12 Best Beaches in Costa Rica [An Insider’s Guide]

Costa Rica is best known for its lush jungles, wellness retreats, and the best beaches in Central America. With hidden, laid-back beach towns on the Caribbean coast and built-up resort towns and epic surf spots on the Pacific coast, it’s just a matter of taking your pick: the beaches of Costa Rica have it all.

Read on for the ultimate insider’s guide to the best beaches in Costa Rica. As you plan your trip to Costa Rica, use this guide to find the Costa Rica beaches perfect for the exact getaway you’re looking for, whether that includes long, lazy days at an all-inclusive resort or surfing legendary waves in tiny, hidden beach towns.

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Best Beaches in Costa Rica

If you’re headed to the beaches of Costa Rica for your dream waterfront escape, you’re in luck. There are fewer more impressive spots in the Americas. These are my top recommendations for some of the best beaches in Costa Rica:

• Best Beach on the Pacific Coast: Playa Conchal
• Best Beach on the Caribbean Coast: Playa Punta Uva
• Best Beach Near San José: Playa Manuel Antonio

There are advantages and disadvantages to beaches on both coasts of Costa Rica. Pacific Coast beaches tend to be rougher, which is better for surfing, and with slightly darker sand, though the longer coastline is home to the best beaches and resort towns in the country. On the Atlantic Coast, whiter sands and smaller crowds are alluring, though this coast has few larger resorts and is mostly tiny, rustic beach towns.

Whether you pick between the two coasts or have time to explore both, you’ll love what you find on the beaches of Costa Rica.

1. Playa Conchal

Best Beach on the Pacific Coast

Easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the beachy Pacific coast province of Guanacaste, Playa Conchal is considered among the best beaches in Costa Rica – but don’t come looking for ultra-fine white sand! This unique beach is composed almost entirely of tiny seashells, making a visit a memorable one. Just remember to bring a towel if you plan on laying out all day.

This beach has plenty of amenities, including vendors and beach shacks offering food and drinks, as well as spots to rent equipment for watersports like snorkeling and even jet skis. The beach is most easily accessible for guests at The Westin Reserva Conchal or W Costa Rica Resort – Reserva Conchal, but it’s also popular with visitors who make a day trip to enjoy this unique and beautiful beach.

2. Playa Punta Uva

Best Beach on the Caribbean Coast

One of the southernmost beaches on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is the unbeatable Playa Punta Uva. The growing popularity of nearby Puerto Viejo means that the white sand Playa Punta Uva is no longer a true hidden gem, though it retains much of the rustic charm and tucked-away feel that it has always enjoyed.

Start the day at the black sand beach in neighboring Puerto Viejo before heading south to Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita; your beach-hopping will end on a high note at Playa Punta Uva. This 15-minute route is easily accessible via taxi, a rental car, or even by bike.

Read More: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica: Ultimate Travel Guide

3. Playa Manuel Antonio

Best Beach Near San José

The most popular beach located within the famous Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio National Park), the central Playa Manuel Antonio is lauded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. With its long expanse of white sand and generally calm waters, it makes for a great day trip from San José, though you’ll wish you had even more days to spend here.

Many travelers make the most of a visit to Playa Manuel Antonio as part of a day trip, including a guided tour of what is one of the country’s most famous national parks, which is an especially hassle-free option if you don’t want to rent your own car.

Word has certainly gotten out about just how beautiful this beach is, so it can get crowded on the weekends, holidays, and during high season for travel. If you’re looking for something a but more tranquil, head to nearby Playa Biesanz, Playa Espadilla, or even Playa Tulemar, all just a few minutes north of the national park.

4. Playa Tamarindo

It wasn’t long ago that the Pacific Coast town of Tamarindo, now one of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica, was just a small fishing village. Now travelers flock here; just an hour south of the Liberia International Airport, many travelers skip San José altogether and spend their entire trip using Tamarindo and its beachfront as a base for exploring this dreamy northern region of the country.

Tamarindo remains relatively small, but it boasts plenty of places to see and things to do. The waves can get strong, making it popular with surfers who stop for lessons at the town’s surf schools. Swimmers will prefer nearby Langosta Beach, with few waves and popular with families.

5. Playa Jaco

One of the closest beaches to the capital and a popular day trip from San José for travelers on a shorter itinerary in Costa Rica, Playa Jaco is arguably one of the country’s most popular beaches. With its long, wide stretch of sand, beautiful rocky viewpoints perfect for watching the sunset, and abundant beach amenities, it’s a popular choice with travelers of all kinds.

While the town of Jaco lacks much of the charm of some of the other beach towns on this list, it has all the amenities you could ask for: a wide range of restaurants and accommodation options, surf schools, and plenty of transportation options for reaching the city and beyond. Round out a trip with a visit to Playa Hermosa, a surf spot with larger waves located just to the south, or the popular Playa Herradura to the north.

6. Playa Manzanillo

Playa Manzanillo is a favorite beach in Costa Rica, but take care when planning your trip! There are actually TWO famous Playa Manzanillo beaches in Costa Rica, one on the Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas and one on the Caribbean coast in Limón. For the purposes of this list, I won’t even decide between the two, as I think both earn their spot among the best beaches in the country.

Playa Manzanillo, Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast is arguably the better-known of Costa Rica’s two beaches of the same name. Located near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Manzanillo is north of major surfing spots, though its curved shape makes it more protected and ideal for swimming. With just one local restaurant facing the beach, you’ll enjoy the local, relaxed feel of this beautiful beach, a hidden gem among some of the area’s more popular and crowded destinations.

If you’re heading to the Caribbean Coast, you’ll find an impressive Playa Manzanillo just south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and the impressive Playa Uva Grande. The Caribbean Playa Manzanillo is a laid-back beach facing a tiny town of the same name, which has long been a favorite with backpackers and surfers.

7. Playa Biesanz

Just north of Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Biesanz is a stunning and relatively off-the-beaten-path beach if you’re looking to escape the sometimes crowded Playa Manuel Antonio. Just a small cove with tranquil waters, Playa Biesanz is the perfect place for swimming, kayaking, or even snorkeling, with gear rentals available on the shore.

Even better? Playa Biesanz is surrounded by an ultra-lush jungle that teems with unique wildlife, making a visit to this hidden Costa Rican beach part jungle walk and part day on the sand. To reach the beach, visitors need to take a jungle path from the parking area, though the walk is only about 10 minutes and relatively easy. You’ll spot howler monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds along the way.

8. Playa Dominical

A hippie yogi paradise located on the country’s Pacific Coast south of San José, the tiny town of Dominical boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. The town’s coastline is home to a few distinct beaches, with Playa Dominical considered a surfer’s paradise and the tiny cove known as Playa Dominicalito considered better for swimming, with much smaller waves.

With its laid-back vibe, abundance of accommodation options, and opportunities for experiences like wellness retreats, snorkeling, and jungle excursions, it’s easy to see why this tiny town is a favorite with backpackers. Make sure to visit the Nauyaca waterfalls north of town are gorgeous and relatively easily accessible, though you’ll want to bring along good shoes for slippery steps and a bathing suit to enjoy the refreshing swimming holes along the river.

9. Playa Quesera

Located within the Curú Wildlife Refuge, Playa Quesera is a protected beach that easily ranks among the most beautiful Costa Rica beach destinations on either coast. With pure white sand and warm, tranquil waters, it’s as dreamy of a beach destination as you’ll find anywhere.

Given the beach’s protected surroundings, accessing its sandy shores is a bit more challenging. Visitors will need to take a 20-minute boat ride to reach the beachfront or plan on a 1.5-hour hike through the refuge to access the shores. However, the journey is worth it, and the hike will reward you with an incredible opportunity to spot unique flora and fauna, itself a highlight for travelers.

Despite its remote location, Playa Quesara beach amenities like bathrooms, a restaurant, and even rental cabins where visitors can stay overnight.

10. Playa Rajada

Despite being one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the much-visited province of Guanacaste, Playa Rajada is still thoroughly off the beaten path for most travelers. This makes it a great choice for in-the-know travelers looking for a relaxing beach day away from the increasing crowds in the rest of Guanacaste.

During your visit, make sure to take the trail on the south side of the beach for a quick and easy walk to a lookout over the beach. You’ll get a stunning view of the white sand and gentle, clear waves that will make you question why this beach isn’t overflowing with travelers from near and far.

You won’t find many beach amenities here, so bring snacks, towels, and anything you need to make for a perfect day at this beautiful hideaway.

11. Playa Danta

Despite being centrally located in the growing Pacific Coast town of Las Catalinas, Playa Danta never seems to get too crowded, making it the perfect place to enjoy some rest and relaxation without heading too far off the beaten path. Just a short walk from a nearby parking area, it’s easily accessible for most visitors. While there aren’t public restrooms or changing areas available at the beach, there are some beachfront restaurants in the area.

Complete a visit to the area with a trip to Playa Dantita, just a short hike on a marked trail from Playa Danta. Much more secluded than its larger sister, Playa Dantita is unlikely to have many other beachgoers. The beautiful white sand and relaxed waves make it a great choice for a more laid-back beach day.

12. Playa Nosara

Nosara has long been a beloved haven for surfers in Costa Rica, embodying the essence of Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle with yoga intensives, backpacker hostels, laid-back coworking spaces, and all things wellness. Despite the area’s popularity with travelers, Playa Nosara is a mellow and relaxed beach offering the perfect spot for a beginner surfing lesson before exploring the jungle or mangrove forests surrounding the beach and town.

If you’re a surfer or are just interested in watching the pros from the shore, make sure you also head to nearby Playa Guiones, just a 20-minute drive south – this is one of the most famous beaches for surfing in Costa Rica, and the surrounding town is packed with surf shops, laid-back cafes, and cool hostels and hotels if you’re looking to spend a few days here.