Beyond Tamarindo - An Exploration of Guanacaste’s Pacific Coast

Playa Negra - About 30 minutes south of Tamarindo is the black sand beach famous for its left breaking surf. Spend the day at the beach, take yoga class at Playa Negra Yoga, or book at waterfall hike with Javier at Pargos Adventures. A great day trip or stay at one of the local boutique hotels. You can also encounter some unexpected culinary experiences, as the area is home to some incredible chefs!

Playa Avellanas - Another little beach town near Playa Negra with a different vibe. Stop by La Esquina de Avellanas, a local community project home to various shops and various restaurants. A short walk to the beach takes you to an expanse of beach populated with surfers and families alike. Take a surf lesson with Avellanas Surf School - one of the best in and out of Costa Rica! Enjoy lunch in the sand at one of a handful of beachfront restaurants.

Las Catalinas - Situated north of Tamarindo is the walking community of Las Catalinas. Created with wellness and luxury at the forefront, this Mediterranean inspired town offers shopping, dining, and plenty of outdoor fun. Use Las Catalinas as a home base or make it a day trip.

Sunset - Witness the spectacular Pacific sunset from a variety of locations. Take a sunset catamaran cruise (Natives way), dine at one of many beach front restaurants (in restaurants), or just fins a comfy spot on the beach.

Hot springs - Around Costa Rica's Rincon De la Vieja, an active volcano in the area, you can find geothermic pools for soaking and relaxation. Check out Vandara Hot Springs or Hacienda Guachipelin.

Night Markets - Filled with music, food, and vendors of all kinds - you can find several night markets. Tamarindo night market on most Thursday evenings gets crowded, but a great evening out with live music and a bar. The night market on Friday evenings at La Esquina de Avellanas is a bit more chill, but also a lovely evening out with a mostly local crowd.

Sea Turtles - Playa Junquial, just south of Playa Negra, is home to Verdiazul. This sea turtle hatchery ensures the safety of the eggs of four of the seven species of sea turtles. Schedule a tour or contact them for release times!

Waterfalls - There are some truly incredible waterfalls to explore! Set up a day trip to Llanos de Cortez and Rio Celeste or the waterfall tour around Rincon De La Vieja with Natives Way.

Chill - You will notice ample opportunity, especially in the smaller beach towns, to truly dive into the present moment whether its relaxation or adrenaline - or perhaps a blend of both. Spas, yoga, and wellness activities abound! Altos de Eros is a gorgeous spa and has various wellness offerings.

Retreat - The area is home to quite a few retreat centers and many offer solo traveler options. Check out Peace Retreat or Rythmia.

Mycelium Playa Negra: Unexpected doesn't begin to describe this funky, chef driven restaurant. The dinner menu changes often and brunch is also amazing!

Pangas Beach Club: In the sand in Tamarindo and great for sunset. Outstanding seafood and cocktails. Love the Tuna Stack.

Cactus: Albin is a joy and his food is magic. Drinks are adorned with vegan gummy candy and served with flair. Everything on the menu is fantastic - but the ceviche is my favorite!

Cafe Hotel Playa Negra/Leche de Tigre: Inside the boutique hotel is a Peruvian inspired restaurant that offers fresh, exciting flavors. Save room for the lemon pie!

Il Rustico: Homemade pasta and wood fire pizza - not what you would expect in the middle of the jungle!

Sentido Norte: Located in the Casa Chameleon Hotel in Las Catalinas, this is where you want to be at sunset. The food rivals the view!

La Purujja: In the sand in Playa Avellanas. Another spectacular sunset spot with a fantastic menu with something for everyone.

Lola's: A restaurant, but so much more. Yoga classes, surf lessons, and the resident pot bellied pig, Lola. A great place to spend the day when in Avellanas.

Cafe Corazon: Local hang in Playa Negra. The french pastry chef creates extraordinary treats to accompany house roasted coffee.

El Barco: Located in the Tamarindo Hotel Capitan Suizo. A fusion of international and Costa Rican cuisine using local ingredients.

HiR Fine Dining: Not a restaurant - a fine dining experience in the chef's home. Mercedes Noam creates a one of a kind experience for you in their home.