A Guanacaste Beach Bar Guide
Guanacaste is home to some of Costa Rica’s most popular beach communities, and with them comes an electic mix of bars and restaurants right by the water. This part of the Pacific coast is all about sunsets, seafood, and a laid-back lifestyle, and the local beach bars capture that spirit perfectly.
This guide highlights some of our favorite beach bars in Guanacaste. Whether you’re after a lively night out, a relaxed happy hour, or simply the perfect place to watch the sun set into the Pacific, you’ll find plenty of options waiting along this stretch of shoreline.
Playa Flamingo Area
In the Flamingo area (including Brasilito and Potrero), we recommend checking out Patagonia del Mar. Visit this restaurant in Brasilito for a great seafood meal with quality-crafted cocktails and really nice sunset views. It's not located directly on the beach, but just across from it, and it has ample parking and a sweet little chillout area for the kids.
Next, in Playa Flamingo, you cannot miss Coco Loco for an unforgettable “toes in the sand while watching the sunset” experience! Their signature Coco Loco drink is especially refreshing during those hot summer evenings. Make sure to have lunch or dinner here, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the area.
Another option that has emerged in the newly built Flamingo Marina is called Hazel’s Steak & Seafood. It offers upscale dining and craft cocktails with views of the Marina and the Potrero mountains. Just a little further down the road, in Potrero Beach, you'll want to check out The Beach House, Restaurante Pleamar, Hemingway’s, and Mangue Beachfront Tapas Bar.
Las Catalinas
For a truly luxurious escape, Sentido Norte at Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas in the community of Las Catalinas is a must-visit. Located on a cliff's edge, this exceptional restaurant offers panoramic ocean views that you won’t find elsewhere, along with unforgettable sunsets. The locally-inspired cuisine celebrates Costa Rica’s vibrant culture and is absolutely exquisite. You won’t regret it.
Tamarindo
In Tamarindo, there’s a plethora of beachfront bars and restaurants to choose from. I like to refer to Tamarindo as a melting pot of the world and you’ll see that with the wide array of different cuisines available: Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Argentinian, American, traditional Costa Rican food, and more.
Tamarindo Beach is famous for its vibrant nightlife and abundance of places to have a drink, relax, or go out partying. Here are some of my recommendations for the best beach bars in town:
- El Chiringuito
- Langosta Beach Club
- La Palapa
- Noguis (which has the BEST happy hour in town, just ask any local!)
- El Be!
- TamaOnda
- Pico Bistro
- Witch’s Rock & Volcano Brewery
Another great spot to mention for great drinks and sunset views is The Roof, just outside of the main strip in town.
Playas del Coco
A little further up the coast, the quaint beach town of Playas del Coco is ready to welcome you. It’s less frequented than Tamarindo, but still as lively at night. I recommend Claudia y Gloria, Tortuga Bar, Cafe de Playa (most beachfront locale in Coco), and Maracuya Beach Club, which is located just south of Coco in Ocotal Beach.
If you head north, you’ll come across Playa Hermosa, where you can check out Aquasport for a true beachfront experience. Roberto’s is another great spot, just a little further down the beach. After Hermosa, you'll reach Playa Panama, where a highly recommended spot is Hacienda Blu for their craft cocktails and sushi. They have a cute little entrance that leads to the beach, where the ocean is almost like a lake, extremely calm.
Our Favorite Beach Bar Orders
Now, let’s talk about drinks for your vacation indulgence. You can always opt for an old favorite, but traveling is all about experiencing new places and flavors. To truly get a taste of Costa Rica’s cocktails and drinks, try these favorites:
- Guaro Sour
- Pura Vida
- Caipirinha
- Chiliguaro (you should try at least one! It uses local alcohol and hot peppers)
- Michelada Imperial (local beer with lime juice and a salted rim)
Don't forget the Jaguar Colada and Coco Loco’s! These can be on the heavier side for some travelers but they’re worth a taste.
Wherever you go, the most crucial advice is to make sure you enjoy every moment. If you miss a sunset, don’t worry. There’s always another one tomorrow, and these drinks will add extra bliss to your tropical adventure. Cheers!
