We spent five days in Costa Rica in November staying at the JW Marriott Guanacaste - a prefect change to relax, reset, and enjoy some late year sun. In the last post I detailed how we rented a car to get around, in this post I want to share some of the great things that we did, saving you time searching for the perfect activity on your vacation.

We spent most of our time in the Tamarindo area, known for its beaches, surfing, and five months of consistent sunshine. The vibe and restaurants reminded me of similar beach towns, like a less developed Venice Beach or a cleaner Seminyak in Bali.

Things To Do

Tamarindo - Very much a beach town - we were there in the very beginning of the dry season (November to April), so it wasn’t too busy. It’s perfect beach to hit everyday - you can get surf lessons or rent a surfboard for a few hours (we rented one for both of us so we could help each other because we both sucked). There are full services in town.

Playa Flamingo -  We really enjoyed this really pretty little beach town though there is less going on then Tamarindo. We had a snack at The Beach House.

Sendito Norte - This restaurant located in the Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas hotel, a stunning $600US a night hotel located on a peninsula 30 minutes north of Tamarindo. Rated as one of the worlds most romantic restaurants by CNN, this is “the place” to splurge. Drinks aren’t cheap, but there are few other places with this sunset of a lifetime - I highly recommend reservations for sunset during peak season.  

Danta and Playa Dantita -  Just past Sentido Norte we drove to the end of the road, parked in the parking lot, and hiked to these pretty secluded beaches. It’s great if you want to get away from the crowds and just enjoy a bit of “me” time alone.

Places to eat in the Tamarindo area:

Lola’s - Located on Playa Avellanas, about a 20 minute walk along the beach from the JW Marriott the beach (Edit - I had a friend stay at the JW Marriott and they mentioned that it was impossible to walk in April as the stream had grown into a river - don’t cross the river - drive if this is the case) this place is located on a much better beach than the Marriott’s, and the prices are reasonable.  What’s there? A chill vibe on the beach, with tropical drinks, fair priced fresh eats- it’s Pure Vida as they say in Costa Rica. It’s a great place to post up for the day (it closes at 5PM) and if you’re a fan of people watching, expect a decent crowd of surfers surfing the break nearby.

Il Rustico (amazing Italian place) -  This restaurant, located right by Playa Avellanas,  is run by an Italian couple who lives the beach life by day and cooks the most exquisite fresh Italian food by night. Open starting at 5:30 PM (and closed on Thursdays), this place serves fresh pasta and pizza that takes advantage of the local produce. This bruschetta plate was to die for!

The pizza looked so good we didn’t have a chance to take a picture.

and the brownie was out of this world.  Word to the wise - the road to get here is awful but it’s well worth the trip. I would eat here every day if I could.

Bar Jolly Rogers - Kath and I are wings fans and these wings did not disappoint.  We went on their Tuesday Wing Night - which will get you $2US beers and $7.50US pound and a quarter of wings in one of their famous sauces (try the sriracha lime!), a great dinner and drinks spot after a day spend surfing Tamarindo.

La Bodega - A breakfast place off of one of the main roads in Tamarindo, I’m proud to say that Kath and I had breakfast here three times while we were in Costa Rica - we just had to keep going back! Owned by a super friendly American ex-pat, I highly recommend a visit to this local and organic restaurant, you will not be disappointed. The owner’s drip coffee, sourced from the growers in the local hills, is to die for. They also have incredible breakfast sandwiches (my pick is the NYC special) and some incredible hot sauce that managed to be spicy and a bit sweet at the same time. (Full disclosure - I bought 1.5 litres of the hot sauce home...)

El Chiringuito - Perfect relaxing spot on Tamarindo beach to grab some food and cocktails. The prices were some of the most reasonable, especially considering it was right on the beach.