Tamarindo travel guide
Tamarindo, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
We’ve started calling Tamarindo the “kiddie pool” of Costa Rica, and we mean that in the best way. It’s big, busy, and full of foreigners (locals jokingly call it Tamagringo), but that’s exactly what makes it an easy first beach stop. Great restaurants, a world-class beginner surf break, and it’s barely an hour from Liberia airport.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best time
December to April, the dry season
From Liberia
1 to 1.5 hours by car
Airports
Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO)
Temperature
75 to 95°F
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How long to stay
We recommend 3 nights in Tamarindo
That’s enough time to take a surf lesson, do a sunset sail and fit in a day trip. Staying longer? Tamarindo also works really well as a home base, with quieter beaches, national parks and day trips all within an hour or two.
Getting there
How to get to Tamarindo
Fly into Liberia (LIR) for a 1 to 1.5 hour drive, or San José (SJO) for about 4.5 to 5 hours. Public buses run from both, and small domestic flights from San José land at Tamarindo’s airstrip. We recommend renting a car so you can explore the nearby beaches. See our guides to getting from Liberia to Tamarindo and San José to Tamarindo.
Where it is
Tamarindo is in the Guanacaste Province on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, about an hour and a half southwest of Liberia.
Right next door are Playa Langosta, Playa Grande (just across the estuary), and Playa Avellanas, so it’s an easy base for beach hopping.
Weather
Tamarindo weather and best time to visit
December to April
Dry season
Hot, sunny, and almost no rain. This is peak season, so book early. By March the hills turn brown and dusty.
May to November
Green season
May to mid-August usually brings sunny mornings and afternoon storms. September and October are the wettest months. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and everything is green.
Daytime high
88 to 95°F
Nighttime low
72 to 77°F
Sunrise / sunset
about 5:20 AM / about 5:50 PM
Our tip
Pro tip: Our favorite time to visit is May through mid-August. Expect a quick afternoon storm, but the hills are green and the beaches are much less crowded.
Check out the complete guide to Tamarindo weather by month →
Where to stay
Where to stay in Tamarindo
Downtown is walkable and lively. Playa Langosta and the hills are quieter, but you’ll want a car.
Adults-only boutique
Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel
Lush tropical gardens, private terraces, and a quiet, romantic feel, all within walking distance of the beach and downtown.
Adults-only luxury
Pacific Kalokairi
Modern villas in the hills above town with floor-to-ceiling windows, an infinity pool, a spa, and insanely good service.
Beachfront B&B
Sueño del Mar
Charming boutique B&B right on the sand in Playa Langosta, just south of Tamarindo. Quieter, with sunset views from the beach.
Jungle hideaway
Les Voiles Blanches
Elegant boutique lodge just outside town with a pool surrounded by jungle. Great if you don’t need to be in the middle of the action.
Mid-range in town
Hotel Elixir
Comfortable air-conditioned rooms set around a garden pool, breakfast included, and a short walk to downtown.
Budget surf hostel
Mai Ke Kai Surf House
Laid-back surf house with dorm bunks, a shared kitchen, and a social lounge, a short walk from the beach and downtown.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Tamarindo rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Tamarindo
Short on time?
Our top 3 Tamarindo tours on Viator
Number 1
Learn to Surf
Tamarindo’s gentle beach break is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn. Surf shops along the main road rent boards and offer lessons for every level.
Number 2
Playa Grande and Las Baulas National Park
A wide, quiet beach just across the estuary and a leatherback turtle nesting site (roughly Oct to Feb). Take a boat or kayak tour through the estuary to spot crocodiles and birds.
Number 3
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Catamaran trips with snorkeling, paddle boards, drinks, and a light lunch. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and whales (seasonal). The afternoon sail ends with sunset.
Number 4
ATV Tour
River crossings, jungle trails, and coastal views. It’s something almost everyone can enjoy, and a fun way to see backroads you’d never find on your own.
Number 5
Rio Celeste Day Trip
A bright blue river and waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park, about 2.5 to 3 hours away. Go in dry season, when the water is at its bluest.
After dark
Nightlife
Tamarindo has the biggest party scene in Guanacaste. Walk the main strip for bars and live music, or join the Sunday Funday beach and pool crawl. Prefer something chill? Grab a sunset happy hour on the beach.
Staying longer?
More to do and day trips
Tamarindo also makes a great base for a longer stay. Dive the Catalina Islands, do the Guachipelín adventure combo, or book a sport fishing trip.
Easy day trips include Rincón de la Vieja, Palo Verde National Park and Río Celeste.
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Beach hopping
Beaches near Tamarindo
Tamarindo’s own beach is lively and great for learning to surf. These nearby beaches are worth the short drive.
Where to eat
Where to eat in Tamarindo
A few of our favorite spots for every meal. Many of them are places we go back to every time we’re in town.
Breakfast · Budget-friendly
La Bodega
Our favorite breakfast spot in town. Casual, affordable, and we promise you’ll love it.
Breakfast · Café · Mid-range
NOI Bistro
Cafe-style spot open from breakfast through dinner. Easy, delicious, and good for any meal of the day.
Lunch · Tacos · Budget-friendly
Little Lucha
A really good taco place with incredibly fair prices for Tamarindo.
Lunch · Seafood · Mid-range
Shrimp Hole
Small menu that sticks to what they do best, which is shrimp. So delicious.
Dinner · Fine dining · Splurge
Seasons by Shlomy
We go every time we’re in Tamarindo. Sarah is obsessed with the sashimi. It’s ridiculously good.
Dinner · Seafood · Beachfront · Splurge
Pangas Beach Club
Right on the beach with tasty fresh fish. Perfect for a sunset dinner.
Practical stuff
Good to know in Tamarindo
Grocery stores
Automercado (on your left as you drive into town) is the best-stocked store. Smaller mini-supers are all over downtown.
Banks
There’s a BCR ATM inside the Automercado, plus more ATMs along the main road downtown.
Gas
All full service. Stay in your car and an attendant fills it up. The closest is the JSM station on Route 152.
Packing
Sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for the rocky spots at Playa Langosta. For everything else, see our Costa Rica packing list.
Getting around
Getting around Tamarindo
Downtown Tamarindo is very walkable, but the best nearby beaches and day trips are 15 to 60 minutes away. A car gives you the most flexibility.
⭐ Our number one pick
Rental car
Adobe delivers free to your hotel within 12 miles of their Tamarindo office.
Short hops
Taxis
Use only registered red taxis with a yellow triangle on the door, or ask your hotel to call one.
No driving needed
Tours
Most tours include hotel pickup in Tamarindo, a good option if you don’t want to drive.
In town
Walking, bikes and golf carts
Downtown is easy to get around on foot. Bikes and golf carts are a popular, easy way to get around town and over to Playa Langosta.
FAQ
Tamarindo FAQ: your questions
Is Tamarindo, Costa Rica worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a first trip. Tamarindo is easy to reach from Liberia airport, has something for every budget, and makes a great base for surfing, sailing, wildlife tours, and nearby beaches. If you want a quiet, untouched beach town, Playa Avellanas or Playa Grande may suit you better.
How many days do you need in Tamarindo?
We recommend 3 nights. That’s enough for a surf lesson, a sunset sail and a day trip. If you have more time, Tamarindo makes a great base for exploring nearby beaches and national parks.
How far is Tamarindo from Liberia airport?
Tamarindo is about 66 km (41 miles) from Liberia International Airport (LIR). It takes about 1–1.5 hours by car or shuttle, or around 2 hours by public bus. See our Liberia to Tamarindo guide.
How do you get from San José to Tamarindo?
You can drive (about 4.5–5 hours), take a shuttle, ride the public bus from downtown San José (about 5.5 hours), or catch a short domestic flight to Tamarindo’s airstrip. See our San José to Tamarindo guide for all the options.
Is Tamarindo safe for tourists?
Tamarindo is generally safe. The main issue is petty theft, so don’t leave valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. Avoid swimming near the estuary, where crocodiles live, and watch for rip currents. Read more in our Tamarindo safety guide.
Is Tamarindo good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Tamarindo’s sandy-bottom beach break is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn, and there are surf schools and board rentals all along the main road. More experienced surfers can head to Playa Grande or Playa Avellanas.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
December to April is dry season, with hot, sunny days and peak crowds. May to mid-August is our favorite: short afternoon storms, green hills, and fewer people. September and October are the rainiest months.
Is Tamarindo a party town?
Yes, Tamarindo has the liveliest nightlife in Guanacaste, with plenty of beach bars and clubs. It’s still easy to have a relaxed trip, though, since most of the partying happens along the main strip at night.
What should I pack for Tamarindo?
Pack reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen, a UV rash guard if you plan to surf, bug spray for the evenings, flip-flops, and a few nice non-wrinkle outfits for dinners out. The sun here is strong, so a hat and sunglasses are a must.
Is Tamarindo named after the tamarind fruit?
Yes. The town is named after the tamarind (tamarindo) trees that once grew here. Try a tamarindo cocktail or something with tamarindo sauce while you’re in town.
Every guide
All our Tamarindo guides
Accommodations
Activities and Food
Planning and getting there
Two teenage boys and parents staying in little place ten minutes from Tamarindo. We would prefer not to rent a car but do want to zip line, ATV, horseback ride, all that jazz. A different trip for us – not Europe museums, just relax and play. Do you have Uber?! Can you tell me the best way to get around? I keep hearing a car is not a great idea!
Any recommendations and suggestions are super appreciated.
Best!
Hi Julie! In Tamarindo, it is easy to do some of those things just from the downtown area. Every time I am in Tamarindo I have seen locals walking the beach with horses offering horseback ride beach tours. Also, in downtown Tamarindo, you will see tons of ATV companies.
As far as Uber, I’m not positive if it has made its way to Tamarindo yet. I’ll ask around and get back to you on that. However, there are plenty of taxis if you just need a short drive that will be completely fine.
Your other option is to just arrange things like zip lining with companies who include transportation. This sometimes can be a bit more expensive, but not outrageous.
Honestly, driving around there is perfectly fine. If you do decide you want a car even for a few days just to explore, we have a discount if you need with Adobe. They have an office in Tamarindo and will deliver your car for free/ pick it up for free from where you are staying. https://www.costaricavibes.com/renting-a-car-in-costa-rica/
Let me know if you have more questions!
Grest blog and most helpful. My family of 7; 5 kids ages 17 to 27 yrs old, going to Costa Rica July 14th through July 21st. I am significantly struggling on a location. Looking for beach vaca as with option for daily excursion trips. Looking for beach resort – villa ( need kitchen) as our mainstay. Looking to stay in region that would be best in JULY!! Montezuma? Guanacosta? -Tamarindo ? Idk. Definitely don’t want party scene but do need to be in a stimulating area. Not touristy!! Your help would be much appreciated.
Hi Donna! Are you flying into San Jose or Liberia? If flying into San Jose I’d suggest going down to Dominical or Uvita. Both are nice small beach towns next to each other and there is plenty to do nearby, but they don’t feel very touristy.
The other place I’d suggest is Montezuma. There is so much to do nearby but again the town has a great feel and isn’t filled with tourists.
Also, I’d suggest looking at Airbnb’s as well as resorts. There are so many great villas on Airbnb that would fit everyone and would give you more seclusion that a resort would.
You will have the normal afternoon rainstorms in both places for an hour or two every day, but they won’t ruin your whole day. We just try to get up early and get the most of our day before 2pm when the rain rolls in.
Let me know what you decide and I can give you more ideas of fun things to do nearby!