Costa Rica’s beaches feature everything from black volcanic to bright white sands. Beachgoers can lounge out on sun loungers or take shade under makeshift shade structures; surfers will appreciate Costa Rica’s consistent swells.

Playa Conchal, named for the tiny shells that shimmer alongside its turquoise tides, is an idyllic beach on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast that makes an excellent spot for swimming, long walks and runs, horseback riding as well as relaxing horseback rides.

Playa Tamarindo

Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste Province is one of the most well-known beach destinations, known for its consistent surf conditions and vibrant beach culture. Home to numerous hotels, restaurants and bars as well, Tamarindo is ideal for families, couples or groups of friends looking for an action-packed vacation experience.

The beach itself is an expansive strip of white sand populated by many visitors during peak season, making it a popular location for surfing, snorkeling and walking. Surf shops can take you to some of the area’s premier surfing spots such as Witches Rock and Playa Negra which both appear in Endless Summer movie.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars directly on the beach, offering both American-style cuisine as well as Costa Rican fare such as tacos or seafood. Furthermore, Playa Hermosa is known for its lively nightlife scene.

Tamarindo offers plenty of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to surfing and volleyball. There is also the option of going on a sunset sailing tour – an excellent way to see all that Costa Rica has to offer – with companies such as Marlin del Rey, Blue Dolphin and Dream Chaser providing these tours that typically include drinks, snacks and lunch. Furthermore, Tamarindo is well known as an outdoor market selling local crafts and produce.

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa’s tranquil waters and uncrowded sands have long been revered, providing visitors with an ideal destination for relaxation in Guanacaste. Enclosed by coastal mountains and protected from larger waves found elsewhere on other beaches, Playa Hermosa provides ideal conditions for families with young children looking for peace and serenity in nature. Visitors to Playa Hermosa will appreciate sunny weather combined with fine sand in an environment which fosters true relaxation.

Playa Hermosa offers a selection of hotels to meet any traveler’s budget and preferences, with beachside bungalows being the most sought-after accommodation option. They’re especially well suited to couples and families seeking an intimate setting for relaxation; alternatively, luxury resorts or villas may provide stunning ocean or jungle views.

Hermosa boasts many restaurants and bars where visitors can indulge in local culinary treats, from fresh seafood to traditional Costa Rican fare and international eateries – don’t miss Gallo Pinto! A hearty combination of rice and beans awaits your palate here.

Hermosa offers many outdoor recreational and sports activities beyond dining, such as sport fishing from its beach. Here you’ll find tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin and even exotic species such as roosterfish.

Hermosa makes for an excellent starting point for day trips to Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa National Parks, both featuring excellent hiking trails as well as chances to see exotic wildlife.

Playa Punta Uva

Playa Punta Uva, situated along the southern Caribbean coast, is an idyllic coastal sanctuary featuring white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Flanked by dense tropical jungles, Playa Punta Uva provides the ideal spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts. While strolling along its shoreline visitors may see monkeys swinging from trees, sloths lazily sleeping under leaves or exotic birds soaring overhead – perfect spots for eco-tourism enthusiasts!

At approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca’s main town, this beach is a favorite destination among visitors looking for peace and natural beauty. Additionally, it boasts several hotels, restaurants, and lodges for your comfort.

One of the most popular activities is snorkeling. With shallow and calm waters providing ideal conditions, snorkeling on coral reefs is perfect for both newcomers and experienced divers alike. Visitors will also have plenty of marine life such as zebra fish, sea urchins, and blue parrot fish to discover while on their adventure.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge provides guests with an opportunity to spot various forms of wildlife, including endangered species that make it a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore surrounding trails to discover abundant rainforest with many bird species as well as hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing activities available here.

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal in Guanacaste is an unforgettable sight. Not your average beach, its sparkling shells act as natural water purifiers to produce some of Costa Rica’s clearest waters – making Playa Conchal an absolute must-see for visitors looking to gain an authentic sense of what makes Costa Rica unique.

This quiet beach offers beautiful sunsets and is an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, it makes an excellent destination for surfing enthusiasts who seek some of the best waves available anywhere in America. Surfers from all around make the trip here every year to surf these world-class waves!

If you’re planning a visit to Conchal, there are numerous hotels and villas for you to select from. From luxury all-inclusive resorts like Westin Resort – located on this magnificent beach with 10 restaurants – to beachfront homes and bungalows there is sure to be something suitable.

Conchal is a popular tourist destination and can become overrun with visitors during Costa Rica’s peak tourist season (December to April), but visiting during the week could leave you with more space on the beach for yourself. Make sure to explore nearby Playa Flamingo and Playa Potrero; those seeking adventure should go hiking at nearby Rincon de la Vieja volcano!

Playa Negra

Surfers flock to this remote beach brimming with natural beauty as a surfer’s haven, boasting dark colored sands and rocky bedrocks dotted with clear tide pools and protected swimming spots ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Even those who don’t wish to surf will enjoy picnicking, exploring rock outcroppings and tide pools, horseback riding and simply appreciating Costa Rican life in its slow tempo peace.

Los Pargos’ beach is at the core of its community and offers budget-minded beach hotels. The surf break here offers fast, hollow waves that provide experienced riders with perfect conditions to hone their skills while beginners may also find suitable conditions to develop their abilities. A world renowned right-hand barrel made its debut appearance in “Endless Summer II”.

Cahuita National Park offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas and breathtaking scenic vistas – as well as delicious restaurants and bars in the vicinity serving local fare and beverages. Additionally, Playa Avellanas beach, located close by is another favorite spot renowned for incredible scenery, great surfing conditions, laidback atmosphere with lots of restaurants and bars offering delicious local fare; perfect for families or groups of friends looking for relaxing activities including snorkeling, fishing and diving!

Playa Cahuita

This beautiful white-sand beach can be found in Limon province near Cahuita National Park and boasts an abundance of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, toucans and more. Go hiking through Cahuita to spot sloths, monkeys and toucans before snorkeling around its gorgeous coral reef or visit its Jaguar Rescue Center to help support them!

Playa Negra Beach offers ideal conditions for both swimming and lounging in the sun with a good book, or spending your day beach hopping! Other nearby beaches include Playa Cocles, Chiquita and Vargas beaches of Cahuita National Park as well as black sand beaches Playa Negra and Punta Uva which boast black sand. There is also an array of restaurants serving traditional Costa Rican fare as well as international dishes – and authentic Caribbean restaurants offering dishes like jerk chicken, breadfruit and other tasty treats!

Playa Cahuita is at its finest during February-March and September-October when its weather is dry; however, it remains an attractive destination year-round. Rain gear should always be packed; keep an eye out for wildlife while driving around too – you might see sloths, monkeys or iguanas! Don’t forget your camera as there’s lots to be found walking through national park trails as well. Plus the rainforest makes an excellent setting for horseback rides or hiking expeditions!