Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica is Mother Nature’s best take on spectacular coastline promises beautiful beaches, striking scenery, and sweeping Pacific panoramas

One of the country’s most scenic beach towns and home to the region’s newest and most upscale marina, Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica is a wonder of sun-dappled coasts, quiet bays, rugged peninsulas, and tree-lined beaches, all framed by greenery that rises into steep hills and startling panoramas.

And when you stay here – when you choose to travel somewhere as improbably beautiful and strikingly awe-inspiring – we know you’re going to want to explore. We know you’re going to want to see as much as possible.

The thing is, there are dozens (and dozens and dozens) of beaches within a short drive of Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica. Some are easily accessible and some are nearly impossible to reach. Some stretch for miles and others, you could cover in a few good skips. So, we thought we’d pull together a few of our favorites. Ten of them, in fact.

Because we think ten is a good number. Enough that you’ll see a little of everything this stretch of coast has to offer, not so many that you can’t see them all on your trip. And with that, there’s only one thing left to say: Enjoy!

Playa Flamingo

We’ll kick our list off with the lovely and unparalleled Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica, one of the most perfect and perfectly beautiful stretches of coast in Costa Rica.

Emerging from the sea to form its North Ridge – a steep peninsula that vivisects the Pacific, its compass needle pointing directly at the uninhabited Isla Plata – Playa Flamingo is so perfectly constructed, you’d believe Mother Nature had carved this coastline for herself.

For here, steep hills rise, swathed in greenery and overlooking nearly 300º of Pacific Ocean panoramas. Here, the ridge overlooks miles of coast that sweep down toward Potrero Bay and Brasilito Bay. And here, sun-kissed white sands beckon you to stroll, to relax, to swim, and to play.

Because Mother Nature had her way with the beach, too. Sheltered by the peninsula’s base and forming a near-perfect bay – now, home the town of Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica and the brand-new Flamingo Marina– Flamingo also houses a spectacularly beautiful beach.

And all around it, more sands, more beaches, and more coastline to explore. Which brings us to a few of our favorites – some well-known, others where you’ll likely be one of only a few (if any) on the beach. And so, from south to north:

Playa Puerto Viejo

Located just southwest of several bigger-name beaches, including Playa Conchal and Brasilito, Playa Puerto Viejo is often secluded and almost always tranquil. And it’s also spectacularly beautiful, thanks to its wide and cinnamon-kissed sands, which are dusted with a layer of shimmering pink.

This is the kind of sand that makes you want to dig your toes in. It’s the kind of sand that makes you want to go for a stroll and then lay down your towel. It’s the kind of sand that makes you want to never leave. And you almost won’t have to, since Playa Puerto Viejo’s waters are also calm enough for swimming.

Playa Minas

If you’re looking for Playa Minas, you’ll have to navigate to Playa Zapotillal, the name that only your GPS will use. (In other words, if you’re asking for directions, inquire about the way to Playa Minas!) Regardless of what you call it, though, Playa Minas is a scenic delight of tree-lined coast, bright sapphire waters, and gold-kissed sands.

Note that this is a strolling and sunbathing beach, as the waves at Playa Minas can churn thick, heavy, and dangerous. Not for swimming.

Playa Brasilito

Costa Rica has a known penchant for naming its beach towns and beaches of the same name. And, while these towns and sands often coexist as a sun-drenched pairing, it can be a little confusing when you’re looking for information on either one or the other period

So, let us clarify: Brasilito the town sits between many of our region’s biggest resorts and big-name beaches. And yet, the town has retained its original and authentic charm, which in turn has preserved the beauty, if not seclusion, for its beach of the same name. And speaking of, Playa Brasilito is a lovely little stretch of sparkling ocean, tan sands, and mid-sized waves that usually welcome both strong swimmers and beginner surfers.

Note: Always check ocean conditions before you get in!

Playa Conchal

You’d be hard-pressed to find any list of area beaches that didn’t include the spectacular and world-renowned Playa Conchal, Costa Rica’s beloved pink-hued beach.

Notice we didn’t say “pink-sand beach” – and for good reason! Playa Conchal’s famed hue comes not from fine sands but rather a smattering of tiny, crushed seashells – note: concha is “shell” in Spanish, so Playa Conchal is the “Shell Beach” – that are both unique and uniquely beautiful.

Note that Playa Conchal is a look-but-don’t-swim kind of place. As beautiful as it is, as calming as is the lap of its surf, as eye-catching are its crushed shells, Playa Conchal’s surf is not welcoming to swimmers.

Playa Potrero

Shimmying up the coast and immediately north of Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica, Playa Negra is also a beach town-beach pairing – this time, of fine, cinnamon-gray sands and a sleepy oceanside town that exists to spend time by the water.

Housed within the greater Potrero Bay, Playa Potrero is known for its long stretch of dark tan sands and deep turquoise waters. Thanks to its bay’s protection, Potrero often serves up calm waters and plenty of sun, ideal for swimming and the simple pleasure of a day at the beach

Playa Penca

Ah, yes – another quaint Costa Rican practice that isn’t quite so fun, when you’re navigating by GPS. Following a long tradition of naming and renaming beaches with the same monikers, Playa Penca is one of two beaches of the same name, both within easy driving distance of each other.

That said, our Playa Penca is located just north of Playa Potrero, cozied into a calm and quiet cove. Here, bookended by lush foliage and rocky outcroppings, this lovely stretch of coast hosts both cinnamon and white sands, gentle waves, and excellent swimming conditions.

Playa Prieta

Located just south of Playa Pan de Azúcar, or Sugar Beach (the next spot on our list), Playa Prieta promises abundant coastal greenery, gentle waves, and scenic views. What it doesn’t have (usually): oodles of crowds!

Indeed, Playa Prieta is one of the more secluded and quieter beaches on our list, in part due to its access via natural trails. Hike from here to Sugar Beach, and you’ll be treated to the Playa Prieta Mirador, or Lookout Point, which offers sweeping Pacific vistas and a direct line of sight to the small island of Chocoyas.

Sugar Beach

A must-visit for beach-hoppers and photographers and, well, anyone who loves a beautiful beach, Playa Pan de Azúcar promise powdery sands, shimmering ocean, and one of loveliest area panoramas to Potrero and the Bay of Brasilito. 

Playa Dantas / Playa Dantitas

The final addition to our list, this twin beach pairing is an excellent choice for a family beach day – and perhaps not for the reasons you think! While so many of Guanacaste’s lovely beaches deliver cinnamon, sun-bleached, and even pink-tinged sands, Playa Dantas and Playa Dantita (essentially, “Little Danta”) give nod to Costa Rica’s volcanic roots with slightly gray-hued sands and pebbled coastline.

What families love, though, are the rocky outcroppings that reveal themselves at low tide, beckoning little hands and their parents to explore these incredible (and incredibly interesting!) ecosystems.

Planning a Trip to Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica?

Whether you’re looking for advice, vacation rentals, restaurants, or other information on Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica, we are here to help.

At Blue Zone Experience, we’ve built our reputation on 5-star service, carefully curated Playa Flamingo experiences, and the region’s most culturally informed experts. The truth, though? Our true passion is you and your experience.

What you may not know is that, when you book one of our homes, you gain access to our free concierge services: on-the-ground expertise, curated tours and transportation options, and a one-on-one with your personal concierge, who will have your back from the moment you begin planning until the day you return home.

So, please, get in touch! We can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!