Tamarindo, Costa Rica

March 13, 2025

We treated ourselves to a long relaxing 12-night visit to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. We usually pack in as much as possible to our trips, but we wanted to slow down a bit so we spent a lot of time hanging out on the gorgeous beach, working in coffee shops, and we even joined a local gym. Most places take US Dollars, Costa Rica Colones, and credit cards, but some places only take cash (USD or colones) to avoid credit card transaction fees.

We stayed at an AirBnB for the first time ever!

We usually stay in hotels, but wanted to have some extra space since we had a longer visit planned. We chose Casa Cometa for $1,948 for 12 nights mostly because it was centrally located. We were less than a block to a grocery store and several coffee shops and a 5-10 minute walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Other key selling points were a pool, washer/dryer in the unit, coffee maker, AC, and hot water (none of which are a given in Costa Rica).

Our favorite beach spot was right in front of Langosta Beach Club – a large shady patch of sand and some of the calmest rock-free water in the area.

The club itself is $50/day, but the beach area is free to the public so that’s where we planted ourselves most days. They also have reasonably priced food and drinks. We got the fish cosados (a popular local dish that includes rice, beans, plantains, a salad, and meat) several times during our visit for $15 each. Their version also comes with a fried egg and tortilla, so it’s extra filling.

Activities:

We booked a day trip through Viator to visit a Sloth Forest, Waterfall, and Coffee/Chocolate Farm for $180/person . Our favorite parts of the trip were the sloth forest where we saw sloths, frogs, toucans, and even a viper snake, and then the final waterfall stop to cool off at the end. The coffee and chocolate farm were a fun stop too, but it’s set up for tourists, so it wasn’t quite as unique as the sloth forest and waterfall.
TamaDive: The two dives off the Catalina Islands were incredible. The instructors take videos and send them for free afterwards which is a nice bonus. Two dives are $140. If you add on a quick refresher course at the beginning, it’s $180. We saw tons of fish, sting rays, giant manta rays, reef sharks, octopus, starfish, and more.
Tamarindo Night Market (Thursdays 6-9pm): This is a fun spot to walk through on a Thursday night. We didn’t buy anything, but they have lots of food, craft vendors, and live music.
Tama Market (Saturdays 8-2): This is similar to the Thursday night market with slightly different food vendors to accommodate breakfast instead of dinner. It feels more like a farmer’s market.
Calle Central: This is the main street that runs through Tamarindo. It’s lined with bars, restaurants, and shops so it’s great for people-watching and making stops whenever you need a break. We took regular evening strolls on this street.
Gym Energy Fitness Tamarindo: Since we were doing a longer visit, we wanted to keep up with our workout routines as much as possible. Energy Fitness had everything we needed and more, including free weights, cardio equipment, and lots of weight machines. They had day, week, and month passes which are ideal for visitors.
Sunset stroll on the beach: The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is known for its gorgeous sunsets. We walked to the beach to see the sunset most nights during our visit.

Food and Drinks:

Note: The Tamarindo area is not as cheap as you might expect. We thought many prices were comparable to the United States, likely because of the all the tourists. Prices on menus often include the mandatory 13% tax and 10% service charge, but they’re sometimes added to the bill at the end. Don’t be surprised when your bill is a quarter of the price more.
Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park and Mercadito de Tamarindo outdoor food court both have lots of food and drink options, so everyone will find something they enjoy.
- At the Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park we has a spicy fried rice and pad thai from the Kampaii truck for $23).
- We ate at Mercadito de Tamarindo twice. The first time we got two casados for $25 total. The second time we got two poke bowls for $35 total. 2 beers here cost $8.
Waffle Monkey: We loved this cute little spot on the beach and went there twice. The first time we got one bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and one waffle with banana, honey, and coconut for $22. The second time we got one apple pie waffle and one waffle with banana, honey, and coconut for $25.
Deli Café: A good spot for breakfast and pastries. We got 2 pastries for $8.95
Sno Shack: Much further away in Langosta if you end up that way. We got a smoothie for $11
Langosta Beach Club: We ate here many times! They also have live music from 4-6pm on Wednesdays. Ceviche and fish casado for $44.28. Chicken sandwich, salad with shrimp, and 2 beers for $66. Burger and salad for $58.
Happy hour at Sharkey’s, which had great happy hours and people watching: 2 margaritas for $10, 2 beers for $10. 2 beers and 12 boneless wings for $20. 2 casados for $37.
Longboards: A casual barbecue place. We spent $28.73 for a 3 meat bbq platter and 2 beers
Pico Bistro: This place has great wifi and is right on the beach, so we made several visits here. 2 breakfast sandwiches and iced latte for $28.76. One Tico breakfast (traditional Costa Rican breakfast including an egg, rice and beans, plantains, tortilla, and fried cheese) and one omelette for $24.31
Soda Buffet El Estero: Budget local food at the edge of Tamarindo. We got 2 fish casados for $24. Their casados also come with a local tamarindo drink that was delicious.
Breaking Bread: This is a popular bakery and coffee place very close to our AirBnB, so we went there several times. 2 bagels cost $2.40. Pastries are around $3-4.
Green Papaya (cash only): Great place with swings if you want traditional Latin food. We spent $38 for a beef burrito and tuna bowl.
Walter’s Place: Has a sports bar feel but is right on the beach with a large space; 2 beers for $8.
Derecho Sagrado: This is an indoor coffee shop. The staff is very knowledgeable about the local coffee they offer and the food is great. Iced coffee and avocado toast from Derecho Sagrado for $14. Two smoothie bowls for $22.
Handle Bar: This place is part bike shop and part craft beer bar. They have lots of outdoor seating and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. They also offer free popcorn that was some of the best we’ve ever tasted. 2 beers for $15. 2 grilled cheese sandwiches and 2 small beers for $35,10.
Vaquero: This is the broader name for Witches Rock and Volcano Brewing, right on the beach and has live music on Friday evenings. Great sunset views. Had 4 happy hour cocktails for $28.
Nari: Cute Italian restaurant with seating along the sidewalk of Calle Central. Bolognese pasta and personal supreme pizza for $45.71
Naans and Curries: upscale Indian restaurant with a large menu. They also start you off with a free snack of crispy fried dough and dipping sauces. Roti, rice, and 2 curries for $69.
Nalu: stall in a small food court that has lots of smoothie bowl options. We got 2 Nalu bowls for $20
Wok N Roll: Asian restaurant with a large menu. Cantonese fried rice and Korean beef noodles for $37.40
Ice cream: We got ice cream from several vendors during our trip. One scoop was typically $3-4.

Transportation:

We took a private shuttle from Liberia airport to Tamarindo for $110. The ride was about 90-minutes, the driver was great, the van was clean, and they provided water and beer. You can take a public bus for a lot less but the ride is much longer.
Ubers were really affordable and generally cost around $4.

We stayed at an AirBnB for the first time ever!

Our favorite beach spot was right in front of Langosta Beach Club – a large shady patch of sand and some of the calmest rock-free water in the area.

Activities:

Tamarindo Night Market (Thursdays 6-9pm): This is a fun spot to walk through on a Thursday night. We didn’t buy anything, but they have lots of food, craft vendors, and live music.

Tama Market (Saturdays 8-2): This is similar to the Thursday night market with slightly different food vendors to accommodate breakfast instead of dinner. It feels more like a farmer’s market.

Calle Central: This is the main street that runs through Tamarindo. It’s lined with bars, restaurants, and shops so it’s great for people-watching and making stops whenever you need a break. We took regular evening strolls on this street.

Sunset stroll on the beach: The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is known for its gorgeous sunsets. We walked to the beach to see the sunset most nights during our visit.

Food and Drinks:

Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park and Mercadito de Tamarindo outdoor food court both have lots of food and drink options, so everyone will find something they enjoy.

At the Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park we has a spicy fried rice and pad thai from the Kampaii truck for $23).

We ate at Mercadito de Tamarindo twice. The first time we got two casados for $25 total. The second time we got two poke bowls for $35 total. 2 beers here cost $8.

Waffle Monkey: We loved this cute little spot on the beach and went there twice. The first time we got one bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and one waffle with banana, honey, and coconut for $22. The second time we got one apple pie waffle and one waffle with banana, honey, and coconut for $25.

Deli Café: A good spot for breakfast and pastries. We got 2 pastries for $8.95

Sno Shack: Much further away in Langosta if you end up that way. We got a smoothie for $11

Langosta Beach Club: We ate here many times! They also have live music from 4-6pm on Wednesdays. Ceviche and fish casado for $44.28. Chicken sandwich, salad with shrimp, and 2 beers for $66. Burger and salad for $58.

Happy hour at Sharkey’s, which had great happy hours and people watching: 2 margaritas for $10, 2 beers for $10. 2 beers and 12 boneless wings for $20. 2 casados for $37.

Longboards: A casual barbecue place. We spent $28.73 for a 3 meat bbq platter and 2 beers

Soda Buffet El Estero: Budget local food at the edge of Tamarindo. We got 2 fish casados for $24. Their casados also come with a local tamarindo drink that was delicious.

Breaking Bread: This is a popular bakery and coffee place very close to our AirBnB, so we went there several times. 2 bagels cost $2.40. Pastries are around $3-4.

Green Papaya (cash only): Great place with swings if you want traditional Latin food. We spent $38 for a beef burrito and tuna bowl.

Walter’s Place: Has a sports bar feel but is right on the beach with a large space; 2 beers for $8.

Derecho Sagrado: This is an indoor coffee shop. The staff is very knowledgeable about the local coffee they offer and the food is great. Iced coffee and avocado toast from Derecho Sagrado for $14. Two smoothie bowls for $22.

Handle Bar: This place is part bike shop and part craft beer bar. They have lots of outdoor seating and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. They also offer free popcorn that was some of the best we’ve ever tasted. 2 beers for $15. 2 grilled cheese sandwiches and 2 small beers for $35,10.

Vaquero: This is the broader name for Witches Rock and Volcano Brewing, right on the beach and has live music on Friday evenings. Great sunset views. Had 4 happy hour cocktails for $28.

Nari: Cute Italian restaurant with seating along the sidewalk of Calle Central. Bolognese pasta and personal supreme pizza for $45.71

Naans and Curries: upscale Indian restaurant with a large menu. They also start you off with a free snack of crispy fried dough and dipping sauces. Roti, rice, and 2 curries for $69.

Nalu: stall in a small food court that has lots of smoothie bowl options. We got 2 Nalu bowls for $20

Wok N Roll: Asian restaurant with a large menu. Cantonese fried rice and Korean beef noodles for $37.40

Ice cream: We got ice cream from several vendors during our trip. One scoop was typically $3-4.

Transportation:

We took a private shuttle from Liberia airport to Tamarindo for $110. The ride was about 90-minutes, the driver was great, the van was clean, and they provided water and beer. You can take a public bus for a lot less but the ride is much longer.

Ubers were really affordable and generally cost around $4.