Before the sun is fully up in Nosara, surfers are already walking down the sandy paths toward Playa Guiones with boards under their arms, and howler monkeys are grumbling somewhere in the trees behind the beach. By mid-morning the yoga studios have filled, the smoothie counters are busy, and the long beach has settled into its easy rhythm. On the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is a peaceful community spread across a wide area, made for those seeking waves, stretching, good food and a slower rhythm.
What are the best things to do in Nosara?
The best things to do in Nosara revolve around the ocean and the body: surfing or simply walking Playa Guiones, taking a yoga class, and watching the coast change from morning to sunset. Around that core sit a handful of outings that give the stay some variety, from a turtle beach to a mangrove estuary.
- Walk or surf Playa Guiones, the long beach with steady waves that put Nosara on the map.
- Take a yoga class, because the town’s wellness culture is the reason many people come at all.
- Explore Playa Pelada, a smaller and rockier cove that feels different from the main beach.
- Visit Ostional, where olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to nest in large numbers, mostly in the green season.
- Glide through the mangroves near the river mouth at Boca Nosara for birds and a quieter side of the coast.
- Eat at the small cafés and open-air restaurants, where fresh fish, smoothie bowls and casados share the menu.
- Finish the day on the sand for sunset, the one appointment almost everyone keeps.
A good rhythm here is active mornings and slow afternoons. Early in the day, as temperatures are lower and the sunshine is gentle, is the time for surfing, yoga or an excursion into nature. Midday belongs to a long lunch, a hammock or a nap, and the late afternoon belongs to the beach. Nosara rewards people who do not try to fit too much into one day, and the details below help you pick what suits your own pace.
Sights and landmarks in Nosara
Nosara has no grand monuments and no museum district, and that is part of its appeal. The landmarks are natural and communal: a famous beach, a rocky cove, a forest that comes right down to the sand, and a scattering of wellness centers and cafés that give the community its character. Much of the area is set back from the shore among trees, so the sights feel discovered rather than announced.
Playa Guiones
Playa Guiones is the heart of Nosara, a wide, long stretch of pale sand backed by forest and lined with small trails that lead in from the neighborhoods. At low tide the beach opens into a broad, firm expanse that is perfect for long walks, jogging and watching surf lessons unfold in the distance. The waves here are steady, which is why beginners and experienced surfers share the water.
Sunset brings a second wave of visitors, who sit on the sand and watch the sky turn orange behind the surfers.
Playa Pelada
Playa Pelada is a smaller, more intimate beach with a rocky shoreline, and it has a different mood from Guiones. Rocks and tide pools frame the cove, and the shoreline is a good place to look at the shapes the sea has carved into the stone. Fishing boats and local life give it a more lived-in feel than the main beach.
It suits people who like beachcombing and photography more than swimming, since rocks and surf make the water here less inviting than it looks. Late afternoon is lovely, when the light turns the rocks golden and the crowd thins. It makes an easy companion to a visit to Guiones on the same day.
Boca Nosara and the river mouth
Where the Nosara River meets the Pacific, the landscape turns to mangroves, sandbars and open sky. It is a quieter corner, popular with birdwatchers and with people who like to see the coast without a surfboard in sight. Herons, egrets and other waterbirds feed along the edges, and with luck you may spot a monkey or two in the trees.
Early morning is the best time, when the birds are most active and the light is clear. It suits slow travelers, photographers and anyone who wants a break from the beach. Water conditions at river mouths change with the tides and rain, so treat it as a place to look rather than to swim.
Wellness centers, cafés and the forest paths
The yoga studios and wellness centers are landmarks of a kind, because they shaped the town. Many are open-air platforms among the trees where classes start with birdsong, and several sit beside cafés serving smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices and strong coffee. Walking from one to the next is a pleasant way to see the neighborhoods behind the beach.
The forest paths that connect these areas to the shore are worth walking slowly, especially early, when the canopy is full of sound. Howler monkeys, iguanas and colorful birds are chances rather than promises, but the trees are alive enough that you will usually hear something. A small day pack with water makes these strolls more comfortable.
Beaches and outdoor things to do in Nosara
The beaches are the main outdoor attraction, and the best way to use them is to match each one to a mood. Guiones is for waves and long walks, Pelada is for rocks and tide pools, and the beaches farther along the coast are for solitude. Between them, the surf, the trails and the estuary give plenty to do without a long itinerary.
Surfing at Playa Guiones
Guiones is known for its steady surf, which makes it one of the friendliest places on this coast to learn. Several surf schools work along the beach, and the usual routine is a lesson in the morning, when the wind is lighter and the waves are cleaner.
Even experienced surfers find plenty to do, since the wide beach spreads people out along many peaks. Conditions shift with tide and swell, so local instructors are the best source of advice on where to paddle out. Rip currents are very dangerous on this coast and have caused several drownings of U.S. tourists each year, so take that guidance seriously.
Walks, yoga and sunsets on the sand
If surfing is not for you, the beach still offers plenty. A long walk at low tide on firm sand is one of the great pleasures of Nosara, and some people add a morning jog or a stretching session on the beach itself. Classes at the yoga studios are the other major draw, ranging from gentle flow sessions to more vigorous styles.
Sunset is the daily gathering. People drift down from their lodgings with a drink or a snack and settle on the sand to watch the sky change, while surfers catch the last waves. It is an unhurried scene, and there is no need to arrive early or plan anything around it.
Mangroves, birds and wildlife
The forest and mangroves around Nosara are home to howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis and many kinds of birds. Guided walks and boat outings are the most reliable way to see animals, since a local guide knows where to look and how to approach without disturbing them. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best windows, when animals are most active and the heat has eased. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen, and wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy. Nature outings suit adults and older children who enjoy patient looking, and they pair well with a late breakfast afterward.
Day trips from Nosara
Nosara works well as a base because its neighbors on the Nicoya Peninsula are so different from it. The nearest outing is a turtle beach, and others lead to a livelier beach town, a cave park and the market town of the region. Check current conditions before heading out, since roads and park rules on the peninsula can change.
Ostional and the nesting turtles
Ostional is the nearest and most memorable outing. This beach ranks among their nesting grounds, and olive ridley sea turtles arrive to nest in large numbers there, mostly in the green season. The scene is hushed and moving, with turtles hauling themselves up the dark sand and village life going on just behind.
Whether you see an arrival depends on timing and luck, since the turtles follow their own calendar, so treat it as a chance, not a promise. The park’s official page is where you can check how visits operate, since the nesting beach’s rules are subject to change. Even outside a big arrival, the black sand, fishing boats and small village are worth the trip, and it suits families and nature lovers alike.
Samara and its calmer beach
Samara is the livelier beach town to the south, and it offers a change of scene after the quiet of Nosara. The main street runs close to the sand, with small restaurants, souvenir stalls and bars, and the bay is sheltered by an offshore island that softens the waves. It is a popular place for a relaxed lunch and a stroll.
The beach is gentle compared with Guiones, but conditions still change and most beaches have no lifeguard, so ask locally about the day’s water. It suits people who want a bit more bustle, and families who like having cafés within a few steps of the sand. Go in the morning for the calmest light, and stay for lunch.
Barra Honda and the cave country
Inland on the peninsula, Barra Honda is a national park known for its limestone formations and cave system. It is a different landscape from the coast, with dry forest, lookout points and wildlife that includes birds and the occasional monkey.
Go with a guide if you want to learn about the geology and wildlife. It suits active travelers and curious older children, and it is best started early in the day.
Smaller outings
- Nicoya, the regional town, for a look at everyday life, markets and the old church.
- Other beaches along the coast, each with its own mood, for a day of beachcombing and quiet.
- Small farms and roadside stands in the countryside, for fruit, cheese and a glimpse of the ranching life of Guanacaste.
What to eat in Nosara
Eating in Nosara blends Costa Rican staples with the tastes of a wellness-minded crowd. You will find rice and beans and fresh fish alongside smoothie bowls, salads and plant-based dishes, often served at open-air tables under the trees. The results are fresh, colorful and unfussy, and a day of meals can range from very local to quite cosmopolitan.
Casados and gallo pinto
The casado is the classic Costa Rican lunch: a plate of rice and black beans with a main such as grilled fish, chicken or beef, plus salad, fried plantain and sometimes a small portion of cabbage. It is hearty, simple and exactly what you want after a morning on the waves. Small family restaurants called sodas serve the best versions.
Breakfast brings gallo pinto, a mix of rice and beans stir-fried with onion, pepper and cilantro, usually served with eggs, fresh cheese and a slice of sweet plantain. It is the local fuel for the day. Pair it with strong Costa Rican coffee and you have a start that will carry you well into the afternoon.
Fresh fish and ceviche
With the Pacific on the doorstep, seafood is a natural choice. Ceviche, made with raw fish cured in lime juice and mixed with onion, cilantro and sweet pepper, is served cold and tastes best at a table with a view. Grilled catch of the day, often served with rice and a squeeze of lime, is the other favorite.
Restaurants near the beach tend to fill at sunset, so lunch is often the easier time to try these dishes. Order whatever the kitchen says is freshest, since the menu follows what the boats bring in. A cold drink on the side and a plate of patacones, fried green plantain slices, finish the meal nicely.
Smoothies, coffee and fruit
Smoothie bowls are almost a local specialty, topped with tropical fruit, granola, seeds and coconut. Fresh juices made from pineapple, mango, watermelon or passion fruit appear on nearly every menu, and coconut water is sold cold, straight from the shell. Cafés also serve excellent coffee, roasted from Costa Rican beans.
For a sweet snack, look for fresh fruit stands and bakeries selling pastries and cakes. Tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, is a traditional dessert you will find in many restaurants. Pairing a coffee with a pastry makes a good late-morning break between yoga and the beach.
Things to do in Nosara at night
Evenings in Nosara are calm and low-key, centered on dinner, conversation and the night sky. There is no big club scene, and that suits the town: people go to bed early to get up for the waves. A few bars and restaurants stay lively, but the mood is relaxed rather than rowdy.
Sunset and dinner by the sea
The night begins with sunset, when people gather on the beach with a drink and watch the sky go orange and pink. Several restaurants and beach bars sit close enough to the sand that you can walk straight from the shore to a table. The mood is easy, with sandals, sarongs and low conversation.
Dinner follows at one of the open-air restaurants, where menus mix fresh fish, wood-fired pizza, pasta, plant-based plates and Costa Rican classics. Tables fill up around sunset, and later evenings are quieter. It is a good time for a long meal with no rush and a cold local beer or a fruit cocktail.
Live music and quiet bars
A few bars and restaurants host live music, usually acoustic sets, reggae or Latin rhythms, and the crowd is a friendly mix of travelers and long-term residents. Evenings tend to be social, with people meeting at shared tables and trading tips about surf spots and trails. The volume stays low and the night ends early.
If you want something quieter, a drink on a terrace under the trees is just as pleasant. The sound of insects and frogs fills the air, and on clear nights the stars are bright because there is little light pollution. It is a place for lingering conversations rather than dancing.
Quiet evenings
Many visitors spend their evenings simply resting. A hammock on a porch, a book and the sounds of the forest make a fine ending to an active day. Some wellness centers offer evening sessions such as gentle stretching, breathing classes or sound baths, and they suit anyone who wants to wind down.
Walking after dark calls for a little care, since paths can be unlit and uneven. A flashlight or phone light helps, and so does taking a ride if your lodging is far from the restaurant. Keeping belongings with you and avoiding leaving valuables in sight is sensible anywhere in Costa Rica, where petty crime is common.
Things to do in Nosara with kids
Children usually enjoy Nosara because so much happens outdoors: sand, waves, monkeys in the trees and a lot of space to run. It is not a theme-park destination, so the pleasures are simple and nature-based. Families who like beaches, wildlife and unhurried days tend to be happiest here.
Beach days and surf lessons
The wide sand at Guiones is a natural playground, with room for castles, games and long walks. Older children often enjoy a surf lesson, and instructors are used to working with beginners of all ages. Mornings are the most comfortable time, when the sand is cooler and the sun less strong.
The sea needs respect. Here, rip currents pose a serious threat, and lifeguards and warnings are absent at most beaches.
Wildlife, turtles and nature walks
Howler monkeys, iguanas and brightly colored birds make nature walks exciting for children, especially in the early morning. A guided outing helps them spot animals and learn how to watch quietly. Sightings are chances rather than promises, but the forest is alive enough that most families see something memorable.
A trip to Ostional, where olive ridley sea turtles nest in large numbers, mostly in the green season, can be a highlight. Rules at the nesting beach change, so check the official page before planning around it. Kids who are patient and calm around wildlife get the most out of it.
Heat, sun and pacing
The Pacific coast is hot, and children tire faster than adults in the sun. Plan active outings for early morning or late afternoon, and use the middle of the day for a long lunch, a swim at a pool or a nap. Hats, sunscreen, light long sleeves and plenty of water make a difference.
Distances in the area are spread out, with beaches and restaurants set apart along sandy and sometimes rough roads. Younger children tire on long walks, so it helps to choose a lodging close to the places you will use most. Many restaurants welcome families and offer simple dishes such as rice, beans, fruit and grilled fish that suit small appetites.
Good to know before you go
The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica Level 2, ‘Exercise increased caution,’ due to crime; it says petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica and that violent crime also affects tourists, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.
Nosara is spread out among several neighborhoods and beaches, set back from the sand among trees, so think about how you will move between your lodging, the shore and restaurants. Pace yourself in the sun and drink plenty of water.
Rip currents are a real hazard on this coast, and most beaches lack lifeguards, so ask locally about the day’s conditions before entering the water. Wildlife outings and park visits have rules that change, so rely on the official page of each park for the latest.
Sources
- Open-Meteo / ECMWF ERA5, normals 1991-2020 computed for the grid cell at 9.9792N 85.6531W, checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Information, Safety and security (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html), checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Advisory, issued April 1, 2026 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/costa-rica-travel-advisory.html), read via the State Department open data API on October 8, 2026