At Coastal Realty & Property Management, we’ve been managing Playa Grande vacation rentals since 2006, so we thought we’d share some advice for friends looking to visit for the first time.
Second and third-time visitors might enjoy these thoughts as well, because there’s a lot you can do when you stay in Playa Grande Costa Rica.
Getting to Our Playa Grande Vacation Rentals
We have Costa Rican families that use our Playa Grande Property Management services and have been visiting us from the San José area for more than a decade, but if you’re reading this, you’re more than likely an international tourist.
With tons of direct flights from both North America and Europe, you have two choices to fly into the country:
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia
This airport is located a 1-hour drive from Playa Grande. The drive is picturesque, with many Guanacaste sugar cane plantations visible as well as local town squares and soccer fields along the way. If you’re not renting a car, you might want to consider a private or shared shuttle to get to Playa Grande from here.
Juan Santamaría International Airport – San José
This airport is about a 4-hour drive from Playa Grande. The drive will take you through the mountain range that runs the length of Central America and then you’ll make your way up the coast, and cross over the Río Tempisque. It’s also quite scenic and there are plenty of restaurants and pitstops along the way.
If you’re flying to San José and don’t intend to rent a car, you can catch up a commuter flight (propeller plane) from San José to the local Tamarindo airport on Sansa and then take a shuttle to Playa Grande or pick up a rental car in Tamarindo. Also, private and shared shuttles are available from San José to Playa Grande on a daily basis.
Do I Need a Visa if I’m Choosing Playa Grande Vacation Rentals?
For quick stays, you don’t need a visa prior to arrival. You’ll be issued a tourist visa (maximum 90 days) by the immigration desk at either airport. You’ll need:
- Your passport (and be sure it isn’t about to expire).
- A return ticket (print a copy of your e-ticket that clearly shows your return flight date).
- The name of your accommodations. For us, either the name of the house or the name of the Playa Grande condo complex will suffice.
- At least $100 USD cash for each month you’re staying in Costa Rica.
Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get to My Playa Grande Vacation Rental?
You don’t need to rent a car to get to Playa Grande and our vacation rentals are all walkable to the beach, grocery stores, restaurants, shops, etc. We’re happy to help you book an airport shuttle from either airport that will take you directly to your property and return you as well.
Palm Beach Estates (the southern neighborhood of Playa Grande) and Playa Grande Estates (the northern neighborhood) both have walkable restaurants and small grocery stores.
You can walk from north to south on the beach or via the main road that goes north-south.
That said, there are lots of national parks and other fun day trips where you might want a car.
If you are renting a car and cannot drive a manual transmission, be sure to consult with your rental car company. Many vehicles in Costa Rica have manual transmissions.
What Are Some Top Activities While at a Playa Grande Vacation Rental?
You’ve probably heard amazing things about Costa Rica and Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in the country. Why do so many people choose to vacation in Playa Grande?
Las Baulas Marine National Park
This protected sanctuary spans 175 km², blending stunning land and marine sectors for an unforgettable experience.
Created to safeguard endangered leatherback turtles, Las Baulas is a vital nesting site, with Playa Grande, Ventanas, and Langosta beaches playing host to these magnificent creatures. From October to February, witness the awe-inspiring sight of turtles making their way to the sea.
Immerse yourself in the park’s diverse ecosystems, boasting 117 tree and shrub species, 139 bird species (including migratory birds), and a variety of habitats like dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, cliff vegetation, gallery forests, and mangroves.
Explore the beauty of Las Baulas through thrilling boat tours, gliding through the enchanting Tamarindo estuary. Marvel at the abundant marine life, spot dolphins, and, during migratory seasons, encounter majestic humpback whales.
Indulge in water sports, with Playa Grande and Playa Langosta offering excellent surfing conditions, while Playa Carbón beckons shallow divers. Relax on the pristine beaches, surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
When visiting, take advantage of the park’s facilities, including the Information Center and ranger office. Engage with local guides who can offer insights into the park’s natural history.
Escape to Las Baulas Marine National Park, where conservation and natural wonders converge, providing a unique and captivating experience.
For more information, visit the official website: Las Baulas Marine National Park, Guanacaste
Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, Playa Carbón
Going to the beach is fantastic. You’ll find plenty of sand and a sandy bottom at Playa Grande. Where you see volcanic rock outcroppings, you’ll spot all kinds of critters in the tide pools.
You can bring your own towel and sunbathe anywhere. All Costa Rica beaches are public. You can also get a day pass for one of the many beach clubs and use their pools, lounge chairs, cocktail bars, etc.
Playa Grande itself is huge and spans the middle of Tamarindo Bay. Look north and you’ll see a huge rock (it’s not Witch’s Rock) and then past it is Playa Ventana, which most people treat as an extension of Playa Grande. If you walk to the north end of Playa Ventana and around the rocky point, you’re at Playa Carbón, which is a hidden beach.
Playa Grande is home of the Leatherback Turtle nesting grounds so in nesting season, you must stay off the beach unless you are on a guided tour. Dogs are not allowed at the beach either. The entire beach frontage is part of this gorgeous national park.
You’ll find the beach frontage is tree-lined by law to keep ambient light from disturbing the turtles, who are endangered.
Tamarindo is right there, so you might see people crossing the estuary swimming or paddling a surfboard. However, since there are crocodiles in the area, we highly recommend taking a “taxi boat” for less than $2 to cross from one side to another instead.
Surfing
Yep. Playa Grande is a surfing paradise. Playa Grande has surfable waves about 95% of the time and the water is always warm.
For beginners, be sure to take a lesson. You’re probably not used to waves this powerful, and you don’t want your board to slam into another person.
For more experienced surfers, you’ll find multiple beach breaks as well as a point break on the north end just south of the rock.
Both can hold double-overhead waves with great shape when the swell is coming from the right direction.
There are plenty of surf shops if you need to rent or buy boards, rashguards, wax, etc. including Frijoles Locos, a shop run by expats.
Famous surfing waves like Little Hawaii at Playa Avellanas and the barreling wave at Playa Negra are a short drive away and you can book catamaran excursions to Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point if you like.
Nature
Amazing animals are all over the place in Playa Grande and may even be on the property at your vacation rental.
- Iguanas – Gorgeous iguanas of many colors can be found on the ground and in the trees throughout the area.
- Howler Monkeys – They migrate in packs throughout the area. It’s easy to know when they’re near due to their distinctive howl.
- Leatherback Turtles – During the season, the endangered Leatherback nests at Playa Grande. You must be on a guided tour to be on Playa Grande at night during the season.
- Tropical Birds – You’ll find all kinds of birds in the area including Hummingbirds, Mot Mots, which have distinctive tails, and various parrot species. The local equivalent of a Blue Jay is also ever-present and may beg for crackers if you’re eating outside.
- Whales & Dolphins – You’ll see Dolphins in the surf and larger whale species may spout further out in Tamarindo Bay when they’re around.
- Crocodiles – Further up the Tamarindo Estuary, you’ll find Crocodiles. You’ll find them at a number of the nearby national parks as well.
Dining
Ceviche
Playa Grande has an amazing array of restaurants. Why? Abundant local produce and seafood and an unbelievably diverse local population.
If you love seafood, Playa Grande has the freshest you’ll find and many restaurants offer Ceviche. You can also purchase directly from the local seafood trucks if you want to make a seafood meal in your Playa Grande vacation rental’s kitchen.
Fresh seafood options include:
- Red Snapper (Pargo)
- Shrimp (Camarón)
- Corvina (Seabass)
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna (Atún)
- Marlin
- Clams (Almejas)
- Calamari
- Octopus (Pulpo)
- Mussels (Mejillones)
You’ll also find amazing fresh fruits and vegetables at the local restaurants and supermarkets:
- Cantaloupe (Melón)
- Watermelon (Sandía)
- Beats (Remolachas)
- Blackberries (Moras)
- Strawberries (Fresas)
- Avocados (Aguacates)
When chefs from France, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, Spain, USA, Canada, and many other locations use those ingredients, you get amazing results!
In addition to seafood, you’ll find pizza, bar food, juice bars, falafel, sushi, fine dining and many other cuisines!
Allow us to introduce you to some of our favorite places:
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Taco Star: The Best Tacos on the Beach
Taco Star is a Mexican and Latin restaurant known for its fast food options. With a focus on authentic flavors. It offers a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian-friendly and vegan options. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or drinks, you can enjoy your meal with waterfront views as it’s located right on the beach. Takeout service, parking availability, wheelchair accessibility, and the option to indulge in alcoholic beverages make Taco Star a convenient destination although there’s no really a sitting area available for clients, and just a couple of simple, no-frills bar stools. Conveniently open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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Upstairs at the RipJack Inn:
The restaurant located upstairs at RipJack Inn offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience in Playa Grande. Situated on the second floor amidst the treetops, this open-air restaurant provides a charming ambiance for guests to enjoy. Known for its exceptional food and lively happy hour, the restaurant boasts the best cuisine in the area.
With a focus on fresh local seafood and delectable treats from the land, the menu offers a highly unique selection. From mouthwatering Fish Tacos and Great Burgers to refreshing Poke Bowls, Acai bowls, Seared Tuna, and Grilled Mahi, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Families are welcome, and a special menu is available for children aged twelve and under.
The restaurant also caters to special events, specializing in weddings and private chef services. Guests can indulge in the daily happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00, featuring cheap beer, 2-for-1 cocktails, and a delightful bocas menu consisting of small plates.
For those with specific dietary requirements, the restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, and gluten-free choices. The culinary experience encompasses a diverse range of cuisines, including Bar, Central American, Costa Rican, and International flavors.
The restaurant provides a range of features and amenities, including takeout services, reservations, outdoor seating, parking availability, television screens, highchairs, and a full bar. Free WiFi is available, and the establishment accepts credit cards for payment. The friendly and attentive staff ensure a pleasant dining experience, while live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
To learn more about the restaurant’s opening hours and to explore their enticing menu, guests are encouraged to visit the RipJack Inn Restaurant website.
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El Huerto de Playa Grande:
El Huerto De Playa Grande is a restaurant that caters to diverse palates with its fusion of Italian, Pizza, Argentinean, South American, and Algerian cuisines. It offers a delightful dining experience and it’s well-known for accommodating special dietary needs, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free meals.
Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner at El Huerto De Playa Grande, with service available daily from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The menu showcases a range of flavorful dishes inspired by various culinary traditions. Whether it’s savoring authentic Italian pasta, indulging in delicious pizza creations, exploring Argentinean specialties, or experiencing the vibrant flavors of South America and Algeria, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
For those seeking a memorable dining experience in Playa Grande, El Huerto De Playa Grande is a must-visit. To learn more about their offerings and explore their menu, please visit their website: El Huerto De Playa Grande.
Shopping
Similar to restaurants, Playa Grande is home to artists and clothing designers from around the world.
You’ll find interesting swimsuits and dresses.
You can also find local and international paintings and sculptures in the gift shops.
You’ll also find street vendors selling clay pottery from nearby Guatil.
What’s Included in Our Playa Grande Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rentals are a great option for visitors looking for more space, privacy, relaxation, and the ability to cook and eat.
Full Kitchens & Dining Areas
Our Playa Grande vacation rentals generally have full kitchens. Ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are found in all rentals. Dishwashers are present in most units. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
You’ll find simpler setups in smaller condominiums and our larger homes have some amazing kitchens.
We keep kitchens stocked with cookware, utensils, and serving ware and keep all appliances working.
Pools
Most of our single-family homes have private swimming pools.
Condominiums have access to shared swimming pools.
Grills & BBQs
Most of our single-family home vacation rentals have outdoor grills and outdoor dining areas. Larger homes have full outdoor kitchens.
Condominiums generally have access to a shared outdoor grill.
Linens & Towels
All properties come with ample linens and towels. Sheets and towels will be swapped and beds made during maid service.
We ask that you bring your beach towels.
Washers & Dryers
All homes and most condos have private washers and dryers. Where an in-unit washer/dryer is not available, the condo complex has shared units or there is a walkable laundromat. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
Toilet Paper, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Our properties are stocked with ample paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent if applicable.
TV, Cable & Internet
Playa Grande internet is generally plenty fast for routine work and streaming Netflix, etc. Keep in mind that the entire area has one central line bringing both internet and power into the area, so outages occur more frequently than at your home.
Our properties have cable, TV, and private wifi. You’ll be given the password as part of check-in.
Concierge Service
Our management includes our concierge desk. We’re happy to help you with reservations, delivered groceries, arranging tours, arranging massages, in-unit cooking, Spanish lessons, and many other amenities and activities. Just ask.
We also offer: