Curator’s statement
Costa Rica has so much to offer, and is truly one of my all time favorite destinations. On my last visit, my husband and I took advantage of some “Green Season” deals in May and visited the surf town, Nosara, which is now somewhere I hope to return to regularly for the rest of our lives. We surfed, had passionfruit in every form possible, spent each day on the beach, and generally lived out my Blue Zone dreams.
The Fora Difference
Book with Elizabeth Gray to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Nosara, Costa Rica
Unlock perks by contacting Elizabeth Gray to book your trip.
Things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica
Take a surf lesson: Nosara is known for its incredible waves, suitable for all levels of surfing. I surfed growing up, whereas my husband was new to surfing, and we both had an amazing time.
Get a massage: Surfing is a major workout, and there are many massage therapists in Nosara that specialize in post-surf massages.
Self-guided sauna and cold plunge at the Harmony Hotel Spa: This spa is one of our favorites, and we absolutely loved the self-guided hot/cold therapy experience. You can book the space as a shared experience, privately, or with an instructor to guide you through the breath work. This is another wonderful recovery practice post-surfing.
Relax on the beach: Nosara has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Even if you don’t want to partake in the surfing yourself, it’s a lovely place to grab a towel and watch the surfers from the sand.
Take a yoga class: Sticking with the wellness theme, Nosara is also known for having fantastic yoga and fitness class options. Many hotels include access to their classes in your booking, but you can also visit nearby studios to try out a variety!
Attend a traditional rodeo: Rodeos are deeply embedded in the Guancaste culture and are such a fun experience for locals and visitors alike.
Places to eat & drink in Nosara, Costa Rica
Margaritas at La Luna
Howler’s Beach Lounge: We loved this one so much that we went back every day while we were in Nosara—which is really saying something as I typically do not believe in repeat visits while on vacation. Fantastic tacos and margaritas.
Sendero: A beautifully-designed upscale restaurant in the Sendero Hotel.
Harmony Juice Bar: Even if you aren’t staying at the Harmony Hotel, the juice bar is absolutely worth visiting. It’s also a great place to get some work done.
La Luna: Situated on a stunning stretch of beach, the drinks were the standouts for us here. I’d recommend going for drinks and appetizers!
Olga’s Beach Bar: Dive bar meets beach bar with incredible sunset vibes.
Coyol: A bit of a drive from Nosara, but well worth the trip! Situated high on the mountain, the views are spectacular.
Need to know
I recommend staying in the Playa Guiones area as you have easier access to restaurants, shops, and bars.
Even if you have a car, we loved taking the tuk-tuks from Playa Guinoes over to Nosara (or home from dinner if the rain hadn’t let up). Renting an ATV is also a great option for transportation around town.
Green season can be a fantastic time to visit as there are good deals on flights and hotels while still getting great weather for most of the day. However, the occasional heavy rain can have a serious impact on the roads. If you’re planning on driving yourself around, make sure that there is always a route option that does not require river crossings for wherever you’d like to go.
Travel Advisor
Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth Gray
Get in touch with Elizabeth Gray
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.