Costa Rica’s Pacific coast stretches over 600 miles and contains dozens of beach towns, each with distinct personalities and attractions. Choosing the right beach town makes the difference between a mediocre vacation and an unforgettable experience. The five towns below represent the best options for different types of travelers, from party seekers to nature lovers.

These rankings reflect popularity, accessibility, and the unique experiences each town offers. All five towns sit on the Pacific side where dry season runs December through April with minimal rain and consistent sunshine. Each town provides different beach conditions, price points, and activity options that appeal to specific travel styles.

This guide covers what makes each beach town special, how to get there, and who should visit. You’ll understand which town matches your vacation goals and what to expect when you arrive.

1. Jacó – Best for Nightlife and Easy Access

Jacó combines convenient access with active nightlife and consistent surf breaks. The town sits just 90 minutes from San José airport on well-paved Highway 34, making it the easiest Pacific beach to reach. This proximity attracts weekend crowds from San José along with international tourists looking for a party atmosphere.

The beach stretches for miles with dark volcanic sand and strong waves. Water conditions favor experienced swimmers and surfers rather than casual beach loungers. The town’s main appeal comes from its walkable downtown strip packed with restaurants, bars, shops, and services rather than pristine beach conditions.

Getting There and Beach Overview

The drive from San José airport takes about 90 minutes on Highway 27 through the mountains, then south on Highway 34 along the coast. The entire route is paved and well-maintained. You’ll pass the famous crocodile bridge at Tárcoles where massive crocodiles gather below.

Jacó’s main beach runs parallel to the central boulevard where most businesses concentrate. The beach is wide with gravel-like dark sand. Waves break consistently, drawing surfers of all skill levels. The southern end offers calmer conditions for beginners, while the northern section has bigger waves.

Red flags appear frequently due to strong currents and riptides. Swimming requires caution and awareness of conditions. The water stays murky compared to beaches further north, though this doesn’t deter the surf crowd.

Nightlife and Activities

Jacó’s nightlife scene operates year-round with multiple bars, clubs, and casinos concentrated along the main strip. The Green Room serves as a popular restaurant and local art collective. Cocal Hotel and surrounding bars stay busy most nights with music and crowds.

Surfing dominates daytime activities. Multiple surf shops rent boards and offer lessons for beginners. The beach accommodates all skill levels with different break points. Horseback riding tours operate daily along the beach, providing sunset ride options.

The town has a well-stocked supermarket, multiple gyms, and all essential services within walking distance. You’ll find everything from budget sodas to upscale restaurants. ATMs, pharmacies, and rental car offices cluster in the downtown area.

Drone view of Jaco beach. The water is great for surfing but not so much for swimming.

Best For

Jacó works best for travelers who prioritize nightlife, easy airport access, and don’t mind crowded beaches. Young travelers and groups looking to party find Jacó delivers consistent entertainment. Surfers appreciate the reliable breaks and numerous surf shops.

Skip Jacó if you want quiet beaches, clear water, or a laid-back atmosphere. Families with young children should consider calmer beach towns. The party scene and strong waves make this town better suited for adults and experienced swimmers.

2. Tamarindo – Most Popular Surf Town

Tamarindo ranks as Costa Rica’s most developed beach town with the widest range of accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators. The town evolved from a quiet fishing village into a bustling tourist hub that stays busy year-round. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts concentrated along the main beachfront road.

The beach itself stretches wide with gentle waves perfect for beginner surfing lessons. Multiple surf schools operate daily, making Tamarindo the top destination for first-time surfers. The town’s popularity means crowds, traffic, and higher prices compared to other beach destinations.

Getting There and Beach Overview

Liberia International Airport sits just 90 minutes from Tamarindo via well-paved roads. The drive takes you through Filadelfia and Belén before reaching the coast at Huacas. You’ll turn at Villarreal and continue straight into town, arriving at the iconic Tamarindo sign at the beach.

The main beach runs along the central strip where most businesses concentrate. At low tide, the beach expands dramatically with tidal pools forming near the rocks. These pools attract families with kids who can safely explore marine life. The estuary at the south end creates calmer conditions ideal for swimming.

Water temperature stays warm year-round. The beach has both sandy areas and rocky sections depending on tides. Playa Grande sits across the estuary with bigger waves for advanced surfers.

Surfing and Water Sports

Tamarindo built its reputation on beginner-friendly surf conditions. The middle section of the beach has gentle, rolling waves perfect for learning. Surf instructors wearing bright vests work with students throughout the day. Board rentals start around $15 for a few hours.

More advanced surfers head to the north end of the beach or cross to Playa Grande for bigger breaks. The variety of surf spots within minutes makes Tamarindo appealing for mixed-skill groups. You can progress from beginner to intermediate waves without leaving the area.

Beyond surfing, you’ll find snorkeling tours, sportfishing charters, and catamaran sunset cruises. Jet ski rentals operate from the beach. The Diria Resort has a convention center, casino, and multiple restaurants. Shops sell everything from souvenirs to high-end beachwear along the main strip.

The beach at Tamarindo is always lively. Lots of surfing instructors and vendors are set up along the beach. The sandy area is very wide so it’s great for some soccer.

Best For

Tamarindo suits travelers who want infrastructure, nightlife options, and easy access to services. Beginner surfers find this town perfect for learning with numerous schools and forgiving waves. Groups appreciate the variety of restaurants, bars, and activity options concentrated in one walkable area.

Avoid Tamarindo if you seek quiet, authentic Costa Rican culture, or pristine beaches. The town feels touristy and overdeveloped. Traffic congestion on the main road gets frustrating during high season. Prices run higher than less developed beach towns.

3. Playas del Coco – Best for Diving and Budget Travelers

Playas del Coco delivers authentic Costa Rican beach town vibes without the tourist markup. Local families visit on weekends while expats and budget travelers appreciate the reasonable prices and laid-back atmosphere. The town maintains its fishing village roots despite growing popularity among tourists.

The beach has calm waters protected by the bay, making it ideal for swimming and families with children. Rock formations at low tide create natural pools where kids can explore safely. The town’s central location provides easy access to nearby beaches and the Liberia airport.

Getting There and Beach Overview

Liberia International Airport is just 30 minutes from Playas del Coco, making it one of the closest beach towns to international flights. The entire drive follows well-paved roads through the countryside. You’ll reach the main intersection in downtown Coco where restaurants, shops, and services cluster.

The beach curves in a protected bay with calmer conditions than exposed Pacific beaches. Swimming stays safe year-round with minimal strong currents. The northern end near Los Palmas has clearer water and better swimming than the central beach area. A nice walking path runs along the entire beachfront with benches and shade.

Rock formations extend into the water creating interesting features along the shoreline. The beach has both sandy sections and rocky areas. A pier extends into the bay where fishing boats and tour operators dock.

Activities and Amenities

The Gym operates in central Coco for $10 per day with quality equipment including free weights, cardio machines, and functional training areas. Sidewalks make walking between the beach and downtown easy and safe. Multiple supermarkets including Super Compro provide groceries at local prices.

Diving tours depart daily from the pier. The waters around Coco access excellent dive sites including the Catalina Islands. Nearby beaches like Playa Penca and Ocotal provide excellent snorkeling in clear water just minutes away by car. Sportfishing charters are easy to arrange. Jet ski rentals operate from the beach. Catamaran sunset cruises visit secluded beaches along the coast.

Los Palmas condos are a 10-minute walk south with units renting for $60-120 per night. The Sunday market near Garden Bar runs from early morning until noon with local vendors selling produce, crafts, and prepared foods. Coconuts bar and Z Lounge provide nightlife options without the overwhelming party scene of Jacó or Tamarindo.

The Gym in Playas del Coco is located right in the middle of town. It has everything you’ll need from weights to machines, and some functional training areas.

Best For

Playas del Coco works perfectly for budget-conscious travelers who want authentic local culture and calm swimming conditions. Families appreciate the safe beach and reasonable accommodation prices. Divers find easy access to quality dive sites. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby beaches like Ocotal, Hermosa, and Panama.

Skip Coco if you want luxury resorts, big waves for surfing, or extensive nightlife. The beach isn’t the most scenic in Costa Rica. Water clarity doesn’t match more remote locations, though it’s perfectly fine for swimming.

4. Uvita – Best for Nature and Whale Watching

Uvita combines natural beauty with eco-tourism focus in a small beach town that hasn’t succumbed to overdevelopment. The famous whale’s tail sandbar formation at Marino Ballena National Park draws visitors during low tide when you can walk out on the distinctive shape. Humpback whales migrate through these waters twice yearly, making Uvita Costa Rica’s premier whale watching destination.

The town maintains a quiet, nature-focused atmosphere compared to party towns like Jacó or Tamarindo. You’ll find yoga retreats, organic markets, and eco-lodges rather than casinos and nightclubs. Mountains rise dramatically behind the coast creating a stunning backdrop.

Getting There and Beach Overview

Uvita is located about 3 hours south of San José airport along Highway 34. The drive takes you down the Pacific coast through Jacó and past Manuel Antonio. The main highway runs directly through Uvita, making navigation simple. Look for signs to the Saturday market or the national park entrance.

The whale’s tail formation at Marino Ballena National Park is visible at low tide. This natural sandbar extends into the ocean forming the distinctive shape that gives the area its name. The national park protects several beaches with jungle backing right up to the sand. Swimming conditions vary by location and tide.

The town itself spreads along the highway with businesses and accommodations scattered rather than concentrated. The beach requires a short drive or walk from most hotels. Water temperature stays warm year-round with generally calm conditions protected by the bay.

Whale’s Tail and Saturday Market

The Saturday market operates from early morning until early afternoon near the main highway. Local vendors sell organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan breads, goat cheese, and prepared foods. You’ll find wooden spoons and cutting boards made from Costa Rican teak, essential oils, crystals, jewelry, and recycled wood furniture. The market atmosphere feels authentically local rather than touristy.

Marino Ballena National Park charges a small entrance fee to access the whale’s tail and beaches. Check tide charts before visiting to walk out on the sandbar formation at low tide. The park has facilities, rangers, and marked trails through coastal jungle.

Humpback whales migrate through these waters from July to November and again from December to April. Multiple tour operators run whale watching boats from Uvita. Success rates for sightings run high during peak migration months. Tours also visit secluded beaches and snorkeling spots along the coast.

The weekly farmers market held in Uvita is a great place to meet local vendors.

Best For

Uvita works perfectly for nature lovers, whale watchers, and travelers seeking a quiet beach town with eco-tourism focus. The Saturday market attracts visitors interested in organic local products and handmade goods. Families enjoy the calm swimming conditions and natural attractions without the party atmosphere of northern beach towns.

Skip Uvita if you want nightlife, extensive dining options, or a walkable downtown with shops. The town spreads out along the highway requiring a car to get around easily. Services and infrastructure are more limited than in Tamarindo or Jacó.

5. Santa Teresa – Best for Advanced Surfing and Bohemian Vibes

Santa Teresa attracts advanced surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a bohemian beach vibe. The town spreads along a single main road that runs parallel to the coast with consistent world-class surf breaks. Development has increased in recent years, but Santa Teresa maintains a more laid-back atmosphere than Tamarindo or Jacó.

The waves here challenge intermediate to advanced surfers with powerful breaks and strong currents. Beach conditions favor experienced ocean swimmers over casual waders. The town draws a younger, international crowd including many European and South American visitors who stay for extended periods.

Getting There and Beach Overview

Santa Teresa requires more effort to reach than northern beach towns. From Liberia airport, you can drive south along the coast for several hours. From San José, many travelers take the Puntarenas ferry to Paquera, then drive across the Nicoya Peninsula. The final stretch into Santa Teresa includes winding hills and some rough road sections.

The main road runs along the coast with the beach accessible at multiple points. Playa Carmen marks the northern end with slightly calmer conditions. The beach stretches for miles with consistent surf breaks along its length. Sand is lighter colored than Jacó with clearer water conditions.

Low tide exposes extensive beach area perfect for walking and exploring. The water temperature stays warm year-round. Rocky outcrops create varied surf conditions along different sections of beach.

Surfing and Beach Scene

Santa Teresa built its reputation on powerful, consistent surf breaks that attract experienced surfers from around the world. The waves require solid swimming ability and surf experience. Surf schools operate for those looking to advance their skills, but this isn’t the place to learn basics.

You’ll see surfers carrying boards on ATVs, which are extremely popular for getting around town. Golf carts also dominate the roads. Many visitors don’t bother with helmets, though the police presence stays minimal. The casual enforcement creates a relaxed vibe that appeals to the bohemian crowd.

The town has grown considerably with new hotels, restaurants, and shops appearing regularly. A Mega Super provides groceries. Enterprise rental cars has a location in town. Multiple yoga studios, healthy restaurants, and juice bars cater to the wellness-focused demographic. Nightlife exists but focuses more on beach bars and sunset gatherings than clubs.

The beach area at Santa Teresa. Super chill vibes with a great view.

Best For

Santa Teresa works best for experienced surfers seeking consistent, challenging waves in a bohemian setting. Digital nomads and long-term travelers appreciate the international community and yoga scene. The town suits travelers comfortable with rough road access and higher prices than mainland beach towns.

Skip Santa Teresa if you’re a beginner surfer, traveling with young children, or want easy beach swimming. The remote location and rough roads make access more difficult. Prices run higher than more accessible beach towns due to the effort required to transport goods.

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