Costa Rica Nightlife

Costa Rica

If your idea of a good time includes zip lining through the forest and exploring volcanoes, you probably aren't the type to call it an early night. Get to know the locals when they get off of work and just want to go out and have a good time. Costa Rican nightlife varies from small gatherings at the local karaoke bar to heart-pumping discos with dancers and DJs.

Costa Rica Nightlife
Destinations

Costa Rica Highlights

A curated look at the best Costa Rica has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.

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Puerto Viejo de Limon

Puerto Viejo de Limon

Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo de Limon beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side.  The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself.  A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.

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Mal Pais- Santa Teresa

Mal Pais- Santa Teresa

Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.

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San Jose

San Jose

"Chepe," as the city is referred to by locals, is the capital city of Costa Rica and a hub for modern Costa Rican culture. It's also where most visitors depart for tours of central Costa Rica's volcanoes and coffee plantations. Before you leave, take a fun-filled tour of the city's monuments and parks, and maybe sample the burgeoning craft beer scene.

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Jaco

Jaco

Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.

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Santa Ana

Santa Ana

A modish escape from the frenzied streets of San Jose is the alluring city of Santa Ana.  Following the Próspero Fernández Expressway (Carretera Próspero Fernández) west 15 minutes from San José will take you to her convivial neighbor.

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Papagayo Gulf

Papagayo Gulf

The northern Guanacaste shoreline looks out over the expansive Gulf of Papagayo (Golfo de Papagayo), the setting for Costa Rica's premier luxury resorts and most sought after beaches. Immersed in stunning natural beauty, it is no wonder that the gulf is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the construction of all inclusive resort complexes.

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Liberia

Liberia

Due to excellent facilities and its close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for many visitors. With the recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the once sleepy cowboy town of Liberia is undergoing comprehensive metamorphosis as it transitions from old colonial town to modern-day tourism hub.

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Playa Del Coco

Playa Del Coco

Coco Beach (Playa del Coco) is well known for its popularity with Costa Rica's youth. Seeking fun in the sun, many people pack the beach from end to end on weekends. Although the town is only a small fishing village, Coco has built great tourism infrastructure, and it is one of the most frequently visited locations in the country with plenty of tours and activities to do. Its white-grey sands sit in a horseshoe-bay and stretch three kilometers to Centinela Point.

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Liberia Airport

Liberia Airport

The Liberia Airport acts as a gateway to exploring the Nicoya Peninsule and northern regions of Costa Rica. There are a number of hotels, restaurants, rental car agencies, and shops around the airport. Staying here before or after a flight makes the travel process smooth and easy.

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Trips to inspire

Featured Costa Rica Trips

Browse our handpicked selection of Costa Rica itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

10 days | $$$

The Perfect Getaway for Two

This romantic getaway is anything but cliche! Explore the jungles of Arenal and Monteverde, and the beaches of Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo on this sun soaked adventure.

 The Perfect Getaway for Two
Costa Rica
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11 days | $

This Was Heaven on Earth

Anywhere is the company we will book our trips again and again. We will recommend YOU to everyone. Costa Rica is a heaven on earth. We are so happy to have had a reliable car to cover so much millage in 8 days and get to experience so many different climate and sceneries in just a short time. It was amazing to be connected to the locals and experience so much nature, culture, beauty, comfort, joy and hospitality in a short time. Thank you Anywhere. You are one of the best finds we have landed in our lives. Your team and your knowledge deserves a gold medal.

This Was Heaven on Earth
Costa Rica
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6 days | $$$

An Adventure-Packed Family Reunion

Costa Rica is a great country, everyone is willing to help you.

An Adventure-Packed Family Reunion
Costa Rica
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11 days | $$$

Caribbean, Mountains, & Pacific Beaches

I have already recommended Anywhere.com to others. Both the trip planning and the trip itself was a pleasant experience. I appreciated the ability to customize the trip to our desires, and for the ability to contact and get Anywhere's assistance when things didn't go as planned.

Caribbean, Mountains, & Pacific Beaches
Costa Rica
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8 days | $$$

The Most Memorable Honeymoon Ever

Our first but definitely not last time in Costa Rica. We loved all the areas, people, activities, food, everything. Been gushing about our trip to our family and friends since we got back.

The Most Memorable Honeymoon Ever
Costa Rica
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9 days | $$$

The Ultimate Pura Vida Party

Costa Rica is an unforgettable paradise. 5% of the world's total bio diversity. We can't wait to go back and we'll definitely be booking our next adventures through Anywhere Costa and their networks of amazing companies, guides etc that they work with. Book with them and you'll be so happy that you did.

The Ultimate Pura Vida Party
Costa Rica
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8 days | $$

Costa Rica 101: A Solo Adventure

You don’t have to travel with anyone to see the world — think of all the people you’ll meet along the way. Treat yourself to an epic solo adventure through Costa Rica.

Costa Rica 101: A Solo Adventure
Costa Rica
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7 days | $$$

Our Best Adventure Yet

An adventure awaits you, and who better to share it with than your best friends? Volcanoes, rappelling, zip lining, and sailing are just a few of the activities you’ll all enjoy.

Our Best Adventure Yet
Costa Rica
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15 days | $

A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip

One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.

A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
Costa Rica
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12 days | $$$

All-In-One Magical Family Vacation

Best trip ever! Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful and magical. All the drivers were waiting and all the accommodations arranged — Anywhere took care of every detail so we don’t have to stress.

All-In-One Magical Family Vacation
Costa Rica
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Costa Rican nightlife in San José will be fairly robust, because that's one of the country's major cities. Head to Santa Teresa - Mal Pais to grab a beer with surfers for a laid-back outing. Find yourself near Liberia Airport? Discuss business and travel over a cocktail with your fellow professionals.The destinations included on this list have a healthy, regular nightlife and a selection of bars and restaurants to explore throughout the evening.

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Anywhere Costa Rica

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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.

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