Best Beaches to Visit on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast: Family Friendly Spots & Hidden Gems
If you’re heading south along Costa Rica’s breathtaking Pacific Coast, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From the world-famous shores of Manuel Antonio to the secluded beaches of Marino Ballena National Park, each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure.
To make the most of your trip, renting a car is highly recommended. While Costa Rica may seem small, having your own transportation allows you to explore at your own pace, visit hidden gems, and enjoy the flexibility of spontaneous adventures.
Beaches on the Central Pacific Coast
The Central Pacific region offers a mix of lively beach towns and peaceful coastal escapes.
Playa Jaco – Only an hour from the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose. Play Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s most famous beach towns, Jaco is known for its vibrant entertainment district, nightlife, and surf scene. The beach itself is great for beginner surfers and offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops lining the shore.
Playa Hermosa (near Jaco) – This black sand beach is known for its strong waves, attracting professional surfers from around the world. It has a fantastic beach vibe, with beachfront bars, live music on weekends, and exciting surfing competitions where you can watch surfers battle it out in the waves.
Playa Esterillos – A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path beach with wide sandy shores and fewer crowds. It’s ideal for long walks, horseback riding, and enjoying a tranquil coastal retreat.
Playa Bejuco – Playa Bejuco is a pristine, quiet beach with strong waves, making it a favorite for more experienced surfers. It’s such a peaceful place to go fishing right on the shore and relax with our kids, away from the crowds.
Beaches around Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica, nestled within lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. These beaches are perfect for families, offering gentle waves, soft sands, and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Playa Playitas – This is a secluded, family friendly beach with soft golden sand and calm waters perfect for swimming. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a peaceful atmosphere. With easy access by 4x4, you can park right by the shore, making it a convenient spot for a stress-free beach day.
Playa Espadilla – Located within Manuel Antonio National Park, access requires a park ticket. Hiring a guide is recommended to explore the park's beauty. This beautiful beach features golden sand, calm waves, and convenient access to restaurants and activities, perfect for families looking to relax, swim, or enjoy water sports.
Playa Manuel Antonio – Located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, this picturesque beach boasts calm waters, making it perfect for kids. You'll also spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds like Macaws on the beach.
Playa Biesanz – A little cove beach with calm, clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. This small bay is less crowded, making it a great option for a peaceful beach day.
Beaches in Marino Ballena National Park
Marino Ballena National Park is one of Costa Rica’s top coastal destinations, famous for its marine life, pristine beaches, and the iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar formation.
Playa Uvita (Whale’s Tail Beach) – Named for its distinctive sandbar, this beach is great for families, with shallow waters and stunning scenic views.
Playa Colonia (Playa Chaman) – A popular spot for both swimming and surfing, offering soft sands and a relaxed atmosphere.
Playa Arco – A secluded paradise surrounded by lush jungle, accessible through La Cusinga Eco Lodge.
Playa Ballena – A peaceful beach, ideal for sunbathing, wildlife spotting, and scenic walks.
Playa Piñuela – A small, picturesque beach with gentle waves, making it perfect for families with young children.
Other Beautiful Beaches Near Uvita
Beyond the national park, there are more incredible beaches worth visiting along the southern Pacific coast:
Playa Hermosa – Just outside Marino Ballena National Park, this free public beach is perfect for long walks and sunset views.
Playa Ventanas – Famous for its unique sea caves that form natural “windows” (ventanas) in the rock formations. Best visited at low tide.
Beaches around Matapalo, Dominical & Ojochal
These areas are known for their laid-back surf vibe and stunning coastline. Here are some must-visit beaches:
Playa Dominical – A 2.5-mile-long beach famous for its surfing waves and gorgeous sunset views.
Playa Linda – A long, quiet beach ideal for peaceful walks and escaping the crowds.
Playa Matapalo – A serene and uncrowded beach, perfect for long strolls and enjoying nature.
Playa Dominicalito – A small bay beach with gentler waves, suitable for swimming.
Playa Tortuga, Ojochal – A serene and less crowded beach further south, surrounded by lush jungle and calm waters.
Our Favorite Beaches in Costa Rica
As a family that loves exploring Costa Rica, we have a few favorite beaches that we keep coming back to. These are the ones that truly feel like home to us:
Playa Playitas (Manuel Antonio) – One of our absolute favorite beaches! If you have a 4x4, you can drive right up to the beach, making it a super convenient option when traveling with kids. No need to carry all your beach gear from a faraway parking lot—you can set up right by the shore and enjoy the day stress-free.
Playa Bejuco – A peaceful retreat we love to visit, Playa Bejuco is our go-to spot for fishing right on the shore while our kids enjoy the wide, quiet stretch of sand. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the crowds.
Playa Hermosa (near Jaco) – Hands down, our favorite sunset beach! The black sand, the beachfront bars, the live music on weekends—it has such an incredible vibe. We also love watching the surfers battle it out during competitions; it’s always an exciting sight!
Why Visit These Beaches?
Family-Friendly Options – Many of these beaches have calm waters, making them perfect for kids.
Stunning Natural Scenery – From golden sands to lush jungle backdrops, each beach has its own charm.
Wildlife Encounters – Expect to see monkeys, sloths, and even whales in certain seasons.
Adventure & Relaxation – Whether you want to surf, swim, snorkel, or simply unwind, there’s a beach for every traveler.
Costa Rica’s southern and central Pacific coasts are a dream destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re exploring the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, relaxing at Uvita’s Whale’s Tail, surfing in Jaco, or discovering hidden gems like Playa Esterillos and Playa Bejuco, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
For the best experience, rent a car and explore beyond the tourist hotspots—you never know what hidden gems you’ll find! And don’t forget your camera to capture every breathtaking moment of your family adventures in Costa Rica