Things to do in Costa Rica

What are the best things to do in Costa Rica?

If you’re a first-timer to Costa Rica, a winning formula is to combine surf-and-sun fun with inland nature trips and extreme outdoor sports. Enjoy the best of both worlds and stay on the Pacific coast side during your vacation. Soak up carefree morning waves, beach afternoons and boat trips.

For the “big wow” factor moments, you'll then be able to coincide these classic things to do in Costa Rica with scenic volcano-waterfall and hot-springs trips and excursions to the capital city, San Jose.

Things to do in Costa Rica for adults

Surf the best breaks near Playa Herradura & Jacó

If surfing is high on your list, Jacó is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible surf zones, with a lively beach-town atmosphere and waves that suit a range of abilities. For stronger, more advanced conditions, Playa Hermosa is just 5-10 minutes drive south of Jacó. This iconic beach is widely known as one of the country’s top surf beaches, making it perfect for confident surfers chasing powerful waves. For a laid-back vacation base stay in Playa Herradura and dip into Jacó’s surf scene and restaurants, whenever you want that extra buzz.

Go sportfishing from Playa Herradura

Playa Herradura is a dream base for sportfishing - especially because it’s home to Los Sueños Marina, which is a renowned destination in Costa Rica for sportfishing. Fishing charters in the area regularly target species like marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi and tuna, making it a bucket-list experience and one of the top things to do in Costa Rica for anglers staying on the Pacific coast.

Visit a Volcano

No Costa Rica itinerary feels complete without a volcano day. Relish the epic scenery and hike in the great outdoors, along with those mega photo opps! The classic choice is Arenal Volcano National Park near La Fortuna, where you can hike well-marked trails through rainforest and old lava flows, to reach dramatic volcano viewpoints.

If you’re based on the Guanacaste coast, the Rincón de la Vieja National Park makes a great alternative, with extra volcanic drama - think bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and waterfall hikes - all in one memorable place.

Pair your volcano hike with a long soak afterwards in the area’s naturally heated hot springs, for the ultimate outdoor R and R experience.

Walk Monteverde’s hanging bridges in the cloud forest

Another one of the top things to do in Costa Rica is to walk the Monteverde’s cloud forest. This place is all about atmosphere - with cooler temps, drifting mist, and jungle sounds that feel like you're in a movie soundtrack. The hanging bridges are a standout way to experience it, as they lift you into the canopy, for sweeping forest views and optimum chances to spot birds and wildlife.

For those looking to wrap their vacation around this iconic activity, the best time to visit the cloud forest is during the dry season, from December through April. You'll enjoy clearer skies, less rain, and the best conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Take a catamaran or snorkel cruise from Playa Flamingo

For those wanting a “holiday highlight” without breaking a sweat, Playa Flamingo is perfect for beach mornings, followed by scenic catamaran-style cruises and snorkeling trips. Many local afternoon catamaran trips factor in swimming and snorkeling time, so you can float and spot colorful fish, before climbing back onboard, for snacks and a golden-hour sail back to shore.

Snorkel and dive from Playa del Coco

If you’re staying in Playa del Coco, you’re also in a great spot for snorkeling, as well as dive-style day trips. For the calmest conditions and best visibility, take an early morning boat out.

The vibrant Pacific marine life can be seen in abundance in top spots like Calzon de Pobre and Playa Penca. Take in Cortez angelfish, pufferfish, sergeant majors, and damselfish, alongside the more numerous reef fish, moray eels, octopus, and sea turtles. You may also be lucky enough to spot schools of razor surgeonfish and Pacific spadefish!

Beach-hop and surf at Hacienda Pinilla

For a more private, upscale coastal feel, Hacienda Pinilla is an outdoor playground with quick access to beaches like Playa Avellanas and Playa Langosta - both standout surf spots in the area. These unspoilt beaches are best enjoyed early in the morning, when conditions are less windy.

Go white-water rafting on the Pacuare River

If your group likes adrenaline, rafting is a classic Costa Rica thrill! Head to the Pacuare River, for one of the top rafting spots - with scenery that runs deep into jungle canyons and waterfalls. Go in the greener months, for higher water and extra-lush landscapes (just expect more mud and rain as the trade-off).

Things to do in Costa Rica for families

Soak up Tamarindo beach days

Tamarindo is a great base for effortless family beach breaks: thanks to its wide sandy beach, mellow ocean vibes, and easy access to surfing lessons - perfect for kids and teens wanting to give surfing a try (or level up their skills). Families will also be able to enhance their beach day, with a Tamarindo Estuary boat safari through the mangroves. All ages will love looking out for crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and tropical birds!

If you’re visiting in high season, round off your beach vacation with a unique evening trip to Las Baulas National Marine Park in nearby Playa Grande. There, you'll be able to go on a turtle-watching guided tour and spot leatherback turtles nesting.

Make Playa Conchal your “chilled beach day”

Playa Conchal is famous for its unique shoreline, made from tiny crushed shells. It's renowned too for its calm and clear aspect, making it ideal for families seeking a carefree spot for swimming and snorkeling. The calm waters and seashell-treasure-hunt vibes make it a great option for preschoolers and kids.

Savor a coffee (or chocolate) tour

Costa Rica’s coffee and chocolate culture is part of its identity, and tasting tours are an easy win for families with older kids. Plan this in the morning, for an educational (and delicious) activity when it's cooler, before afternoon hikes or beach time! Many popular coffee and chocolate experiences run from the Central Valley and Arenal regions - making them easy to add to a first-timer itinerary.

Take a gentle snorkel trip from Playa del Coco

Families who love marine life will enjoy a boat and snorkeling trip from Playa del Coco, where guided tours keep the pace light and friendly. Kids can look forward to seeing schools of tropical reef fish, plus starfish and sea urchins on the rocks below. With a little luck, you may even spot a sea turtle cruising by, or a ray gliding across the sandy patches!

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park for wildlife

The Manuel Antonio National Park is a dream win for families, because it combines two kid-friendly things to do in Costa Rica: easy nature trails and beaches with coral reefs! The national park is also known for its diverse and unique wildlife encounters - so the rainforest walk itself becomes the entertainment. Head in the cooler early mornings and spot sloths, three monkey species, reptiles, toucans, scarlet macaws and more, before relaxing on the beach.

Romantic things to do in Costa Rica for couples

Soak up a “shell beach” day at Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is one of those beaches couples will always remember - a shimmering shoreline of crushed shells, calm turquoise water, and a laid-back atmosphere, where time slows right down. It’s ideal for a mid-afternoon “beach date”: wade in together, drift in the gentle water, then pop on snorkels to look for little flashes of reef life in the clearer shallows. As the afternoon cools, the whole bay turns golden - perfect for a romantic beach stroll and that end-of-day “pura vida” feeling.

Go on a wildlife walk

The Manuel Antonio National Park is a great destination for couples who love the wild side! Start with a picturesque morning stroll along the rainforest trails, keeping an eye out for monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical birds. Afterwards, let the day soften into a lazy beach afternoon. Swap hiking shoes for sand and find a calm beach spot to swim within the park. Stay on and take in the famous golden-hour glow, for a full day of unhurried escapism.

Learn to surf in Tamarindo

If you’re first-timers, Tamarindo is one of the easiest places for active couples to learn to surf, thanks to its wide beach, beginner-friendly conditions and great choice of surf schools. For the perfect all-day activity, couples can book a morning lesson when the conditions are calmer, take a break for lunch and a dip, then spend the late afternoon wandering the beachfront, before finishing with sunset drinks and dinner - all without needing to drive anywhere.

Quiet luxury & beach-hopping in Hacienda Pinilla

Hacienda Pinilla is ideal for couples craving quiet luxury in nature, offering a more private, tucked-away base where your days can unfold slowly and spontaneously. Set within an upscale coastal community, couples are close to some of Guanacaste’s best-loved beaches, including the top surf spots of Playa Avellanas and Playa Langosta. Both beaches are known for their surf and wild, unspoilt scenery - inviting you to mix lazy beach time with a little adventure, whenever the mood strikes.

Chase the waterfalls

If you're seeking jungle vibes that feels straight out of a movie, make it a waterfall-chasing adventure! Blending equal parts of rainforest romance with “did we really just swim there?” moments, the waterfalls are easily one of the top things to do in Costa Rica. Start with La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal, where you can soak up the view from a purpose-built lookout, before taking a refreshing swim in the river pool below (bring water shoes for the rocks).

For something truly unique, plan a day trip to visit the Río Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park - its unreal turquoise colour comes from a natural mineral reaction, and while swimming isn’t allowed in the park, the hike and photo stops are worth it. If you’re based on the coast (especially around Manuel Antonio and Jacó) then the Nauyaca Waterfalls offer a brilliant “half-day date” option. They're popular for swimming and photography, with big, dramatic cascades for an alluring backdrop.

Go Zip-lining

If you’re after a couples’ activity that’s equal parts thrill and together-time, then zip lining in Costa Rica is a must. You’ll soar high above the treetops, for sweeping rainforest views and a pure adrenaline buzz. Many canopy tours are designed as a full experience, with short nature walks between platforms and scenic viewpoints where you can pause, catch your breath, and take it all in together.

For the most iconic zip lining, head inland to the northern region destinations of Monteverde and Arenal/La Fortuna - for a choice of misty cloud-forest vibes or the dramatic volcano-area rainforest scenery of Arenal. If you’re based on the Central Pacific coast (around Manuel Antonio), the canopy tours mix lush jungle setting with a coastal atmosphere, making it an easy experience without travelling too far.

Head to Jacó for surf mornings + sunset dates

For couples craving fun and energy, Jacó nails it, with its effortless coastal rhythm. Wake up early for a surf session, then spend the day drifting between the beach, cafés, and pool time back at your villa.

When the sun starts to drop, experience Jacó’s easy-going nightlife - with a mix of both beachfront seafood restaurant serving fresh ceviche and shared plates, after-dinner cocktail bars with sunset views and laid-back live-music spots and more casual surf-town eateries to choose from.

Sunset catamaran vibes in Playa Flamingo

If your idea of romance is effortless, Playa Flamingo is the perfect place to slow down and soak up Costa Rica’s coastal beauty. Spend the afternoon on a relaxed catamaran trip along the Guanacaste coastline, with easy snorkelling stops, ocean views, and time to unwind together. As the day ends, cruise back at sunset with a drink in hand and golden-hour scenery all around, the kind of special vacation moment that makes Playa Flamingo feel unforgettable.

FAQs for things to do in Costa Rica

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

January through April are considered the optimum months and best time to visit Costa Rica. Many travellers also like mid-December, as the days often offer the sunniest and driest overall conditions. Of course, the trade-off is higher tourist demand and vacation rental rates.

Weather-wise, Costa Rica's dry season runs roughly from December through March, with April as a transition month, followed by the rainy season May through October (with November the transition month).

What are the must-see attractions in Costa Rica?

For a first trip to Costa Rica, you can't go wrong with combining some surf and beach time with wildlife spotting and natural sights.

This first-time vacation could look like a fun surfing day in Jacó, Tamarindo or Hacienda Pinilla, followed by snorkelling in Playa del Coco or Playa Conchal - before enjoying an inland nature trail day or two, for wildlife, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs.

Weave in wellness, coastal dining, boat trips and extreme outdoor sports and your stay promises to cover all the best things to do in Costa Rica!

What are the best outdoor activities in Costa Rica?

• Surfing: Jacó for accessible surf-town energy; Tamarindo for beginners, Playa Hermosa for more advanced waves.
• Snorkeling/boat trips: top spots include Playa Flamingo, Playa del Coco and Playa Conchal.
• Sportfishing: for the best, head off from Playa Herradura / Los Sueños Marina.
• Beach-hopping and nature-led coastal trips: Hacienda Pinilla.
• Zip lining: Monteverde or Arenal/La Fortuna for iconic canopy tours. Central Pacific options are near Manuel Antonio.
• Yoga classes: popular add-on in beach towns. Enjoy a sunrise stretch before a day of exploring.
• Horse riding: scenic beach or countryside rides, with sunset options in many Pacific-coast areas.

What are the top events in Costa Rica?

The Tamarindo Art Wave Festival brings contemporary art, live music, installations, and creative beach-town energy to Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Envision Festival also brings music, wellness, art, and nature-focused experiences to Uvita, each February/March.

Is Costa Rica good for families?

Yes! - especially on the Pacific coast. Build your family days around beach time and short, high-reward activities nearby (snorkelling trips, beginner surf lessons, sunset cruises).

How do I get around?

Most travellers mix flexible car hire and private transfers/shuttles with domestic flights (for longer hops) and guided day tours, depending on the region.

Where to stay in Costa Rica

When looking for the perfect vacation base, our luxury Costa Rica villas with pools and condo rentals in upscale beach resorts set the scene for carefree escapism.

Be close to the best things to do in Costa Rica and enjoy optional staff and concierge to elevate your stay.