Guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica

I’ve vacationed to Tamarindo three times since 2016. I absolutely love everything about this adorable, quaint destination. I’m reluctant to spill the beans about this little beach town because they say that when Americans find a new trendy vacation spot, it’s ruined. I don’t disagree. One of the main reasons I love this place so much is that it’s not overly touristy. Yes, there are excursions and cheesy things to do and buy (souvenir shops, etc.), but for the most part, it’s just the local’s way of life. It’s easy to shop in boutiques without the harassment of high pressure sales tactics (although you will most likely be greeted by the shop owner’s dog), grab a beer from a roadside stand, hop on your golf cart, and take in the views.

Who Should Vacation in Tamarindo: Anyone who likes adventure, pretty beaches, the freshest fruit, and a laid-back way of life. No one is in a hurry, life is always good, and the locals are the friendliest. Seriously, our golf cart broke down in the middle of the one main road in town and cars honked at us, only to let us know they were passing us, and waved the peace sign out the window with an added shout of “pura vida!”. Side note: a lot of locals know English, and navigating through the airport, excursions, and taxis isn’t too difficult. Use Google Translate in a bind.

What to Do When You’re There: I highly recommend zip-lining, offshore fishing, visiting the animal sanctuary, shopping in town, soaking up the sun on the beach, and trying out local restaurants. (The only chain restaurant around is one Subway, so you’re kind of SOL if you’re into that). You can also take surfing lessons, go on a crocodile and monkey tour, hike, and see sea turtles at certain times of the year.

When to Visit: I’ve always visited sometime between March and April. It is their dry season, so the sun is always out, it’s very hot, and most of the vegetation is dead. It doesn’t rain at all during this time. On the flip side, their rainy season peaks in September to November. It rains more often than not and most shops close down during this slow time. I suggest dry season.

Where to Be Sure to Go: I’ve listed below specifics on my favorite shops, restaurants, and places.

Shops:

Dreamland Sunglasses – All of their glasses are designed in Costa Rica and cost about $75 per pair. Andrew and I love to stock up on these.

Buena Nina – A super cute boutique for women’s clothes and accessories.

EK Art Jewerly – Carries a large selection of sterling silver jewelry accented with fossils, gemstones, shells, and druzy stones.

Yah Yah Jewelry – This shop opened right before Covid. The owner and her husband live in Tamarindo, make the jewelry, and rescue strays. They split their time between Tamarindo and The Chelsea Market in New York. They have stunning gold plated and gold filled pieces, along with brass and sterling silver items.

Eats:

Panga’s Beach Club – The absolute dreamiest spot for dinner on the beach! Their food and drinks are amazing and the atmosphere is perfect. My favorite cocktail on the menu is the Tama Cooler. It’s the perfect passion fruit boozy concoction.

Nari’s Pizza – Perfect for after a day on the beach or after fishing. Be sure to grab gelato from the place downstairs to the left.

The Green Papaya – The cutest taco stand that has swings for chairs around their outdoor bar and yummy cocktails. Sooooo instagrammable.

The Wood Bowl Place – Okay so I can’t remember it’s actual name, but all they sell are beautifully carved wooden bowls made from various tropical woods. I have several from there and use them for decor and fresh produce. It’s near the end of the stores across from the beach. It’s an open shop without a door.

Where to Stay:

We have always stayed at a family friend’s home. There are several resorts nearby, but I recommend checking out VRBO’s as well.

Pura Vida, baby!

Costa Rica and Covid – When we visited in March of 2021, Tamarindo was proactive in wearing masks. They wouldn’t let Andrew off the plane into Costa Rica with a gaitor on, and they gave him a blue mask to wear instead. Most shops and restaurants are outside or with great ventilation (ie: no doors). There are plenty of places to go to get a Covid test before returning to the US or you can arrange for a doctor to come to you.