Top Stunning Beaches Near San Jose, Costa Rica

Whether you are visiting Costa Rica for its national parks, unique wildlife, or adrenaline-pumping activities, there’s no doubt you’ll want to spend a few days relaxing at the beach. From the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica, beaches are spread out across 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of breathtaking coastline.

So, is there a beach in San Jose, Costa Rica? 

The simple answer is no since the city is inland. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a day trip or overnight stay of it. Travel time generally takes 2-5 hours, depending on which beach you choose. 

So, let’s dive in…

Jaco Beach 

Best for surfers and a lively nightlife 

This is an obvious beach to start with as it’s the easiest to reach from the city and the international airport. Beach towns near San Jose, Costa Rica, are limited. However, at Jaco Beach, you will find exceptional aquatic activities, lots of restaurants, and lively nightlife. 

The beach covered in dark sand is divided into two sections with a backdrop of palm trees and surfside hotels. The sea is calmer at the northern end, making it perfect for families. 

If you get bored lying in the sun, why not head out for a surf? 

There are many shops scattered throughout Jaco where you can rent a board. If you have no experience, it’s easy to book a lesson. The beach’s southern end has small waves—the ideal place to learn. 

Stick around after the sun goes down so you can experience why this town has its reputation as one of the best party towns in Costa Rica. It’s no surprise that a lot of people celebrate their bachelor and bachelorette parties there. 

Wondering how to get there? The best method of transportation from San Jose to Jaco Beach is the bus, which takes approximately two hours. 

Manuel Antonio Beach

Great for adventurers 

Planning to visit the well-known Manuel Antonio National Park? Then be sure to leave time to hit the beach. You won’t be sorry. It’s one of the top-rated beaches near San Jose, Costa Rica. 

The protected beach is covered with beautiful white sand and is the perfect place to enjoy the sun for a few hours (or days). Check out the tidal pools with small fish, sea urchins and crabs, and nearby mangroves. 

The dense vegetation surrounding the beach makes it easy to find shade. 

You cannot bring in food and single-use plastic (bags, bottles), so keep that in mind. It’s best to bring a refillable water bottle. There are toilet and shower facilities and a cafe within easy reach.

While you are there, explore some other trails in the national park ranging from 1-9 kms (0.6-5.6 miles). You’ll be sure to encounter wildlife along the way—think monkeys, sloths, toucans and frogs.

Book a guided tour if you are not comfortable walking on your own. The plus side is they will have binoculars, meaning you won’t miss any wildlife along the way. And they can spot things you will surely miss if you go alone. 

Useful information: The park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day except Tuesday. Entry is about $18 for adults and $6 for children. 

From San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, it will take you approximately three hours by bus. Then, walk an additional 30 minutes from the park entrance to the beach. 

Montezuma Beach 

Best for nature lovers looking for a coastal escape

Montezuma Beach is the spot to come if you want to unwind and relax. Close to the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it’s much more remote than the typical touristy areas of Costa Rica. 

Once you arrive in Montezuma, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes. Stock up before you hit the beach. 

If you head north from town, you’ll find Montezuma Beach (also known as Playa Montezuma). The water temperature is delightful for dips in between sunbaking. And don’t miss the tidal pools at either end of the beach—lovely for spotting little tropical fish, crabs, sea slugs, and sea urchins during low tide. 

The spiky sea urchins have very sharp spines, so be cautious. 

While beach hopping is certainly one of the main reasons people visit this area, there is plenty to see and do when it comes to hiking, nature, and adventure. At the north end of Montezuma Beach, follow the trail that leads to a cove called Piedra Colorada. There you will see a small waterfall that forms a freshwater pool—a perfect spot for children of all ages. 

For adrenaline junkies, opt for the ziplining tour through the canopies or go scuba diving at one of the many dive sites. Nearby Tortuga Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the area.

Useful Information: If you decide to spend the night, there are a few hotels and lodges in Montezuma town. Alternatively, if you prefer peace and tranquility, there are some great options within a 10-minute drive from the center. 

From San Jose to Montezuma, you will need to take a bus and a ferry (approx. $17). In total, expect your journey to take six hours. Alternatively, if you are a group of four or more, then a private transfer (approx. $312) will save you two hours. 

Santa Teresa

Great for surfers (of all levels) and epic sunsets 

Compared to the lesser-known Montezuma Beach, Santa Teresa is a booming holiday destination and only 40-minutes away. There are a few beaches to choose from—the main one is Santa Teresa Beach. Since it’s long and stretched out, thankfully, you won’t notice its popularity. 

It’s the perfect place to grab a few beers and enjoy a day of sunbaking. Keep your eyes peeled for people selling yummy fresh coconuts to quench your thirst.

If there is one thing you must try in Santa Teresa, it’s surfing. With different breaks and a constant swell year-round, the area is known for its surf spots. 

Santa Teresa Beach is suitable for both beginner and experienced surf lovers, while Playa Carmen is for the more advanced due to the stronger currents. It’s also the most scenic in the area, so it is worth checking out even if you aren’t a surfer. 

Fancy a few sundowners to end the day? Head to Banana Beach Bar to dip your bare feet in the sand as you listen to reggae music. The sunset in Santa Teresa is known to be vibrant and one of the best along the coast. 

The travel time from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Santa Teresa Beach will take 5-6 hours by shuttle bus and ferry. Spend a night or two so you can enjoy what both Santa Teresa and Montezuma have to offer. 

You will find accommodation options within walking distance of the town. Or on the steep hillside just behind the main road. The views over the ocean are stunning.

Playa Hermosa 

Best for water sports and marine life lovers

Adding to our list of unmissable beaches close to San Jose, Costa Rica, is Playa Hermosa. If you are flying into Liberia Airport (near the west coast), why not use this as a stopover on your way to San Jose? It’s only a 20-minute drive from the airport. 

Its crystal clear blue water and stunning scenery are striking. But what makes it stand out from the other beaches? It is one of the highest-rated beaches in the country for snorkeling, scuba diving and sportfishing. The most renowned diving is at Catalina and Bat Islands, where you may get lucky to see manta rays, white tips and bull sharks. 

If you prefer staying above the water, head out in a canoe, kayak or sailboard, which can be rented from one of the shops along the beach. You can also go on a guided horseback ride. 

For those looking to relax, the beach stretches for a couple of kilometers with palm trees lining the shore. It’s known to be laidback and rarely crowded, so come here for some peace and quiet. 

Even though you may feel almost isolated at Playa Hermosa, the town offers many amenities. There are various accommodation options, from condos, hotels and vacation rentals. And plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops to keep you busy. 

Pro tip: While in Playa Hermosa, check out Playa Penca. It’s somewhat remote, so you will feel like you’re in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. There is no signage, so to reach this spot, tell the security guard at the booth on the main road that you’re heading to Playa Penca. They may take your number plate. From there, follow the dirt track to the car park. You’ll have fantastic views of Playa Hermosa.  

Dominical Beach

Ideal for experienced surfers and chasing waterfalls 

Dominical Beach, stretching for 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), is known worldwide for having some of the best surfing. The waves are consistent and robust, making it an ideal place for experienced surfers. 

Striking a perfect balance between wild nature and modern comfort, it’s rare to come across a place so beautiful that it hasn’t been overdeveloped. Compared to other locations in Costa Rica, you will not find all-night parties (we’re looking at you, Jaco). However, there are still some relaxed bars to grab a beer in while you watch the waves crash into the rocky shore. 

Pro tip: If you’re new to surfing, head around the shoreline to Playa Dominicalito, where the swells are smaller. You can also find surf schools if you need a lesson or two. 

The distance from San Jose, Costa Rica, to the beach, is 3 hours and 30 minutes south by minivan. The price per person is around $59. 

Make time to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls. The hike takes about an hour (or you can go by horseback), and bring your swimsuit to take a dip in the deep pools at the base of the falls.  

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca  

Best for beach hopping and laid-back vibes 

All the beaches above happen to be on the west coast, so it’s time to introduce one on the east coast. Puerto Viejo is on the Caribbean Coast, and it’s one of the best beaches in San Jose, Costa Rica.

When you get there, explore the town before enjoying the beach. The best option is to hire a bike or electric bike. You may notice a change of pace in this Caribbean Town, which has a vibrant Rastafarian culture. Not only will you admire the stunning, palm-tree-lined streets, but you may also be lucky to spot sloths, toucans, or monkeys on the side of the road. 

If you don’t feel like traveling out of town to the nearby beaches, then Playa Puerto Viejo is the spot to go. While it’s a small beach, it is lined with palm trees and has lovely soft golden sand. In addition, there are a few notable beach shacks for when you need to retreat from the sun or just need a beer.

Alternatively, take your bike eight kilometers from town to Punta Uva. It’s postcard-perfect with palm trees hanging over the beach into the sea. If it’s calm enough, hire a kayak and paddle down the river, which leads to the jungle. 

For a unique experience, be sure to check out the Jaguar Rescue Center. They rescue animals such as sloths, birds, monkeys and margay cats that have been electrocuted by power lines, attacked by other animals or hit by cars. However, there are no injured jaguars in the center. It was named after a local brought in what they thought was an injured jaguar. News spread of the “jaguar rescuers,” hence the name. 

The center offers visitors two time slots in the morning where you can learn about the animals, their process and how the center came to be. 

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo, it will take you five hours in a standard minivan. The Caribbean coast has a completely different vibe than the rest of Costa Rica, so plan to stay a few days. 

Are there other beaches to explore?

Yes, of course, there is. 

In northwestern Costa Rica is the Guanacaste province. This area has some stunning beaches, including Playas del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Playa Nosara and Samara Beach. For beginner surfers, head to Tamarindo Beach, while families should spend the day at Playas del Coco, as there is a children’s playground and park to picnic in. 

Further down the coast in the Puntarenas Province is Manzanillo Beach (close to Montezuma Beach and Santa Teresa). It’s an excellent place for families. A big rock jetty just off the coast stops large waves from coming in. Bring your protective water shoes as coral and marine fauna are close to the shore during low tide. 

You also have Uvita Beach and Drake Bay, both in the southern Puntarenas province (closer to Dominical). If you visit Uvita Beach between December and April, you may be lucky to spot Humpback whales. This sandy beach is located in the Marino Ballena National Park.

To make your travel plans easy, here are all the places Bookaway goes in Costa Rica. 

Weather in Costa Rica

So, when is the best time to visit the beaches in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does not experience four traditional seasons. Instead, it has dry and rainy seasons. So, if your trip is purely based on long days at the beach with optimal weather, read below to find out which months you should visit. 

The dry season lasts from December to April, making it a popular time for tourists. However, that means higher prices and crowds. So, when planning a trip during these months, booking in advance—particularly over Christmas and Easter—is essential. 

Due to less rainfall, the vegetation is not as green compared to other months. However, for the best of both worlds, January is ideal. The foliage is still green from the rainy season, yet the rain has subsided. 

Travel during these months, and you may catch the vibrant fiestas across the country, from bullfights, dancing, and live music. 

The rainy season occurs from May to September. If you are willing to take a chance on some rainfall, the prices and volume of tourists will have lessened. In particular, in May and June, when the foliage color starts to return, and the rain is in short downpours, usually in the afternoons. 

Read this for more detailed weather info.

Planning your trip

Now that we have discussed the best San Jose, Costa Rica beaches, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. 

For first-timers, spend a minimum of two weeks exploring. This will allow you enough time to bask in the sun, see all the wildlife, and visit the capital city. A tour is one of the most efficient ways to learn about a city’s history and visit the main sites. 

If you have limited time and don’t want to spend it in a car, it’s easy to catch domestic flights with airports in the Nicoya, Pacific and Caribbean regions. However, we prefer to take the bus or hire a car as it’s the best way to experience the country’s beautiful scenery. 

Packing list essentials for Costa Rica

The general vibe in Costa Rica is laidback so keep that in mind when packing. Think of the dress code as comfortable and casual throughout the country. For days at the beach, there are a few things you should include in your packing list: 

• Protective water shoes: Particularly useful for exploring tidal pools like those at Montezuma Beach.
• Mosquito repellent: To avoid a few serious diseases such as dengue fever, repellent is necessary year-round, especially along the coast. 
• Waterproof rain jacket: It’s essential during the rainy season. However, it’s also wise to bring one during summer if you visit Dominical and Playa Hermosa. 
• Dry bag: A must! Particularly if you plan to go kayaking or on a snorkeling day trip. 
• Refillable water bottle: Great for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park as you can not bring plastic bottles into the National Park. 
• Waterproof phone case: Keep it dry when you capture photos and videos while snorkeling at Playa Hermosa.

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