Best Summer Beach Destinations in San José, Costa Rica
1. Playa Jacó
Popular beach town with excellent waves for surfing and a vibrant nightlife.
- Surfing Conditions: Ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers
- Nightlife: Many bars, restaurants, and casinos stay open late
- Water Activities: Jet-skiing, parasailing, and fishing are popular activities
2. Playa Hermosa
Quieter beach with calm waters and a laid-back vibe perfect for families.
- Family-Friendly: Calm waters make it safe for kids to swim
- Quiet Atmosphere: Less crowded and more peaceful than Jacó
- Restaurants: A variety of restaurants offering seafood and international cuisine
3. Playa Esterillos Oeste
Hidden gem with black sand beaches and fewer crowds.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Less touristy than other popular beaches
- Black Sand Beach: Uncommon feature in Costa Rica, providing a unique backdrop
- Natural Beauty: Turtle nesting sites and lush vegetation make it scenic
4. Playa Uvita
Stunning beach with a whale's tail-shaped rock formation.
- Natural Landmark: The unique whale's tail rock is a popular photo spot
- Marino Ballena National Park: Home to humpback whales and sea turtles
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Excellent opportunities for underwater exploration
5. Playa Dominical
Bohemian-style town with a laid-back atmosphere and great surf.
- Surfing: Consistent waves make it popular for surfers
- Eco-Tourism: Nearby nature reserves offer wildlife viewing and hiking
- Bohemian Vibe: Artistic community, yoga studios, and healthy eateries
6. Playa Bejuco
Secluded beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the beach
- Seclusion: Less crowded than other beaches, offering a peaceful retreat
- Snorkeling: Clear waters provide good visibility for snorkeling
7. Playa Matapalo
Remote beach with a beautiful sunset and excellent surf breaks.
- Surfing: Consistent, powerful waves for advanced surfers
- Remote Location: Less developed than other beaches, providing a rustic experience
- Sunset Views: Stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean
8. Playa Santa Teresa
Bustling beach town known for its excellent surf and yoga scene.
- Surfing: Consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all levels
- Yoga Scene: Numerous yoga studios and retreats in the area
- Diverse Dining Options: Variety of restaurants offering international cuisine
9. Playa Tarcoles
Beach with a crocodile-filled estuary and mangrove forests.
- Crocodile Watching: Opportunity to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat
- Mangrove Forests: Explore the unique ecosystem and spot birds, monkeys, and sloths
- Adventure Activities: Kayaking, zip-lining, and ATV tours available nearby
10. Playa Avellanas
Beautiful, secluded beach with excellent surf conditions.
- Seclusion: Less crowded than other popular beaches
- Surfing: Consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all levels
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the beach
11. Playa Herradura
Beach with a picturesque bay and luxury resorts.
- Luxury Resorts: Upscale accommodations for a comfortable stay
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking
- Scenic Beauty: Picturesque bay and beautiful mountain views
12. Playa Conchal
Beautiful beach with white sand made of crushed seashells.
- Unique Sand Composition: White sand made of crushed shells, giving it a unique texture
- Beautiful Scenery: Scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby rainforests
- Resorts and Amenities: Luxury resorts, golf courses, and water sports available
13. Playa Grande
Long beach with a large turtle nesting site.
- Turtle Nesting Site: One of the largest turtle nesting sites in Costa Rica
- Surfing: Consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all levels
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe birds, monkeys, and iguanas
14. Playa Nuevo Arenal
Beach near Arenal Volcano with a scenic lagoon.
- Volcanic Landscape: Scenic views of the Arenal Volcano and surrounding landscape
- Lagoon Activities: Boat tours, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon
- Adventure Activities: Zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and hiking nearby
15. Playa Blanca
Beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and a coral reef.
- Coral Reef: Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities
- Clear Waters: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the beach