Tamarindo, Costa Rica: A Guide to the Beach Town of Guanacaste

Soak in the sun at a beach club: You can purchase a day pass at one of the beach clubs, such as Langosta Beach Club, and post up for the day to enjoy Playa Tamarindo. The price of the day pass varies depending on the season. Your day pass includes access to the entire facility, oceanfront dining, full-service poolside bar and restaurant, towel service, private cabanas and pool loungers. You’ll just be steps away from enjoying the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Learn how to surf: Tamarindo is a popular destination for anyone learning how to surf. The waves are consistent and manageable, paired with warm water and a nice sandy beach, which is a great combination for beginner surfers. There are numerous surf shops offering lessons, so you can either schedule ahead of time or just show up for lessons on a whim.

Go exploring on an estuary boat tour: Located in Las Baulas National Park, you can start your morning off with a boat safari into the largest mangrove forest in Costa Rica. An expert guide will help you spot wildlife, such as crocodiles, howlers, iguanas, a variety of birds, and more.

Set sail on a catamaran and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean: Spend an afternoon sailing along the scenic coast of Tamarindo. Most of the catamaran tours offer kayaking or paddleboarding to enjoy the warm water and explore your surroundings.

Enjoy an unforgettable sunset: The sun sets every day around 6 pm, and everyone gathers along the beach to capture a beautiful view. I recommend venturing to one of the beachfront restaurants and enjoying a beverage of your choice to soak in the last bit of daylight and head into the evening.

Embark on a horseback ride along Tamarindo Beach and beyond: There are some horseback rides that are solely along the beach; however, there are other options that allow you to ride a horse into the lush jungle and forest and into the picturesque hills. No matter your level of experience, all travelers can enjoy this activity.

Visit the Tamarindo Farmers Market: On Saturdays, the Tamarindo Farmers Market is open from morning until early afternoon. You can find a little bit of everything here from fresh produce, homemade treats, local artwork, and unique goods. With the tropical heat of Costa Rica, I managed to buy a beautiful color fan to help cool off. Be sure to bring a tote bag to carry your treasures home or back to your accommodation.

Shop for some unique souvenirs: You’ll find a number of unique gift shops in Tamarindo, but I appreciate locally made handmade souvenirs to bring back unique gifts for friends and family. My favorite stores were Con Mucho Gusto. This store offers unique artisanal crafts, jewelry, art, and gifts that you’ll be excited to bring back home. Other great shops to check out include Urban Electric Handmade Boutique.

Get an adrenaline rush with an ATV tour: You can get picked up in Tamarindo before you embark on a journey through the beauty of Playa Zapotillal. Explore the pristine beaches and rugged landscape near Tamarindo with a fun adventure on your own buggy.

Tama Onda Beachfront Restaurant: This easily became our favorite beachfront property in Tamarindo. Tama Onda has happy hour all day and the food is fresh with huge portions. The fish tacos are a spectacle to behold with the mountain of guacamole you’re given. Service is top-notch with friendly, easy-going staff who want to make sure you’re having a great time at this beachfront establishment. On Fridays, they have a fire show at 7 pm.

The Roof: The best restaurant to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and the town of Tamarindo and beyond. Originally owned by Italians, the pizza is delicious—highly recommend the Serrano. The staff is very welcoming and the resident dog is adorable.

El Mercadito de Tamarindo: This open-air venue is a great place with tons of variety—sushi, arepas, burgers, tacos, choripan, gallo pinto, pizza. This is perfect for groups who aren’t sure which cuisine to enjoy for the night. We enjoy multiple nights here with its lovely laidback vibe. There is something for everyone here. If your time lines up on the calendar just right, you might get to enjoy live music.

REFUGIO Bar & Coffee: Coffee by day and bar and restaurant by night, this is an incredible spot to enjoy locally sourced coffee and sip on local craft beer. REFUGIO offers delicious drinks, amazing service, and great vibes.

Volcano Brewing Company: Located right next to each other, you can enjoy both the brewery and restaurant with a great view of the beach. The craft beer is tasty, with some tropical-inspired brews—a perfect way to relax near the beach. This spot is right by Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, so you’re guaranteed to spot some surfers from your table.

Sol Bakery: This quaint bakery is tucked away from the main street and sits between the pedestrian sidewalk and El Mercadito. They offer an amazing breakfast and lunch menu, but I need to give props to the pastries. My top recommendations for the pastries are the cinnamon rolls, cassava bread, and almond croissants—I’m still dreaming about these to this day. You can order take-away at the adorable windowfront or have a nice cozy seat at one of the cafe tables.

Solado Costa Rica Ice Cream: This is the perfect way to cool down from a hot day. There are both traditional flavors and unique ones that leave you wanting more. My favorite flavors were honey-lime and coconut.

Green Papaya Taco Bar: With a fun aesthetic with playful swings, this is a great place to unwind after a long day. The portions are huge—you’ll be left stuffed until the next day. Additionally, the service is so friendly!