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The must-visit cities and towns in Costa Rica, such as San José and Monteverde, offer a mix of rainforests, culture, and laid-back beach life. With over 3 million international visitors each year, this lush Central American country has become a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts, surfers, and those simply seeking pura vida.
As a surfer and traveler, I feel fortunate to have spent so much time in Costa Rica. From its dramatic landscapes to its friendly people, this Central American country is any traveler’s dream destination.
I’ve roamed Costa Rica’s colonial streets and cloud forests, discovering everything from the capital’s museums to the untouched beaches of Tamarindo. Each spot reveals a different side of the country, from spotting toucans in Manuel Antonio and zip-lining through Monteverde’s treetops to sampling fresh ceviche at a local soda.
When you visit Costa Rica’s top cities and towns, you’ll learn about its culture and history and experience endless highlights. In this article, I’ve selected my favorite cities and towns in Costa Rica and factored in local tips and traveler reviews so you can plan your perfect vacation.
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small town on the Caribbean Coast with a rich culture and some stunning natural scenery. It’s also home to the famous Salsa Brava surf spot, known for attracting the best surfers on the planet.
Even if you don’t surf, you will find tons of stunning beaches in the town. There are also natural highlights, such as the Finca Two Waters waterfall. When you’re not lying on the beaches and exploring the surrounding jungle, you’ll be trying some of the best seafood of your life.
The town has endless options for a comfortable stay. Choose a beachside hotel or resort or stay in the hills in a short-term rental with a view. Either way, you’ll get stunning views and great vibes all day long.
Finca Two Waters Waterfall: It’s located about 15 minutes from the center of Puerto Viejo. Be prepared for a short but steep hike to the falls. Wear sturdy shoes.
Surfing at Salsa Brava: If you’re a surfer, consider hiring a local guide for your first time. The waves here can be challenging for beginners.
Tamarindo is a small town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica with a laid-back culture and plenty of nature. Tamarindo is one of the best destinations for surfers, with perfect waves for all levels.
The town is home to beautiful hotels and beachside activities. Take a yoga class or enjoy a luxurious spa. Then, head to the mountains to explore hiking trails and jungle tours.
At night, grab a seat at a bar and watch the sunset dance on the horizon. Order a bottomless plate of locally caught seafood and hit the dance floor. In the morning, walk the beaches or take a local excursion to the mountains for a zip line experience.
Tamarindo Beach: Arrive early if you want to find a quiet spot, especially if you plan on surfing. The beach can get crowded as the day goes on.
Yoga and Spa: Check out Tamarindo Diria, a hotel that offers daily yoga sessions and massages on-site, perfect after a day of surfing.
La Fortuna is a beautiful gateway to Costa Rica’s highlands and the famous Arenal volcano. It’s surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, and jungle trails that take you deep into the highland forests.
Stay at a jungle retreat, an adventure-focused resort, or even a treehouse! You’ll also get to partake in endless activities, such as hiking and rope swinging. Climb up river valleys and into the canopies to see stunning wildlife and rare plants.
In town, you’ll find all you need for a relaxing time. Try the renowned coffee in small cafes and take in the laid-back vibes in a local restaurant.
Arenal Volcano National Park: Entrance is $15, and it’s open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wear light hiking shoes for the trails, which range from easy to moderate.
Relax at Eco Termales Hot Springs: Head to Eco Termales for a peaceful soak in natural hot springs after your volcano hike. Get there in the afternoon to avoid peak times.
Nosara is a stunning coastal town in the lush Nicoya Peninsula with mountain retreats, delicious cuisine, and endless beaches. The town is popular for surfers looking for some of the best waves in Central America. It’s also the perfect destination to get away from stress and be surrounded by nature.
You’ll find laid-back inns and short-term rentals and some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful hotels. The town also has endless boutiques and small shops where you can find souvenirs and fun gifts.
Grab a coconut water at the beach and walk along the endless sand. Then, take a tour of the surrounding jungle on a jungle excursion. Then, head back to your hotel for some rest or a luxurious spa experience.
Surfing at Playa Guiones: This beach is known for its consistent, gentle waves, making it perfect for beginners. Take a class from Safari Surf School to improve your skills.
Nosara Wildlife Sanctuary: If you love wildlife, visit the Nosara Wildlife Sanctuary to see rescued animals. It’s only a short 10-minute drive from the main town center.
San José is Costa Rica’s lovely and bustling capital city. It has a cosmopolitan feel, a booming food scene, and fun nightlife. Stay at one of the city’s classic hotels and experience the city’s unique culture at a local cafe.
Visit historical places such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. Then stop into local boutiques and crafts markets. To learn about the history of the country and its culture, visit the National Museum of Costa Rica.
You’ll find some of the country’s best natural activities and excursions outside the city. Choose between whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. At night, head back into town for late-night dancing and bar hopping.
National Museum of Costa Rica: Entry is $11, and the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Don’t miss the butterfly garden in the back.
Café de los Deseos: This café is a local favorite and perfect for breakfast. Try the traditional Costa Rican Gallo Pinto, which is highly rated and consistently good.
Cahuita is a one-of-a-kind coastal paradise on the Caribbean Sea. You’ll experience its Afro-Carribean culture and enjoy music, food, and endless relaxation.
In Cahuita National Park, you can hike the trails deep into the rainforest and see stunning wildlife. Then, visit the reefs offshore to see colorful fish and corals.
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The town is home to beachside hotels and eco-lodges that offer unique experiences and adventures. Book a room deep in the jungle or on the coast. Don’t forget to wake up early to experience some of the best sunrises of your life.
Cahuita National Park: Entry to the park is free, but a donation is appreciated. It’s best to hike the trails in the morning when wildlife is most active.
Snorkeling: Take a boat trip from the Cahuita beach to the coral reefs. The water is calm, and the reef is home to colorful fish and sea turtles.
Dominical is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for surfing and nature. There are also tons of yoga retreats and wellness centers where you can enjoy peace and solitude.
For surfers, the beaches offer endless spots for all levels. If you want to learn the sport, take a surfing class at one of the local surf schools.
In the mountains nearby, go on a guided adventure to hidden waterfalls and stunning swimming holes. One of the best places to see these postcard-worthy cascades is Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park.
Nauyaca Waterfalls: You can hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, which takes about 45 minutes. You can also book a horseback riding tour if you prefer not to hike.
Yoga Retreats: Many wellness retreats are available here, including Sanctuary Retreats, which offers multi-day packages for yoga, meditation, and organic meals.
Puntarenas is a unique city built on a narrow peninsula in the middle of the Nicoya Gulf. This thriving port town has some of the best seafood in the country and endless sights to enjoy.
Take the Paseo de los Turistas walkway along the waterfront and visit the historical Puntarenas Lighthouse. Then, head to a local restaurant to sample the catch of the day.
Take a boat out to Isla San Lucas to learn about this former prison and wildlife refuge. You’ll see rare animals and plants and inspiring views of the surrounding islands and mainland.
Isla San Lucas: Take a boat tour to Isla San Lucas, a former prison island turned wildlife sanctuary. Tours run daily from 9:15 AM, and the trip takes about 1.5 hours each way.
Paseo de los Turistas: This seaside promenade is lined with restaurants and shops. Take a walk in the evening to enjoy local music and food.
Monteverde is a must-see destination for rainforest adventures and wildlife. It’s also a fun town to stay in, with plenty of charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
In town, explore the small businesses and fun restaurants. Then, head out to the cloud forests to explore endless jungle paths. You’ll see waterfalls, wildlife, and towering trees and learn about the natural world.
You can walk to trailheads in town, which will take you through protected rainforests and bridges. For even more relaxation, book a room in a jungle resort or retreat where you can sleep to the sounds of the forest.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Entry fee is $80 per person (shared tour) and $120 per person (private tour). The tour takes 3 hours from 7:45 AM to 10:45 AM. Consider booking a guided tour to spot wildlife like the resplendent quetzal.
Zip Line Tours: If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Selvatura Park zip line, which offers an incredible aerial view of the cloud forest.
Santa Teresa is a small community on the Pacific Coast with laid-back vibes and plenty to see and do. The small town is quickly becoming one of the country’s best destinations for fun in the sun.
You’ll see stunning natural landmarks such as El Peñon Rock. Walk along stunning beaches where you can see sea turtles on the beach and parrots flying overhead.
The town has plenty of luxurious options for where you can stay the night. There are also tons of retreats, yoga studios, and jungle cabins where you can let all your cares disappear.
El Peñon Rock: Hiking up this rock offers fantastic views of the coastline. The trailhead is located near Roca Mar, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.
Yoga Classes: If you’re looking for a yoga class, Santa Teresa Yoga offers drop-in classes at their beautiful open-air studio. Book in advance during the high season.
Jacó is a city on the Pacific Coast known for its resorts and beach vibes. You’ll find a booming food scene and tons of nightlife, as well as adventurous activities like hiking nearby.
Go on an adventure into the mountains to see monkeys and other wildlife. Or, check out a local coffee farm high above the city.
This small city is the perfect place to learn how to surf, with surf schools and board rentals. To see advanced surfers do their thing, head to nearby Playa Hermosa. This big stretch of beach is known for having some of Central America’s best waves.
Playa Hermosa: A few kilometers south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is perfect for more experienced surfers. Consider renting gear from Jaco Surf School or booking a lesson.
Local Coffee Farms: Visit Villa Vanilla Coffee Plantation for a tour. It’s just 20 minutes from Jacó and offers a fascinating look at Costa Rican coffee production.
Playa Herradura is another paradise located in the Gulf of Nicoya. This tropical community has endless resorts and coastal retreats where you can relax in luxury.
Spend the day playing golf at the La Iguana Golf Course. Or hike to Punta Conejo and see hidden beaches and wildlife.
In town, you’ll try incredible seafood and sample the region’s famous coffee. End your day on the beach to see one of the most mesmerizing sunsets of your life.
Golf at La Iguana Golf Course: La Iguana is a must if you enjoy golf. It’s located right next to the beach with stunning views.
Punta Conejo Hike: The 2 km hike leads to stunning views and secluded beaches, accessible from the north end of Playa Herradura.
Matt Dursum is a writer from Michigan. His work has appeared in dozens of magazines and blogs, such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Off Path, and The Collector. He has traveled to over 46 countries and loves to share his passion for travel with others.
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