Discover 16 breathtaking places to explore in Costa Rica, from rainforests and waterfalls to beaches, volcanoes, and wildlife. Costa Rica may be small, but it’s absolutely overflowing with natural beauty from palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests to Instagram-worthy national parks and wildlife-filled landscapes. After spending three months traveling across Costa Rica, I quickly realized just how diverse and unforgettable this country truly is.
With so many incredible places to visit in Costa Rica, narrowing down a favorite list wasn’t easy. From coastal escapes to jungle adventures, these are the destinations that completely won me over and left a lasting impression. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for inspiration beyond the usual spots, these Costa Rica gems showcase why the country remains one of the most loved travel destinations for nature and adventure seekers.
1. Playa Uvita
Created in 1989 to protect marine life, Marino Ballena National Park instantly became one of the most extraordinary beaches I experienced in Costa Rica. This paradise-like stretch of sand curves into the park’s famous natural “Whale Tail” formation, which is visible at low tide. Backed by lush tropical forest and opening out to the shimmering Pacific Ocean, the views are genuinely jaw-dropping. Despite its beauty, the area still feels peaceful and hidden away, far removed from Costa Rica’s busier beach destinations.
I flew into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, then drove about 3.5 hours along the scenic Coastal Highway (Route 34). I spent a dreamy week staying at the Insta-worthy Suitree Experience Hotel, perfectly located for exploring the surrounding coastline and rainforest.
My days were filled with unforgettable experiences. I walked the iconic Whale Tail sandbar at low tide, enjoyed cocktails at organic beachfront eateries, snorkeled and scuba-dived colorful reefs, kayaked calm coastal waters, and hiked misty jungle trails alive with tropical bird calls. The absolute highlight, though, was spotting a humpback whale during a boat tour, one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Location: Southwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province
Vibe: Serene, eco-focused, nature-loving
Best for: Wildlife, beaches, slow travel, adventure
2. Arenal Volcano
Rising high above the rainforest, Arenal Volcano was one of the most breathtaking sights I saw in Costa Rica. Its near-perfect cone, steamy hot springs, and emerald jungle surroundings felt almost unreal. What made the experience even better was the charming town of La Fortuna, tucked right at the volcano’s base, offering a lively mix of sustainability, adventure, and laid-back local energy. Getting here was easy. I drove about three hours from San José (there’s also a direct bus), and I spent three unforgettable days exploring the area. While La Fortuna is definitely one of Costa Rica’s more touristy destinations, it’s popular for a reason: there’s no shortage of incredible things to do.
I hiked through Arenal Volcano National Park, walking past ancient lava flows that tell the story of the volcano’s powerful past. I kayaked across the calm, glassy waters of Lake Arenal, zip-lined through the jungle canopy, soaked in the mineral-rich pools at Tabacón Hot Springs, and wandered the atmospheric Mistico Hanging Bridges, where wildlife sightings are common. Evenings were spent browsing La Fortuna’s lively shops, sipping craft beer, and picking up handmade souvenirs.
Location: Northern Costa Rica, near La Fortuna in Alajuela Province
Vibe: Dramatic, adventure-packed, nature-focused
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3. Santa Teresa
Once a quiet fishing village, Santa Teresa has evolved into one of Costa Rica’s most iconic surf towns, and it completely lived up to the hype. Golden-sand beaches backed by lush jungle, barefoot boho vibes, and an easygoing, surf-loving energy define this place. The town buzzes with yoga studios, surf shacks, and wildlife sightings, while a creative, artsy crowd gives Santa Teresa its soulful, effortlessly cool edge. Located just about an hour’s drive from San José, I stayed for a blissful week soaking up the laid-back lifestyle. My days were spent watching surfers carve perfect waves at Playa Carmen, joining sunrise yoga sessions at Horizon and Nautilus, and wandering through organic cafés, indie boutiques, and stylish restaurants that line the dusty beach roads.
Mornings often started with a turmeric soy golden milk at the artsy Zwart Art Café, followed by hiking through the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas. Evenings were all about cocktails, fresh ceviche, and ocean breezes at local favorites like Habanero and Brisas del Mar, perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun.
Location: Southern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast
Vibe: Barefoot-bohemian, creative, surf-centric
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4. Manuel Antonio National Park
From powdery white-sand beaches to rainforest brushing right up against the shoreline, Manuel Antonio National Park felt like a true tropical escape. Established in 1972 and covering just 16 square kilometers, this compact park delivers an incredible mix of coastal beauty and wildlife. I loved its peaceful, uncommercialized vibe, the playful monkeys overhead, and the eco-lodges tucked seamlessly into the surrounding jungle.
After a scenic three-hour drive, I spent three unforgettable days staying at the Insta-worthy El Faro Containers Beach Hotel. My time in the park was filled with highlights, hiking the jungle-lined Sendero Punta Catedral for sweeping ocean views, relaxing on the soft sands of Playa Manuel Antonio, and spotting sloths lounging in the trees along the wildlife-rich Sendero Perezoso. I also snorkeled the clear, calm waters of Playa Espadilla Sur, explored the surreal waterways of the Damas Island Mangroves, and ended each day enjoying fresh seafood and golden sunsets in nearby Quepos. The combination of jungle adventures and coastal relaxation made the experience feel effortlessly balanced.
Location: Central Pacific coast near Quepos, Puntarenas Province
Vibe: Pristine, wildlife-rich, tropical
Wildlife: Sloths, capuchin and howler monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas, sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales
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5. Playa Samara
I thought Sámara was such a cool little beach town. With golden sands, swaying palm trees, and calm turquoise waters, it felt instantly welcoming and perfect for swimming. Just behind the beach, dense jungle comes alive with howler monkeys and bursts of tropical bird song. What really won me over, though, was the vibe: laid-back, boho, eco-conscious, and infused with an easygoing surf-meets-yoga energy.
After a scenic four-hour drive from San José, I spent four blissful days soaking up everything Sámara has to offer. I swam and kayaked in the calm bay, snorkeled and scuba-dived around the secluded Isla Chora, and even joined a fun beginner’s surf lesson with local instructors. I also spotted wildlife at the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve and wrapped up my days with fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. One of the highlights was a boat tour where I spotted playful dolphins and sea turtles gliding through the water, an unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica’s marine life.
Location: Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste Province
Vibe: Friendly, relaxed, surf-meets-yoga spirit
Best for: Swimming, wildlife, slow travel, beginner surfing
6. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Founded by Quaker settlers in 1972, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve felt absolutely magical from the moment I arrived. Misty emerald hills rolled into the distance, sweeping viewpoints appeared around every bend, and wildlife seemed to be everywhere. I especially loved how the eco-lodges blended seamlessly into the landscape, creating a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere that perfectly matched the cloud forest setting.
After a scenic three-hour drive from San José, I spent four unforgettable days staying at the wow-worthy Way To Heaven Glamping Pods. My days were filled with adventure and discovery, walking the hanging bridges at Selvatura Park, hiking mist-covered forest trails, and crossing a heart-pounding suspension bridge high above the canopy. One highlight was zip-lining with Sky Adventures, soaring like a bird while surrounded by clouds and forest.
I also visited the Butterfly Gardens, where clouds of colorful wings fluttered all around me, and spent time listening to passionate naturalists explain the cloud forest’s rare biodiversity and fragile ecosystem. Evenings were quieter and cozier, spent unwinding in Santa Elena, where small bars and cafés offered warm drinks and a welcoming vibe. One thing to note is that the weather here is cool, misty, and often damp, even by Costa Rican standards. I was very glad I packed a jacket and sturdy shoes, which made exploring much more comfortable.
Location: Northwestern Costa Rica, spanning Puntarenas and Alajuela Provinces
Vibe: Enchanting, eco-magical, quietly adventurous
Wildlife: Quetzals, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, poison dart frogs
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7. Territorio De Zaguates
This place was absolute dog-lover heaven for me. Set among rolling green hills where hundreds of dogs roam freely, Territorio de Zaguates felt like a sanctuary built entirely on compassion. It’s a place where abandoned dogs are given a second chance and where visitors leave feeling genuinely inspired. Located in the remote mountain region near Santa Bárbara in Heredia Province, the sanctuary is often called The Land of a Thousand Strays. It was founded by Lya Battle and Álvaro Saumet, starting with just a handful of rescued dogs. Today, it’s a no-kill, nonprofit haven for more than 1,300 dogs, leading the way in mixed-breed adoption, animal welfare education, and humane rescue practices in Costa Rica.
Just about an hour’s drive from San José, I joined one of their guided dog walks across the expansive property. It was pure joy walking alongside affectionate pups, listening to emotional rescue stories, chatting with passionate volunteers, and celebrating successful adoptions that had changed lives on both ends. The experience was uplifting, eye-opening, and genuinely unforgettable. I honestly left wishing that every country had a place like this.
Location: Near Santa Bárbara, Heredia Province, Central Costa Rica
Vibe: Heart-melting, inspiring, and deeply uplifting
Best for: Animal lovers, ethical tourism, meaningful experiences
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8. Playa Conchal
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Conchal felt effortlessly dreamy from the moment I arrived. The sparkling turquoise water and soft sand made entirely of crushed seashells create a unique, shimmering shoreline that can even take on a soft pink glow in the sunlight. Framed by lush greenery and dotted with upscale resorts, the beach has a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that feels both peaceful and luxurious.
After an easy one-hour drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, I spent three blissful days soaking it all in. My time here was all about slow, indulgent moments, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the crystal-clear water, lounging on the shell-covered beach, and enjoying spa treatments just steps from the ocean.
Location: Northwestern Pacific coast, Guanacaste Province, near Brasilito
Vibe: Elegant, serene, and softly luxurious
Best for: Beach lovers, couples, relaxation, upscale escapes
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9. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Founded in 1973, Rincón de la Vieja National Park was easily one of the most unique and unforgettable places I visited in Costa Rica. With fiery volcanic terrain, bubbling hot springs, steaming fumaroles, misty jungle trails, and dramatic waterfalls, the park feels raw, thrilling, and wonderfully off the beaten path, perfect for travelers craving real adventure.
After a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Liberia, I spent three action-packed days staying at the beautiful Borinquen Thermal Resort. My days were filled with unforgettable experiences: trekking past volcanic mud pots and fumaroles, chasing hidden waterfalls deep in the forest, floating down the warm Río Negro, spotting sloths lounging in the trees, and even canyoning through the rugged volcanic backcountry. It’s one of those places that truly stays with you long after you leave.
Location: Northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, near Liberia
Size: Approximately 14,000 hectares
Vibe: Rugged, adventurous, off-the-beaten-path
Wildlife: Howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, toucans, butterflies
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10. Montezuma
I instantly fell for Montezuma. This boho beach town sits along a rugged stretch of coastline where sandy beaches, rocky coves, and lush forest backdrops come together beautifully. I loved the town’s mix of colorful street art, cozy cafés, and small art galleries, but what really stood out was the laid-back, artsy energy that attracts surfers, creatives, and free spirits looking for a slower, more soulful pace of life. Getting to Montezuma felt like part of the adventure. I drove about two hours from San José to Puntarenas, took the ferry across to Paquera, then continued another 1.5-hour drive through scenic landscapes to reach the coast. The journey made arriving here feel even more rewarding.
I spent a blissful week staying at the trendy Hotel Nya and quickly settled into Montezuma’s easygoing rhythm. My days were filled with relaxing on the wide, untamed shores of Playa Grande, hiking through jungle trails to the misty Montezuma Waterfalls for a refreshing swim, snorkeling around palm-fringed Isla Tortuga, and spotting wildlife in the pristine Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Evenings were all about beach cafés, lively night markets, and soaking up the town’s creative spirit. One tip: mosquitoes can be fierce here, so packing good repellent is a must.
Location: Southeastern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast
Vibe: Free-spirited, artsy, a little wild
Best for: Surfing, nature, slow travel, creative energy
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11. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1985, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge completely blew me away. Spanning around 50 square kilometers, this protected rainforest coastline feels like a hidden paradise where dense jungle spills onto untouched beaches, rustic eco-lodges blend seamlessly into the greenery, and vibrant coral reefs glow beneath the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The atmosphere is peaceful, laid-back, and deeply eco-conscious, perfect for travelers craving nature without crowds.
After a scenic 4.5-hour drive from San José to Puerto Viejo, and onward to Manzanillo, I spent four unforgettable days staying at the Insta-worthy Faith Glamping Domes. My days were filled with adventure hiking jungle trails alive with wildlife, diving colorful coral gardens at Punta Manzanillo, kayaking through calm lagoons, and exploring pristine mangroves and wetlands that felt wonderfully untouched.
Location: Southeastern Caribbean coast, Limón Province, near the Panama border
Vibe: Remote, eco-wild, and laid-back
Best for: Nature lovers, snorkeling, slow travel, eco-adventures
Wildlife: Sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, manatees, dolphins, reef sharks, and tropical fish
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12. Tamarindo Beach
I thought Tamarindo was seriously dreamy. Long stretches of golden sand lined with palm trees, a lively main street filled with beachfront cafés and eclectic shops, and a growing number of modern resorts gave the town an effortless beach vibe. During the day, Tamarindo felt relaxed and sun-soaked, but after sunset, it transformed into a fun, social hotspot with a buzzing nightlife scene.
Once a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has evolved into one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf and eco-tourism destinations. Surf culture is deeply rooted here, attracting everyone from beginners to seasoned pros, though the ocean currents can be strong at times, so it’s important to be mindful in the water. The town is also well known for its commitment to conservation, especially for protecting nesting sea turtles along the coast.
After a four-hour drive from San José, I spent five unforgettable days soaking up everything Tamarindo has to offer. I took surf lessons, snorkeled offshore, watched experienced surfers tackle powerful waves, and experienced a truly magical moment spotting nesting sea turtles at Las Baulas National Marine Park. Evenings were all about fresh seafood, ocean breezes, and dining right on the sand with my toes buried in the soft, sugar-like beach.
Location: Northwestern Pacific coast, Guanacaste Province
Vibe: Laid-back by day, party-by-the-beach at night
Best for: Surfing, nightlife, wildlife experiences
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13. San José
As Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, San José (founded in 1737) surprised me in the best way. Like any major city, it has a few gritty corners, but I found it far more elegant and culturally rich than expected. Colonial landmarks, historic architecture, lively markets, leafy parks, and mountain backdrops give San José a distinctive charm. What really stood out was its cosmopolitan energy, where historic streets blend with colorful street art, buzzing markets, and a thriving café culture.
I flew into Juan Santamaría International Airport, just a short 20-minute drive from downtown, and spent three comfortable days at the stylish Alameda Cariari Boutique Hotel before heading off to explore the rest of the country. During my stay, I admired the ornate beauty of the National Theater of Costa Rica, explored ancient artifacts at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and wandered through the bustling Mercado Central. I enjoyed strolling the historic streets of Barrio Amón, relaxing in the green open spaces of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, and diving into the city’s food and coffee scene in trendy neighborhoods like Escazú and Barrio Escalante.
Location: Central Valley
Vibe: Eclectic, cultural, energetic with a touch of grit
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14. Isla Tortuga
Once known for pirate legends and shipwreck stories, Isla Tortuga completely blew me away. This protected, uninhabited island feels like a true castaway paradise, with powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, palm-lined shores, and a rustic beachfront charm. The entire island radiates barefoot luxury and an effortlessly chilled-out vibe that makes it easy to forget the outside world.
After a scenic two-hour boat ride from Puntarenas, I spent the day soaking up everything Isla Tortuga has to offer. I snorkeled vibrant coral reefs at El Aquario and La Cueva, where the marine life was absolutely incredible, relaxed on postcard-perfect beaches, kayaked across calm turquoise waters, and joined a guided hike through lush forest trails. Cruising across the sparkling Gulf of Nicoya alone made the journey unforgettable.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, just off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula
Vibe: Remote, relaxed, castaway-paradise
Best for: Snorkeling, island escapes, wildlife, day trips
Wildlife: Angelfish, manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, tropical birds, and capuchin monkeys
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15. Poas Volcano
This was easily one of the most fascinating natural wonders I experienced in Costa Rica. Poás Volcano has an eerie, almost otherworldly beauty. The massive active stratovolcano features a mist-shrouded crater holding a surreal aquamarine acid lake that hisses, bubbles, and releases steam, making it feel truly alive. Surrounded by lush cloud forest and supported by a well-organized visitor center, the entire experience was absolutely breathtaking up close.
With its jaw-dropping 1.5-kilometer-wide crater and a long history of eruptions, most recently in 2019, Poás Volcano remains one of Costa Rica’s most active and visually striking volcanoes. Standing at the rim, you can feel the raw volcanic energy beneath your feet, which makes the visit both thrilling and humbling. After a quick 1.5-hour drive from San José, I spent the day exploring Poás Volcano National Park. Highlights included walking to the Main Crater’s vivid turquoise lake, enjoying the peaceful Laguna Botos Trail, learning about the volcano’s eruption history at the visitor center, and wandering through a misty cloud forest filled with rare plants and wildlife.
Location: Central Costa Rica, Alajuela Province
Vibe: Dramatic, otherworldly, awe-inspiring
Best for: Nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, easy-access volcano visits
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16. Rio de Celeste Waterfall
This place felt almost otherworldly. At Rio Celeste Waterfall, milky turquoise water plunges nearly 30 meters into a glowing pool, surrounded by dense tropical jungle. The striking blue color created by volcanic minerals reacting in the river looks completely unreal in person. The entire area has a calm, almost magical energy that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
After a scenic three-hour drive from San José to La Fortuna, I joined a guided tour of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Along the way, I marveled at the electric-blue lagoon and the mysterious Los Teñideros, where two clear rivers merge to create Rio Celeste’s famous color. The highlight was trekking through lush jungle to reach the cinematic waterfall itself, followed by standing beneath the massive Tree of Peace, one of the park’s most impressive natural landmarks. We wrapped up the day with a hearty traditional lunch casado with fried plantains, at Don Alexis Farm just outside the park, which was the perfect way to end an unforgettable experience.
Location: Northern Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Alajuela Province
Vibe: Mystical, photogenic, and serene
Best for: Nature lovers, photography, easy jungle hikes
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