Living It Up in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: A Local's Playbook

While spending a few months living in Costa Rica, I was able to experience all it has to offer. Not only is it one of the most incredible places to live but to visit, and you should highly consider it for your next adventure! I'm constantly inspiring that "Pura Vida" passion in others, so you'll often hear me dishing out my best Costa Rica planning tips and go-tos! I noticed my heart was happiest in the Guanacaste Region. There is so much to do around the coast, and as a beach bum myself, it never fails to keep me in awe every time I visit. I guarantee it’ll have you coming back for more. 

So here it is, my go-to list for the must-dos in Playa Grande and Tamarindo - my favorite spots in Costa Rica! From great spots to grab a bite to amazing beaches along the coast, I've got you covered!

Getting Around 🗺️

If you plan on moving around a lot, I would definitely recommend getting a car but it isn't necessary. The Guanacaste region is the drier part of the country, so it's pretty easy to navigate since you don’t have to worry about too many road closures from flooding or mudslides. If you are looking to rent a car, I highly recommend the two car rentals below. I’ve used these for my previous trips and had the best experience. 

Fly into: Liberica Guanacaste Airport (LIR) ✈️ (about an hour's drive from Tamarindo)

Car Rentals: 🚙

• Adobe Car
• Rental Cars.com

*I encourage you to get car insurance and get a car that can handle driving in different terrains - Jeeps are the best!

Playa Grande Recs 🌴🌊🌺

Eat🍴

• Rickjack Inn – Great local cuisine.
• El Huerto – Yummy mediterranean food.
• Kike's Place – Typical Costa Rican Dishes like, "Soda". GET CASADO!!! It's a traditional CR dish of rice and beans, meat/fish, salad, and fried plantains. IT'S SO GOOD!!)
• Sie7e – BBQ's on Friday nights, music, tropical drinks, fresh caught fish.
• Taco Star – Tacos, duh!
• La Marejada – This beloved local spot is for those seeking Italian food. It's located in small boutique property so there's not much info online on it.
• Cafe Mar Azul – Try homemade ginger beer and lemonade.
• Cantarana – Thursday nights is "Tapas Nights".
• Wilmart – This convenience store and restaurant in CR can be found in most little towns since they're so rustic. It’s good to know of if you're looking to stock up on food for your rental or AirBnB.

Play 🏖

Costa Rica is proudly progressive in protecting its wildlife, so 25% of the country's total landmass is currently protected (about 26 National Parks). Playa Grande is luckily in one of those protected zones making it a nature-lover's wonderland. 

• Las Baulas National Marine Park –Turtle Nesting
• Palo Verde
• Rincon de la Vieja
• Santa Rosa
• Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Africa Safari
• Ollie's Point
• Llanos del Cortez
• Witch's Rock Surf Camp

Nearby Beaches🐬

• Avellanas
• Bahia de los Piratas
• Playa Conchal – The best beach in all of Costa Rica. Flat turquoise blue water!
• Tamarindo – A MUST VISIT!!! Downtown is AWESOME and a perfect spot to learn how to surf and then grab a few drinks after.
• Playa Flamingo

Tamarindo Recs 🏖️🍹🏄

This coastal town is about a 20-minute drive from Playa Grande and SO worth it!

Eat🍴

• Jardín Tamarindo Food Truck Park – SO fun. A ton of food trucks from Caribbean to Uruguay - you will find a ton of awesome options. Great vibes!
• Pangas Beach Club – (where my wedding was! hehe) They're known for their famous ceviche and I highly recommend ordering the volcanic rock Lomito. They literally bring out your steak on a burning volcanic rock heated up to 500 degrees! Its amazing!!!! Come at sunset for the BEST views in Tamarindo!
• Howler's Beach Lounge
• Mandarina Tropical Juice Bar – My favorite café post surf. They have AMAZING açaí bowls and smoothies. They are also SO cheap!
• Volcano Brewing Company – One of my faves.
• Best breakfast spot: Breakfast Grinds -they open the earliest at 6 AM
• Best French bakery : Utopia
• Best beach bistro: Pico
• Best local casados: Soda El Guanacaste
• Most laptop-friendly café:  Nordico
• Best sunset bar:The Roof

Play 🏖

• Surf Lessons: Find these right on the beach. They'll have you surfing in no time. Even if you think you won't be the best at it, just do it. You may just surprise yourself and have the best time.
• Sunset Catamaran Tour: SO fun and breathtaking. Tamarindo has the BEST sunsets!
• Estuary Boat Ride: You'll see crocs and monkeys!
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Coco SpaTamarindo
• Downtown Shopping

Tips📝

• Sunscreen and bug spray are a MUST - buy at the airport or local store. Costa Ricans are very environment safe and really encourage tourists to be mindful of that. They do not allow bug spray containing DEET since it's harmful to the environment.
• If you're traveling at the beginning of the dry season (December), you won't see much rain by the beach, but if you do a rainforest/thermal spa tour (anywhere in the mountains), definitely expect rain. It is so lush, green, and magical in the mountains, but definitely pack an umbrella or rain jacket!
• Do NOT use your credit card at any small vendors, shops, or restaurants. The larger stores and shops are okay, but I encourage you to use cash only. Credit card fraud in the smaller shops/boutiques is common, so better to be safe than sorry! They will accept US dollars in Tamarindo, but if you want to exchange for colones, you can do so at your local bank before you go. Plus, the money is super cute. It has different fun colors with different animals on them! It’ll make a good souvenir, too!
• Last but not least, I have to shout out my friend Manny and convince you all to support local!!! During my first time in Costa Rica, I lived with a host family who changed my life. The locals are the most incredible people, and I owe them for making such a big impact on my life. Manny runs a family-owned tour service called Costa Rica Eco Journeys. I have used him personally and I'm constantly sending friends and family to him. Trust me, they always have the most amazing time. However, the tours and transfers go around the Guanacaste region ONLY, and he works by recommending the best tours based on your specific needs. He can even create personalized tours. I have added him to our site here, but you can reach him through either FB messenger or WhatsApp. Let him know that Jenna sent you. You will be in AMAZING hands, and he is just the sweetest and SO good at what he does. Not to mention, he's so knowledgeable and you will learn so much along the way! 🙂

If you need any additional information on Costa Rica, feel free to shoot me a message, and I’d be more than happy to help! I am so excited for you to experience the magic that is Pura Vida. This place never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times I visit. I always ask that you respect the locals, their culture, and their country. Costa Ricans are so passionate about protecting their environment. I hope you enjoy my list, and let me know if you check out any of the spots!