Travel Junkies

Spring Break Tamarindo, Costa Rica...

Tamarindo
An abundance of stylish smaller hotels and very dependable surf have made Tamarindo one of the most popular beaches on this coast. Fishing boats bob at their moorings at the south end of the beach, and brown pelicans fish just outside the breakers. A sandy islet offshore makes a great destination if you're a strong swimmer; if you're not, it makes a great foreground for sunsets. Tamarindo is popular with surfers, who play the break right here or use the town as a jumping-off place for other breaks.

As a popular surfer destination, Tamarindo has a sometimes raging nightlife. On Saturday nights the place to be is The Big Bazaar, which hosts a massive beach party, replete with a raging bonfire. Other popular spots that go off throughout the week include La Bodega, located on the little traffic circle, the Monkey Bar at the Best Western Vista Villas, and the bar at the Hotel Pasatiempo, which has a giant television for sporting events and sometimes features live music.

For a great meal try La Laguna del Cocodrilo Bistro. Beautiful presentations, hearty portions, and creative use of ingredients are the norm here. Fresh mahimahi is first blackened, then served with a honey-curry relish. Be sure to save room for dessert, as they are always excellent. The open-air restaurant space is very small, but when the weather permits, more tables are set up under the trees in their beachfront garden area.

Tamarindo Tamarindo

Hotel Tropicana in Tamarindo is a simple and affordable hotel, with a great location. From here you can skip across the street to the huge Tamarindo beach, or to just about anywhere in town. With their own pool and restaurant, you actually won't have to travel far for a quick dip and a bloody mary.

There's not enough room here to list all the things there are to do around Tamarindo, aside from the information already provided on this page, Tamarindo is close to amazing canopy tours. horseback riding, off roading, and spa treatments are all local activities. It's a short drive from Tamarindo to half a dozen other stellar beaches should you tire of the huge stretch of white sand beach just steps from your hotel.