Enjoying cocktails in Tamarindo
Looking for gorgeous sun, smooth sand and lots of fun? You must visit Costa Rica during Spring Break 2020. Whether you want to experience a beachside party in the twilight or enjoy a more adventurous experience – like ziplining through the forest – I’ll be happy to show you around. I may be small, but I’m the life of the party every time Spring Break rolls around. Here are a few of my favorite Costa Rica Spring Break destinations.
Having a refreshing Costa Rica beer in Tamarindo
1. Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is the most popular beach destination for Spring Breakers in Costa Rica. It’s located right off Tamarindo, a popular surf town that loves big waves, people and fun. The gorgeous Playa Tamarindo is covered in white sand and is one of the top locations to find Costa Rica nightlife.
There are a lot of fun things to do during the day in this area, including snorkeling, ATV adventures, ziplining and surfing. If you go during the day, I hope you won’t mind tucking me into your beach bag or giving me a ride on your shoulders. My delicate feet can’t tolerate the hot sand very long.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
Once daytime activities wrap up and evening approaches, don’t leave the beach! It’s the best place to participate in Costa Rica nightlife. I recommend starting your evening by watching the sun slide down over the horizon. This area is renowned for its beautiful sunsets. Once the sun goes down, the real fun begins!
Dance the night away in one of Playa Tamarindo’s nightclubs or wander through some of the unique shops in the area. Personally, I could hang out at beachside clubs and listen to live music all night long, but there’s also no shortage of bars nearby where you can sample local alcoholic beverages (or chug. I don’t judge.)
Poolside cocktail in Puerto Viejo
2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo is a Spring Breaker’s paradise because there are so many things you can do here. If you’ve ever wanted to go horseback riding in the sand, this is the place to do it. Prefer to give your taste buds a treat? Head over to the local chocolate factory and learn firsthand why Costa Rica’s bean-to-bar chocolate is praised by locals and tourists alike.
Love to watch people surf? Puerto Viejo is the place to surf and witness the famous Salsa Brava (the most powerful wave in Costa Rica). If you want to do a little surfing yourself, I recommend heading over to Playa Cocles, where the waves are a little gentler. However, this beach is known for its rip currents, so it’s not recommended for beginning swimmers.
If you grow tired of the usual Spring Break activities and want to be a beach bum for a day, there is no better place to soak up the sun than Playa Punta Uva. It has some of the most pristine ivory sand and gorgeous aquamarine waves in all of Costa Rica. I should warn you that leaving your belongings unattended on any beach is never a good idea. If you think my toe pads are sticky, you’ll be amazed at how sticky human fingers can be when they come across unattended items. Unfortunately, Costa Rica isn’t perfect (although it’s close enough!) so, it’s best to keep your belongings by your side at all times.
Having cocktails in a pool in Jacó
3. Playa Jacó
Close your eyes and envision the perfect Spring Break in Costa Rica. If it’s full of bikinis, clubs and adventure, Playa Jacó can bring your daydream to life. During the day, you can take a charming catamaran cruise, go scuba diving or snorkel through the pristine waves. You can even try your skills at white water rafting, or explore the nearby hills by ATV. If you’re a surfer, plan to catch a wave or two off this stunning beach. Most of the time, the waves are even better here than at Playa Tamarindo!
Make sure you don’t wear yourself out too much during the day, though, because you’ll need plenty of steam to enjoy nighttime activities. When the sun goes down, this fun-loving area comes alive with energy, music and partying. Some of the nearby bars and clubs offer karaoke, live music and plenty of dancing. There is always something going on in Jacó at night.
Having fun rafting on the Rio Naranjo
4. Manuel Antonio
Whether you’re a nature lover or a party animal, traveling to Manuel Antonio during your Spring Break Costa Rica vacation is a must. This area attracts every type of personality, from hard-core partiers to adventurous outdoorspeople. Travelers come from all over the globe to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can find hundreds of species of animals (including reptiles like me). If you’re planning to go there, take me with you. I haven’t visited my parents in a while.
There are many large vacation rental homes near Manuel Antonio beach, so feel free to bring your entire family with you. Nearby hiking trails, surf tournaments and endless fishing opportunities will keep you entertained during the day.
When the sun goes down, this particular beach is teeming with people who love the nightlife scene. Soak up the energy on the sand or head over to nearby dance clubs, bars or restaurants. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy the company of excited spring breakers and friendly locals.
Javi the Frog relaxing on Flamingo Beach Resort pool
5. Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is located near Playa Tamarindo, and it’s a great destination for Spring Break. This beach is just 65 kilometers from Liberia International Airport, so you could be playing in the waves within an hour of getting off your flight! Rent a paddle board nearby or participate in world-class fishing during the day.
At night, you can find a moderate amount of nightlife here. But, really, this area is ideal if you want to escape the Spring Break bustle for a while and enjoy a quieter nightlife scene. I love to party as much as the next frog, but I must admit I appreciate the solitude I can generally find near Playa Flamingo at night.
Couple playing roulette in a San José casino
Plan Your Ideal Spring Break Adventure
Ready to plan your Costa Rica Spring Break adventure? Now you know some of my favorite destinations for daytime and nighttime activities. See you this spring!
