The Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is home to some of the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica, where sun-kissed shores, crystal clear waters, and lush Pacific coast landscapes create the perfect tropical escape.
This region is famous for its white sand beaches, world class surfing, and incredible sunsets, making it one of the most sought after beach destinations in the country.
Looking for adventure, water sports like surfing or snorkelling, or a peaceful family-friendly beach to unwind? These top 7 beaches in Guanacaste are the ideal mix of relaxation and thrilling water sports to make your Costa Rica vacation absolutely amazing.
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Our Picks for the
Top 7 Beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Table of Contents (in order from north to south):
- 1. Playa Conchal
- 2. Playa Puerto Viajo
- 3. Playa Grande
- 4. Playa Tamarindo
- 5. Playa Blanca
- 6. Playa Guiones
- 7. Playa Samara
- Bonus: 6 Tips for Beach Day
- Must-Haves for the Beach!
1. Playa Conchal
Location: 40-minute drive north of Tamarindo or 1-hour drive south of Playas del Coco, nearest town is Brasilito.
Good For: Swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, relaxing.
Why it’s one of our favs: Usually calm, great place for kids to swim, some snorkelling options.
Playa Conchal is a treasure and easily ranks among the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Its shoreline of crushed seashells creates a setting that will take your breath away the moment you arrive.
The calm, turquoise waters make it ideal for snorkelling when conditions are right and it’s great for children to splash around, making it a perfect family-friendly beach along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast.
Playa Conchal can be accessed by a 20-minute walk from Playa Brasilito, as there is no direct vehicle access. Pack light and be aware that there are no facilities, such as washrooms, on the beach.
We parked at the Brasilito parking lot, for a small fee to the parking attendant, then walked from there. As always, keep your valuables secure, even when using a supervised parking area.
Whether you’re looking to relax, snorkel, or explore one of the most unique beaches in Guanacaste, Playa Conchal is a must-visit destination on your Costa Rica beach itinerary.
2. Playa Puerto Viejo
Location: 45-minute drive north of Tamarindo or 1.5 hour drive south of Playas del Coco, nearest town is Metapalo.
Good For: Swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sand castles.
Why it’s one of our favs: Local vibes, calm corner, great place for kids to swim, some snorkelling options.
One of our favourite spots is Playa Puerto Viejo, located on the same bay as Playa Conchal.
While Playa Puerto Viejo is technically part of the same beach as Playa Conchal, this hidden gem is mostly frequented by locals, making it one of the most tranquil and authentic best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica. It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy the warm Pacific waters.
To reach Playa Puerto Viejo, head to Metapalo and continue north for about 15 minutes, winding through rural countryside. It’s a serene and off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica beach experience.
When you arrive at Playa Puerto Viejo, a parking attendant will help you find a spot and watch your vehicle for a small fee of around $2–$4 USD (or 1,000–2,000 colones).
Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, watching little fish dart by, building sand castles with your kids, or chatting with locals, Puerto Viejo offers one of the most relaxing beach days in Guanacaste. We loved it and we’re confident you will too!
3. Playa Grande
Location: 40-minute drive north of Tamarindo or a short boat ride across the estuary from Tamarindo (don’t walk across the estuary). 1 hour 15 min drive south of Playas del Coco. Small village of Playa Grande near by. Closest town is Matapalo.
Good For: Surfing (beginner to advanced), boogie boarding, swimming, relaxing, watching beautiful sunsets.
Why it’s one of our favs: Best surf and boogie-boarding beach, kids can swim in the shallows, long quiet beach.
We absolutely love Playa Grande, it’s our favourite beach in Guanacaste to date. It’s great for playing in the water, boogie boarding, and surfing. The waves are usually gentle, and the undertow has been minimal during our visits between January and May, making it great for our family.
It’s also a favourite among surfers, with consistent waves that are beginner-friendly, but still offer plenty of fun for advanced surfers. The sandbar adds an extra layer of safety, so beginners can learn without worrying about losing a layer of skin.
Another highlight of Playa Grande is that most homes are hidden behind tropical foliage and palms so it feels quite secluded and the vast expanse of the beach means it never feels crowded, living up to its “grande” name. You’ll also find surfboard and boogie board rentals within a short walk, along with a few cafes serving great food.
Playa Grande is part of Marino Las Baulas National Park, a crucial sanctuary for endangered leatherback sea turtles. If you visit between October and February and you might witness these incredible creatures nesting along the shore, which is a must-see experience.
As with most beaches, parking attendants are typically on site, guiding you to a spot and keeping an eye on your vehicle for a small fee.
If you do nothing else, make sure Playa Grande is on your list of must-visit beaches!
4. Playa Tamarindo
Location: Along the town of Tamarindo or a short boat ride across the estuary from Playa Grande (don’t walk across the estuary).
Good For: Surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, relaxing, sunsets, lively entertainment, and people watching.
Why it’s one of our favs: Beachside entertainment, shops, restaurants, and pubs; abundant surf rentals and amazing sunsets.
If you’re looking for a beach full of energy, excitement, and life, Playa Tamarindo is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica and you won’t want to miss it! As one of the region’s most popular beaches, Tamarindo offers the perfect mix of thrilling activities, relaxation, and local vibes.
Surfers flock here in search of the perfect wave, while the town of Tamarindo is packed with shops, cafes, and nightlife, making it ideal for travellers who want a fun and social beach experience.
Every visit to Guanacaste, we make a stop at Playa Tamarindo. While we usually prefer off-the-beaten-path spots, this area is perfect for experiencing the beach combined with a lively beach town vibe.
We always enjoy the people-watching from beachfront restaurants and cafes, letting the kids play safely on the sand, renting a surfboard to test our skills, and ending the day watching epic Pacific sunsets.
For safety, avoid the estuary located between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande, as it’s home to wildlife such as crocodiles and bull sharks. Always use a shuttle boat to cross the estuary, which takes you to Playa Grande, rather than walking through.
Whether you’re chasing waves, exploring the town, or simply soaking up the exciting tropical beach town atmosphere, Playa Tamarindo stands out as a must-visit destination among the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica.
Whatever you do, stick around to watch the sunset!
5. Playa Blanca
Location: 50-minute drive south of Tamarindo, near the village of Junquillal.
Good For: Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, relaxing, watching the sunset.
Why it’s one of our favs: Beautiful beach with calm waters at low tide which makes for great swimming and good snorkelling opportunities.
Tucked away near the village of Junquillal, Playa Blanca is a serene and peaceful spot that ranks among the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica. With its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, this hidden gem is ideal for both relaxation and fun.
We love Playa Blanca’s calm waters at low tide that are perfect for swimming, letting our kids play, or snorkelling. The waves can get rough at times, but when the conditions are right, it’s a fantastic spot.
Playa Blanca’s seclusion makes it a great beach for a romantic escape, family getaway, or anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica without crowds.
The beach’s setting is also perfect for watching stunning sunsets over the Pacific.
As with most beach accesses, you’ll usually find parking attendants on-site asking for a few dollars to watch over your car.
6. Playa Guiones
Location: 2-hour drive south of Tamarindo and 15-minute drive from the centre of Nosara. Walking distance to the village of Guiones.
Good For: Surfing, boogie boarding, swimming in shallows, relaxing, exploring tide-pools and rocky outcrops at north end, watching the sunset.
Why it’s one of our favs: Long, wide beach with consistent surf waves. Holistic atmosphere of the area and walking distance to quaint shops and eateries.
For those seeking a holistic escape that’s further off-the-beaten path, Playa Guiones is a true hidden gem (well not so hidden anymore) and one of the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica.
This serene coastline showcases the laid-back beauty that Costa Rica is famous for, with a long stretch of golden sand and consistent waves that make it a surfer’s paradise. Surf schools and board rentals are available. It’s a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers.
From our experience, Playa Guiones is suitable for beginner surfers, but the waves can be quite consistent, which makes paddling out a bit challenging when you’re just starting. For those looking for calmer stretches between sets, Playa Grande (above) is a gentler option.
The beachside village of Guiones, often just called Nosara which is the name of the local town a little further off the beach, offers yoga retreats, surf schools, and a sense of calm that makes it the perfect place for fun and R&R.
Whether you’re practicing yoga or surfing the waves, Playa Guiones will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
7. Playa Samara
Location: 2-hour drive south of Tamarindo (or 2.5 hours if driving along the coast). Located at the town of Samara.
Good For: Swimming, learning to surf when conditions are right, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing.
Why it’s one of our favs: Calm waters for swimming and kids to play. Beachside bars and restaurants, and walking distance to quaint shops.
Playa Samara is a must-visit and ranks among the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica. This inviting, family-friendly beach has gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming, exploring, and letting kids play relatively safely.
The beach-side town of Samara adds to the experience with its welcoming vibe, local shops, and oozes with charm. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the sand or a taste of local life, Playa Samara delivers the ideal Costa Rica beach experience.
We like Playa Samara for its charming setting near the cool town of Samara and its calm, swimmable waters. It’s the perfect spot for kids to splash around with minimal undertow. We’ve also seen people kayaking and paddle-boarding in the bay.
There are great spots to eat along the shore and some really quaint places to stay that make it a fun spot to hang our for a few days.
We also recommend checking out Playa Carillo. While we haven’t been there yet, we’ve heard it’s even more beautiful than Playa Samara, so it’s definitely worth a visit! We’ll be sure to check it out the next time we’re in the area!
7 Tips for a Great Beach Day in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
If you’re planning to explore some of the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica, these tips will help you make the most of your excursion:
- Park Securely
Always remove valuables from your vehicle or hide them from view. Vehicle break-ins can happen, especially when items of perceived value are visible. It’s safest to park in areas with attendants. - Carry Small Change
Many beaches and tourist spots now have unofficial parking attendants. These are locals earning extra income while helping you find a spot and keeping an eye on your car. It’s worth keeping change or small bills handy for this. Expect to pay $2-5 USD (₡1,000-2,500 colones), though you can always negotiate if needed. - Protect Yourself from the Sun
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a beach umbrella or tent for shade. Most beaches have limited natural shade, especially after midday, so don’t let sunburn or heat exhaustion ruin your adventure. - Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks
Keep refreshed under the hot sun by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Bring a cooler with ice, cold drinks, and snacks. - Check the Tides and Water Conditions
For the safest and most enjoyable experience, check tide schedules and wave conditions before heading into the water. Whether you’re surfing, boogie boarding, snorkelling, or swimming, knowing the tides will help you make the most of your time at the beach. - Respect Nature
Guanacaste’s beaches are breathtaking and home to exotic wildlife. Always clean up after yourself, avoid disturbing animals, and leave the environment pristine. You can also help out by picking up any trash you find! - Rent a Car for Easy Exploration
To visit all the stunning beaches at your own pace, we highly recommend renting a car in Costa Rica. Driving allows you to explore hidden gems, travel between beaches, and enjoy your Guanacaste beach adventure to the fullest. For driving tips, check out our post Driving in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know.
Follow these tips and you’re sure to have an unforgettable day, or days, exploring the best beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica, from calm family-friendly shores to world-class surf spots.
Must-Have Item for a Great Beach Day!
Compact folding wagon: We won’t go to the beach without it! This folding wagon has been a game-changer for outings with kids.
More compact than standard wagons at just 11 lbs, it holds over 200 lbs and handles sand, gravel, and uneven terrain easily. It’s perfect for beach days, parks, and trails, plus it folds easily, stands upright when stored, and checks as luggage without issues.
Pair it with our recommended travel bag to keep it protected while travelling.
Explore the Top 6 Beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Costa Rica, each with its own unique charm and activities. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of surfing at Playa Grande or Playa Tamarindo, seeking a serene escape at Playa Blanca, or exploring the sparkling sands of Playa Conchal and Playa Puerto Viejo, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you.
From the tranquil beauty of Playa Guiones to the family-friendly fun of Playa Samara, every corner of Guanacaste offers unforgettable experiences for beach lovers. With calm swimming areas, world-class surf breaks, and stunning sunsets over the Pacific, these beaches truly capture the magic of Costa Rica’s coastline.
No matter which beach you choose, you’re guaranteed to create lasting memories in this tropical paradise. Your Guanacaste beach adventures and Out Roaming Life await!
Ready to plan your next adventure? Head over to our Travel Resources page. It’s packed with the booking tools and travel essentials we swear by to make every trip amazing!
Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.
Christy Ann Martine
