Sunsets, Surfing & Foodie Delights: A Family Guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Surfing lessons: Tamarindo is one of the best places to learn how to surf thanks to its long, gentle waves and sandy bottom. There are plenty of great instructors, and it’s a fun activity even if it’s your first time and you aren’t particularly coordinated! I recommend Iguana Surf Camp.

Shopping in town: The town is full of cute boutiques, surf shops, local artisan stores, and little spots to pick up handmade jewelry, swimsuits, and souvenirs. It’s very walkable and perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Catamaran cruise: One of the best experiences in Tamarindo is a sunset catamaran cruise where you can snorkel, ​paddleboard, enjoy drinks and food, and watch the sunset from the water. This was easily my favorite day of our recent trip!​

Tamarindo Night Market: If you’re there on a Thursday, the night market is a must. There’s live music, local vendors, great food, and it’s such a fun, lively atmosphere. We loved purchasing jewelry and souvenirs right from the artisans themselves!

Beach hopping: Tamarindo is a great home base to explore nearby beaches like Playa Langosta, Playa Conchal, and Avellanas, all of which have a different vibe and beautiful scenery. It is hard to tear me away from ​beautiful Playa Tamarindo, though!

Zip lining: There are several zip-lining tours nearby where you can fly through the jungle and see the coastline and mountains from above. It’s perfect if you want a little adventure during your trip, but don’t want to go all the way up to the rainforest.

Estuary boat ride: A guided boat tour through the estuary is a great way to see wildlife like monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and iguanas while cruising through the calm estuary.

Deep sea fishing: Tamarindo is known for great sport fishing, especially for sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and marlin, depending on the season.

Watching sunsets from Witch’s Rock: This is my favorite sunset spot in town. Grab a drink, sit on the beach, listen to the nightly live music, and watch the sky turn incredible shades of orange and pink. We never miss a night.

Dragonfly (dinner): One of the best dinners in Tamarindo, with a creative Asian-Latin fusion menu and great cocktails. It was so good we went twice, which says everything. Don’t skip the sushi or the kale salad!

Pico Bistro (lunch): A perfect lunch spot with fresh, healthy, and really flavorful food in a cute setting right on the beach. We loved the tipico bowl, spicy fish bowl, and tuna poke.

Costa Juice (breakfast/lunch): Best açaí bowls and smoothies in Tamarindo. The perfect healthy breakfast option before a beach day or surf lesson.

Tropic Tamarindo: Great food, beautiful atmosphere, and a fun spot for dinner or drinks. Just don’t go if you’re in a hurry since service can be slow. Keep an eye out for the cute dogs Tequila and Margarita! The gluten-free empanadas here were out of this world.

Estanco (The Garden): Excellent food in a really cool hidden garden setting, run by a French chef who now lives in Tamarindo. It has a hip vibe and feels a little more special for a night out. The cocktails were some of the best in town!

Zulu Tacos: Casual and perfect for lunch, with my favorite tacos in town plus great chips, guacamole, and margaritas.

Fish & Cheeses: A cozy Italian spot in Playa Langosta with really good pasta, wine, and a nice change of pace from typical beach town food.

Witch’s Rock / Volcano Brewing: The go-to sunset spot for nightly sunsets and cocktails right on the beach. The food is fine, but you’re really here for the views and the piña coladas, not a fancy meal.

Tamarindo Food Truck Park: A fun, casual area where you can try different food trucks, grab a drink, and hang out. Great for a low-key night or quick bite.