Costa Rica is home to over 300 beaches and hundreds of communities, many of which are far from the tourist pathways most visitors choose to explore. These off the beaten path destinations offer beautiful views, interesting sites, and welcoming hosts. Some are a challenge to get to, while others are just around the corner from the main travel routes.
Nestled along parts of Guanacaste's most lovely coastline is Brasilito Beach, a sprawling grey-sand beach and charming town. Rated 8.9/10 by visitors.
For a less crowded beach vacation, Uvita may be the ideal location. Rated 9.2/10 by visitors.
Cahuita is a laid back and vibrant little village in the setting of Costa Rica’s unique Creole culture, brought about by its Afro-Caribbean heritage. Rated 9.0/10 by visitors.
Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, this main city was once just a small port town. Rated 8.7/10 by visitors.
The Tenorio and Miravalles Volcano area is located in northern highlands along Guanacaste's eastern border with the Alajuela Province. Rated 8.2/10 by visitors.
A haven for birdwatchers and hikers awaits visitors around the town of San Gerardo de Dota, huddled up against the roaring Talamanca Mountain Range. Rated 9.3/10 by visitors.
Bahia Salinas is located in the far northwestern corner of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, near the border with Nicaragua.
Situated on the tip of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, the small town of Cabo Matapalo provides visitors with backdoor access into some of the country's most beautiful and least visited places: Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce, and Isla del Cano. Rated 10.0/10 by visitors.
Carate is situated along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast in the wonderfully isolated Osa Peninsula. Rated 9.1/10 by visitors.
A long stretch of black sand backed by coconut palms and almond trees forms the idyllic setting for Playa Zancudo.
Boca Tapada Costa Rica is located in the northern lowlands nearby the mouth of the San Carlos river which forms the border between Costa Rica and Nicaracua. Rated 10.0/10 by visitors.
Playa Bejuco is only about 35km north of Manuel Antonio and about 30 km south from Jaco but the atmosphere could not be more distant from the more popular destinations.
Situated within the northwestern reaches of the Guanacaste region, the Golfo de Santa Elena provides visitors with sun-dappled beaches, thriving forests, and a bountiful Pacific Ocean.