Coco Beach, also known as Playas del Coco, has the unique distinction of being a tourist destination as well as a local hangout. Locals flock there for a bit of R&R because of its proximity to Liberia and its international airport, while foreign vacationers to Costa Rica take advantage of its calm waters and picturesque hillsides.

El Coco, as it's affectionately known, is made up of several small beaches and is perhaps only second to Liberia in terms of most developed towns in the province of Guanacaste.There are many souvenir shops in town, but you can also find vendors selling trinkets right on the beach.

The sand is a dark tan color, and the waters are generally calm due to the sheltered location on the Papagayo gulf; however, there are some rock formations to be aware of. Those calm waters usually attract a large number of small and recreational boats, which add to the area's charm.

• Location: Coco Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Carrillo is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of Playa Samara, a charming little town. The best sunsets and climate can be found in this part of Guanacaste all year. Carrillo was recently voted the world's 27th most beautiful beach, and with its lovely pristine white sand bay lined with coconut trees, it's easy to see why. The blue flag, a symbol of a clean and environmentally friendly beach, is proudly displayed by Carrillo.

Carrillo, which looks like it came straight out of a travel brochure, has escaped development and is ideal for tourists seeking a relaxing vacation in close proximity to and in harmony with nature. The lush vegetation and green hills in the background add to the exotic feel, giving it the feel of a lost island somewhere in paradise. The sight of exotic birds and the sound of howler monkeys round out the experience perfectly.

Carrillo is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for swimming and relaxing in the sea because it has no waves. It is also one of the best beaches in Guanacaste to bring the kids to. It's lovely to stroll along this perfect shore, or you can go horseback riding if you prefer.

• Location: Puerto Carrillo, Guanacaste
  

Playa Samara is located in the Guanacaste province on the Nicoya Peninsula's north end, just one hour from Nicoya, the region's largest city. Samara has long been a favorite among Costa Rican vacationers who flock to the area during their national vacations due to the beauty of its tan sand, palm-lined beach, and calm waters. The area has begun to attract an international crowd, resulting in a large fusion of great restaurants from all over the world, while still maintaining Samara beach's laid-back attitude and slow pace of life.

Walking the six kilometers of Samara Beach is the best way to see everything the beach has to offer; each end of the beach has something beautiful and unique to see. The reefs on both sides of this horseshoe-shaped beach provide protection. Great snorkeling can be found on the south end, and if you return to the north end, you can explore the tide pools created at low tide. A large island off the southern tip of the peninsula is also a great spot for a kayak ride and a picnic lunch.

Do you want to do something more active? During low tide, join one of the many soccer, beach volleyball, or frisbee golf games taking place. If you're lucky, a beach soccer tournament with local Costa Rican food vendors will take place on the weekend. Surfing is a popular activity at high tide; the break is ideal for beginners or intermediate surfers, and more advanced surfers can find something suitable at one of the nearby beaches.

• Location: Guanacaste

The Nicoya Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas, is home to Playa Tambor. A lush green valley runs along the large and quiet Bahia Ballena, which translates to Whale Bay. During the dry season, the gentle giants used to congregate in the bay's warm waters, but rising coastal activities have driven them away, and they are now rarely seen. Tambor was the setting for the Fox TV series Temptation Island 2, and while it is now a popular tourist destination, it retains its slow and laid-back vibe.

Tambor is the ideal location for a relaxing and peaceful vacation, whether for families or simply for those seeking tranquil and off-the-beaten-path locations. This beach's waters are calm and safe for children, and it's ideal for diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. The sand on this beach is darkish grey in color due to the proximity of volcanic activity. On the beach, low tide allows for horseback riding, volleyball, and soccer.

This area is known for its lush green forest; it is part of the Nicoya Peninsula's Biological Corridor, which connects to the Curu Wildlife Reserve to the north, which protects ecological habitats and a diverse range of wildlife. Also worth a visit is Montezuma's Cabo Blanco National Park, which is home to a plethora of wildlife and spectacular flora and is ideal for bird watching. Isla Tortuga, a small white sand beach across the street from the beach, offers lovely day trips that can be booked in town.

• Location:Playa Tambor, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

This beach is a special gem of a place if you want to enjoy the pristine primary rainforests of Osa and all the untouched beauty and splendor away from the hustle and bustle. At the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, Playa Cabo Matapalo is a quiet, rocky beach.

At low tide, the beach is rocky and difficult to access. It's more of a beach for looking than swimming or snorkeling. The swells here can be small to large, and they're good for surfing but rocky. The sand is a lighter tan color, and it is frequently strewn with foliage and fruit tree debris.

Large swells with waves of varying degrees of difficulty are common at Playa Cabo Matapalo.

Only experienced surfers should attempt to ride the stronger and larger waves that roll in over a rocky bottom. The waves that break onto the beach at Pan Dulce (Spanish for sweet bread) are much smaller and gentler. This is a great place to practice for new surfers. Backwash is a great surfing spot close by.

• Location: southern tip of the Osa Peninsula

Playa Dominical is a four-mile-long, rocky, uncrowded beach with brown sand that is bordered by lush green forests. Manuel Antonio National Park is about 30 miles south of this small coastal town. Dominical attracts surfers from all over the world, not just from the United States. Tourists should be aware, however, that the ocean here is quite rough and not suitable for beginners or novices who do not have access to a surf instructor.

Expert surfers, on the other hand, will undoubtedly enjoy the beach. Beginners can learn to surf at one of the local surf camps. Due to the strong currents, swimming is nearly impossible and not recommended in the Playa Dominical area, but many beaches in the area are suitable for swimming and beginner surfers.

Another popular activity is whale watching. Dominical is about five miles from the Ballena National Marine Park and is home to whales for almost nine months of the year. There are six different kinds of whales that can be seen in this area. Dominical has a lot to offer adventure-seeking visitors, including horseback riding, hiking, and eco-tours through nearby reptile preserves. Some tour companies also provide snorkeling and diving opportunities.

At Dominical Beach, the warm weather, fresh ocean breezes, and delicious seafood are just a few of the attractions. Dominical is home to an incredible variety of marine life that can be found beneath the waves. This beach is a great place to relax and take advantage of the various activities and water sports available nearby. It's not just for surfing; it's also a great place to get away from the crowds, relax, and spend the day at the beach. Enjoy the surf, the sun, and the scenery!

• Location: Dominical

Potrero is a hidden gem in Guanacaste's northwestern corner, named after the eponymous beach. This rural town is built in the style of old Costa Rican coast villages and can be considered a tranquil haven away from the tourist traps.

The inherent and simple beauty of this town is its defining feature. On Sundays, you can still see children playing soccer in 'la plaza' and locals going to church because the road is left unpaved by the residents. People can still be seen lying in a hammock on their own land, just a few steps away from the sea, as they did in every Guanacaste coast village years ago.

Despite the fact that there are several small hotels and villas in the area with their own facilities, there are only a few supermarkets and local restaurants in town. This is the place to go if you're looking for some peace and quiet away from the city's madness.

In Playa Tamarindo, on the south, and Playas del Coco, on the north, nightlife enthusiasts will find a plethora of excellent bars and clubs. Both are less than an hour's drive from Potrero. Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are available at three local beaches: Pietra, La Penca, and Potrero, which are ideal for those looking for a relaxing beach experience. Bring your own equipment because there are no equipment stores in the area, and renting services are sporadic.

Potrero is accessible by both public bus and car. The trip is 45 minutes from Liberia, Guanacaste's main hub, or four to five hours from San José, but it's well worth it. It's also a good place to start exploring Papagayo Bay and visiting nearby attractions like Santa Rosa National Park and Palo Verde Natural Reserve, as well as other famous beaches like Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal.

• Location: Guanacaste, Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just south of Playa Flamingo and Marina

On the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Playa Langosta is located just south of Tamarindo and Playa Tamarindo. It is more relaxed and peaceful than its neighbor. The shore is primarily made up of small bed and breakfasts, condos, and rental homes that range in price from basic to lavish. It's a well-known neighborhood in the area.

The public access trail is a two-minute jungle walk from the beach. It's a great spot for a picnic lunch or to visit before or after a meal in nearby Tamarindo. You can skip stones, hop from rock to rock, explore the tidal pools, look for shells, relax, and go for a long sunset stroll here. This place gets crowded, especially during peak seasons.

Playa Langosta is a long beach near the mouth of an estuary with excellent surfing waves. On a falling tide, the currents can be particularly strong. The sand is a lovely cotton-like white color, with natural foliage but few palm trees. It's a great beach for finding surprises in the sand, such as various seashells and, if you're lucky, the occasional sand dollar! As you walk further along the beach, the quieter it becomes as you listen to the sand and surf. This is a lovely spot to get away from the city and enjoy a picnic lunch or watch the sunset in the evening.

This beach, which is located between the Las Baulas National Marine Park and Playa Tamarindo, has a very natural, laid-back feel to it, with little development or solicitors. Strong sun, good surf, and a lovely shoreline for relaxing and watching the surfers near the estuary mouth are all to be expected. This pristine beach, located just under an hour from Liberia and minutes from well-known Tamarindo, is a must-see for nature and beach lovers.

• Location: Playa Langosta, Provincia de Guanacaste

Avellanas is a tropical paradise perfect for those who enjoy going off the beaten path. In the midst of Costa Rica's rapid development, this is undoubtedly an unspoiled oasis where you can truly experience the "Pura Vida" way of life!

Despite being only 25 minutes from the tourist hotspot of Playa Tamarindo, this small surfing community remains unspoiled and "tranquilo." If you forget to bring a picnic, there are a few restaurants nearby, but the beach is unspoiled by commercial activity, and there is very little traffic to disturb your peace. The only sound that breaks the silence is the crashing of world-class waves on golden sands...or the howler monkeys' insane roaring!

The beach's main draw is the fantastic surfing it offers to many expert and professional surfers from around the world. Locals call Playa Avellana "little Hawaii," and the offshore swells can reach 18 feet, making it a dream destination for any surfer.

But don't worry if you aren't a pro surfer; you can still enjoy Avellanas' amazing nature, golden sand, and turquoise water even if you aren't a surfer. It is unquestionably the best place to unwind, lie back under the abundant palm trees that line the beach and provide welcome shade, read a good book, and simply be one with nature.

It's difficult to compare this two-mile (three-kilometer) stretch of beautiful golden sand to anything else. Because of the lack of city lights and noise, some of the best night skies can be seen there, lying on the beach in the dark, getting lost in time.

Last but not least, Lola's Beach Bar is a must-see. It has good cocktails and comfortable beach chairs where you can relax while taking in the beautiful scenery and eating a slice of their delicious pizza. You might want to stay there indefinitely! By the way, Lola's is named after Lola the pig, who was once the bar's mascot and actually swam in the ocean! If you were visiting Avellanas, she was a must-see character, and she was well-known in the area.

• Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste