15 Best Towns + Cities in Costa Rica [An Insider’s Guide]

Well known for its pristine rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and one-of-a-kind eco-resorts and eco-lodges dotting untouched landscapes, Costa Rica has long been a bucket list destination for travelers. Costa Rica isn’t particularly known for its cities – many travelers skip them entirely on their way to beach towns and yoga retreats – though the country offers a rich array of destinations to consider as you plan your Costa Rica itinerary.

Read on for an insider’s guide to the best towns and cities in Costa Rica for travelers. From the bustling capital of San José to villages and towns that barely appear on a map, these are the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Looking to fill your itinerary with some of the charming fishing villages and vibrant coastal cities in Costa Rica that have made this country such a popular destination with travelers? We asked travel experts about the best places to visit in Costa Rica and found some interesting answers! These are some of the best spots in Costa Rica to consider.

While some of these cities in Costa Rica are little more than tiny towns, these are the places to visit in Costa Rica you won’t want to leave off your itinerary!

1. Manuel Antonio

Easily among the best places to visit in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is one of the most notable destinations in Costa Rica because of its combination of incredible beaches and its stunning national park.

The beaches in the city are lovely, with soft sand, tropical palms swaying, and beautiful blue-green water. However, Manuel Antonio National Park is the highlight of a visit, known for its incredible biodiversity, which includes several species of monkeys, sloths, tropical frogs and snakes, coati, toucans, iguanas, dolphins, and many other birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles. 

The city of Manuel Antonio itself is fairly small and is a bit of a unique beach town in that most of the city is located on a hill. Most hotels and accommodations in Manuel Antonio are located in the middle of the jungle and on the edge of the hill, overlooking the ocean from above. Some of the best resorts in Costa Rica are nearby.

2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this side of the country. This small town has a unique and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.

One of the undeniable draws of Puerto Viejo is its beautiful beaches. Plan your itinerary by visiting the several stunning beaches nearby, including Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Playa Punta Uva, considered one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. These beaches offer clear blue waters, white sand, and opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.

In addition to the beaches, Puerto Viejo is known for its vibrant culture and delicious food. The town has a strong Afro-Caribbean influence, and visitors can sample delicious dishes such as rice and beans, plantains, and fresh seafood. A day trip to Cahuita National Park to hike through the rainforest, spot wildlife such as monkeys and sloths, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the park’s coral reef, is another must.

3. Tamarindo

Tamarindo is easily one of the best cities in Costa Rica to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for a beach getaway. This small city sits on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, offering some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen and waves that are gentle enough for swimming and those learning to surf for the first time. 

Besides the ocean, there are plenty of other fun things to do and see in Tamarindo. The foodie scene is amazing here, and you’ll find plenty of top-rated restaurants to visit just by wandering the busy little streets. There are also lots of nice bars on the beach (perfect for enjoying that spectacular sunset) as well as the local craft brewery, Volcano Brewing Co. You can also visit the local markets to buy some locally made souvenirs. 

4. Nosara

Nosara is a surfer’s paradise at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The lush jungle meets perfect peeling waves at Playa Guiones, just one of the main stretches of pristine beach in Nosara, best left to the more experienced surfers.    

Swap out crowded and busy main roads of nearby cities in Costa Rica for neighborhoods with small dirt roads dotted with restaurants and shops in Nosara. There is plenty to do here, including taking surfing lessons, zip lining, discovering the beautiful neighboring beaches, and taking a guided tour through one of Nosara’s nature preserves. It’s no wonder so many expats and remote workers now call this charming town home.

5. La Fortuna

Located around 2.5 hours from the capital San Jose, La Fortuna is located in the Northern Highlands of Costa Rica. The town itself has plenty of restaurants and bars, but the real draw is its famous backdrop, the remarkable Arenal Volcano. 

This active volcano provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and relaxing in the thermal hot springs that surround it. For adrenaline junkies, there are plenty of experiences on offer, from exploring La Fortuna waterfall to canyoning and rappelling, white water rafting, quad biking, and zip-lining.

For wildlife enthusiasts, be on the lookout for toucans and sloths, and those looking for some culture can visit a coffee or chocolate farm for a tour and tasting! La Fortuna is also great for those looking for unique stays as it is home to some of the best treehouses in Costa Rica, where you can expect epic views of the lush rainforest and wildlife encounters.

6. San José

The capital city of Costa Rica doesn’t tend to get much love from travelers. Despite being well located for exploring the rest of the country and having plenty of amenities, San José just can’t live up to the beach town feel and laid-back vibes that so many travelers are dreaming of when they head to Costa Rica

It’s not for lack of things to do in San José! Take a tour of the city and visit memorable spots like the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica with its lavish interiors or take a food tour to give traditional Costa Rican dishes a try. Whether you just pass through San José at the start of your Costa Rica itinerary or opt to base yourself here for a few easy day trips, you might be surprised will all that the largest cities in Costa Rica – like San José! – have to offer.

Read More: 11 Best Day Trips from San José

7. Dominical

Dominical is a small, laid-back beach town on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, home to what is considered one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. While the town may be small, between its beautiful beaches, waterfalls, delicious restaurants, and lush jungles and rivers, Dominical is one of the best small cities in Costa Rica for travelers.

One of the best things to do in Dominical is to enjoy the beach, which is considered good for swimming and one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. Another incredible thing to do in Dominical is to visit the 200-foot Nauyaca Waterfalls and swim in their refreshing lower pools. To reach the Nauyaca Falls, hike for about an hour through lush forests or take a guided tour to the falls in either a truck or on horseback. Dominical also has several delicious restaurants, including the treehouse-style Fuego Brewery and Cafe Mono Congo, which overlooks the wild Baru River in Dominical.

8. Santa Teresa

The surf haven of Santa Teresa is one of the smaller cities in Costa Rica, nestled into the country’s wild western coastline. It’s now officially on the map with travelers, with avocado toast and matcha lattes popping up in trendy cafes and cool Santa Teresa hotels dotting a main strip that attracts a younger international crowd.

What started as a sleepy seaside village is now one of the top spots for surfing in Costa Rica. As its main drawcard, you can find a plethora of locals offering surfing lessons all along its expansive golden beaches. Alternatively, you can venture into Santa Teresa’s verdant jungle, rent an ATV, and explore the bohemian town of Montezuma and its stunning waterfall of the same name. Or for the epitome of paradise, take a day tour to Tortuga Island for snorkeling and more.

9. Drake Bay

When you wish to go wild in Costa Rica, there are few better places than Drake Bay. Hidden away along the country’s lesser-visited southwest coast, it’s the destination for laid-back travelers looking to enjoy pristine waters and paradise beaches.

Part of the mainland but with the sense and spirit of an island community, Drake Bay is accessible only by speedboat or tiny plane. This remoteness adds to its appeal, and the ride along the river through the mangrove forest to reach town is a memorable experience all on its own. It’s also known as one of the country’s best spots for whale watching.

Saved from the level of tourism development witnessed elsewhere on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Drake Bay caters to both budget travelers and those looking for secluded, luxurious ecolodges hidden among forest canopy or steps from the cluster of virgin beaches on the coast.

10. Monteverde

Monteverde is a magical spot in the heart of the cloud forest of central Costa Rica.  It is an absolute must for nature enthusiasts or visitors who want to experience some of the world’s most beautiful and lush rainforest scenery.

While there are plenty of things to do in Monteverde, exploring Monteverde’s cloud forest is by far the most remarkable reason to add a trip to Monteverde to your Costa Rica itinerary.  With over 26,000 acres of protected forest, Monteverde is home to stunning flora and fauna you have to see to believe, including the quetzal, a beautiful iridescent bird found in the jungles.

There are many trails and hanging bridges to explore, with a number of zip line courses that crisscross the mountains for unmatched vistas over the canopy. A guided night walk through the cloud forest is a must for anyone curious to see the jungle come alive at night.

11. Cahuita

One of the best places to visit in Costa Rica is Cahuita, one of the small coastal cities located in the province of Limón on the Caribbean coastline. Cahuita is particularly well known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere. 

One of the main attractions is the Cahuita National Park, where you can hike through the rainforest and along the coastline to observe a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and even iguanas. You can also go snorkeling in the park’s coral reefs where you can see a variety of colorful fish amongst the crystal-clear waters.

The town has a lively music and dance scene where music can often be heard playing in the streets and at bars/restaurants. You can also sample traditional dishes including fried plantains and spicy seafood stews.

12. Jacó

One of the best cities in Costa Rica has to be Jacó. Situated on the country’s west coast on the Pacific Ocean, Jacó is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Costa Rican culture and friendly locals. 

For a little relaxation, check out Jacó Beach, considered by many to be among the best beaches in Costa Rica. However, if you love to keep active, Jacó has one of the best surf spots in the whole country. Locals come from across the country just to ride the waves, renting boards from beach renters or more formal providers in town. 

Jacó is also really easy to get to, making it a favorite for travelers among other coastal cities in Costa Rica. There are loads of buses going from San Jose’s downtown bus station. Each ticket costs between $5-$10 and takes two hours to the Playa Jacó bus station. Alternatively, there’s a bus direct from Quepos if you’re visiting Manuel Antonio.

13. Puntarenas

With a population of over 35,000 people, Puntarenas feels like a bustling port city when compared to nearby beach towns, but it is a great base for a beach-hopping trip or a quick excursion from San José.

One of the main attractions here is the Paseo de los Turistas, a long boardwalk that’s perfect for strolling, sunbathing, or just taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean. You can even watch the local fishermen in action and maybe even learn a thing or two about their trade.

Another unique experience that you simply can’t miss is a visit to Isla San Lucas, which was once a prison island and is now a nature reserve. You can take a guided tour of the island and learn about its fascinating history while surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It’s like getting a glimpse into the past while also taking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

14. Samara

Samara is among the charming, smaller cities that dot the Nicoya Peninsula. While not a huge tourist spot (yet), Samara is full of activities for travelers of all interests – plan your visit now before it becomes like other cities in Costa Rica more overrun with travelers.

Travelers looking for a laid-back vibe will love the slower pace of Samara.  Samara offers many yoga studios and plenty of healthy restaurant options for post-practice.  You can also make the short drive to the neighboring beach Playa Carrillo.  Here you’ll find a huge, undeveloped beach to really find peace and relaxation. Families in Samara will love horseback riding on the beach, body-boarding, or even surfing.  There are multiple surf schools to choose from, all of which are great for helping kids learn.

15. Uvita

Uvita is a small coastal town in the province of Puntarenas in Costa Rica, mainly known for the giant pods of humpback whales that pass by Marino Ballena National Park every year between July and March.

Travelers who visit Uvita are spoilt for choices when it comes to things to do. One of the main draws is the vast “whale tail” of Marino Ballena National Park that pops out of the ocean at low tide. While you can’t really witness the magnificence of the whale tale from the beach, it’s a spectacular site seen from the sky, so make sure to bring your drone!

You’ll want to add some hiking to your itinerary in Uvita, as the waterfalls in and around town are simply sublime. If you don’t have your own transport, you can visit Uvita waterfall, which is just a short walk from the town center. The El Pavon waterfall and the Naucaya waterfalls are also easily reachable from Uvita in half an hour by car.