Nearby Day Trips from Nosara.

If you’re based in Nosara, there are some memorable day trips — each town with a unique and different personality.

For a quieter, picture-perfect beach day, Playa San Juanillo offers turquoise water, soft sand, and a peaceful double-bay setting that feels almost untouched. Only a 25 minute drive North of Nosara.

Another 10 minute drive past San Juanillo is, Playa Marbella, where you’ll find a more rugged coastline, black sand, and experienced surf conditions. There is also a restaurant on the beach to enjoy lunch (don’t leave valuable items in cars here!).

Playa Sámara brings a more lively coastal vibe, with calm waters, restaurants on the beach, and a variety of small shops to peruse for the day. Only a 45 minute drive south from Nosara.

A 10-minute drive past Playa Samara brings you to Playa Carrillo, a stunning palm-lined beach perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. It’s a quiet spot with limited services, so bring your own snacks and drinks. On the way back to Nosara, you can stop in Samara for a beachfront meal.

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. All of these towns are north of Nosara via route 160 that was recently paved, making travel much easier than before.

Each spot is close enough for a day trip, but distinct enough to feel like you’ve gotten to see more of the area.