Welcome to Playa Hermosa
Coming to Costa Rica without heading to a beach should not be in the plans; it is a must!
Playa Hermosa consists of hotels and restaurants. However, you can explore so much more than the beach and surfing. You can head into the jungle and explore mountain ranges and wildlife. If you want to go shopping, you can do that in Jaco.
If you are interested in the beach but not in the mood to take surf lessons and play around in the water, we do recommend that you be mindful of the high currents that can be present. Also, newbie surfers should be careful, it’s best to head to Jaco beach to surf if you’re just starting.
Another fun place to check out is the Tarcoles River, also known as the "Crocodile River." It is the bridge on the way to Jaco. You will see plenty of cars on the side of the road and people walking on the bridge. And you won't need binoculars to see these massive crocodiles. At one point, someone said, "Is that a fake one? He is HUGE!".
You can also check out Carara National Park, which is fantastic for bird-watching. Why is this? It is between the tropical dry forests and the tropical rainforest, so it is a different habitat for many birds in Costa Rica.
Last but not least, is the incredible Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge, where you and your family can head to the turtle sanctuary to see the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that will nest on Playa Hermosa.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to travel to Playa Hermosa is during the dry season (from December to April) to get the most out of your trip.
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the rainy and the dry season. The best perk about rainy seasons is that prices will drop for lodging and restaurants. There will not be a lot of tourists, but some places may be closed due to the rainy season.
If you are interested in coming to Playa Hermosa during the dry season, it is prime beach weather, where the sun shines all day and the beautiful moon and stars light up the skies. You will notice a significant abundance of prices and tourists.
Weather in Playa Hermosa
It will be nice, sunny, and warm if you come to Costa Rica during the dry season, December to April. For example, the warmest month in Playa Hermosa can reach temperatures of 97 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler temperatures will be in the rainy season, and the coolest month is October when you will see temperatures of about 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum temperature of Hermosa beach is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the minimum temperature will be approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
It sounds pretty inviting, no matter what month you choose!
Is Playa Hermosa Safe?
Playa Hermosa is a tiny surf community where everyone knows each other; little to no crime happens here but as with any place in Costa Rica, we recommend storing valuables such as passports, expensive jewelry, and other valuable items. Also, do not leave valuables on the beach, as this is an excellent opportunity for thefts to grab and go.
Speaking of the ocean, be mindful of the currents and the ocean's creatures. Generally, there are no lifeguards on the beaches of Costa Rica, so we ask that you stay safe if you are not comfortable in the ocean.
Top Restaurants in Playa Hermosa
Check out a couple of these restaurants when you're at Playa Hermosa:
Arigato's: This is a superb sushi restaurant that many locals and tourists come to. The food is excellent value for money.
Vida Hermosa: A local cuisine restaurant with a combo of Costa Rican dishes, seafood, Latin and Asian dishes. A mix for everyone to enjoy. Great food, drinks, and views. One will not be disappointed.
Bowie's Point Bar & Restaurant: Another mix of local flare with Latin, Central American, and Costa Rican dishes. The views are fantastic, along with all the random animals you will see, from dogs and cats to a pet pig. Welcome to Costa Rica.
How To Get to Playa Hermosa
The closest airport to Playa Hermosa near Jacó is the Juan Santamaria Airport, about a two-hour drive from the airport.
But we want you to know that traffic can be heavy, so while it says about two hours on the map, we always add a little leeway in case you want to stop at the Crocodile Bridge to get some ceviche and souvenirs.
The best way to get to Playa Hermosa is with Costa Rican Vacations! You will meet some of the friendliest drivers that understand the area and will truly take care of you and your family.
