Nearby Day Trips from Nosara
Playa Langosta, Tamarindo area
There are some memorable day trips within a reasonable drive — each town with a unique and different personality that is distinct enough to feel like you’ve experienced more of the area.
Playa Sámara brings a more lively coastal vibe, lots of restaurants on the beach, and a variety of small shops to peruse for the day. It’s only a 45 minute drive south of Nosara. The Belen waterfall is also 20 minutes outside of Samara, so about an hour away from Nosara.
Playa Carrillo is just a 10-minute drive past Playa Samara. It has a stunning palm-lined beach perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming in calm waters. You might want to bring your own snacks/drinks as theres not much available aside from a few street side vendors. On the way back to Nosara, stop in Samara for lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
Playa San Juanillo, a quieter, picture-perfect beach day, offering turquoise water, soft sand, and a peaceful double-bay setting during low tide that feels almost untouched. There’s a few restaurants nearby. Only a 25 minute drive North of Nosara.
Playa Marbella, another 10 minute drive past San Juanillo is, where you’ll find a more rugged coastline, black sand, and experienced surfing conditions. There is also a beach side restaurant, Tiki Bar and Restaurant where you can enjoy food and cocktails (don’t leave valuable items in cars here!).
If you’re an avid surfer and don’t mind the drive time, you could drive up to Playa Negra (1 hour 5 minutes), Playa Avellanas (1 hour 15 minutes), or if you enjoy a busier beach town vibe with beachside hotels, restaurants and shopping, Playa Tamarindo, (1 hour 45 minutes) is an great option. These (3) towns are north of Nosara via the coast route 160. The road was recently paved, making the drive much easier than the dirt road of the past. If you want to spend a night in Tamarindo to explore all three, I highly recommend these three hotels: Tamarindo Diria (high end), Hotel Perla (beach front basic), and Zulu Surf Hotel (very budget friendly, clean, great location).