Discovering the Best Beaches Near San Jose, Costa Rica

Let's kick off our coastal adventure with Playa Jaco, a mere 1.5 hours from San Jose. Famous for its surf-friendly waves that welcome novices and challenge pros, it's a hit with both locals and visitors. But there's more to Jaco than just surfing. Its pulsating nightlife, bustling shopping spots, and great restaurants are just the start. Craving adventure? Jaco's got you covered with horseback riding, ATV tours, sunset boat cruises, and even ocean kayak escapades. And hey, if you're a fishing enthusiast, you're in for a treat at the nearby Los Sueños Marina.

Next stop on our coastal journey is the breathtaking Playa Hermosa (hermosa is Spanish for beautiful!) Picture this: you're cruising down the highway, and there it is, in all its serene beauty, nestled between cliffs and headlands. A photographer's paradise, this high vantage point offers stunning views of both Jaco and Hermosa. Surf's up at Playa Hermosa, famed in surfing circles for its large, consistent waves. With its laid-back atmosphere, it's perfect for those long walks along remote stretches of soft dark sand.

A heads-up though, Hermosa's powerful waves and currents make it a no-go zone for swimming, dangerous for even the strongest of swimmers. Only advanced surfers should risk getting in the ocean here—and they do, especially on Saturdays when they show off their skills at the Backyard Bar’s surf competition. Enjoy a cold beverage while you marvel at the talent riding and catching some air over the impressive waves—it’s definitely worth it!

Wander further along the Pacific coast and discover the beaches of Esterillos: Oeste (West), Central, and Este (East). Just 20 minutes from Jacó and 45 minutes from Manuel Antonio, these hidden gems are quieter and more untouched than Jacó, ideal for tranquil beach walks, surfing, and witnessing some of Costa Rica's most spectacular sunsets. Their position also makes them a perfect starting point for many day trips! Esterillos Oeste boasts a famous bronze mermaid statue and fun tidal pools at low tide. For a relaxed vibe and tasty beachfront bites, Esterillos Central is your go-to—visit a great little restaurant right on the beachfront called Escapadita. Looking for a blend of tranquility and comfort? Esterillos Este offers both, with charming restaurants and cozy accommodations like the delightful Almas del Pacifico beachfront boutique hotel, complete with luxury villas and private oceanfront plunge pools.

About three hours from San José, Manuel Antonio isn't just a beach destination, it's a vibrant, wildlife-rich experience where the jungle meets the sea. The heart of this paradise is the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, teeming with biodiversity and, yes, lots of monkeys! The main beach, Playa Espadilla, is a super fun stretch of golden sand, perfect for family fun and aquatic adventures—think surfing, complete with local surf instructors, parasailing, and more. There’s also an array of ocean activities like catamaran tours, snorkeling, sportfishing, jet-skiing, and kayaking. And for nature enthusiasts, Isla Damas offers some of the finest mangrove tours around.

Also, while exploring the national park, don't forget to pack your swimwear. Hidden within are some of Costa Rica's most picturesque beaches, like Playa Manuel Antonio where the crystal-clear ocean rolls up onto pristine golden sand, its tranquil waters ideal for swimming. With the jungle and animals sharing this beautiful shoreline with you, this beach is one of the most magical around. Then, there’s the secluded Playa Las Gemelas—a quiet, almost mystical retreat, where you could just be lucky enough to have the beach almost entirely to yourself!

As you venture further down the Pacific coast from Manuel Antonio, you'll stumble upon Dominical, a bohemian gem that's a surfer's paradise. This area offers a variety of cozy stay options, nestled in its relatively undeveloped landscape. Known for its colossal waves, Dominical is a surfer's dream, and for the rest of us, a string of welcoming restaurants and quaint shops dot its shoreline. Ready for a wildlife encounter? The local nature reserves and animal sanctuaries promise unforgettable up-close experiences with Costa Rica's diverse fauna.

Just a stone’s throw away is Uvita, a rising star among beach towns. Its allure lies in its connection with the ocean, offering unparalleled diving and snorkeling adventures at Caño Island, a protected marine park near Corcovado. Imagine witnessing humpback whales and dolphins on their migratory journey, a spectacle available from August to April! Uvita is also the gateway to mesmerizing mangrove tours and stunning waterfalls that will take your breath away.

Nestled within the protected Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita's beaches, including the iconic whale’s tail-shaped sandbar, are a sight to behold and worth the nominal entrance fee. This geological marvel, visible at low tide, is a must-visit and a staple in some of our exclusive tours. Nearby Ojochal, with its turtle reserve, offers a heartwarming spectacle of turtle nesting and hatchlings making their first journey to the sea at certain times of the year.

For those willing to venture further, Santa Teresa at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula awaits. This laid-back town blends surfing excellence with a serene, spiritual ambiance, amplified by its yoga and wellness resorts. Reach this hidden gem by a scenic drive, a quick domestic flight, or a picturesque ferry ride from Puntarenas.

And let's not forget about Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), accessible only via a boat day trip from Jacó or Nicoya. This enchanting island is blessed with a stunning white-sand beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters—no wonder the stories say it was a favorite stop for pirates a few centuries ago! Your day trip here includes not only a delightful lunch on the beach but also exhilarating snorkeling and lively water activities like ocean kayaking and banana boat rides.

Playa Blanca is one of the most pristine white-sand beaches in all of Costa Rica and one of the closest to San José. If you are in a rental car, 15 minutes before Jacó, on the coastal side of the highway after the Punta Leona Resort entrance, is an unmarked road. After driving 10 minutes down here, past fields and rainforests, you’ll reach the parking lot for Playa Mantas, where you’ll need to leave the car.

Playa Mantas is a gray-sand beach in a picturesque cove and the main beach for the nearby resort. From here, you’ll walk a few minutes south down the beach. The quickest way across is to climb over a steep embankment but, at low tide, you can walk around the point on flatter rocks. You need to plan for a good few hours of low tide to get to and return from Playa Blanca, but it is truly worth the effort. This picture-perfect beach with soft white sand and huge palm trees hanging out over the beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the central Pacific coast.

Playa Biesanz is a secluded, peaceful beach near Manuel Antonio, perfect for relaxation and snorkeling, and one of the best spots for a swim due to the large cove it is situated in, which protects it from strong waves and currents. It's surrounded by a dense rainforest that's home to various wildlife. We also offer some gorgeous hotels that are within walking distance like Shana By The Beach. A great way to visit Playa Biesanz is via an exhilarating ocean kayak tour which stops here for some snorkeling.