What can we say? Costa Rica is the fortuitous filling in the sandwich of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and, with over 300 stunning beaches, we’re a veritable paradise for beach lovers – from those seeking Costa Rica solo travel to the biggest, all-out, grand family reunions by the sea.

Even amidst such a superlative destination, Tamarindo stands out. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or splash-out luxury, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you. And because we hit the sands every chance we get, we thought we’d drop a few of our area favorites – now, tailored to every type of traveler, so you can build your personal best itinerary for Costa Rica.

For Social Butterflies: Tamarindo Beach

Playa Tamarindo is the beating heart of our region, offering a mix of white sands, relaxation, big waves, and a thriving restaurant-and-nightlife scene.

The beach itself stretches for over a mile, with blonde sand and rolling waves that attract surfers from around the world. Whether you’re learning to surf, sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar, or strolling at sunset (keep an eye out for fire dancers!), Playa Tamarindo leans deep into unforgettable. And even though it’s our pick for social butterflies, that also makes it perfect for Costa Rica solo travel, as it’s easy to meet fellow adventurersin this lively town.

For Hardcore Surfers: Playa Avellanas

Nicknamed “Little Hawaii” due to its massive swells, Playa Avellanas is a paradise for experienced surfers.

With waves reaching up to 18 feet during peak surf season, this beach is a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling ride. But even if you’re not into surfing, you can still enjoy Playa Avellanas’ pristine beauty and chill vibes. What’s more, no visit is complete without stopping at Lola’s, the famous beachfront restaurant known for its laid-back atmosphere and resident pet pig.

Continue reading “Costa Rica’s Best Beaches – For Solo Travel, Groups & Everyone in Between!”

Think about your most cherished memories. Really think about them – let the nostalgia and joy and magic wash over you. Everything you’re feeling is the foundation of a family vacation in Costa Rica.

Chances are very good that at the heart of many (or every) one of your favorite memories lies a shared experience – those spontaneous adventures, lost afternoons, and starlit conversations that weave themselves into the fabric of our lives. Travel prioritizes these experience and a family vacation in Costa Rica offers the perfect setting for creating these unforgettable moments, and nowhere is this truer than in Tamarindo, arguably the best area in Costa Rica for families.

Because Tamarindo is more than just a beautiful beach town; it’s a destination designed for connection. No matter how you define “family” – we’re looking at you, too, found families, chosen families, and best friends! – our vibrant beachfront paradise opens the door to opportunity and togetherness through adventure, relaxation, and shared discovery.

The Power of Shared Experiences

In today’s fast-paced world, quality time with loved ones is more important than ever. Research highlights the profound impact that shared experiences – especially travel – have on strengthening family bonds. When we step away from daily routines and immerse ourselves in new surroundings, we create emotional bonds that last a lifetime.

Continue reading “Stronger Together: Why Tamarindo is Perfect for Family and Friends”

If “Costa Rica Holy Week” is on your 2025 travel bingo card – and if it’s not, add it, stat! – then Tamarindo is the perfect destination to fill it with tropical Easter traditions, ocean adventures, and laid-back charm. Because Costa Rica Holy Week , alternately known as Easter week or Semana Santa, transforms this beach town into a lively, soul-filled escape – where the world comes together to celebrate in uniquely Costa Rican style.

So grab your virtual dabber (or download our bingo card and print it out, for real-life fun!) and get ready to mark off these unforgettable Tamarindo experiences. From surfing and sunsets to Easter processions and savory dishes, your 2025 bingo card is one you’ll actually want to mark off!

Continue reading “Bingo! Experience Tamarindo Like a Local This Easter Week in Costa Rica (Free Bingo Card Download!)”

By now, most of the northern hemisphere is deep into the dead of winter chill, making it hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. And yet here we are, daydreaming about longer days, warm breezes, and a much-needed escape from school, from work, and from the daily grind. Welcome to your Costa Rica spring break – believe it or not, it’s just around the corner!

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, Tamarindo is the perfect place to make Spring Break 2025 unforgettable. So, here’s what you need to know to plan it all – from what to do and where to stay to how to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

Why Visit Costa Rica for Spring Break 2025?

Let’s start with the basics: Spring Break 2025 aligns perfectly with Costa Rica’s dry season, which typically runs from December through April. That means blue skies, sunny days, and warm temperatures are all but guaranteed. And after enduring a dreary winter and the doldrums of February, there’s truly no better antidote than a week of Costa Rican tropical bliss.

In 2025, U.S. high school, college, and university spring breaks fall primarily in March, but no matter your exact dates, you’ll find Tamarindo at its finest. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or quiet moments watching the sun sink into the Pacific, our little town in paradise has you covered.

Continue reading “Costa Rica Spring Break 2025 – Start Planning Your Tamarindo Vacation”

The holiday season in Costa Rica is nothing short of spectacular: picture sunlit days, balmy beach evenings, and nights lit by fireworks over the Pacific. Whether you’re dreaming of a warm-weather Christmas Day in Costa Rica or ringing in a festive New Year’s in the tropics, Tamarindo knows how to celebrate the holidays with style, energy, and a much-needed holiday dose of pura vida.

From family gatherings and beachside barbecues to lively parties and cultural traditions, Tamarindo offers a unique blend of vacation relaxation and holidays celebration. And with that in mind, here’s how to embrace the palm-trees-and-beach-days holiday spirit in one of our holiday rentals Costa Rica.

Christmas Day in Costa Rica: A Week of Celebration

Christmas is more than a day in Costa Rica; it’s an entire week – or even an entire month, if you care to stretch it out! – of fun and festivity, in a town always buzzing with life. In-and-around-town celebrations are a cozy blend of traditional Costa Rican customs and modern beach-town flair. So let’s take a closer look at how the celebrations unfold:

December 1-24: Enjoy the Lights, Posadas & Christmas Markets

Christmas in Costa Rica starts long before Christmas Day in Costa Rica; after all, without an official Halloween or Thanksgiving holiday to mark the transition to the Christmas season, you’ll notice lights start to sparkle any time after September 15 (the last Costa Rican holiday prior to Christmas).

So, make the most of the season and get out onto the streets to enjoy a town full of seasonal joy – from twinkle lights and town Christmas trees to giant nativity scenes and fire dancers on the beach, there’s always something to fill your heart with joy and spirit!

Be sure to also watch for Christmas markets and pop-ups, which sprinkle downtown with artisanal treats, handmade crafts, and the sounds of holiday music. If you’re lucky, a posada (caroling group) may just be passing through as you shop! 

Continue reading “Christmas Day in Costa Rica: Local Traditions for Your Tamarindo Stay”

Thinking about traveling to Costa Rica with a baby or toddler? Here’s one thing we know: You’re definitely in for an unforgettable adventure! And we’re here to help make it the good kind of adventure. Luckily, family-friendly Costa Rica is a pretty easy ask – almost everything is family friendly! – and Tamarindo, with its warm beaches, kid amenities, and laid-back vibe, is the perfect place for your family vacation, even (or especially) with a little one in tow.

Whether you’re seasoned family travelers or this is your first big trip as parents, we’ll fill you in on what you need to know to ensure a fun, safe, and stress-free experience in Costa Rica – especially here in Tamarindo.

Why Tamarindo is Perfect for a Family-Friendly Costa Rica Getaway

If you’re not familiar, Tamarindo is located on the north-Pacific and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, great area beaches (both surf and swim), and a vibrant travel culture. Add to that an abundance of nature, wildlife, and kid-friendly activities, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a dream destination for families.

So, let’s start with that – with a few of the top reasons why Tamarindo is perfect for you and your baby:

Continue reading “Family-Friendly Costa Rica: Planning a Tamarindo Vacation with a Baby”

What does a perfect day look like? To start, it doesn’t look like any one thing, because there are so many versions of perfect here in paradise. From being jam-packed with Tamarindo excursions to planning a day of almost nothing at all – nothing but relaxation, that is! – destination perfection is an achievable goal, every day of your trip.

For us, it’s all about blending exciting excursions and tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica with ample opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing, and enjoying great company and delicious food. But if we had to nail down just one version of a perfect day, here’s what it might look like:

Begin with Beach Hopping

It’s no secret that our beaches are a major draw for your visit to Costa Rica, especially when you’re headed to Tamarindo. So, why not dedicate a morning (or more) to exploring this stunning coastline?

For the budget traveler, grab a banana bike and pedal your way to the best beaches around. If you prefer a more convenient option, rent a car, hire a driver, or call a taxi/Uber to take you from beach to beach. However you hop the sands, be sure to mix it up between popular beaches and secret nooks!

Continue reading “Destination Perfection: Tamarindo Excursions, Beaches & Sometimes Nothing at All”

There are many reasons to come to Tamarindo: a surf vacation Costa Rica and our vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica are two of them! And they are great reasons.

If you’re here, you’re likely already drawn to Tamarindo’s epic surf, from beginner to advanced, some of which are world-renowned for their huge waves, big barrels, hard rights and lefts, and other serious challenges tailored to beginner, intermediate, and experienced surfers.

The big question for both beginner and skilled surfers is not so much where to go, but rather how to fit all the best spots into your stay. In and around Tamarindo, there are dozens of beaches, breaks, and frothy nooks and crannies that will thrill and challenge your skills (and help you build new ones). So, here’s an introduction to a few of our favorites:

Just North of the Tamarindo Diria

Beginner

vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Prime among Tamarindo beginner surfing hotspots, this downtown swell is great for learning how to surf. (Be sure to check out our surf lessons!)

It’s easy to find: Stand with your back to the Diria, then look right: conditions here are great, with waves that are consistently small, and as long as you stay clear of the rocky breaks of Pico Grande and Pico Pequeno, the soft sands cushion any newbie falls. You’ll often find vendors peddling surfboards and lessons around here. Surf’s up! And we have a few vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, right here.

Continue reading “Surf Vacation? Surf Breaks, Pro Tips & Vacation Rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica”