Costa Rica may be small, but you’ll find it overflowing with natural beauty, from palm-fringed beaches to Insta-worthy national parks. With so much to see, it is a very tough choice, but here are three things you’re sure to fall in love with.
Uvita
Created in 1989 to protect marine life, this beach is extraordinary — a wild, paradise-like stretch of sand that curves into its iconic “Whale Tail” formation at low tide. Backed by lush tropical forest and opening onto the shimmering Pacific, it feels peaceful, unspoilt, and a world away from Costa Rica’s busier beaches.
You can stroll the famous Whale Tail sandbar at low tide, snorkel and scuba dive the dazzling reefs, kayak the calm waters, and hike misty jungle trails filled with tropical bird calls—one highlight will be the moment you spot a humpback whale on the boat tour!
Location: Southwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province; Size: Small beach town | Vibe: Serene, nature-loving, eco-chic
Favorite highlight…
Watching the sunset with a potent Purple Smash cocktail made from blackberry and basil, at the fun Whale Tail Brewery, where barefoot travelers hung out under string lights while the sound of reggae filled the air!
Arenal Volcano
Towering above the rainforest, Arenal Volcano is an incredible sight — its near-perfect cone, steamy hot springs, and stunning jungle backdrop will wow you. You’ll also like how the village of La Fortuna sits right at its base, giving the area a fun, eco-adventure vibe. It’ll take you about three hours to drive from San José (there was also a direct bus).
It’s fun to hike through Arenal Volcano National Park past crunchy old lava flows, zip-line at fun Mundo Aventura, soak in the mineral-rich Tabacón Hot Springs, spot wildlife at the atmospheric Mistico Hanging Bridges, and spend evenings wandering La Fortuna’s lively streets, savoring a chilled Chirripó Pale Ale, browsing volcanic-stone jewelry, and ducking into cozy, coffee-scented restaurants.
Location: Northern Costa Rica, near the town of La Fortuna in Alajuela Province | Size: active stratovolcano | Vibe: Dramatic, adventure-filled
Favorite highlight…
Check out the 4-star Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis – you’ll love the designer outdoor swimming pool, the garden where hummingbirds and motmots flutter, and hang at the sociable outdoor fire pit.
Playa Conchal
Consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with sparkling turquoise water and soft sand made of crushed seashells, which gives it a unique, shimmering glow that sometimes even looks pink in the sun. Framed by gorgeous greenery and dotted with luxury resorts, it has a relaxed yet elegant, upscale vibe.
It’s an easy one-hour drive from Liberia International Airport to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the clear waters, lounging on the shell-covered beach, and indulging in spa treatments right next to the ocean.
Location: Northwestern Pacific coast, Guanacaste Province, near the town of Brasilito | Size: Small beach area | Vibe: Elegant and softly luxurious
Favorite highlight…
Broadleaf trees border the shore, providing natural shade where you can relax and spot monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds hanging out right above the beach.