10 Places Locals Love to Visit in Costa Rica — From Beaches and Hot Springs to Markets

La Fortuna

La Fortuna, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, is the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies. But for David Konwiser, architect and co-owner of the Villa Punto de Vista estate, the highlights of this region are its thermal hot springs, such as Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. "Taking a dip in the various temperature pools, naturally heated by the volcano, is the perfect way to relax, especially after a day of thrill-seeking," he says. 

Paola Bolaños Zumbado, commercial manager for events and tours at Copey Estate Winery, touts La Fortuna as well, notably Arenal Volcano National Park and the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges. Zumbado says hiking along the lava trails in the national park is an invigorating experience, as is exploring the treetop canopies at the hanging bridges. "If you visit the bridges in the early morning, you can often see the full volcano without cloud cover," she adds. 

Puerto Viejo

According to Hans Pfister, co-founder and president of the Cayuga Collection, the best beaches are on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. "It’s where most well-traveled locals spend their vacations," he notes, citing Playa Chiquita in Limón Province as one of the country's finest stretches of sand.

Sadie Jordan, who moved to Costa Rica to provide Afro-Costa Rican-centered multiday itineraries through her company, Soul Life Travel, agrees. As an Afro-Latina herself, Jordan heads to El Sendero Beach Club in Puerto Viejo to soak up beautiful ocean views and cultural vibes. "It’s a locally owned spot right on the beach, where patrons can relax with lively reggae music, delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and strong cocktails."

Manuel Antonio National Park

Konwiser was born in Costa Rica, his mother’s homeland, but grew up in California. On a trip to Costa Rica 20 years ago, he fell in love with Manuel Antonio National Park, so much so that he created his own luxury haven right next to it. "It’s not just the park’s lush rain forests that draw visitors, but also its pristine beaches," he says. Konwiser enjoys visiting Biesanz Beach, a scenic cove with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as Manuel Antonio Beach, but cautions against weekend excursions to these areas, as they tend to get crowded. Instead, he suggests venturing just north of the park to Espadilla Norte Beach, where there are usually fewer people. 

Nauyaca Waterfalls

"One of the things I love about Costa Rica is the presence of wild waterfalls all over the country," says Pfister, who has been living in Costa Rica since 1999. He typically takes an annual hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, north of Uvita, for a swim in the natural pools, an activity he says makes him feel 10 years younger. Reaching these majestic cascades takes a bit of effort, requiring a 3.7-mile one-way trek on an intermediate trail, either by foot or horseback. It's also quite romantic to hike to and swim under the falls with your beloved, making it a great spot for couples to check out as well.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is one of the greatest places for biodiversity in the world. Blessed with beautiful lagoons, marshes, mangroves, rivers, forests, sandy beaches, and hiking trails, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like Yeison Kim, who runs the popular travel blog, Mytanfeet. "There’s no better place in Costa Rica for nature and adventure than Corcovado; it feels otherworldly, like Jurassic Park," he says.

Playa Panama

Stephanie Sheehy, co-owner of Il Viaggio Travel, one of the only local ground operators specializing in accessible travel in Costa Rica. Her deep affinity for Costa Rica’s coastline always leads her to its beaches, including Playa Panama, which has shallow, tranquil waters shielded by Culebra Bay in the Gulf of Papagayo. "It’s one of the calmest and most swimmable beaches in Costa Rica," says Sheehy, who is on a mission, alongside her husband, Emilio, to establish at least one accessible solution on every public beach in Costa Rica. She says these efforts will make the country an inclusive destination for everyone.

Playa Naranjo

Costa Rica’s geographical position makes it a world-renowned surfing destination that experiences swells from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. One of Kim’s primary surfing spots is Playa Naranjo, also known as Roca Bruja (Witches Rock), in Santa Rosa National Park. "Although I wouldn't call myself a pro surfer, I can confidently conquer some midsized waves here," says Kim, who has seen sharks, manta rays, and even a humpback whale. Beloved by surfers for its extraordinary surf and stunning backdrop, the bay earned its moniker from a local legend saying a witch's spirit dwells within a rock in the park.

Mercado Central

Established in 1880, bustling Mercado Central in San José is one of the country's oldest and most cherished landmarks. It’s also a cultural and culinary hot spot where locals gather, shop, and eat. Among the more than 200 shops, stalls, and small restaurants called "sodas," Kim’s favorite place to go here is Soda Tala, a popular eatery among locals that sells talapinto. This twist on Costa Rica’s classic breakfast dish, gallo pinto, includes rice, beans, and a thin omelet served in a tortilla, which is either set on top of or wrapped in a banana leaf. Patrons can also add fried plantains, cheese, and meat to the dish.

Los Santos Zone

Costa Rica’s high-altitude volcanic soil and sustainable farming practices provide favorable conditions for growing high-quality beans. For a true coffee experience, Zumbado recommends venturing into the towns of Dota, Tarrazú, and León Cortés in the heart of the Los Santos Zone, a mountain region that's about a two-hour drive from San José. One place to try a good cup of Costa Rican coffee is Coopedota, a cooperative that offers more than 40 unique blends, tours, and a cafe. 

Pacuare River

With thrilling Class II to Class V rapids flowing 67 miles from the Cuericí mountains to the Caribbean Sea, the Pacuare River is one of the world’s most scenic and best rafting rivers. "It’s a death-defying yet exhilarating experience," says Jordan, who recently embarked on a rafting tour with her adventurous aunt, Rebecca. Led by Exploradores Outdoors, the pair rafted 18 miles along the famed Pacuare River Gorge and Valle del Pacuare, encountering various wildlife such as toucans, sloths, and butterflies.