A charming beach town located on Costa Rica’s stunning North Pacific coast, Tamarindo is often referred to as the heart of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. Known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant azure waters, Tamarindo, Costa Rica beaches have become a must-visit for sun, surf, and sand lovers the world around.
Because whether you’re catching a wave, catching some rays, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore, Tamarindo’s coastline offers something for every vacation whim and deep desire. But with so many options, which are the best beaches to visit? We've rounded up seven of the most popular and beautiful Tamarindo beaches to help you plan your perfect beach getaway.
We’ll start with the beach that made Tamarindo famous: Tamarindo Beach, aka Playa Tamarindo. Stretching for miles of soft, blonde sand, this beach offers something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner surfer looking to catch your first wave or someone who just wants to relax under the shade of a palm tree, Tamarindo Beach is the place to be.
Expect plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities along the shore, but the beach still maintains its natural beauty. Our local beaches are known for being picturesque, and Tamarindo Beach is no exception.
Just a mile south of Tamarindo Beach, you’ll find the tranquil Playa Langosta. This quieter beach is less developed, making it the perfect spot for those seeking peace and relaxation. The soft sand is framed by sea almonds and Guanacaste trees, offering a beautiful setting to unwind.
Playa Langosta is also home to calm tidal pools, which makes it a favorite among families. Its convenient location – only five minutes from Tamarindo – means you can easily enjoy the amenities of the town while still enjoying the calm beauty of one of the best Tamarindo, Costa Rica beaches.
If you want to experience a beach that feels truly wild, head to Playa Grande. Located just across the estuary from Tamarindo, Playa Grande is famous for its pristine beauty and incredible wildlife. It’s also a prime nesting site for leatherback turtles, the largest marine turtles in the world.
The beach itself offers a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds, making it a great place for a quiet walk, sunbathing, or a surf session. To reach Playa Grande, you can take a lancha (boat) or drive across the estuary, but be cautious of the crocodiles in the river.
Playa Avellanas is often cited as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and it certainly ranks among the top Tamarindo beaches. This beach, located within Hacienda Pinilla, offers consistent surf that attracts surfers from all over the world. During the high surf season, waves can reach up to 18 feet, making it an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced surfers.
But Playa Avellanas isn’t just for surfers – its powder-soft sand and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent spot for those looking to escape the crowds. Don't forget to stop by Lola's, a popular beachside restaurant serving delicious food and refreshing drinks.
Learn more about Tamarindo, Costa Rica surfing.
Known locally as Playa Pan de Azúcar, Sugar Beach is a hidden gem loved by locals and visitors in the know. This is it! If you're seeking tranquility away from the busier Tamarindo, Costa Rica beaches, Sugar Beach is an easy choice for where to go.
Located about 45 minutes from Tamarindo, Sugar Beach offers a pristine ambiance where you can often have the place to yourself, especially during the green season (May through November). The beach is known for its white sands and blue waters, and it’s a haven for wildlife, with monkeys, iguanas, and even deer occasionally seen strolling along the shore.
Playa Conchal is another must-visit beach near Tamarindo, especially if you're looking for something unique. Known for its pink sand, which is made up of crushed shells, Playa Conchal is not just spectacular and interesting in its composition, but also a serene spot.
The calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the beach is lined with tall palms that provide plenty of shade. While Playa Conchal is a popular beach, it’s not overrun or overcrowded most days, so it’s still a peaceful destination for those seeking a relaxing day by the sea.
Pirate's Bay, or Bahía de los Piratas, is one of Tamarindo's best-kept secrets. This secluded beach is located just south of Playa Conchal and is known for its isolation and natural beauty.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can take a one-hour stroll north from Playa Grande or a quick 45-minute drive from Tamarindo to find this quiet haven. Pirate’s Cove is perfect for those looking for solitude, with calm swimming waters and scenic views of small rocky islands just offshore.
There you have it: our picks for the best Tamarindo, Costa Rica beaches. Whether you're in town for the surf, the scenery, or simply to relax under the sun, Tamarindo offers a diverse range of beaches that are sure to suit every traveler’s needs.
From the bustling Tamarindo Beach to the peaceful Playa Avellanas, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next beach getaway to Tamarindo and discover the stunning coastline of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast.
If you’re dreaming of – and planning! – a beach vacation in Costa Rica, there’s no better time than now. Whether you’re drawn by the exclusivity, the sand, the wildlife, or the adventure, we promise an experience unlike any other. So why wait?
We’re here to help you find the ideal villa to complement your vacation. Because at Stay in Tamarindo, we really are different. We really do care about you. And we really will go the extra mile to make your Costa Rican family vacation whatever you want it to be. We’re going to work hard for you. We’re going to follow up with you. And we’re going to do everything we can, to ensure that this is not just your Best Trip Ever, but also Everything You Want It to Be.
We hope to transform the way you vacation. We want to deliver the best everything you’ve ever experienced – including the best value. And we want you to go home completely fulfilled, whether you came to relax for a week straight or packed your days full of every adrenaline-soaked, high-adventure activity you could fit in.
So go ahead, give us a try. Embrace the experience. Live your best life. And now, book your best-ever vacation. It all starts with getting in touch with our concierge, Cris!