Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica: Where to Stay, Play, and Unwind by the Sea

Costa Rica's reputation as a coastal paradise is well-earned. Framed by both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, this lush, biodiverse country is home to some of the best beach towns in Costa Rica, each as varied as its wildlife. From surfing enclaves to serene eco-retreats and lively cultural hubs, these destinations promise unique experiences worth savoring.

Whether you're chasing waves, wildlife, or a secluded hideaway, Costa Rica's coastlines deliver something special. Here's our curated collection of the country's finest beach towns, each with its own distinctive rhythm, natural beauty, and ocean spirit.

‎

How We Chose the Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica

When curating this list, we focused on real traveler priorities and distinct destination qualities. Here's the exact criteria we used:

• Natural Beauty & Beach Quality—We looked for towns with clean, swimmable, scenic beaches featuring unique elements like tide pools, national parks, or famous surf breaks. Preference went to places with unspoiled, postcard-worthy coastlines.
• Local Culture & Character—Each destination needed to offer a distinct vibe or cultural experience, whether that's Afro-Caribbean rhythms in Puerto Viejo, boho spirit in Montezuma, or the expat wellness scene in Nosara.
• Activities & Things to Do—We prioritized towns offering balanced options for active travelers and laid-back beachgoers alike. The best beach towns in Costa Rica provide activities beyond just sunbathing, from surfing and wildlife watching to yoga retreats and snorkeling.
• Traveler Reputation & Reviews—We factored in recent travel publications, blog recommendations, and aggregated traveler reviews from sources like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet.
• Accessibility & Infrastructure—Each town needed to be reasonably accessible by car, shuttle, or domestic flight, with solid accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to eco-lodges.
• Environmental & Wildlife Access—Towns near national parks, protected marine areas, or biodiverse coastlines earned extra points, especially those offering wildlife encounters and eco-friendly practices.

Now that you know our selection process, let's start our journey through these incredible coastal destinations that showcase the very best of Costa Rica's beach culture.

‎

1. Manuel Antonio

Best for:

Wildlife encounters, national park adventures, boutique beach resorts

Tucked between jungle-draped hills and white-sand coves, Manuel Antonio seamlessly blends nature and luxury. The town's famous national park offers a rare chance to hike alongside sloths, monkeys, and toucans before unwinding on postcard-perfect beaches.

Where to Stay:

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort stands out with its eco-chic suites offering panoramic sea views and direct beach access. The property perfectly captures the area's commitment to sustainable luxury.

Don't Miss:

Start your day with a morning guided trek in Manuel Antonio National Park, where wildlife sightings are practically guaranteed. End with sunset drinks at El Avión, a repurposed vintage aircraft turned bar perched dramatically over the ocean.

Manuel Antonio strikes the perfect balance between accessible luxury and authentic Costa Rican nature. It's an ideal first stop for travelers who want to experience the country's famous biodiversity without sacrificing comfort.

While Manuel Antonio offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, our next destination takes the best beach towns in Costa Rica in a completely different direction with its surf-focused culture.

‎

2. Santa Teresa / Mal País

Best for:

Surf culture, yoga retreats, barefoot luxury

Once a sleepy fishing village, Santa Teresa has evolved into a bohemian surf haven. Think sun-bleached driftwood cafés, rugged dirt roads, and pristine surf breaks framed by dense jungle. The laid-back vibe and upscale wellness retreats attract a global, free-spirited crowd.

Where to Stay:

Florblanca Resort offers an intimate beachfront hideaway where hammocks, open-air yoga decks, and surf lessons come standard. The property embodies the town's relaxed elegance.

Don't Miss:

Catch a sunset surf session at Playa Carmen, where the waves are forgiving for beginners yet challenging enough for pros. Follow up with beachfront dinner at Koji's, a Japanese-fusion favorite known for fresh, locally caught seafood.

Santa Teresa embodies the modern Costa Rican dream where rustic charm meets refined comfort. The town proves that world-class surf and wellness culture can coexist beautifully with environmental consciousness.

From Santa Teresa's surf culture, we move to another gem among the best beach towns in Costa Rica that captures hearts with its artistic spirit and natural waterfalls.

‎

3. Montezuma

Best for:

Nature escapes, waterfalls, tide pools

Montezuma charms visitors with its boho soul, unpaved streets, and cascading waterfalls. Its beaches are wild and beautiful, framed by volcanic rock outcrops and tangled jungle. The town has become a favorite among artists and nature seekers who appreciate its unspoiled character.

Where to Stay:

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort features thatched bungalows just steps from the surf, surrounded by tropical gardens where howler monkeys provide the morning soundtrack.

Don't Miss:

Take a refreshing dip in Montezuma Falls, accessible via a short jungle hike. At low tide, explore the tide pools at Playa Las Manchas, where colorful marine life creates natural aquariums.

Montezuma appeals to travelers seeking authenticity over polish. This bohemian haven rewards visitors who appreciate natural beauty in its rawest form, making it a favorite among photographers and artists.

While Montezuma appeals to artistic souls, another entry on our list of the best beach towns in Costa Rica draws wellness enthusiasts and surf lovers seeking consistent waves.

‎

4. Nosara

Best for:

Wellness, consistent surf, expat community

Playa Guiones in Nosara offers some of Costa Rica's most reliable waves, attracting surfers and yogis from around the world. The eco-forward ethos and lack of streetlights in the town preserve its serene, jungle-meets-ocean ambiance, setting it apart from crowded beach destinations.

Where to Stay:

The Gilded Iguana operates as a modern surf lodge with understated luxury and a strong focus on wellness. The property reflects Nosara's balanced approach to beach living.

Don't Miss:

Start your day with sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Pacific, then catch some waves at Playa Guiones. During turtle season, visit the nearby Ostional Wildlife Refuge to witness one of nature's most incredible spectacles.

Nosara has mastered the art of sustainable tourism, creating a model for how beach towns can grow while preserving their natural essence. The strong expat community here has helped maintain high standards for both accommodation and environmental protection.

From Nosara's wellness-focused atmosphere, we turn to a gentler option among the best beach towns in Costa Rica that's perfect for families and those seeking calmer waters.

‎

5. Samara

Best for:

Calm waters, family getaways, easygoing charm

Samara's horseshoe-shaped bay creates naturally calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. This makes it ideal for families and travelers seeking a slower pace. The town's relaxed vibe and walkable streets invite unhurried beach days and spontaneous exploration.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Belvedere offers simple, stylish accommodations just minutes from the sand. The property's understated elegance matches the town's unpretentious charm.

Don't Miss:

Kayak to nearby Isla Chora for excellent snorkeling and access to a private stretch of pink-hued beach. The short paddle is manageable for most fitness levels and rewards you with pristine waters.

Samara represents Costa Rica's gentler side, where the pace slows down and simple pleasures take center stage. It's the kind of place where afternoon naps in hammocks feel not just acceptable, but essential.

While Samara offers family-friendly tranquility, whale enthusiasts will find their perfect match in another coastal gem that ranks among the best beach towns in Costa Rica for marine wildlife encounters.

‎‎

6. Uvita

Best for:

Whale watching, eco-adventures, natural beaches

Home to the iconic Whale's Tail sandbar and the annual humpback whale migration, Uvita remains a hidden gem along Costa Rica's less-traveled southern Pacific coast. Unspoiled beaches and rainforest retreats make it essential for nature lovers seeking authentic experiences.

Where to Stay:

Oxygen Jungle Villas features glass villas tucked into rainforest hills with infinity pools and sweeping ocean views. The property showcases how luxury can coexist with environmental consciousness.

Don't Miss:

Join a boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park during whale season (July-October and December-April) for close encounters with humpback whales. End your day with sunset cocktails at Sibu Café, where the ocean views are spectacular.

Uvita remains refreshingly undeveloped compared to other coastal destinations, making it a true find for travelers who value natural experiences over nightlife and shopping. The town's commitment to conservation ensures these whale migrations will continue for generations to come.

From Uvita's Pacific whale watching, we cross to the Caribbean coast where the best beach towns in Costa Rica take on a completely different cultural flavor.

‎

7. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Best for:

Afro-Caribbean culture, beachside nightlife, surf

On Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo pulses with reggae beats, bold flavors, and a vibrant surf scene. Its proximity to protected rainforests and coral reefs adds eco-adventure to its lively nightlife and eclectic food scene, creating a unique cultural blend.

Where to Stay:

Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel offers chic, design-led suites with breezy, tropical flair. The property perfectly captures the area's laid-back sophistication.

Don't Miss:

Challenge yourself with the powerful waves at Salsa Brava, one of Costa Rica's most famous surf breaks. For a gentler pace, take a lazy bike ride to Playa Punta Uva, where white sand meets turquoise Caribbean waters.

Puerto Viejo offers something completely different from the Pacific coast experience. The Caribbean influence creates a unique cultural blend that feels more like the islands than mainland Central America, complete with coconut rice, reggae rhythms, and a more relaxed approach to time.

Just up the coast from Puerto Viejo, we find our final destination that completes our tour of the best beach towns in Costa Rica with its peaceful Caribbean charm.

‎

8. Cahuita

Best for:

Snorkeling, low-key Caribbean vibes, wildlife

Cahuita retains a simpler, more relaxed atmosphere than its neighbors. Its namesake national park offers some of Costa Rica's best snorkeling opportunities and wildlife spotting, with monkeys and sloths often visible right overhead as you walk the beach.

Where to Stay:

Hotel La Diosa provides peaceful garden bungalows just steps from the sea. The intimate property embodies the town's unhurried pace.

Don't Miss:

Take a guided snorkel tour on Cahuita's living coral reef, where tropical fish create underwater rainbows. Spend a lazy afternoon on Playa Negra's unique black sands, formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Cahuita represents the quieter side of Caribbean Costa Rica, where the focus remains on natural beauty rather than development. The town's commitment to protecting its coral reef ensures that snorkeling here feels like exploring an underwater paradise that few tourists ever experience.

‎

Planning Your Perfect Costa Rican Beach Adventure

Each of these coastal destinations offers something unique, from Manuel Antonio's wildlife encounters to Puerto Viejo's Caribbean culture. The best beach towns in Costa Rica cater to different travel styles, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Consider your priorities when choosing where to stay:

• Active travelers might gravitate toward Santa Teresa or Nosara for surfing and yoga
• Families often prefer Samara's calm waters and gentle pace
• Wildlife enthusiasts typically love Manuel Antonio and Uvita for their national parks and marine life

No matter which destination you choose, Costa Rica's coastal towns promise unforgettable experiences where pristine beaches meet rich biodiversity and warm local culture. Pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover why these beaches consistently rank among Central America's most beloved destinations.