YOUR LOCAL FAVORITES
Welcome to Playa Grande
Playa Grande is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beach communities known for world class surfing, uncrowded sand, and sunsets that stop conversations mid sentence.
Set within Las Baulas Marine National Park, the entire stretch of coastline is protected which means no high rises, no crowds, and no shortage of howler monkeys in the trees behind the beach. It's the rare combination of genuine wilderness and quietly excellent food, surf, and hospitality.
This guide is everything we'd tell a close friend visiting for the first time not a list pulled from the internet, but the spots we actually return to.
OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Where We
Love To Eat
☕ Breakfast & Coffee
Pots & Bowls
HEALTHY BOWLS · SMOOTHIES · COFFEE
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients in vibrant breakfast bowls and made to order smoothies. Genuinely family friendly the kind of place you end up returning to every morning of your trip.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
It Consistently the most loved breakfast spot among our guests fresh, fast, and never disappoints.
Cafe Mar Azul
BREAKFAST BURRITOS · SMOOTHIES · TUNA
A small, family run spot tucked in a quiet beachside neighborhood with shaded outdoor seating. Their breakfast burrito and fresh tuna dishes are local favorites.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
Warm, personal service in a setting that feels like you've been invited into someone's home.
Beach Break Surf Cafe
SPECIALTY COFFEE · SANDWICHES · PASTRIES
The best coffee in the area, hands down. Pour overs made with care, baked bagels, and a genuinely warm welcome from the owners a perfect post-surf stop.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
Our go to recommendation for guests who surf at dawn and want a proper coffee after.
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner
El Huerto de Playa Grande
WOOD-FIRED PIZZA · PASTA · STEAKS
Thin-crust, stone oven pizza in a jungle setting tucked just past Pots & Bowls (look for the giant pumpkin on the roadside). A long running local favorite.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
Worth the drive for the pizza alone a true neighborhood institution.
Upstairs at RipJack Inn
SEAFOOD · COCKTAILS · SUNSET VIEWS
Elevated seating one minute from the beach, with a broad menu of local seafood and a happy hour cocktail list that's become legendary among repeat visitors.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
The best sunset dinner table in town book ahead during high season.
Beach Break Surf Cafe
SPECIALTY COFFEE · SANDWICHES · PASTRIES
The best coffee in the area, hands down. Pour overs made with care, baked bagels, and a genuinely warm welcome from the owners a perfect post-surf stop.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
Our go to recommendation for guests who surf at dawn and want a proper coffee after.
La Forja Flame & Sea
SEAFOOD · STEAKS · LIVE MUSIC
Fire grilled steaks and fresh seafood with live music several nights a week. Run by hosts who genuinely make you feel like a guest in their home.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
The top-rated dinner spot in the area reserve for groups during high season.
Origami Sushi Food Truck
FRESH SUSHI · CASUAL · HIDDEN GEM
Sushi made with tuna brought in fresh by local fishermen, served roadside with a casual, communal energy. A true hidden gem most visitors miss entirely.
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
One of our most-requested recommendations once guests find out it exists.
THINGS TO DO
Experience
Playa Grande
Beach Break Surf Cafe
World-class surf breaks suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. A wide, consistent stretch of beach with room to spread out.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
One of the world's most important nesting grounds for endangered leatherback sea turtles, with over 1,800 visitor reviews praising the estuary tours.
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Sunset on Playa Grande
Spectacular sunsets along one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and uncrowded coastlines arrive early to claim your spot on the sand.
ADVENTURES & WILDLIFE
Beyond The
Beach
🎣
Sportfishing
⛵
Catamaran Cruises
🐬
Dolphin Watching
Half and full-day charters chasing mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish off the Guanacaste coast.
Sunset sails and snorkeling stops along the calm waters near Playa Conchal and Tamarindo Bay.
Pacific spotted dolphins are a regular sight on morning boat tours just offshore.
🤿
Snorkeling
Clear water reef spots a short boat ride from Playa Grande, ideal for first-timers and families.
🌅
Sunset Cruises
A classic Guanacaste evening on the water, timed perfectly for golden hour over the Pacific.
🦜
Estuary Wildlife Tours
Guided boat trips through the mangrove estuary howler monkeys, crocodiles, and birdlife included.
RECOMMENDED OPERATORS
Real Experiences Costa Rica Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours
EXPLORE NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Worth The
Drive
Tamarindo
Shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and surf the liveliest town on this stretch of coast.
25 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
Playa Conchal
Crystal clear turquoise water and a beach made of crushed white shells genuinely one of a kind.
Playa Avellanas
Famous surf breaks and laid-back beach clubs including the iconic Lola's on the sand.
40 MINUTES
From Your
Hosts
LOCAL ADVICE
Local Advice From
Your Hosts
From December through April, Playa Grande becomes one of the most popular destinations in Guanacaste. A little planning goes a long way toward making your trip feel effortless.
01
Reserve restaurants early especially La Forja and RipJack Inn during high season.
02
Book surf lessons in advance with Mojo, ONDA, or YouAreCostaRica.
03
Schedule excursions ahead boats and shuttles fill up quickly December–April.
04
Arrive early for sunset viewing spots the best stretches of sand fill in fast.
— Shawna & Mariesa, your local hosts
STAY WITH US
Your Home Base
For This Guide
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