Guanacaste is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s coastline, and for good reason. Whether you’re vibing for calm swimming days, vibrant surf towns, or that "middle of nowhere" wildlife magic, this region delivers. On our last trip, we hopped from the rugged northern shores down to the Nicoya Peninsula.
While every stop had its charms, one beach town stood out as the clear winner.
🢃 Here is our breakdown of the amazing Guanacaste beaches we visited AND the one place we're dying to live! 🢃
1. Playa Potrero: The "Live Like a Local" Spot
If you want to escape the "resort bubble," Potrero is your spot. The sand is a volcanic cocoa-brown, the water is smooth, and the vibe is refreshingly unpretentious. We stayed in a local Airbnb and learned a quick pro-tip: check if your rental provides beach gear! Many don't even include beach towels.
🩷While you're there, don't miss Gritanga. It’s a taco stand that defines "simple but perfect." I'm not exaggerating when I say we went every single day.
🩷This town is best for calm swimming, sunsets, and a walkable, local feel.
2. Playa Penca: The Hidden Tropical Oasis
Just a stone's throw from Potrero, Playa Penca feels like a secret. It boasts soft white sand and turquoise water, tucked away from the main road. The vibe here is low-effort and high-reward; it’s less developed than the big names but still close enough to cafes that you won’t go hungry. It is the perfect choice for easy day trips and postcard-worthy scenery.
🩷If I had to do it all over again, I would rent an Airbnb on Playa Penca. They might have to drag me out of there!
3. Playa Ocotal: Snorkeling & Monkeys
About 50 minutes north of Potrero lies Playa Ocotal. Don't let the dark sand fool you - the water clarity here is great! The highlight for us was the wildlife; between sets of snorkeling, we were joined by howler monkeys, iguanas, and some very bold squirrels.
For a great meal, head to Father Rooster. We expected a "tourist trap" price tag, but the atmosphere and fresh catch totally won us over. Plus, if you are lucky enough to find street parking across from the restaurant, it's free, a bit of a rarity in Guanacaste.
🩷This is our top pick for a whole day of chill - tide pools, great lunch and wildlife spotting.
4. Playas del Coco: The Hub of Convenience
Need a pharmacy, a big grocery store, or a lively bar? "Coco" is the main artery of the region. It’s built-up and busy, so while it wasn't our favorite for a "quiet beach day," it’s the best home base if you want amenities at your fingertips. It’s ideal for those looking for nightlife, tours, and easy accessibility via the Monkey Trail.
5. Playa Conchal: The Bucket List Beauty
You can't visit Guanacaste without seeing Conchal. Instead of sand, the beach is made of millions of tiny, crushed white seashells. Here is the reality check: it’s stunning, but it's a "hustle." You’ll walk 15 minutes through Playa Brasilito (watch out for the horses and poop!) to get there. Expect crowds, vendors, and slightly higher prices for a coco loco.
👟Also, bring water shoes! Walking on shells is a lot less romantic than it looks in photos.
🩷This beach is best for epic photos, tide pools, and crystal-clear swimming.
6. Playa Flamingo: Sunsets & Sails
The beach itself is fine, but Flamingo is really about the Marina. The highlight of our visit was booking a sunset catamaran tour. Watching dolphins jump in the wake of the boat as the sky turned neon orange was easily a top-three trip memory.
🩷Flamingo is the best spot for catamaran tours and the Monday night artisan market.
Go here for tips and tricks on tours to book and where to hold back!
Why Sámara Was Our Absolute Favorite
After all the beach-hopping, we headed south to Sámara. Within three hours, we were already looking up real estate. Sámara is our Goldilocks - it's perfect! It's developed enough to have amazing food and hotels, but it still feels like a soulful beach town rather than a bustling touring trap.
We loved how walkable the layout was; you can wander from your hotel to a beachfront brunch in five minutes. We ditched the Airbnb for Bahia Hotel and never looked back. Having an on-site happy hour, beach front loungers, and restaurant felt like a total luxury after "roughing it" elsewhere.
For adventure, we rented kayaks and paddled out to Isla Chora. Insider Tip: Check the tide tables! You want to go at low tide for the best paddling and snorkeling. We skipped the tour and did it solo - it was peaceful and exhilarating.
🩷🩷🩷Sámara is perfect for families, long-term stays, and anyone who wants a super fun but not overwhelming vibe. The sunsets are SUNSATIONAL, there are howler monkeys everywhere, and many restaurants to enjoy. 🩷🩷🩷
7. Tamarindo: More Than Just a Surf Party
Tamarindo has a reputation for being "Tamagringo" (very touristy) and that was 100% correct. That said, we enjoyed the beach itself much more than we expected and it was really fun to walk in and out of all the shops. It was the only place in Guanacaste that we encountered serious traffic. It is the absolute best place to learn to surf. Lessons were only about $35 (we didn't take them but signs were everywhere). You can also just rent a board for $8–$10 an hour.
🩷If you’re there on a Saturday, the local market is a must for souvenirs and local snacks. It’s the best spot for surfing, a wide & long beach, social vibes, and great shopping.
Final Thoughts: Which Beach Should You Choose?
Head to Coco or Tamarindo for the crowds and convenience. Hit Conchal or Ocotal for raw beauty and tide pools. Slip away to Penca for a quiet, white-sand escape. But if you’re looking for the place you’ll actually want to stay, where people get around on cruiser bikes and your dinner table is literally dug into the sand, Sámara is it. It’s the only spot that felt less like a 'destination' and more like somewhere we could actually live.Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Check out my Pre-Trip Planning Guide and What I Wish I Knew Before Our First Trip.
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