The Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Couples

These shorelines are the definition of pura vida.

Photo: Caroline Brundle Bugge / Getty Images

Updated Jan 30, 2024

Costa Rica is one of those too-good-to-be-true destinations where couples don't have to compromise to get what they want. This Latin American gem really does seem to have it all: pristine nature, rainforests and volcanoes, white-sand shores that touch two oceans. If you're looking for the best beaches in Costa Rica, you don't have to go far to soak up the sun thanks to more than 800 miles of coastline, and nearly half as many beaches.

Whether you're after a vibrant beach town with tons of dining and nightlife, something quiet near the rainforest where you can really unwind, or somewhere you can join the pros surfing barrels, we've got just the spots for you. (Oh, and if you want to spend your days horseback riding like a scene from your favorite rom-com, that's another one of the many picture-perfect perks of a romantic beach getaway in Costa Rica.)

The Knot's Top Beaches in Costa Rica

With waves drawing the world's best surfers and shorelines so scenic they've become permanent fixtures as postcard photos, Costa Rica's beaches—on both the Pacific and Atlantic side—offer something for every kind of traveler. From beaches perfect for toes-in-the-sand weddings to those with a buzzy nightlife scene, here are some of our top picks.

Best Overall Beach in Costa Rica: Playa Tamarindo
Best Beach for a Luxury Honeymoon Stay: Las Catalinas
Best Swimming Beach in Costa Rica: Playa Conchal
Best Surfing Beach in Costa Rica: Playa Negra
Best Beach for Wildlife Spotting: Playa Tortuguero
Best Beach Town for Food and Drink: Playa Hermosa
Best Beach in Costa Rica for Nightlife: Playa Jacó
Best for a Beach Wedding: Peninsula Papagayo

Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste

Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The largest beach town in the area, Tamarindo has long been a favorite for surfers, but couples will find plenty of other highlights if they're not pros on the waves (Playa Grande is a better option for beginners). Stunning sandy beaches and even more beautiful sunsets are certainly draws, but nature lovers will more than get their fill thanks to the wildlife and mangroves at Las Baulas Marine National Park and the turtle sightings at Playa Grande.

Things to Do: This is a surfer's paradise, but you can also kayak or canoe through mangrove forests at Las Baulas Marine National Park or go horseback riding along the shore.

Places to Stay: Sleep in the only five-star all-inclusive in the area, Occidental Tamarindo, or stay at adults-only boutique hotel Jardin del Eden, a short stroll from the beach.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Playa Conchal, Guanacaste

Peninsula near Playa Conchal, Costa Rica

Less packed than nearby Playa Tamarindo, this somewhat tucked-away shoreline has a pearly glow thanks to the crushed-up conch shells serving as sand (thus the name). While less built-up than other beaches, you'll still have everything you need for a day in the sun, from gear and water sport rentals to dining and drink options. Volcanic rocks encase the turquoise bay, making it one of the country's most gorgeous beaches to take a dip in.

Things to Do: Get an adrenaline rush by zip lining or breezing by the beach through the remote, brush-encased trails on an ATV tour.

Places to Stay: For the full resort experience, book a stay at The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort and Spa, which sprawls across an expansive 2,400 acres and includes plenty of plush amenities, from tennis courts and a championship golf course to a lagoon-style pool with cabanas.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

The five-mile-long stretch has earned the title of "World Surfing Reserve" for its consistent, top-notch waves—the first in Central America to receive the award—but the tropical forest-flanked shoreline is just as popular for swimming and snorkeling (it's also a Blue Flag beach). One of the closer locales to Liberia Airport, Playa Hermosa is a great pick for couples since it's both scenic (you'll want to wake up early for those sunrises) and has a nice selection of luxury resorts for those who want a sumptuous stay in Costa Rica.

Things to Do: Set off through the Heliconias rain forest reserve strolling across a series of hanging bridges on a guided tour or spend the day on the water on a sport fishing excursion.

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo embraces the spirit of the region with surf-inspired spa treatments and restaurants like the new Palapita, which serves Costa Rican street food and locally brewed beer.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Playa Jacó, Puntarenas

If you want to feel like you're in the heart of Costa Rica's nightlife and party scene, Jacó—one of the most developed stretches of sand in the country—seems to be buzzy no matter the time of day or night. The Central Pacific beach town is about an hour and 45 minutes from San José—making it the closest beach to the capital—and has everything you need to be entertained during a bachelor or bachelorette party or romantic date night out on the town.

Things to Do: Get up early for a surf lesson, spend the morning hiking at nearby Carara National Park or take an ATV jungle waterfall adventure tour.

Places to Stay: Jacó is home to sprawling all-inclusive resorts like Best Western Jacó Beach Resort and Fiesta Resort Central Pacific.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Las Catalinas, Guanacaste

One of the newest beach towns in Costa Rica, the (mostly) car-free Las Catalinas has all the perks of a ritzy resort disguised as a community. For honeymooners, it's a real-life version of Eden—think two beautiful Pacific beaches, 1,000 acres of protected rain forest teeming with hiking and biking trails, and architecture that brings the outdoors in. Everything is walkable (and eco-conscious), and you'll have plenty of options for dreamy places to stay, from serviced villas to romantic beachfront suites you're sure to swoon over.

Things to Do: Reset and recharge post-wedding with one of the many wellness offerings, like energy medicine and sound therapy; go tropical mountain biking with views of the ocean at every turn; spend the morning sea kayaking in the protected bay; or set out for a picture-perfect sunset sail via catamaran.

Places to Stay: Sleep in style at one of the 21 private villas with personal saltwater infinity pools overlooking the gorgeous golden coast at Casa Chameleon Hotel.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Playa Tortuguero, Limón

Four species of turtles come to nest at Playa Tortuguero in Tortuguero National Park—and you can watch the babies making their way to the water in the evening with a guide. While this isn't a spot where you can do much besides wildlife watch (for the safety of the turtles, of course—plus there are sharks), it's a great place to spend the day while soaking up the incredible nature in the surrounding park.

Things to Do: Dine locally in a romantic al fresco eatery like Taylor's Place, canoe through the canals or take a seasonal hiking and night tour.

Places to Stay: Rustic-chic is the style here, so expect toes-in-the-sand kind of accommodations that pack plenty of charm, like the 29-room Tortuga Lodge, which sits at the doorstep of the rainforest.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Playa Negra, Guanacaste

Playa Negra's surf breaks are the star here (the beach even made an appearance in surf flick Endless Summer II), but this is also a great spot for couples who want to kick back and chill out. If you need a calm place to unwind after all that wedding stress, you'll find just what you're looking for in this tiny beach town. While not the best for swimming, it's close to Costa Rica's spectacular nature, like nesting leatherback turtles in Las Baulas Marine National Park. The black-sand beach feels like a true escape—but it's just a short ride away from the main village of Los Pargos when you're ready for lunch.

Things to Do: One of the more luxurious resorts in the area, W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal sits beachfront and features vibrant suites with views of the mangrove forest or ocean—plus private plunge pools.

Places to Stay: Take a salsa dancing lesson; visit a jaguar rescue center and go on a jungle hike; or swim in a waterfall on a voyage through the mountains to meet with an indigenous family and learn how to make cacao paste.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste

We're cheating a bit, since this pick is an entire peninsula with 15 miles of luxury, resort-laden beaches (and monkeys, too). Home to the only Four Seasons across Central America and South America, this gorgeous coastal community has plenty of locales and venues for a scenic destination wedding. Sure, there are fantastic restaurants and hotels, but for an only-in-Costa-Rica moment, you'll want to enjoy the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo's trail treks, surf breaks and neighboring UNESCO-protected reserve.

Things to Do: If you're planning a destination wedding here, your guests won't know where to start when it comes to activities, with resort-led options like mixology classes and pottery painting, as well as adrenaline-pumping zip lining, paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling.

Places to Stay: Take your pick of resorts, from the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, with its three beaches and Arnold Palmer-designed Top 100 ocean golf course, to the adults-only all-inclusive hotel Secrets Papagayo.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews