We Love Tamarindo - tips and suggestions for your stay
City/town information
Tamarindo is a beautiful little Costa Rican beach town that offers a wide variety of choices in activities, dining, nightlife, excursions and don't forget surfing! A melting pot of locals, expats, travelers, visitors and more.
The town is easy to navigate even if you do not speak Spanish as most of the restaurants and shops have employees that can communicate in other languages. It is not necessary to convert your money into the local currency but your money will go further if you do.
The sun rises EARLY in Tamarindo and it gets very hot and humid there so be prepared. It is normal to have some fatigue as you adjust and since the sun also sets early you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset (Tamarindo Beach offers the BEST sunsets around) and grab dinner and then most likely be ready for bed! If you are a night owl, however, there is always something going on after dark. Just be mindful that safety and security diminishes after sunset so make smart choices.
The locals tend to be super polite and kind. "Pura Vida" is a phrase you will hear them say often as a greeting and goodbye. It's basic translation means "pure life" but they use it to mean "everything's good" and they live by a simple pace and appreciating life. Everything moves a little slower there so get ready to shed the hustle and bustle of American life (if that is where you are traveling from) and you may find that the Ticos (the locals) inadvertently teach you a little patience. Kindness and manners go a long way there and Costa Ricans are super conscientious about the treatment of others so if you encounter a situation that requires patience just know that they do not react well to any level of "abruptness".
Depending upon where you are staying most of the town should be walkable. It is fairly small and dense where all the restaurants and shops are located. Whether you are walking or driving though be mindful that the roads are not great and traffic can get a little wild so watch out! There are a multitude of boutiques, art studios and other shopping as well as local pop up markets that happen frequently. We have found some of our favorite items from these local markets including art, culinary treats, hand made decor and there is even a local woman that bakes delicious gluten free and vegan breads and treats. Shopping local is definitely the way to go to get the best products for a great price.
Almost every week there is a Thursday "Night Market" (you can literally see the location on maps) and then Saturdays there is a day market in town from morning to early afternoon. It is a great place to shop for gifts, get some yummy snacks and if you are staying for a week or more you can find local produce, meats and seafood.
If you surf or even want to try it for the first time, Tamarindo has some of the best surf breaks around and there are numerous surf schools to choose from and shops that will rent you a board.
If you just want a relaxing day at the beach there are chairs along Tamarindo Beach that you can rent and the price is always negotiable. You can also often get day passes to some of the beach resorts which offer a few more amenities.
The only downside I have found thus far and this is purely my opinion is their sensitive septic systems. If you have traveled other places that require you to put your used toilet paper in the trash can you have already experienced this but it was quite a shock for me and it can make for some very unpleasant public restroom experiences if its not cleaned often. However, if that is your only qualm it is well worth it. Tamarindo is one of the most beautiful, happy and peaceful places I have ever been. I hope you love it just as much as I do!
336 preporuka/e lokalaca
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a beautiful little Costa Rican beach town that offers a wide variety of choices in activities, dining, nightlife, excursions and don't forget surfing! A melting pot of locals, expats, travelers, visitors and more.
The town is easy to navigate even if you do not speak Spanish as most of the restaurants and shops have employees that can communicate in other languages. It is not necessary to convert your money into the local currency but your money will go further if you do.
The sun rises EARLY in Tamarindo and it gets very hot and humid there so be prepared. It is normal to have some fatigue as you adjust and since the sun also sets early you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset (Tamarindo Beach offers the BEST sunsets around) and grab dinner and then most likely be ready for bed! If you are a night owl, however, there is always something going on after dark. Just be mindful that safety and security diminishes after sunset so make smart choices.
The locals tend to be super polite and kind. "Pura Vida" is a phrase you will hear them say often as a greeting and goodbye. It's basic translation means "pure life" but they use it to mean "everything's good" and they live by a simple pace and appreciating life. Everything moves a little slower there so get ready to shed the hustle and bustle of American life (if that is where you are traveling from) and you may find that the Ticos (the locals) inadvertently teach you a little patience. Kindness and manners go a long way there and Costa Ricans are super conscientious about the treatment of others so if you encounter a situation that requires patience just know that they do not react well to any level of "abruptness".
Depending upon where you are staying most of the town should be walkable. It is fairly small and dense where all the restaurants and shops are located. Whether you are walking or driving though be mindful that the roads are not great and traffic can get a little wild so watch out! There are a multitude of boutiques, art studios and other shopping as well as local pop up markets that happen frequently. We have found some of our favorite items from these local markets including art, culinary treats, hand made decor and there is even a local woman that bakes delicious gluten free and vegan breads and treats. Shopping local is definitely the way to go to get the best products for a great price.
Almost every week there is a Thursday "Night Market" (you can literally see the location on maps) and then Saturdays there is a day market in town from morning to early afternoon. It is a great place to shop for gifts, get some yummy snacks and if you are staying for a week or more you can find local produce, meats and seafood.
If you surf or even want to try it for the first time, Tamarindo has some of the best surf breaks around and there are numerous surf schools to choose from and shops that will rent you a board.
If you just want a relaxing day at the beach there are chairs along Tamarindo Beach that you can rent and the price is always negotiable. You can also often get day passes to some of the beach resorts which offer a few more amenities.
The only downside I have found thus far and this is purely my opinion is their sensitive septic systems. If you have traveled other places that require you to put your used toilet paper in the trash can you have already experienced this but it was quite a shock for me and it can make for some very unpleasant public restroom experiences if its not cleaned often. However, if that is your only qualm it is well worth it. Tamarindo is one of the most beautiful, happy and peaceful places I have ever been. I hope you love it just as much as I do!
Breakfast
Delicious food. Located on the second floor with open air balcony seating overlooking the ocean at Tamarindo Beach down by Witches Rock.
18 preporuka/e lokalaca
Breakfast Grinds
Calle CentralDelicious food. Located on the second floor with open air balcony seating overlooking the ocean at Tamarindo Beach down by Witches Rock.
A "must go" for breakfast on the beach in Tamarindo. Also gluten friendly options. So yummy!
19 preporuka/e lokalaca
Waffle Monkey
A "must go" for breakfast on the beach in Tamarindo. Also gluten friendly options. So yummy!
Lunch
Best place for lunch in Tamarindo with so many options (they have breakfast as well) and they have plenty of items for gluten free and vegetarian dining.
10 preporuka/e lokalaca
NOI Bistro
Best place for lunch in Tamarindo with so many options (they have breakfast as well) and they have plenty of items for gluten free and vegetarian dining.
Food scene
FOOD COURT HEAVEN. If you are dining in a large group or can't decide what you want this place is perfect. Tons of seating options and a bar in the center.
64 preporuka/e lokalaca
El Mercadito de Tamarindo Gourmet Food Market
FOOD COURT HEAVEN. If you are dining in a large group or can't decide what you want this place is perfect. Tons of seating options and a bar in the center.
The perfect place for special occasion fine dining while in Tamarindo. Mediterranean style Italian cuisine.
25 preporuka/e lokalaca
La Pachanga
The perfect place for special occasion fine dining while in Tamarindo. Mediterranean style Italian cuisine.
Sightseeing
Such a cool experience. This hotel has a huge space for dining and local music scene. Check out their schedule online and then contact them to take the FREE boat shuttle from Tamarindo beach up the river to the hotel. Stay for drinks and a great meal!
The Grateful Hotel Live Dead
Such a cool experience. This hotel has a huge space for dining and local music scene. Check out their schedule online and then contact them to take the FREE boat shuttle from Tamarindo beach up the river to the hotel. Stay for drinks and a great meal!
We go every Thursday night when we are in town. Great place for shopping from local vendors, live music and food booths/trucks. Fun for the whole family!
18 preporuka/e lokalaca
Tamarindo Night Market
We go every Thursday night when we are in town. Great place for shopping from local vendors, live music and food booths/trucks. Fun for the whole family!
Lokalne preporuke
Kretanje gradom
Almost everything is walkable
Walking and biking is the primary way everyone gets around in Tamarindo and even into nearby Langosta. Bring comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty though because few of the roads are paved. I don't recommend flip flops other than on the beach because in the green season the roads can get super muddy and your flip flops will "flip" mud onto the backs of your legs!!
Običaji i kultura
Keep it Classy
Pura Vida mindset is key in Costa Rica and Tamarindo. The locals are super polite, no one is in a hurry and if you get snappy with them they will shut you down quick. So keep it classy and remember to be kind as you are visiting their country!
Kako možete uštedjeti
Get some local coinage before you go
Most banks can exchange American dollars for colones (the Costa Rican currency) but often you have to order it ahead of time. It is not essential since almost everywhere takes American money and/or credit cards but they will give you change in colones and if you are staying longer than a few days you will lose money by doing this.
Što ne smijete propustiti
Saturday Day Market and Thursday Night Markets are a MUST
The Saturday Day market is right in the center of town and pretty easy to find. Similar vendors are at both markets although the night market tends to have more "nightlife" including live music. You can find the location of the Night Market on phone maps it is right at the end of one of the main streets heading up into the hills.