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Playa Langosta is the next beach south of Playa Tamarindo.  It is much less touristy and you are most likely to have the beach to yourself.  It is lined with trees so you are likely to find some shade to hang a hammock.  Playa Langosta is white sand beach in some areas, black lava rock with tidepools in other areas, and big waves for surfing in still others.  Come watch the surfers, float in the shallows where the river meets the ocean, or cross the river and explore the national park.  

There are ladies that have massage tables set up in the shade of the trees on the beach offering beach massages for very affordable rates. You can tell them what kind of massage you are looking for or where you want them to focus, pay them in cash (usually around $20 for half an hour or $40 for an hour), and they will get to work.

Although non-traditional, my beach massages have been the best! You will have real ocean waves crashing in the background and a consistent breeze coming off the water to put you in an incredible state of relaxation. Plus, you get to support local women who need the money and the work. It’s truly a win-win! 

I love to take a beach walk first to clear my head, sit in the soft sand and let the gentle waves wash over me and cool me down and then get my massage in the shade of the trees.  You will feel like a new person!

A short walk north of our neighborhood is Playa Tamarindo, the bustling beach town with people from all over the world, music, bars, restaurants, shops, beaches for beginner surfers, and more!  This is where the action is!  

Our kids LOVE to take ATVs and explore the hills and beaches.  There are several businesses that will pick you up at the house and take you for a guided ATV adventure that can also include snorkeling at different secluded beaches.  

Whether you are young or old and have never tried surfing before, you can give it a try! Sign up for a lesson or rent a board off the beach for $10 a day.  There are areas of the beaches that are gentle enough for complete beginners.  As you improve, move to a little bigger wave.  There are surf instructors for all ages, women only and many with a guarantee that if you don't stand up on the board during your first lesson, you get the next lesson free!  And especially if you are a beginner, you can share a board between friends for the day.

You will find lots and lots of unique shops full of beautiful clothing, hand designed bathing suits, art, tshirts, local crafts, hammocks, and more.  No chain stores here.  If you love to explore unique shopping areas, this will be a treat!

Walk up the beach to Waffle Monkey and have delicious fresh fruit waffles, rich coffee and flavorful smoothies right on the beach. 

Only a 6 minute walk from the villa will get you to some of the most delicious Indian food you have ever experienced!  Tandoor is not to be missed.  

If you love tacos and margaritas as much as we all do, then don't miss $2.50 Taco Tuesday at Little Lucha's! (or any day of the week - their tacos are killer) And their infused margaritas!  Pineapple-jalapeño, cucumber and strawberry. And leave some room for dessert Churros for the walk home.  You're welcome!

Just about every day will treat you to an unbelievably beautiful painted sky at sunset!  Sunsets in Tamarindo are stunning, are an event not to be missed and a great way to kick off the evening. You will often hear people applauding as the sun dips below the horizon.  Sunsets are early, perhaps compared to what you might be used to.  So hit happy hour at a beach restaurant from 4-6pm and view the beautiful light show which occurs around 6pm (+/-) year round.

There are numerous catamarans that will take you out for an afternoon of snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful waters of the Costa Rica coast.   You will enjoy 5 hours of sailing, lounging, snorkeling, jumping off the boat, eating, drinking, music and making memories with your friends or family!  

Spending a day at Diamante EcoAdventure Park is a must!  If you didn't rent a car, you can book a shuttle to pick you up at the house and take you there and back.  Five ziplines including this Superman line that is almost a mile long!  Get the full day pass and enjoy all the ziplines, a full buffet of delicious Costa Rican food, an animal sanctuary with lots of monkeys, big cats, sloth, toucans and more. Check out their coffee and chocolate cultural experience which was so interesting and delicious! Get some beach time in or try out a paddleboard. Or if you have little ones, let them climb around like monkeys in their own jungle gym.  Book online at their website linked above for more info.

Just a short walk north in our neighborhood is Langosta Beach Club, a private club on the beach you can access in several ways.  Join the Revive Wellness Center for a day, week or month, work out in their gym, take a yoga class or get a massage or facial.  Or rent a surfboard, take a surf lesson or rent a kayak and snorkle gear and head out to the little island just off shore.  We love to hit happy hour here from 4-6pm for margaritas and mojitos, sit in the lounges in the shade on the beach and take a dip in the warm ocean before watching another beautiful sunset.  Don't be surprised if you see a whole parade of monkeys pass through the trees above just before the sun goes down.  

Treat yourself to a morning walk and workout in this great little gym!  Get a day, week or month pass.  You will feel great!

If you are into markets, the Thursday Tamarindo Night Market is an experience!  Held every Thursday from 6-9 PM, it's full of food, music, art, jewelry, clothing and both locals and international travelers with a festive vibe. 

Just at the end of our block is the famous Surf Club Bar and Grill.  Best all ages place to eat, catch sports on multiple screens and play games!  Ping pong, cornhole, pool, horseshoes, fooseball, darts, rocking chairs...there is something for everyone.  They smoke their own meats so the pulled pork, wings and reuben sandwich are next level. Great fish tacos and ceviche, too.  It will be full of locals and tourists alike.  Great place to turn the kids/teens loose or catch the hockey, football or soccer game you thought you were going to miss! Local's trivia every other Monday night to raise money for a local school.  

Sodas are what Costa Ricans call their local Costa Rican restaurant. A Costa Rica soda are normally small, mom and pop open air restaurants that serves only traditional Costa Rican food. It's the best place to experience eating out like a local.  You will see them scattered about if you look, normally outside of the tourist areas.  We have enjoyed delicious Casado, Casado is a Costa Rican meal using rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla, and an optional protein source such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, and so on.  We have our favorite Sodas...let us know which one's you try!