Throw in the countrys pura vida way of life and its two beach-lined coasts (Caribbean and Pacific, take your pick) and youve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable Costa Rica family vacation. For all the details about visiting, read our post Jaco: Costa Ricas Booming Beach Town. Mary and Mirijan highly recommended for beach massages they are the best , the best quality of massages and the bes. So, what are the best beach towns in Costa Rica for families? While most visitors want to experience the country's tropical beaches, many don't realize how diverse the choices are. Hola! Theres also a great chocolate tour, surfing, horseback riding, SUP and kayak tours, and hiking. Everyone knows that traveling with your loved ones can be exhausting, and sometimes we want luxury to ease our existence. A nearby eco-adventure park offers zip lining, a nicely maintained animal sanctuary, and cultural tours. This beach is unique because it is mostly made of seashells mixed with white sand. Welcome! Because of Costa Ricas laws on beach access, this is technically a public beach. When traveling within Costa Rica with young kids or infants, make sure to safety seats are on your baby packing list. Theres almost always a banana boat giving rides in the deeper water and the far south end of the beach is super private and quiet. ), Best New York City Neighborhoods (By A Local! First, Manuel Antonio is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from San Jose airport on a sweet highway. Home to the world-famous cloud forest and zip line, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is renowned for its conservation and preservation efforts. Theres almost no one here, the waves are tiny, and the water is bathtub temperature. The park has several trails leading to different beaches, and if youre lucky, you might encounter a few monkeys, sloths, iguanas, colorful crabs, and birds along the way. Check out these posts: Samara: Guanacastes Most Overlooked Destination, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Caribbean Cool in Costa Rica, Cabo Matapalo: Wild Jungle on the Osa Peninsula. The waves are super calm, which is again a great beach for kids to swim and play on the shore. Hotel Riu Guanacaste 9. You can find cheap accommodations in Cahuita, and even the most expensive hotels offer a unique rustic ambiance. The South Pacific is particularly well behaved here, waves are gentle; soft sands slope rather than shelf, and sunsets never fail to take your breath away. The town of Playa Hermosa is very well-developed, with supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants everywhere. The area had a zillion mini tiendas for purchasing food and liquor, and every single beach was beautiful and deserted. 10 Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. This sheltered cove has gentle waves that are great for kids. Ask us below. This is a great Costa Rica family vacation spot to see migrating humpback whales from mid-July and October, and again from December through March. Looking for a tailored itinerary for your family? They are: Playa Hermosa Near Jaco, Jaco's Beach Scene, Manuel Antonio's Family-Friendly Beach, Playa Conchal's Crystal Clear Waters,Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa, Tambor Beach, Santa Teresa's Surfers Paradise, Pavones Beach, and Playa Ocotal. On the western edge of the Nicoya Peninsula hides the incredible Santa Teresa, a small beach town thats going to win the heart of any surfer in the family. To help you pick the right sandy shore for your next vacation, U.S. News considered factors like beach quality, atmosphere and scenery to determine the best beaches in Costa Rica. "It is my pleasure to recommend Tabacon to anyone wishing to have an unbelievably excellent stay at an outstanding luxury resort.". Along the rocks at the northern end, weve seen puffer fish, eel, snapper, and many other colorful fish. The Guiones beach is a surfers paradise. Come with U.S. News on a tour of L'Ermitage Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, Come with U.S. News on a tour of Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. Most visitors do not have any problems, but if you are nervous about traveling with your kids, wed recommend one of the other destinations. 12. Costa Rica is on our family travel bucket list so I will be sure to save this for future reference! Finally, on the Caribbean Coast, youll find little development along the beach, except for a few specific towns. Weve assembled a list of seven of the best family beaches in Costa Rica to help guide your journey with your family through this beautiful country. Jo, thank you so much for visiting and commenting! Likewise, check out the areas other noteworthy activities, including bird watching, jungle biking and horseback riding. As a country, Costa Rica also provides a model of thoughtful, sustainable living thats a better souvenir than anything you could take home and frame. Related post: 20 Marvelous Beaches on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast -Top Picks Playa Avellanas You can also stay at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Flamingo and day trip to this area. After spending 2 months in the country, here is our list of the 5 best beaches in Costa Rica for families: Make sure to check out our packing list for Costa Rica with kids. In Costa Rica, two airports offer cheap flights to and from the United States: Juan Santamara International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, and Daniel Oduber Quirs International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Playa Conchal is isolated and harder to access. Keep reading to find out which ones you must include in your itinerary. On quality roads, it is a 2-hour drive from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia. For an extra dash of fun, go on an ATV jungle tour to Gandoca Manzanillo. This is a surfing beach, but at low tide, you can access the amazing tidepools that are perfect to explore with kids. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. Bring your snorkeling gear or book a tour to explore the reefs colorful tropical marine life. Meanwhile, those hoping for a glimpse of nesting leatherback turtles should explore Las Baulas Marine National Park in Playa Grande. Most people dont think of Jaco as a family beach, but I totally disagree. Youll also find horseback riding, boat or kayak tours to see wildlife, turtle-watching tours, a hike through the tropical dry forest, and a visit to a macaw parrot breeding center. Cahuita is a 20-minute drive from the famous beach destination of Puerto Viejo. Samara still has the Costa Rican lifestyle of excellent restaurants to eat the famous Gallo Pintos and plantains for breakfast, along with fresh fish and ceviche caught from the local fishermen, who sold it to the restaurants. Enter dates to see prices. Snorkel, swim or surf at the popular Playa Manuel Antonio, or look for sunning iguanas at Playa Espadilla Sur. 10 Best Family Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica. For tips on visiting and to learn more, read our post Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Caribbean Cool in Costa Rica. Its rainforests, beaches and volcanoes are legendary, and the tourist industry goes out of its way to make things easy for visitors, putting all these natural wonders within reach of even the youngest and most inexperienced travelers. Barcelo Tambor Beach 10. Jaco, also on the central Pacific coast, is another good spot for families. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Be sure to check with your service provider before going abroad for coverage and rates. This is one of the most popular beach towns in the country. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villas del Caribe, Playa FlamingoGuanacaste, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. It is also just an hours drive from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Playa Mantas is known for its calm and gentle waves, and there is a small estuary in the middle of the beach. From towering palm trees to crystal azure waters, this Guanacaste hideaway has all the check marks of a memorable beach retreat. Surrounded by verdant tropical jungles and high cliffs, the beach also lets you enjoy an array of thrilling diversions, like biking and ATV tours. The Guanacaste region and the Nicoya Peninsula are hubs for many of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is famous for its wildlife, and the arribada is one of the countrys most spectacular natural phenomena. While wading through Conchas crystalline water in pursuit of an Insta-worthy shot, pause for a while and admire its heavenly beauty. We live in Costa Rica with two kids. Costa Rica is my home away from home and when you are ready to visit, PLEASE come back and pick my brain! There are also some calmer beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park. Monteverde is less than 40 miles from Arenal, but getting there can be an adventure on its own. Aside from the picture-perfect sights, the volcano is also home to rejuvenating hot springs. Snorkeling the coral, kayaking, swimming, sport fishing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are among the activities enjoyed here, but you could also explore tide pools, go horseback riding, or indulge in some beach yoga on land. If you have yet to taste Caribbean cuisine, you are in for a treat. In this post, I give you the low down on the best family beaches in Costa Rica that offer something for everyone. Site Map WHAT TO PACK: 11 Beach Essentials You Need for Every Sun-Soaked Vacation. Also keep in mind that food is not allowed in the park, so plan to eat before you arrive. Traveling between May & end of August? However, just because the waters are calm doesn't mean it's boring. Theres no better way to kick-start a Costa Rica vacation than to visit Manuel Antonio Beach. In the afternoon, picnic with the family next to the beach, and in the evening, camp under the stunning starry sky. Hermosa is usually quiet and uncrowded and attracts mainly sport-fishing tourists and families. Pura Vida! Peaceful and usually empty, this 8-kilometer long beach in Papagayo Peninsula is ideal for those who seek solitude and serenity. Many of these hotels have their own hot springs ranging in size from private soaking pools attached to suites to larger shared pools. If you want to steer clear of the crowds, visit the beach on a weekday. Grab their pizza; you wont be disappointed. This is a beach just south of Dominical, Costa Rica and a much more laid-back beach option than the more popular Dominical. Best Beaches for Families in Costa Rica Jenn and Matt | Destinations, Family Travel | 69 Comments Costa Rica is famous for its miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. As parents, we know that heading on a beach vacation with our kids is a great way to tire them out. Finally, consider travel insurance to protect your vacation investment, particularly if you plan to visit Costa Rica during the May-to-December rainy season that coincides with the hurricane season in Mexico and the Caribbean. Costa Rica has beachfront resorts on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, but the Pacific side is where you'll find many of the best Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts for families. Famous for its excellent waves, this exotic paradise in Guanacaste is a mecca for surfing aficionados. Costa Rica Escapes is a boutique Costa Rica vacation planner who, since 2006, uses extensive knowledge and local relationships to create one-of-a-kind Costa Rica vacations for travelers looking seeking a unique travel experience. Take your pick from. There are many activities that families can enjoy here in Nosara: In addition, the Nosara Kids Camp in North Guiones offers Spanish and surf lessons, and Gabis Play, a large play park, is located right next to it. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa Costa Rica 7. Located in Guanacaste, this upscale beach town has all the ingredients of a tropical paradise. It has a wide variety of luxury accommodations and a couple of small resorts and makes a fantastic, quiet base to explore the rest of northern Guanacaste. With the combination of sun, salt water, and sand, we do it well here in Costa Rica. It is generally uncrowded, the beach is gorgeous, and many resorts offer activities such as movie nights, diving, and kayaking, and include childrens play areas and a Spa. The main road into Smara Beach is nearby, something to keep in mind when you have very young children that might like to run towards the road. Whether city, the sea, or the great wildernesses beyond, these are the ultimate family adventures. Thats why you need to be extra careful as you make your way to the beach. 2 The Caribbean Coast in the area of Play Cocles. By submitting this form, you agree to the. Set in the hills, just 40 minutes from San Jose airport, the 40-acre reserve is your kids' first hint of the untamed nature that will define their holiday. It also has a huge restaurant selection and lots to do with kids. In my opinion, however, the beach isnt that pretty, and you dont get those epic sunsets you get at other nearby beaches. Rental Car Discount Check out our discount through one of the reputable rental car companies in Costa Rica to save 10% and get free extras like car seats. Read our post Playa Conchal: The Allure of Shell Beach for up-to-date details on how to arrive. Kathryn Sarkis is a parent and traveler who has lived in France and the U.S. Nosara is in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, about a 2.5-hour drive from the Liberia airport, or for those who wish to avoid the long drive over unpaved roads, there is an airport in town. The treehouse hotels, resorts, and rentals all but guarantee a vacation that no one in the family will ever forget. Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Ricas most visited park, and youll understand why when you witness its beauty. Allegro Papagayo (Editor's Choice) 2. Hermosa is Spanish for beautiful and Playa Hermosa truly lives up to its name. So do we! With the combination of sun, salt water, and sand, we do it well here in Costa Rica. We know how important finding the right destination is when youre traveling with kids and hope that our recommendations have helped narrow your familys itinerary. Book a chat today! There arent public restrooms, shops, or restaurants very near the beach, making this the ideal place to pack a picnic and cooler for the day and hang out. ), Where to Stay in New York City (By A Local! So why not sip on a cocktail with your partner while the kids splash around in the pool? Puerto Viejo is one of the best surf . This was announced by British Airways after analyzing 200,000 reviews published on TripAdvisor. If you are a guest at the, Clear water and snorkeling at Playa Conchal, For those looking for lush rainforest, theres, Although the main beach in town, Playa Espadilla, can have rip tides, its still decent for wading. We love to share inspiration and advice with readers, and we do not sell our list. Costa Rica Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, 12 of the Best State Parks in Texas for Families with Kids, 20 of the Best Hotels Near Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, 33 of the Best Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids, 50 of the Best Free Things To Do in Chicago With Kids, Disney BoardWalk Villas: Everything You Need to Know. Spice up your beach escape by exploring Manuel Antonio Beach Park, which features some of the best things to do in Costa Rica. Flamingo town is quaint, elegant, and a great base to explore other beaches in northern Guanacaste. Follow this guide to pack like a pro and ensure airport security is a breeze. Even better, the beach is home to a plethora of underwater treasures begging to be uncovered. While most visitors want to experience the countrys tropical beaches, many dont realize how diverse the choices are. The waves are pretty small, which makes the place perfect for kids or beachgoers who love calmer waters. . You can also take a boat to the nearby Damas Island Estuary and kayak the area on a day or evening tour. Non-surfers can go parasailing, jet skiing, horseback riding, or visit the park for wildlife watching. Over the past few years, weve explored many of Costa Ricas beaches with our boys. Just a five-minute drive away is another tranquil beach, Playa Carrillo, a favorite spot among locals. Along the north part of the beach, there are a zillion tide pools that will keep your kids entertained for hours at low tide. Babies and sleepless parents love soaking in the tide pools that form in Playa Pelada and south Guiones at low tide. Arenal Volcano The area around Arenal Volcano is a prime Costa Rica family vacation destination (Photo: @ISphotos via Twenty20) Rising dramatically from the land and ringed by rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls, Arenal Volcano looks like it was plucked straight from a children's fairy tale. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas Reserva Natural, Guanacaste, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. Head to Ranchon del Negro for tasty Caribbean cuisine, or if you are craving some yummy Gallo Pinto from Costa Rican cuisine, you will be disappointed. You can go zip lining, hiking, waterfall rappelling, whitewater rafting, and do boat or kayak tours, night tours, surf lessons, and much more. Learn all about this wildlife sanctuary near San Jose and how to plan a visit. Tamarindo, with its wide sandy stretch and alluring natural beauty, is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. Jaco also has a lot of activities that are good for families, including zip lining, ATV tours, catamaran tours, For all the details about visiting, read our post, The tidepools at Esterillos Oeste, a beach about 20 minutes south of Jaco, Although we do recommend Puerto Viejo for families, the area does have some crime, making it not right for everyone. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Tamarindo, Playa ConchalGuanacaste, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. 4. We love to kayak, snorkel, boogie board and hike. Snorkeling the coral, kayaking, swimming, sport fishing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are among the activities enjoyed here, but you could also explore tide pools, go horseback riding, or indulge in some beach yoga on land. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries. Situated on Caribbean side, this beach dazzles with its palm studded white sand stretch. Tamarindo beach may be the best known of the beaches in Guanacaste region, but it isn't one that we've included on our list. Read our post for tips on what to expect. These resorts. Trending Post: Costa Rican Gallo Pinto Recipe. Tucked away in a secluded pocket on the western shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara's unpretentious beaches and laid-back atmosphere make for the ideal vacation. Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Credit: Shutterstock Playa Conchal is a public beach located in the Guanacaste province on the Pacific coastline. Unfortunately, because of the heavy currents experienced here, this spot is not safe for swimming. One of the countrys newest national parks, Marino Ballena National Park is committed to the conservation of the rich marine ecosystems. Occidental Tamarindo 6. As you hike the parks trails, youll spot plenty of extraordinary animals, including sloths, green iguanas and white-faced monkeys. Related post: 30+ Foods To Try In Costa Rica. Theres even a little boardwalk through the forest, taking you to Cabinas Las Olas, a fun place to stay or to eat and drink if you are just spending the day at Avellanas. Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica All Inclusive, Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in Costa Rica, Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo, Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas Reserva Natural, Best Time to Visit New York City (By A Local! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Nammb Beach Front Bungalows, Related: Costa Rica with Kids Fun Things to Do, Playa MontezumaPuntarenas, Costa RicaTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. PuntarenasQuepos, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. It's one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica thanks to its gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. 3,368 reviews. Protected by an offshore coral reef, this beach is also perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. villas, and condos were made for families. By Nina . All Rights Reserved. The beach of Samara is over 10k long, and plenty of shade if you want to stay away from the hot sun in Costa Rica. ). Although the main beach in town, Playa Espadilla, can have rip tides, its still decent for wading. Our favorite crocodile tour is just minutes away. Surrounded beautifully by tropical jungles, this beach is simply photogenic. For non-surfers, the beach also lets you enjoy picturesque hiking trails and surreal snorkeling spots. There are five active volcanos in this small country and some of the best hiking, bird-watching,. 14 of the best beaches in Costa Rica - Times Travel Take your pick from secluded, rainforest-backed bays to lively surf towns in this Central American natural paradise. Bring your scuba or snorkeling gear, as there is a lot to be discovered underwater. Sitemap. Tell us where youll be t, The best smartwatches for kids. The palm trees make way for some beautiful shade, and if you want to set up a hammock, there are ways to do that for a little siesta. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a564c73ca1dacf1bd9e48c225b8c7dc1" );document.getElementById("f247f85416").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Horseback riding, ATV tours and canopy tours in the jungle and more are also included. Snorkel alongside brightly colored marine life at Playa Manzanillo's protected coral reef or snooze in the shade of a leaning palm tree. Playa Jaco is an impressive 2.5-mile stretch of powder situated on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. From Beaches to Cloud Forests, Heres Where to Go for an Unforgettable Costa Rica Family Vacation, Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest (Photo: Shutterstock), 10 Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy on Vacation, Kids Sail Free: 6 Cruise Lines Letting Kids Cruise Free in 2023, Summer is almost here! The rarely crowded 1.2-mile long beach features splendid grey sands, crystal clear blue waters, and spectacular scenery, making it one of the best places to vacation with your loved ones. This is a hidden beach within the Four Seasons Resort and next to Planet Hollywood and The Andaz Hotel. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crocs Resort & Casino, Santa Teresa BeachPuntarenas Province, Costa RicaTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. Sloth lovers flock to Manuel Antonio National Park, a prime place to spot the two- and three-toed creatures. To secure a spot, either arrive early and purchase tickets at a Coopealianza office before getting in line for the entrance, or book with one of the tour groups that have access to advance tickets. Now that we have kids and have slowed down a bit, its perfect. You can read a book on the sandy beach, enjoy the waves and stroll without spotting a single soul. Featuring high swells, this beach is a playground for skilled and seasoned surfers as well. With a palm-fringed background, cerulean waters and pristine white sands, this beach is filled with postcard-worthy sights. There is a great ex-pat community in this area as well. The best beach for families on a budget is Playa Samara. There are also ziplines and canopy tours for those who ache for a shot of adrenaline. I think Jaco would be great. Located along the Pacific coast, Samara is one of the best beach destinations in Costa Rica for families. Flamingo is home to some of the best beach resorts in Costa Rica for families. FUN FOR THE KIDS: 11 All-Inclusive Resorts with Kids Clubs That Go Above and Beyond. Add an element of outdoor adventure to your Playa Hermosa retreat by taking a day trip to the Arenal Volcano. With high levels of energy kids probably won't settle for a relaxed day at the beach with a book or a romantic spot to see the sunset. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Meanwhile, scuba divers can uncover the depths as they look for spinner dolphins, stingrays and sunken ships. The highlight of Puerto Viejo is its beaches. Please contact us for help planning your trip to Costa Rica. Well let you know about some destinations that are safe for swimming with children and also have family-friendly activities. Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Pack your food and drink in, and plan your trip around the tides. Most of the beaches in Costa Rica are connected to rainforests so if you're visiting a national park, chances are you'll find one of the following beaches! Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Since its the closest beach to the countrys capital, expect flocks of beach goers here every weekend. ! The other days of the week, this is just a calm beach thats perfect for families. Tips for a Cheap Trip. View on map. Dip into a landscape of rivers, waterfalls, forest trails and wildlife, acclimatise to the different pace of life and get . Lace up your hiking shoes and venture into the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Playa Biesanz, enveloped by a verdant rainforest, entralls visitors with its unbelievably clear water and creamy fine sands. The Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Families by John Rabenau on February 2, 2023 As parents, we know that heading on a beach vacation with our kids is a great way to tire them out.
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