 

Where to Stay at Playa Panama: 

• El Mangroove Papagayo
• Casa Conde Beachfront Hotel

Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal is a tiny little hidden gem just about 4 km from Playas del Coco, making it a great taxi trip for the day if you don’t have a car. The beach is relatively small and shaded, and there are lots of tiny tide pools for snorkeling and exploring. Starting at about 11 am, there are two professional massage therapists who offer beachside massages at very reasonable prices. Cash only.

If you’d prefer to stay near Coco, but away from all the hustle and bustle, finding a spot at Playa Ocotal is a great choice! 

Where to Stay at Playa Ocotal: 

• Check VRBO for many great vacation rentals in this area
• Hotel Pura Vista
• Hotel Ocotal B&B

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Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is one of my favorite beaches in all of Costa Rica. It’s named so because the beach is made entirely of shells. The water is blue and warm, and the weekend vibe here is festive with DJ’s, a small food vendor and more. In fact, it was recently named the best beach in the world.

Conchal Beach is located adjacent to the Westin Beach Resort, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica and they’ve got all the parking.

The best way to arrive at Playa Conchal without staying at the Westin is to park your rental car at the public parking lot at Brasilito Beach. You’ll pay a few dollars and then hike over to Conchal at low tide. Stay for the day and hike back at the next low tide. You’ll love it- I promise! Or for even more adventure, you can take a beautiful horseback riding tour from Brasilito to Conchal.

Where to Stay at Playa Conchal: 

• The Westin Reserva Conchal is definitely THE place to see for best beach access and amenities. But nearby, you’ll also find a few other options if you don’t mind driving to the beach area.
• Hotel Mística Natural 
• Reserva Conchal Resort

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Playa Nacascolo

Playa Nacascolo is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, sneakily located in the Four Seasons complex. It’s a great place to see howler monkeys and enjoy calm waters and complete silence.

Getting there can be a bit of a headache as you need to park near the Four Seasons and then take a shuttle. But I promise- it’s well worth it! We go here when we stay at the Planet Hollywood All-Inclusive Resort.

Where to Stay at Playa Nacascolo: 

• Four Seasons Costa Rica
• Andaz Papagayo
• Planet Hollywood

Playa Cabuyal

Want a beach with no one? Playa Cabuyal is not even that far off the beaten path (just about 30 minutes from Liberia), but it’s deserted. That’s because very few people know about one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Truly, Playa Cabuyal is a hidden gem in Costa Rica! 

Rumor has it there are tons of sting rays dancing in the water in the summertime. We loved the parking right on the beach, and the fact that there were bathrooms and showers.

Where to Stay at Playa Cabuyal: 

When we say “deserted hidden gem“, we mean it! We don’t even have a VRBO or hotel to recommend to you here. For closest hotels to Cabuyal, we recommend any of the Playa Nacascolo stays above. 

ALSO READ: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide

Playa Flamingo

We love the Flamingo Beach area. The beach itself is really pretty, and the little town nearby is quaint and charming. There are lots of international restaurants here too. Many people come to scuba dive at Las Catalinas off the coast or snorkel here, and Flamingo can be a great alternative to Playas del Coco because it’s so much calmer.

This area is great for beach hopping! Playa Potrero, Playa Danta, and Playa Dantita aren’t far and they are oh-so-pretty.  Margaritaville Beach Resort is the best known hotel in the area and they even have an all-inclusive option. 

Where to Stay at Playa Flamingo: 

• Margaritaville Beach Resort
• Marina Flamingo
• Casas del Toro Playa Flamingo
• The Bungalows-Flamingo

Beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula- Costa Rica Pacific

The Nicoya Peninsula sits about in the middle of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and is home to the longest-living people on Earth. It is also easily accessible from both San Jose and Liberia, making it a highly visited region for travelers and Costa Ricans alike.  Here are some of our favorite beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Playa Samara

Playa Samara has long been known as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families- and locals love it here. The beach is crescent-shaped, lined with palm trees, and the water is relatively warm.

There are plenty of accommodations for families with kids to fit every budget, same for restaurants. Samara Beach is a favorite- with ample parking and a great family atmosphere. You could boogie board here, but probably not surf. It’s the perfect beach for families.

Where to Stay at Playa Samara: 

• The Hideaway Hotel
• Beach Front Bahia
• Hotel Belvedere
• Rescidencias Samara
• Villas Verdes

Playa Carrillo

Next to Samara is Carrillo Beach- a picture-perfect half-circle of a beach lined with fantastic palm trees. The water is bathwater temperature and the waves are nearly non-existent. It’s the perfect spot to have a quiet beach day, where you can take a pool float and just relax.

There are no services at this beach and little shade.  Pack what you need and avoid arriving at the heat of the day. We love to use a big beach umbrella to cut down on the sun’s rays between 10 am and 2 pm.

You can stay at Playa Samara and travel in for the day. Or if you’d like to stay closer, you can stay in the little town of Puerto Carrillo. This area sits on a hill overlooking Playa Carrillo. 

Where to Stay at Playa Carrillo: 

• Nammbú Beachfront Bungalows
• Villas Welcome to Heaven
• Hotel Amira
• Cabinas El Colibri

Playa Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa Beach is a popular site for tourists given how many amazing restaurants, hotels and activities are here. So, unlike some of the other beaches on this list, finding multiple good lodging options in Santa Teresa is not an issue. The beach is wide with white sand, turquoise water, and big waves.

The palm trees are set pretty far back from the beach so there isn’t much shade.  The vibe here is very relaxed and laid back, and this is a popular surf beach. Prices at Santa Teresa tend to be a bit on the higher side, so we love to pack snacks and rely on restaurants for fewer meals. Still, there’s a reason it has stayed on the best beaches in Costa Rica lists for decades and can be a really nice place to stay!

Where to Stay at Santa Teresa: 

• Hotel Nantipa
• Fuego Lodge
• Hotel Santa Teresa
• Casa MarBella
• Hotel Tropica Latino
• Somos
• Casa Cecilia

Playa Tambor

This beach is located just about a 15-minute drive from the ferry that connects the Nicoya Peninsula to the mainland, making it a great weekend trip for ticos living in the Central Valley. This one of the best beaches in Costa Rica is extremely calm- and home to lots of Costa Ricans who make great food.

Where to Stay at Playa Tambor: 

• Tambor Tropical 
• Lodge Margouillat
• Hotel Alkamar

Playa Coyote & Playa San Miguel

Off the beaten path you will find Playa Coyote and Playa San Miguel. Next door to each other, the beaches are similar- lined with private homes and tiny restaurants. Playa San Miguel is one of the eight cleanest beaches in Costa Rica, garnering the prestigious Playa Azul flag. Turtles nest here and come home year-round, and the beach is three miles long. Perfect for walking!

These are stunning areas, but we do mean “off the beaten path”. So, there’s no great lodging options to recommend here and you’ll want to make sure you have a car rental in order to drive here from elsewhere on the penisula. There aren’t gas stations for miles, and lots of tico families spend extended time here.

Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal is a hidden gem for families and one of the best beaches for kids in Costa Rica. At the north end of the beach, there are countless tide pools for spotting tiny fish and crabs- this will keep your kids entertained for hours. On top of that- you can see turtles nesting year-round at this beach.

And unlike some of the other hidden gems on this list, Playa Junquillal is great because there are some great lodging options right at the beach! 

Where to stay at Playa Junquillal: 

• Tides Oceanfront
• Guacamaya Lodge

Playa Montezuma

Montezuma Beach is a surfer’s paradise and one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. While it’s a little more “off the beaten path” than some of the larger beach areas, you’ll find a decent choice lodging here, along with some restaurants – thanks to the popularity of the beach and the nearby waterfalls.

If you get tired of the beach (which I never do), the hike to the Montezuma Waterfalls is definitely worth it- it’s one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica. 

Where to stay at Playa Montezuma: 

• Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
• Hotel El Jardin
• Hotel Cabinas Mar Y Cielo
• Luz En El Cielo Eco-B&B/Hostel
• Hotel Nya
• Sunshine Sanctuary Boutique Jungle Lodge
• Adeluna Luxury Villas

Playa Nosara

Playa Nosara is the place to be! It’s within minutes of some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, but retains a small-town feel without sacrificing amenities. There are tons of things to do in Nosara– even kid’s camp and nannies are available.

Give the popularity of the area, there are some really great hotels here!

Where to stay at Playa Nosara: 

• Lagarta Lodge
• Nosara Beach Hotel
• Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel
• The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
• Olas Verdes Hotel

For even more great options & more details on lodging in the area, hop over to our post on the top places to stay in Nosara.

Puntarenas Region of the Costa Rica Pacific Coast

For these beaches on the rest of this list, you’re best choice for the shortest drive times is flying into the San Jose International Airport. Of course, if you’re renting a car in Costa Rica and are doing a road trip – maybe headed down to Manuel Antonio or Uvita, then it doesn’t necessarily matter which airport you fly into.  

And remember, if this is all too overwhelming, I can help with planning your Costa Rica trip!

Jaco Beach

Jaco Beach is the quintessential Costa Rican tourist beach. Located just about 90 minutes from San Jose, it’s where people go to party and relax. The North end of the beach is hopping- surfers, Spring Breakers, bachelor parties- it’s nuts. Don’t miss Rioasis for pizza or the fun little soda Marea Alta just off the main drag for cheap typical foods. 

We recently discovered the South end of the beach, home to family-friendly lodging and some awesome restaurants, as well as close to the famous hike to the beach overlook. We think Jaco with kids is the bee’s knees.

Jaco is home to every type of shopping, food, tours, and other amenities imaginable.  Tours to Tortuga Island are popular from the Jaco area, as is horseback riding on Jaco Beach. 

Another great thing about this area is that Jaco Beach Costa Rica recently became the first Central American beach fully accessible to people with disabilities. The beach access is open Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm and includes parking, bathrooms, and the accessible beach walk. The boardwalk is made entirely from recycled plastic bottle tops and plastic bags.  

Where to stay at Jaco Beach: 

• Hotel Club del Mar
• Los Suenos Marriott Ocean Resort
• Clarita’s Beach Resort
• Océano Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Los Ranchos

Playa Mantas & Playa Blanca

Just 15 minutes north of Playa Jaco, you’ll find two amazing beach options: 

• Mantas Beach– one of the best-kept secrets in the area. Located near the famous Punta Leona resort complex, Playa Mantas is a hidden gem for families.
• Playa Blanca – adjacent to Playa Mantas and apty named. You’ll have to hike over from Mantas Beach at low tide to get here, but this white sand beach with breathtaking turquoise waters is worth the short walk.

There are no services at Playa Mantas- but there is a pizzeria, ice cream shop and mini supermarket just about 3/4 of a kilometer off the beach. Expect almost no waves, water so clear you can see your toes, and tons of shade trees lining the beach.Both are wonderful for families looking for quieter beach time, away from the craziness of Jaco. 

Where to Stay at Playa Mantas & Playa Blanca

• At just an approximately 15-minute drive, you can stay at any of the many hotels in Jaco and just drive here for a beach day.
• If you’d like to stay closer & in a quieter spot than Jaco, Hotel Punta Leona is one of the few hotel options located right here.

Costa Rican Pacific Beaches- South Pacific & Osa Peninsula

From Manuel Antonio National Park down to Corcovado National Park, this area is home to some of the most beautiful and most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. Located 3-4+ hours from San Jose International Airport, these Costa Rica beach destinations require more travel time than many of the others in this post. But, the travel time is well worth it for the experience here.

Manuel Antonio National Park 

Manuel Antonio National Park is located just south of Quepos, and is one of the most popular and famous national parks in all of Costa Rica. The Manuel Antonio beach itself is relatively small. Still, visitors from all over the world flock to Manuel Antonio to see the birds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths and insects that make their home in the national park.

This is a must-see area for many visitors to Costa Rica, so be sure to plan your visit to Manuel Antonio well in advance and expect large crowds. To get more out of your visit, consider booking a guided tour of the National Park with a naturalist.

If you are looking for tranquility, you are better off heading a bit south to Dominical, Marino Ballena National Park, or even further south at Corcovado National Park.

Where to Stay at Manuel Antonio: 

• Karahe Beach Hotel
• Si Como No Resort
• Parador Nature Resort
• Tulemar Resort
• Shana by the Beach Hotel

Dominical Beach

Dominical Beach is a long rocky beach located about an hour south of Manuel Antonio. Waves are large and there is a relatively large rip current, so you need to be extra careful here. But the beach is generally quieter than some of the others on the list, yet has restaurants, shops and accommodations for every taste and budget. We love to eat lunch at the beachfront Tortilla Flats- which also has very basic accommodations for under $25.

Where to Stay at Domincal: 

• Mavi Surf Hotel
• Tropical Sands Dominical Eco Inn
• Villas Rio Mar
• Any of the many vacation rentals here

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Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park

Even further south from Dominical is Uvita – also known as Bahia Ballena or Whale Bay. It’s named more for its geographical structure- the bay looks like a whale tale at low tide.  Recently the beach has gained lots of popularity for its Instagrammable whale tail feature!

Parking is ample at Whale Bay, it’s located near the national park, and there are nearby restaurants and few services in the small town. Whale watching is popular here, best from August- November and December-April.

I recently visited here for the first time and I just think it’s one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica for families with kids. You can see tons of wildlife in the national park, and it’s way way way less crowded than Manuel Antonio. Consider booking a guided nature walk in the national park to get eve more out of the vist! 

I adored this as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica it and can’t wait to go back. 

Where to Stay in Uvita: 

• La Cusinga Lodge
• Hotel Ballena REY
• Alboradora Boutique Stay
• Villas Bungalows Ballena
• Hotel Uvita Forest
• Bahia Selvatica Lodge
• Cedrela Beach Villas

For more detailed information on where to stay in Uvita, be sure to check out our Top Hotels in Uvita post here! 

Drake Bay

For the adventurous traveler and/or wildlife enthusiast, Drake Bay is the place to go! It’s home to some of the most remote and best beaches in Costa Rica. Drake Bay is the last town before the north entrance Corcovado National Park, home of every single Costa Rican bird and animal species imaginable. Wildlife tours here are incredible! Be sure to book a night tour with a naturalist as well! 

Part of what makes Drake Bay more adventurous is it’s remoteness, making it more difficult to get to. It is accessible by car only during the dry season. If you are headed to Drake Bay in the rainy season, you’ll have to go by boat through the mangroves and then through the mouth of the river to the town by the beach.  Drake Bay is about 6 hours south of San Jose- you can take jumper planes there if you are short on time.

It’s only been about 10 years since Drake Bay has electricity and internet, and the vast majority of the inhabitants still live a very off-the-grid, laid-back lifestyle. Even with that though, there are tons of accommodations and restaurants for every taste and budget here.  

Expect to find an endless number of beaches to explore via the vast trail system that leads into Corcovado. You can also spot whales and dolphins on the way to Caño Island- the perfect place to snorkel and dive.

Where to Stay in Drake Bay: 

• Ocean Forest Ecolodge
• Corcovado Wilderness Lodge
• Drake Bay Getaway Resort
• Natural Drake Bay Hotel
• Hotel Margarita
• Hotel Jacamar

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