The 5 Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Vacation, Investment, and Lifestyle in 2025

If you're dreaming of turquoise water, vibrant culture, and a better return on life (and investment), Costa Rica belongs at the top of your list. From its famous surf towns to its hidden tropical gems, this Central American paradise is home to some of the best beaches in the world—each offering its own blend of beauty, community, and real estate opportunity.

Whether you're looking for a place to unplug, a beachfront home that pays for itself, or a new chapter in your life as a part-time resident or digital nomad, these five beach towns in Costa Rica are where you'll want to start.

Tamarindo – The Classic Beach Town That Has It All

Region: Guanacaste (Northwest Pacific Coast)
Best For: Surfing, expat community, nightlife, vacation rental potential

Tamarindo is often the first stop for travelers exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific coast—and for good reason. This once-sleepy fishing village has evolved into one of the country’s most vibrant beach towns, with an exciting mix of local culture and modern comforts. You'll find yoga studios next to surf shops, organic cafes across from craft cocktail bars, and luxury condos just steps from the sand.

Why It’s One of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica:

• Long, wide sandy beach with world-class surf breaks for all levels

• Stunning sunsets and warm, swimmable waters

• Paved roads and strong infrastructure make it more accessible than other coastal areas

• A well-established expat and digital nomad community

• Excellent short-term rental demand year-round

Real Estate Outlook:

Tamarindo is one of the most mature real estate markets in Costa Rica, but it still offers opportunities—especially for investors looking at vacation rentals or turnkey properties. Prices are higher than in emerging areas, but the rental income potential is reliable.

Samara – Laid-Back Vibes with Growing Investment Potential

Region: Nicoya Peninsula (Pacific Coast)
Best For: Families, wellness retreats, nature lovers, long-term lifestyle seekers

Samara is a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming a top pick for both travelers and investors. Known for its calm bay, swaying palm trees, and walkable downtown, Samara offers a much more relaxed pace than larger towns like Tamarindo or Jaco. And yet—it’s not sleepy. Samara has a thriving wellness scene, weekly farmer’s markets, great restaurants, and a rising tide of smart investment activity.

Why It’s One of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica:

• Calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and beginner surfers

• Tight-knit community with friendly locals and a growing expat base

• Close to nature reserves, waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails

• Great for hosting retreats, family vacations, and long-term stays

• Feels “off the beaten path” without being isolated

Real Estate Outlook:

Samara is still affordable compared to bigger coastal towns, but prices are climbing as more people discover its charm. Boutique hotels, vacation homes, and retreat-style properties do especially well here. Investors looking for a blend of lifestyle and return will find Samara to be a smart long-term play.

Santa Teresa – Surf, Sophistication, and Serious ROI

Region: Nicoya Peninsula (Southwest Pacific Coast)
Best For: Luxury lifestyle, boutique hotels, high-end short-term rentals, surf culture

If Tulum and Malibu had a jungle love child, it might look a lot like Santa Teresa. This rugged stretch of coastline is famous for its massive surf, bohemian style, and ultra-chic boutique resorts. It’s remote—but that’s part of the appeal. What once required a 4x4 and a sense of adventure is now home to a wave of luxury villas, high-end restaurants, and influencers on yoga mats.

Why It’s One of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica:

• Incredible surf and postcard-worthy scenery

• Attracts high-end travelers, remote workers, and wellness seekers

• Strong demand for luxury vacation rentals

• Growing infrastructure with better roads and internet access

• Raw, untouched feel with upscale amenities

Real Estate Outlook:
Santa Teresa has seen rapid appreciation over the last 5 years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. While entry prices are higher, the rental rates and occupancy often justify the investment. For those focused on top-tier vacation properties, this is one of Costa Rica’s most profitable markets.

Puerto Viejo – Caribbean Culture Meets Untamed Beauty

Region: Caribbean Coast (Limón Province)
Best For: Cultural diversity, off-the-beaten-path travelers, creative entrepreneurs

Most travelers stick to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, but those who venture east discover a totally different vibe in Puerto Viejo. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this town is bursting with Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae music, and lush green landscapes. It’s vibrant, eclectic, and proudly local—yet also welcoming to conscious travelers, digital nomads, and surf lovers.

Why It’s One of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica:

• Rich cultural experience and vibrant local energy

• Access to untouched beaches, coral reefs, and jungle wildlife

• Home to creatives, expats, and sustainable businesses

• Less expensive than Pacific hotspots

• Great for eco-tourism and boutique hotel investment

Real Estate Outlook:

Puerto Viejo offers lower price points and more raw potential than the Pacific coast. There’s less competition, and the market is friendlier to entrepreneurs looking to build something unique. It’s not for every investor—but for the right vision, the upside is real.

Playa Flamingo – High-End Living with Marina Access

Region: Guanacaste (Pacific Coast)
Best For: Luxury homes, yachting lifestyle, retirees, golf and resort communities

Playa Flamingo is the jewel of the Gold Coast. Known for its white sand beaches, upscale neighborhoods, and stunning oceanfront real estate, Flamingo has long been a favorite among retirees and investors with a taste for luxury. The new Flamingo Marina, opened in 2022, has taken the area to a new level—making it a hub for sportfishing, boating, and elite travelers.

Why It’s One of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica:

• Gorgeous crescent-shaped beach with calm, clear water

• Exclusive, quiet, and meticulously maintained

• Full-service marina for yachts and sportfishing boats

• Nearby golf courses, private schools, and country clubs

• Strong appeal to high-net-worth buyers and vacationers

Real Estate Outlook:

Prices here are among the highest in the country—but so is the buyer profile. Playa Flamingo is ideal for second-home buyers and luxury investors looking for long-term capital appreciation and access to premium amenities. With limited inventory and growing demand, Flamingo continues to offer strong performance for high-end portfolios.

Choosing the Right Beach Depends on Your Goals

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What’s the best beach in Costa Rica?” It depends on your personal goals and investment strategy. Here’s how each of these five destinations stacks up—so you can find the one that aligns with your vision.

If you're looking for turnkey vacation rental potential, Tamarindo is the clear winner. With strong infrastructure, reliable tourism traffic, and an active expat community, it's ideal for those who want to hit the ground running with short-term rentals.

For a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe, Samara offers a slower pace of life, walkable streets, and calm waters—making it perfect for long-term lifestyle investors or retreat hosts seeking a balance of affordability and natural beauty.

If your goal is to build or buy a luxury vacation home with strong ROI, Santa Teresa delivers. It’s a hotspot for high-end travelers, surfers, and digital nomads looking for a premium, off-the-grid experience with a growing upscale market.

For creative entrepreneurs or cultural explorers, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side offers a completely different experience. It’s full of Afro-Caribbean culture, artistic energy, and eco-conscious opportunity, with lower price points and emerging potential.

And if you’re drawn to an exclusive, resort-style lifestyle with marina access, Playa Flamingo is a top-tier choice. Its white-sand beaches, luxury real estate, and high-net-worth appeal make it ideal for second-home buyers and those investing at the premium end of the market.

Final Thoughts: Costa Rica Isn’t Just a Dream — It’s a Strategy

The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Many investors start with one smart move — a condo, a villa, a piece of land — and let that property serve both their portfolio and their quality of life.

Whether you’re dreaming of surf at sunrise, drinks at sunset, or a second home that pays you to live in paradise, Costa Rica’s beaches offer more than beauty—they offer long-term potential.

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