Sunset of Playa Langosta, just half a mile south of Tamarindo Beach

Whether you’re staying in Tamarindo Beach or in nearby Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Langosta, or Playa Grande, chances are good that you’re here to do some exploring.

So, here’s what you need to know: The key to our favorite beaches close to Tamarindo, Costa Rica is that some are “best-kept secrets” (debatable, given the online nature of information today!) and others are better known. Because hey, when the best get discovered, they then become well known; that doesn’t mean they’re not still some of the best, just that you’ll have to share them.

So, we’ve pulled together a list of our 9 favorite beaches – some well known, others almost a guarantee to have the sands to yourself – all, within an easy 30-minute drive of Tamarindo Beach. You can explore to your heart’s content.

From south to north:

#1 Playa Lagartillo / Lagartillo Beach

Travel guides may not often extol the virtues of Playa Lagartillo, but it’s easily one of our favorite beaches close to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Just a few minutes’ drive from Playa Avellanas (see Beach #2, below), this secluded little wonder never has more than a few beachgoers – and that’s almost reason enough to make our list!

Almost. Because Playa Lagartillo is not just an unpopulated beach but also a beautiful one: cinnamon sands, steely blue waters, plenty of shade trees, a bevy of hermit crabs, and a rocky coastline ripe for exploring at low tide.

Pick Me If… Playa Lagartillo is very well suited to beachcombers and beach-goers who aren’t here for the surf or to swim (due to its rocky outcroppings, the beach isn’t great for either), but rather to walk the coast – you can follow your feet right into Avellanas, if you’re up for the stroll! – marvel at hermit crabs, and read a book in the shade of a nearly private beach.

#2 Playa Avellanas / Avellanas Beach

Not even remotely a best-kept-secret (anymore), Playa Avellanas is the kind of beach that writes stories and creates legends.

It all begins (although it doesn’t quite end) with the beach’s epic surf, some of the most famous in the region. It’s easy to spot: Look north to the Little Hawaii break, which sports a huge wave (12-15+ feet, on a good day), or to the mid and south for more moderate breaks.

Pick Me If… You love to people-watch (in this case, surfer-watch) or simply want to enjoy a gorgeous beach paired with convenient beach amenities: Located on the shores of Hacienda Pinilla, one of Guanacaste’s most exclusive communities, Playa Avellanas sports a restaurant, parking, and plenty of other facilities. 

>> Explore Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals <<

#3 Playa Langosta / Langosta Beach

It can be hard to believe that tranquil Playa Langosta is so popular and so close to Tamarindo Beach – just a kilometer (a little over half a mile) south of downtown and yet, a world away from the hustle and bustle.

This idyllic beach offers a perfect pairing of soft sands and great surf, with some pinch-hitting from rocky outcroppings that are wonderful to explore at low tide. If you’re a surfer, you’ll want to head toward the river mouth; if not, choose your favorite spot from everywhere else. You can’t go wrong!

Pick Me If… You want an easy “commute” to the beach – you can walk from Langosta/Tamarindo, take a golf cart, bike, or take the few minutes’ drive from anywhere in the area – but don’t want to sacrifice beauty or convenience (there are many places to buy groceries or order a restaurant meal).

>> Explore Langosta Vacation Rentals <<

#4 Playa Tamarindo / Tamarindo Beach

Famous for a reason! The sugary sands of Playa Tamarindo are as spectacular as the world-famous surf, making Playa Tamarindo a clear favorite from vacationers to the region.

There’s so much to love about our region’s eponymous beach, which welcomes travelers (local and international) to its sun-drenched sands, waving palms, reliable waves, and incredible amenities, which extend to everything from restaurants and bars to shops selling beach wares and ATV rentals. If you can’t find it in Tamarindo, you probably can’t find it anywhere (locally)!

Pick Me If… You want to see what all the fuss is about – and wouldn’t mind a beach day with all the accouterments, in the process. One of the greatest pleasures of Tamarindo is staking out your spot on the sand, then waiting for pipa (fresh coconut water) vendors to walk by. Top it off at your favorite oceanfront restaurant and a visit to an ice cream parlor, and your Tamarindo beach day is complete.

>> Explore Tamarindo Vacation Rentals <<

Note: Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande are the closest beach towns (read: place to stay) to the following “secret” beaches:

#5 Playa Ventanas / Ventanas Beach

Located just north of Playa Grande and still within the protected shores of Las Baulas National Marine Park, Playa Ventanas is an escape to tide pools, sun-bleached sands, and scenic views down Guanacaste’s coastline. (Note: Don’t confuse this Playa Ventanas with its name-twin in far southern Costa Rica, near Uvita and Ojochal, which is most famed for its caves.)

Sheltered from the brunt of Playa Grande’s surfing waves, Playa Ventanas promises a tamer approach to your day on the sand. From stem to stern, this quiet beach arcs about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) along creamy sands, framing views of distant hills and a “window” (ventana means window, in Spanish!) to Tamarindo, between the beach’s rocky southern tip and Dante’s Rock, just offshore.

Pick Me If… You want to swim (hey, tide pools at low tide!) and love wildlife. Playa Ventanas is located within a national marine park, so if you’re lucky, you could spot leatherback turtles, tropical birds, scuttling crabs, curious monkeys, and many other local wildlife species.

#6 Playa Carbón / Carbon (Charcoal) Beach

Costa Rica’s beaches usually come in one of three shades: white sand, cinnamon sand (think: reddish-tan), or pink sand. And then, there’s Playa Carbón – the Charcoal Beach – which is accessed via a short path from Playa Ventanas and is comprised almost wholly of dark black sand, contrasted only by the occasional sun-bleached splotch of pure white sand. It’s incredible!

The effect comes courtesy of some very important currents, which gather and then deposit volcanic-origin iron oxide (it’s magnetic!) onto the shoreline. The result is one of our favorite sights in the region. Don’t miss it!

Pick Me If… You have a camera and you know how to use it! There are few beaches more strikingly photogenic than Playa Carbón, making it a favorite for photogs, Instagrammers, and anyone who appreciates a good color contrast. Wear your flip-flops, though; the black sand can get hot!

#7 Playa Honda / Honda Beach

A hidden beach off a hidden beach – yes, we’re here for that! For intrepid adventurers who seek the experience less traveled (but don’t want to travel hours from Tamarindo Beach), Playa Honda answers with an enthusiastic “pick me! pick me!”

To get here, you’ll have to first get to neighboring Playa Pedregosa (the pebbled beach), itself already located off the road less traveled (4WD required in the rainy season, May-November, and highly recommended in the dry season). From there, you’ll take a footpath to Playa Honda, home to crystalline Pacific waters, rocky outcroppings, and powdery sands.

Pick Me If… You crave being the only person on the beach. Due to its serpentine access – drive the bumpy road to Pedregosa, then walk the path to Playa Honda – few do it. And that means, when you do, you’ll likely be the only person there! It doesn’t hurt matters that the sand here is perfect for strolling and the waves are usually calm enough for a dip. (Always check conditions prior to swimming.)

#8 Playa Real / Real Beach

Home to soft sands and plenty of shade, Playa Real is the kind of oceanside paradise that makes you feel a bit like lucky royalty. (Real means royal, in Spanish!)

Escape the crowds at this sweet little beach, which flies happily under the radar – except to those in the know. And now, you know: Playa Real is a secluded sea turtle nesting site, a passable swimming beach (check the conditions first!), and an excellent spot to stroll the sand, build a sandcastle, or read a book beneath a fronded tree.

Pick Me If… You’re looking for a chill beach day, especially with kids. Playa Real’s waves are usually tame enough for swimming and at the southern part of the beach, you can don your snorkeling masks and see how many tropical fish you spot beneath the surface!

#9 Playa Nombre de Jesús / Nombre de Jesús Beach

Another beach-hidden-from-a-beach, Playa Nombre de Jesús resides at the end of a walking path, accessible via Playa Minas (lovely, in its own right!). Note: The path is a little steep, so bring your walking sandals or sneakers.

Your first glimpse of Nombre de Jesús is from a panoramic mirador – and oh my, is it scenic! You’re perched above the Pacific and the absolute perfection-defining sands of Playa Nombre de Jesús: sun-bleached and powdery, hugging the lush coastline and blue ocean waters. Descend down and, if you’re in the mood, keep walking – the rocky outcropping/almost island at the end is a must-visit!

Pick Me If… You want to explore one of the best (and best-kept-secret) beaches in Costa Rica. Seriously. This is it. And you are very, very likely to be the only one on the beach.

Tell Us About Your Next Tamarindo Beach Adventure

At Blue Zone Experience, we’ve built our reputation on 5-star service, carefully curated Tamarindo Beach experiences, and the Blue Zone’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!