Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica—Based on Your Travel Style (2025)

Whether you’re after tropical beaches, lush rainforests, or off-the-grid escapes, Costa Rica probably has what you’re looking for. This country’s wildlife-rich jungles, world-class surf towns, and local charm make it an unforgettable destination. Some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica are within just a few hours’ drive of each other, making it easy to combine multiple locations in a single trip.

From popular destinations like Arenal and Manuel Antonio to hidden gems such as San Gerardo de Dota and Bajos del Toro, we’ve aimed to cover the best spots to showcase Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, warm culture, and endless natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for Costa Rica tourist attractions or want to discover the best parts of Costa Rica to visit beyond the guidebooks, here are some practical insights to help you choose the right destinations for you. If you want to learn more, you can also explore our Costa Rica travel guide for deeper planning tips.

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Where should I go my first time in Costa Rica?

Arenal / La Fortuna

Known for its iconic volcano, Arenal is a must-visit for first-timers. You’ll find natural hot springs, waterfalls, and plenty of adventure activities like ziplining and rafting—perfect for an intro to Costa Rica’s wild side.

• Type of travel: Adventure, families
• Weather: Warm, 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Budget: $$

Monteverde

Home to the Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde offers a cooler, misty escape full of biodiversity and thrilling hanging bridges. This destination is a favorite for eco-travelers and animal-lovers alike.

• Type of travel: Nature, solo, couples
• Weather: Cool, 60–75°F (15–24°C)
• Budget: $$

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is the perfect combo of beach and jungle. This wildlife-packed national park offers both white-sand beaches and howler monkeys.

• Type of travel: Families, couples
• Weather: Tropical, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

San José

San José is often overlooked by beachgoers, but it’s great for a cultural stopover. The capital city of Costa Rica is the place to explore museums, local markets, and coffee shops before heading to the coast or jungle.

• Type of travel: Solo, budget, stopover
• Weather: Mild, 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $–$$

Where to go in Costa Rica by type of traveler

For families

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero offers up-close wildlife encounters for both kids and adults in a boat-access-only setting. Children of all ages will love spotting monkeys and turtles, and the peaceful jungle lodges make it easy to disconnect and bond as a family.

• Weather: Humid, 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Turtle nesting (July–Oct)

Manuel Antonio

With accessible trails, family-friendly beaches, and a high chance of spotting animals, Manuel Antonio is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Restaurants and hotels cater to families, and it’s one of the easiest places to combine fun and nature.

• Weather: Tropical, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must see: Manuel Antonio National Park

Arenal

From hanging bridges to chocolate-making tours and hot springs, Arenal offers lots of family-friendly activities that balance education and excitement. It’s also one of the most developed tourist regions, which makes travel logistics easier for parents.

• Weather: Warm, 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall

For couples or honeymooners

Nosara

Nosara is made for couples who want a wellness-inspired escape. Yoga studios, organic cafes, and uncrowded beaches create an intimate and rejuvenating setting.

• Weather: Warm, 80–90°F (26–32°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Must see: Playa Guiones at sunset

Osa Peninsula

This destination is perfect for nature-loving couples who want total privacy and immersive wilderness, including remote eco-lodges for unforgettable romantic stays surrounded by rainforest sounds and incredible biodiversity.

• Weather: Hot & humid, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Must see: Corcovado National Park

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a trendy surf town that balances barefoot luxury and laid-back fun. Couples love the scenic coast, boutique hotels, and beachfront dining—all perfect for sunset walks and lazy mornings.

• Weather: Hot, 80–90°F (26–32°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must see: Playa Carmen sunsets

For solo travelers

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is perfect for solo backpackers. At this colorful and welcoming beach town, you’ll find hostels, surf spots, and a social nightlife scene. Plus it has easy bus access to the surrounding nature.

• Weather: Tropical, 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Must see: Cahuita National Park

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is one of the easiest places in Costa Rica for solo travel. There are hostels, surf camps, cafes, and group tours, so you can meet new people while you explore.

• Weather: Hot, 80–95°F (26–35°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Playa Tamarindo surf lessons

San José

While it might not be the first destination on your Costa Rica bucket list, San José offers affordable accommodations, coworking spaces, and reliable transit for solo digital nomads or quick-stay explorers.

• Weather: Mild, 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Must see: National Theater, Mercado Central

Best places to visit in Costa Rica by interest

Best beach destinations in Costa Rica

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is ideal for beach-lovers, with surf schools, nightlife, and plenty of dining options. It’s also one of the most accessible beach towns from Liberia Airport, making it a top choice for convenience.

• Weather: Hot, 80–95°F (26–35°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Playa Tamarindo surf lessons

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is perfect for travelers who want peace, calm waters, and upscale resorts. The crushed-shell sand and clear water also make it an excellent spot for snorkeling.

• Weather: Hot & dry, 80–95°F (26–35°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must see: Snorkel near the reef

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a magnet for surfers, yogis, and remote workers alike. This destination brings the perfect balance between raw natural beauty and a cosmopolitan, boho atmosphere.

• Weather: Hot, 80–90°F (26–32°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must see: Sunset at Playa Carmen 

Best national parks and nature reserves

Corcovado

This remote reserve on the Osa Peninsula is often called one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It can be difficult to get there, but for wildlife-lovers, it’s worth the effort.

• Weather: Hot & humid, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Must see: Sirena Ranger Station

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde is famous for its high-altitude cloud forest, where rare birds and plants thrive and travelers can become one with the jungle as they cross hanging bridges.

• Weather: Cool, 60–75°F (15–24°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Sky Walk canopy tour

Tortuguero National Park

Accessible only by boat or plane, this lush labyrinth of rivers and rainforest is best explored on guided tours. The national park is also perfect for spotting monkeys, sloths, and nesting turtles. 

• Weather: Humid, 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Turtle nesting (July–Oct)

For adventure seekers

Pacuare River

Renowned for world-class whitewater rafting, the Pacuare River also offers rainforest lodges accessible only by raft. This destination is great for multi-day trips with stops at waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and jungle treks.

• Weather: Humid, 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Multi-day rafting tour

Arenal

Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica with activities like ziplining, canyoning, ATV tours, and suspension bridges.

• Weather: Warm, 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall

Turrialba

Turrialba is more rugged and less full of tourists than Arenal so it can be a good call if you want to stay away from the crowds. You can find activities like mountain biking, river rafting, and excursions to one of Costa Rica’s only accessible volcano craters. 

• Weather: Cool & damp, 60–75°F (15–24°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Must see: Turrialba Volcano

For wildlife lovers

Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Here you can find all sorts of interesting animals, from tapirs to toucans.

• Weather: Hot & humid, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Must see: Corcovado National Park

Tortuguero

This destination is a favorite for turtle-lovers and jungle explorers. Tortuguero combines canal boat tours with rainforest hikes, offering views of wildlife, including caimans and colorful frogs.

• Weather: Humid, 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must see: Turtle nesting (July–Oct)

Manuel Antonio

The easy trails and common sloth sightings make Manuel Antonio a top wildlife destination. This location is ideal for casual travelers who want accessibility without sacrificing biodiversity.

• Weather: Tropical, 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must see: Manuel Antonio National Park

Underrated places to visit in Costa Rica

San Gerardo de Dota

Looking for something beyond the usual highlights? This misty mountain valley is a hidden gem for wildlife-lovers. Far from the beach crowds, it’s known for its pristine forests, trout fishing, and high chance of spotting the resplendent quetzal.

• Type of travel: Eco, couples, solo
• Weather: Cool, 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Must see: Quetzal birdwatching

Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro is tucked between volcanoes and cloud forests. This destination is both wild and peaceful. No matter what kind of traveler you are, it’s worth the day trip or overnight detour.

• Type of travel: Hiking, nature photography
• Weather: Mild, 60–75°F (15–24°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Must see: Catarata del Toro

Barra Honda National Park

If you’ve seen enough beaches and want something different, Barra Honda comes with a dry tropical forest and impressive limestone caves. This unusual destination is ideal for cave explorers and geology-lovers.

Best places to visit in Costa Rica by season

Costa Rica’s seasons shape everything, from wildlife experiences to costs. Whether you want to bask in dry-season sunshine or explore lush green rainforests, there’s a best time to visit Costa Rica for every traveler. 

How many days in Costa Rica is enough?

The ideal length of your trip to Costa Rica depends on  how much of the country you want to explore and how much time you want to set aside for each region.  For a balanced itinerary that includes beaches, jungles, and adventure, 7–10 days is the sweet spot. This will allow you to visit two to three regions, like Arenal, Monteverde, and a Pacific beach town. 

If you’re short on time, a 5-day trip is enough to enjoy one destination in depth. If you have time, you could perhaps combine a volcano and hot springs with nearby rainforest hikes or surf lessons. Remember that planning fewer destinations for a shorter trip ensures you have more time to actually experience each place instead of rushing through them.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the pura vida lifestyle, 2 to 3 weeks will give you time to see beach towns on both coasts, explore national parks, and take day trips to waterfalls, coffee farms, and wildlife reserves.

How to find cheap flights to Costa Rica

Fortunately, Costa Rica is a destination with frequent deals from major US cities, so it’s not hard to find the cheapest time to go to Costa Rica. A great way to find cheap flights is to set flight alerts for a range of dates and aim to fly midweek. San José (SJO) is typically your most budget-friendly gateway, especially if you’re coming from the East Coast, while Liberia (LIR) can cost a bit more but saves time if you’re heading straight to Guanacaste’s beaches.

If you’re flexible, plan around the shoulder seasons. For Costa Rica, traveling in May or September frequently means big savings and fewer crowds. But, overall, the best way to score deals is to join Going. After becoming a Premium or Elite member, you’ll get instant alerts about price drops, flash sales, and even mistake fares from your home airport to international destinations, like Costa Rica.

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