Enjoy World-Class Surfing, Picturesque Sunsets, and Lovely Beaches in This Costa Rican Beach Town

Hit the beach: Most vacationers come to Playa Santa Teresa. Without a shadow of a doubt, this stretch of beach is as picture-perfect as any in Costa Rica, what with its swaying palm palms, powdery white sand, warm water, and rainbow-hued sunsets. 

Take a surf lesson: The surf culture expanded in tandem with the availability of beaches and waves. Modern wave-chasers travel great distances to ride the barrels and breaks. Del Soul Surf School and Pura Vida Adventures are two good options for beginners looking to learn how to surf. It should be noted, though, that paddling out is by no means necessary for enjoyment. Taking in the sights of the border patrol from the shore is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

Stretch out: The town exudes an air of liberated, health-consciousness. The open-air shala at Hotel Tropico Latino is a common spot for zen-seeking yoga practitioners, and the resort is a favorite spot for yoga retreats. Yoga at Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center and the two Selina locations is open to everyone, not just guests. Day spas offering holistic massages, facials, and bodywork are now part of the wellness industry. 

Shop local: There is a modest but formidable collection of stunning boutiques in Santa Teresa. Dkoko creates sporty yet adorable one-pieces and bikinis with the idea that swimwear should be both fashionable and practical. La Maga, located next door, offers ethically made soap and bucket hats with bright prints. Shop at Calm & Co. for a selection of hand-poured candles and rosewater face mist. 

Take a day trip: Those looking for an active vacation will be ecstatic to hear about the abundance of eco-adventures that are just a short drive away. Day trips to Montezuma and Isla Tortuga are also available, as are deep-sea fishing expeditions, bioluminescent Paquera Bay tours after dark, and the deserted rocky coves of nearby Mal Pais.

Hotel Nantipa: Nestled on one of the most picturesque sections of Playa Santa Teresa, Hotel Nantipa is a charming boutique resort with an eco-conscious focus, and it ranks among the top Costa Rican beach resorts. The detached bungalows offer seclusion and a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors with their sliding glass doors and terraces covered in foliage that feature plunge pools and hammocks. In addition to a great seaside restaurant called Manzu, it has a tiny spa retreat and glassware for mixology. 

Florblanca: One such highly regarded eco-friendly hotel that truly captures the essence of the "pura vida" lifestyle is Florblanca. Seaside yoga and surf lessons add to the tranquility, while beachfront villas with soaking tubs and weaving hammocks provide an intimate and relaxed setting. 

Selina: Near Playa Carmen, on Selina Santa Teresa South, and Selina Santa Teresa North, on the other hand, are popular with Gen Zers and frugal remote workers. These two properties are perfect for young, social visitors who love to surf, drink drinks while working on a laptop by the pool, and sleep in communal rooms. They are also great options for backpackers.

The Bakery: When it comes to breakfast spots in town, nobody beats the Bakery. Customers return week after week for more of the same delicious coffee, freshly squeezed juices, sweet and savory breakfast items, and freshly baked pastries. 

Ani’s: In the morning, you must stop by Ani's, where you can have the thickest and creamiest smoothie bowls ever. Children can also enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. 

La Cevicheria: At La Cevicheria, locals and visitors alike may enjoy poke bowls cooked with yellowfin tuna caught in nearby Mal Pais and accompanied by freshly squeezed juices. 

Uma Santa Teresa: Visit Uma Santa Teresa if you want to have a long, relaxing beachside lunch that lasts far into the night. Put a bottle of rosé, some Greek salad, and entire grilled snapper on the menu and watch the afternoon unfold. 

Amici Santa Teresa: Need some pizza? Amici Santa Teresa's wood-fired pies are delicious, with a crunch from the fresh ingredients. The grain salad with herb and cashew cheese is a must-try. 

Eat Street: When you're at a loss for what to eat for dinner, look no further than Eat Street. Several vendors set up shop in what amounts to a food hall, offering anything from tacos to international bowls and beverages to quench your thirst. 

El Corazón: An enticing choice for a fun group adventure or romantic evening, El Corazón is an ambient, outdoor restaurant perched on a hillside near the jungle. It serves plant-based cuisine and has cocktails that are beautifully made. 

Koji’s: Almost everyone in Santa Teresa will enthusiastically recommend Koji's as the best sushi spot. Nigiri, sashimi, and crudo prepared by a Japanese chef using the finest, most recently caught fish are enjoyed by diners. It's a perfect illustration of how food can transcend borders, embracing local ingredients while preserving traditional cooking methods.

To be fair, Santa Teresa isn't exactly a walk in the park. Maybe it's for the best, since it's the main thing keeping the town from becoming a tourist trap. The fastest way to get to Tambor Airport (TMU) from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is to take a domestic aircraft, which takes about 45 minutes, and then take a cab. The alternative is to fly into Liberia Guanacaste International Airport (LIR), then rent a car or arrange for a van to drive you to Santa Teresa via the four-hour rough road if you're not keen on changing aircraft.