All photos by A Cruising Couple
From classy hotels to budget backpacker hostels, Costa Rica's popular beach town of Tamarindo has a bit of something for everyone. Made famous for its consistent and accommodating surf break, the town has become a hotspot for tourists looking to lay back and enjoy the beach lifestyle. And with most of Tamarindo's tourists coming during the high season, this is the perfect time to enjoy the wealth of amenities, beautiful coastline and friendly locals.
Here's a closer look at all Tamarindo has to offer:
What To Do
Surfing
First and foremost, for many of the visitors making their way to Tamarindo, surfing is number one on the itinerary. There are plenty of surf schools around, and it's not unusual to see 50 people in the water at one time. That being said, Tamarindo is a big beach, so it's not difficult to find a quiet section all for yourself. The breaks can be long and gentle at low tide, making this the perfect place for surfing newbies. Advanced surfers seeing some of the most difficult swells should try adjacent Playa Grande. You'll want to take a local boat to cross the croc-infested river that separates the two beaches. (It's much easier than it sounds.)
Boards typically rent out between $10 and $15 for a full day.
Tamarindo Farmers Market
If you happen to be free between 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, head to the south side of Tamarindo beach. Here you'll find the local farmers market. It is a collection of about 12 stalls selling a variety of goods such as produce, spices, tacos, essential oils and handmade jewelry. You can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours here, depending on if you're looking for souvenirs. Either way, it's a great way to get a good feel for the vibrant expat community.
Adventure Tours
Tamarindo is one of the biggest tour hubs in the Guanacaste region. You'll see signs for everything from zipline canopy tours to sunset cruises to ATV tours. Tamarindo is an adventure lover's paradise, so if you're looking for some high-adrenaline fun, this is a great place to find it. Your hotel will be able to help you make bookings, or just wander around downtown Tamarindo until something catches your eye.
Where to Eat
Bamboo Sushi
We are quite picky when it comes to sushi recommendations, but this one makes the cut! We especially love the serene garden setting. If you're visiting with a special someone, then try the love boat for two. They've also got two-for-one mojitos during Happy Hour.
Patagonia Argentinian Restaurant & Grill
Another great dinner option, though admittedly a bit pricey, is La Patagonia. We haven't had the opportunity to go to Argentina yet, but the meats and pasta served here are out of this world, and certainly what we imagine it would be like to eat at an authentic Argentinian restaurant in Buenos Aires. Be sure to make reservations as this restaurant is packed during both low and high season.
La Bodega
This small and unassuming hut serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch specials in town. It's a bit off the main road on a quieter stretch of street, but it is well worth the trek.
Where To Stay
With a wide array of options, we ultimately decided to stay a little outside of central Tamarindo. This meant quiet accommodation with great ocean views just minutes from the action of Tamarindo.
Head down the quiet dirt road on the way to Playa Langosta for a condo rental from Blue Moon Costa Rica. We loved the porch from our 4th floor room where you could see the sun setting over the lush forest with the beach and ocean just beyond. A large jacuzzi and fully equipped kitchen made the condo feel like home.
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