A Travel Guide to Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is an idyllic beach town in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. Consistent waves and warm water make it a favorite among surfers. Even with prime boarding conditions, paddling out isn’t a requirement for a happy holiday. Whether you’re drawn to the swells, sunsets, or ceviche, there are enough Pura Vida vibes to go around. 

Here’s where to stay, eat, drink, and visit while in Nosara. 

Where to Stay:

Silvestre

Silvestre combines the best aspects of a boutique hotel and holiday rental into a standout stay that feels like home but so much better. Residences, which are decorated in a minimal, contemporary style with curated local art and ceramics, have fully-equipped kitchens and washers/dryers (though the concierge will happily coordinate laundry service if you’d prefer). Outdoor spaces are a dream come true with swinging chairs, hammocks, grills, cold plunges, and barrel saunas. The roof deck has an infinity pool and covered terrace for breakfast, sending emails, and sipping cocktails. 

Sendero

Located directly across from the path to the beach, Sendero is an oasis of calm and cool steps from Nosara’s best assets: the sand and swells. There’s an on-site coffee cart, a surf outpost for lessons and board rentals, outdoor showers, and a fitness studio offering yoga and mat Pilates classes. Rooms and suites face the foliage-shrouded inner courtyard pool. Fresh-baked cookies, fruit, and watermelon-infused water are a nice touch. The buzzy restaurant serves açaí bowls for breakfast, post-surf fuel, and fresh catch of the day for dinner. 

Where to Eat:

Destiny

For breakfast, brunch, and lunch, you can’t beat Destiny. The menu reflects the healthy ethos of Nosara with heaps of options for different dietary preferences, from vegan smoothie bowls to paleo waffles, plus some Tico favorites like sabenero and breakfast burritos.  

Rosi’s Soda Tica 2

No trip to Nosara would be complete without eating at a soda, a traditional Costa Rican restaurant with authentic, inexpensive food. After a few hours surfing or vinyasa-ing, a hearty helping of casado will help you refuel for the next adventure. 

Coyol

Set up in the mountains, Coyol is beloved for its big steaks and breathtaking views. It’s the perfect spot for when you want a change of scenery, some delicious food, and a warm ambiance. Magic hour is particularly enchanting with the soft glow of the sun and a cocktail in hand. 

Orgánico Bakery 

When you have a hankering for a buttery croissant, a chocolate chip cookie, or a slice of decadent chocolate cake, beeline it to Organico Bakery. A lot of the baked goods are gluten-free and vegan. There’s also a cold case stocked with pressed juice and chia pudding. 

Where to Drink:

Howler’s Beach Lounge

After watching the sunset from Playa Guiones, amble up the dirt road to Howler’s Beach Lounge for a spicy passion fruit margarita or two. If you’re feeling peckish, the carpaccio, ceviche, and al pastor tacos are the move. 

Harmony Juice Bar

Rather do a ginger shot than a tequila shot? Before cleanses and healthy food were “cool,” Harmony Juice Bar was blending fresh-pressed juice and smoothies for yogis and early adopters of all things wellness. 

Where to Visit:

Playa Guiones

When people talk about the beach in Nosara, most times it’s in reference to Playa Guiones. With miles of soft sand, excellent breaks, and the prettiest sunsets around, it’s easy to see why it’s become the default spot for sunbathing, strolls, and surfing. 

Playa Pelada

Hop in the car, ATV, or tuk-tuk, head north from Playa Guiones, and you’ll reach Playa Pelada 15 minutes later. The small beach is best known for its tidal pools. It also has tree-shaded pockets—a rarity in the area—that provide a welcome reprieve from the baking midday heat. 

Organic Farmers Market

Every Tuesday, vendors set up shop along the main road. Visitors, locals, and Ticos chat with artisans selling ceramic incense diffuser trays, beaded bracelets, and hand-crocheted dressers, stock up on juicy mangoes and papayas, and cool down with a freshly cracked coconut. 

Surf Lesson at the Gilded Iguana Surf Club

The Gilded Iguana Surf Club takes the guesswork out of learning to surf (or leveling up existing skills). Visitors can book lessons with experienced instructors and rent boards, rash guards, and other gear. There are also lockers, outdoor showers, a hangout area, and a juice bar for some post-surf electrolytes. 

Vinyasa Yoga at Norte

While you’ll find plenty of places to practice downward dogging in Nosara, the vinyasa classes are well-suited for yogis who enjoy an energizing flow. The open-air shala is beautiful and breezy and the teachers bring a powerful energy. Prepare to work up a sweat (even with the fans).

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