10 Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Surfing, Swimming & Sunbathing

Located in Guanacaste, Playa Tamarindo is a lively and popular surf town beloved for its consistent waves, nightlife and easy beginner surf breaks. I found it to be undeniably touristy, but it’s also a great family-friendly spot and a solid place to learn how to surf. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and beach bars hosting parties late into the night.

If you’re looking for a “no worries” beach experience with lots of amenities, Tamarindo checks all the boxes, even if it doesn’t feel as “off the beaten path” as some other Costa Rican destinations. It’s also a convenient jumping-off point for exploring other beaches in the region.

A short drive south from Tamarindo (and easily accessed via the town of Brasilito), Playa Conchal offers a more tranquil setting with a unique twist: instead of traditional sand, its shoreline is made up of millions of crushed seashells. When the sun hits those shimmering shells, the beach practically glows.

Playa Conchal has calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You may catch glimpses of colorful fish—or even the occasional stingray—just off the shore. Vendors wander by selling fresh ceviche and cold coconut water, but aside from that, this beach remains wonderfully low-key and secluded.

Heading deeper down the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is where wellness fanatics gather. Known for its surf-and-yoga culture, Nosara draws a health-conscious, relaxed crowd looking to recharge. The main beach, Playa Guiones, is a broad, sandy stretch perfect for surfing—beginners will appreciate the mellow waves closer to shore, while more advanced surfers can head out to the bigger breaks.

Nosara’s layout is spread out, so renting an ATV or bike is your best bet for exploring. Between yoga studios, organic cafes and boutique shops, Nosara is all about balance. Grab a green juice, hit a yoga class and then cool off in the Pacific—life here is blissfully intentional and slow-paced.

Further south on the Nicoya Peninsula is Playa Samara, often touted as a favorite “local getaway.” This small, laid-back town feels authentically Tico, offering a calm and family-friendly beach. The water is warm, shallow and great for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. One of my favorite things about Samara is that it’s incredibly walkable (unusual for Costa Rica) so you can explore the town on foot.

You’ll find beachfront cafes serving up fresh ceviche, cold beers and that quintessential pura vida vibe. It doesn’t have the party scene of Tamarindo, but its simplicity and charm more than make up for it. Just south of Samara there is also Playa Carrillo, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica. Think palm-fringed shores, turquoise waters and hardly any crowds. A must-visit!

At the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a bohemian paradise (and my personal favorite on the list). The roads are dusty, the energy is laid-back and the surfing scene is world-class. You’ll see ATVs kicking up trails of dust, surfers heading to the beach with boards tucked under their arms and friendly travelers from all over the globe mingling in local cafes.

Getting here involves a ferry ride (if coming from the mainland near Puntarenas), but the effort is worth it. The long, rugged beaches and consistent waves make Santa Teresa a favorite among surfers, yogis and anyone looking for that barefoot, tropical dreamland.

Moving toward the central Pacific coast, Playa Jaco is just an hour and a half’s drive from San José, making it one of the most accessible beach towns in Costa Rica. Jaco was my first stop in Costa Rica and it gave me a great introduction to the country. The town has a reputation for a fun, slightly party-oriented vibe, but it’s also family-friendly, with plenty of activities from surfing to ATV tours. Its wide, busy beach offers consistent waves that cater to surfers of all levels, perfect if you’re looking to book your first lesson.

If you’re up for a short 15–20 minute drive, Playa Hermosa is a quieter spot popular for its powerful surf breaks. Hermosa is a favorite for more experienced surfers, though beginners are welcome to watch the action or even take a lesson if they’re feeling adventurous. The beach is also less crowded than Jaco and offers a more relaxed ambiance.

Continuing down the central Pacific coast, you’ll hit Manuel Antonio, which truly feels like stepping into a postcard. The main beach, with its powdery white sand and clear blue water, is framed by lush jungle, where you’ll spot monkeys swinging through the trees. Located just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason.

I spent hours lounging on the beach, sipping piña coladas from a nearby bar and soaking in the beauty of my surroundings. (Although, I did get stung by a jellyfish here—thankfully, those cocktails helped dull the sting!) If you’re visiting the park, make sure to take a break from hiking to relax on Playa Espadilla, a gorgeous long stretch of beach. You have to pay to enter the park but the beach alone is worth it. And don’t be surprised if a curious monkey or sloth decides to join you!

Venturing further south, Uvita puts you front and center with nature. This small town on the Pacific coast feels untouched, with dense jungle spilling onto quiet beaches. The highlight here is the iconic whale’s tail sandbar, a natural formation best seen from above during low tide.

While in Uvita, I hiked to nearby waterfalls and spent lazy afternoons on the beach. It’s not as developed as other beach towns, so having a car is essential, but the lack of crowds makes it worth it. Uvita feels like a hidden paradise where you can truly disconnect and hang out with the lovely locals.

Near the southern tip of the Pacific coast, Playa Carate is your gateway to Corcovado National Park—one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Getting there involves a long drive on bumpy roads, but the reward is an otherworldly mix of rainforest and beach.

You might spot scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and possibly even a puma or jaguar track (if you’re extremely lucky). It’s a great place for intrepid travelers who want to experience Costa Rica’s more raw, natural beauty. If you’re craving a more off-the-grid experience, Carate and Corcovado should be high on your list.

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is a world apart from the Pacific and is known for its reggae music, Afro-Caribbean culture and beaches that feel wild and free. I didn’t make it to this area on my trip, but friends who have raved about the laid-back energy and stunning beaches. It’s more rugged than the Pacific coast, with spotty Wi-Fi and fewer ATMs/amenities, so plan ahead. But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, the Caribbean side is worth the trek.

Punta Uva is in the town of Limon and is considered to be one of the Caribbean coast’s most beautiful beaches. The water here is calm and crystal-clear, so it’s perfect for snorkeling or simply floating under the sun. Punta Uva feels like a private oasis surrounded by verdant jungle. It’s less crowded than other beaches in the area too, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of pure relaxation.