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Places to Visit in Costa Rica
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items Welcome to Costa Rica! I have traveled to all of these areas, and some of the recommendations are on my bucket list (I have specified those in my notes). Check back for updates on the list. 🥰
I am an affiliate, and on some items, I do make a commis...
Sections
9
Dominical
Jaco
La Fortuna
Manuel Antonio
Puerto Viejo
Quepos
Dominical
Dominical is a smaller tourist town that has some amazing spots to visit!
Absolutely amazing food and excellent service. I usually always get a casado. 🤤🤤🤤
Restaurante El Coco · Osa, Puntarenas Province
I knew they had the restaurant, I did not know that they were a hotel as well! 😲 I can't speak for the hotel part; however, I can speak about the food. Their food is so dang yummy and you get a large serving. Be prepared to take some home with you. ...
Tortilla Flats Hotel · Savegre de Aguirre, Puntarenas Province
Gorgeous beach, more for dipping your toes in rather than swimming. If you surf, you will probably enjoy this beach.
Dominical Beach
It is a fun market to check out and find some handmade items from the locals. Perfect spot to find gifts for loved ones.
Eco Feria Dominical · Osa, Puntarenas Province
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An absolutely amazing restaurant to eat at and a wide variety of craft brews that aren't found in the town we live in. My partner always grabs one of their brews any time we visit. The food is very good and has several dishes to offer.
FUEGO BREW CO., Dominical - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Jaco
Jaco is known as a party town. For those that wish to dance the night away and bar hop, this is the area for you. If you are a family visiting, be aware that "ladies of the night" will be out and about in the evening.
There are a wide variety of tou...
I LOVED this tour, and I highly recommend that you check it out. This is where I snorkeled for the very first time! They have quite a bit to offer.
Tortuga Island
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The burger that I had was perfect and also VERY large. They are definitely restaurant prices; however, it is well worth it. My meal was about $20.
Locals Grill
Great food and atmosphere. Again, restaurant prices, but oh so yummy!
PuddleFish Brewery
This was a nice hotel, but be prepared for a smaller shower that only has cold water. There is also a community refrigerator and cooking area for those that wish to cook!
HOTEL MIRASOL, JACO
Clint is an amazing contact for your travel needs in Jaco!
Clint | Costa Rica 🇨🇷 on TikTok
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is VERY family-friendly and is absolutely stunning. We went on quite a few tours and had a blast! If you hear a loud animal growl, you might be hearing the howler monkeys in the area.
What an amazing oasis to stay in located just outside of La Fortuna. I would recommend to anyone going to this area. Best hostess ever!
Home in La fortuna · ★4.99 · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 1 bath
500 steps down to see the waterfall. If you are able, I highly recommend this! There are plenty of resting spots for the way back up as well. 😅
15 Things to Know Before Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall +Complete …
The Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour was absolutely amazing!!!
Tours Arenal
Loved this place! A nice variety of tasty food and the mojito was so dang fresh!
Yellow Bark - La Fortuna de San Carlos Restaurants
We booked all of our La Fortuna tours through Michael in 2021. As some of you may know, Michael recently passed away. D'Angelo would be more than happy to assist with your travel needs. Absolutely amazing gem to work with and highly recommend!
Travel Costa Rica - Travel Costa Rica Now
I LOVED this particular hotel spring spot. If you have a smart watch, might want to put it in your locker. 😅
Ecotermales Fortuna
Manuel Antonio
A well known family friendly tourist spot in Costa Rica. There are a TON of tours available on land as well as in the water.
Really awesome spot with an amazing view!
El Avion
A great beach and make sure to look for capuchin (white face) monkeys.
Playa Manuel Antonio
The nature hikes in Costa Rica are absolutely stunning and informative.
2025 Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist - with Reviews
This is on my own bucket list. I will update you once I've completed it. 😆
2025 Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour - Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America (Quepos) - with Reviews
Pride on Manuel Antonio beach. I was in the parade last year and will be again this year. Pride is celebrated in July, typically.
Pride on the Beach Orgullo en la Playa Manuel Antonio …
I had some friends come down for a visit, and they stayed at this AMAZING AirBnb. All of the bedrooms and the kitchen have air conditioning. Close to the beach as well as other fantastic spots to enjoy.
Home in Manuel Antonio · ★4.75 · 3 bedrooms · 8 beds · 2.5 baths
Puerto Viejo
Ok, I know, this is in Limón; however, we only stopped here to eat and then continued on to Puerto Viejo. This is a hidden gem that was so dang good! The history/artwork inside, the views out back, you will not regret stopping here! Highly, highly re...
Lizzie 1872 · Limon, Limón Province
If you are in Puerto Viejo, I HIGHLY recommend this spot! We ate breakfast there a couple of times and man oh man was it yummy! I had half an order of pancakes one time and I could not finish it. They serve large portions. 😅
Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón Province
If you are looking for a bit fancier of a meal, this is the place to eat at! Gorgeous views and man that food! So. Dang. Good! I would definitely go back and eat there again. 😋
Beach Break Bar & Restaurant · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón Province
Another great spot for a meal. Large portions and very tasty. I also really liked the variety that they offered on the menu. The vibe was very relaxing and friendly.
SAGE @ Playa 506 · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón Province
We stayed here for 3 nights and it was perfect for us! When we would go out for dinner, we literally walked to our destination. That's how close we were to the sodas/restaurants. We also walked to the beach. 😆 I highly recommend this spot! We saw ag...
Tasty Dayz Hostel · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón Province
The drinks were on point, happy hour was amazing, and the food was very delicious. We pretty much ordered appetizers and drinks before meandering to eat our actual dinner.
Guys, they had STREET CORN available. You all know how I love sweet corn, and...
Tasty Waves Cantina · Talamanca, Limón Province
What a stunning beach to visit! The water was so much calmer here than on the Pacific side. Quite a bit more clear as well.
We also cannot forget the adorable 3 toe sloth that legit went right past me. I didn't touch or pet it, but man was I squeal...
Playa Cocles
Quepos
Their pizza is so dang good. You will love the fresh ingredients and the awesome atmosphere. Enjoy the pool while you wait on your food. 😆
Colina's Wood Fired Pizza And Italian Cuisine · Quepos, Puntarenas Province
While I have not been on this tour, it is on my bucket list. There are so many cool things to see! Monkeys, iguanas, oxen, and so much more!
Mangrove Boat Tour · Quepos, Puntarenas Province
A good friend of mine went on this tour and she had so much fun! This is on my personal bucket list as well. 😁 Food is included as well as walking the plank, snorkeling, and so much more!
Sail the Pacific coast line in Quepos · ★4.94
San Isidro de El General
This town is about 30 minutes away from where I live. I absolutely LOVE it here. You will need to know some Spanish as English is not commonly spoken here. Otherwise, Google Translate will be your new best friend.
The 2nd largest feria, aka farmers market, in Costa Rica. Enjoy a wide variety of amazingly fresh fruits and veggies. Crafting section is available as well.
Feria/Farmer's Market Location? - San Isidro del General Forum
Excellent food, and the owner is a joy to speak with. Need your vehicle washed? They offer that service and can be done by the time you finish your meal!
Bar y Restaurante Vikingos | Daniel Flores
In the middle of downtown San Isidro de El General, and if you sit by the balcony, it is such an excellent view! Awesome pricing for a local soda!!!!
LA REINA DEL VALLE, San Isidro del General - Tripadvisor
Living in Costa Rica and need to get items imported? Elman with Aerocargo is the way to go if you live in Pérez Zeledón or San José.
AERO CARGO PZ on TikTok
Looking to take Aerial Silks lessons? Coach Ashley Mendoza is the way to go! Absolutely amazing and fun to work with. What amazing views as well.
Ashley Mendoza on TikTok
Amazing view that any photographer would appreciate. The food is very reasonably priced and I usually have to take half of it home. 😅 The casados are 10/10 recommended!
Ricar2 Restaurante Peréz
This tour is outside of San Isidro de el General; however, it is on my bucket list to go see. My partner went recently and had an amazing time!
Tour de observaciones de quetzales San Gerardo de Dota - Costa Rica
This rental house is near me and I have been inside the house. A great view with privacy so you won't see many people. My rescue dog might pop by to say hello every now and then. Absolutely gorgeous house and has a washer.
Home in Los Reyes · ★4.93 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
I have driven past it, but plan to make a day of it soon. I have heard many wonderful things about it!
Mariposario Casa Alegría, the Butterfly Dome · Canaán, San José Province
I absolutely LOVE waterfalls and photographing them. Definitely a must see if you are visiting the area! It is on my list of areas to see!
Cataratas Nauyaca · Pérez Zeledón, San José Province
This is on the southern side of San Isidro de el General and is absolutely AMAZING! If you are wanting a class 3-4, then this is for you!
Autentico Adventures · Pérez Zeledón, San José Province
If you are wanting to get some hiking in and see amazing views, I highly recommend this spot! Absolutely stunning!
Mirador La Faralla · San Antonio, San José Province
What an amazing spot to see! Gorgeous hand crafted masks and other items available for sale. The masks are typically made by the men of the tribe.
There is also a very nice museum. If you like this, while in the area, also check out the Boruca trib...
Jícaro artesanía. · Curré, Puntarenas Province
The Boruca people have an amazing village to see! They have museums and several small shops to where you may buy items such as masks, bow and arrows, spears, drums, hand woven bags, baskets, and so much more!
If you are in the area, I also recommend...
Boruca people · Boruca people, Puntarenas Province
If you enjoy good food, awesome drinks, and karaoke, then this is the spot for you! I absolutely love going to this spot and Janet, the owner, is really awesome.
Las Palmas Bar Resto · Pérez Zeledón, San José Province
If you ever wanted to stay in a Hobbit House, look no further! Let me introduce you to a Costa Rican version that is absolutely stunning!
Cave in Pérez Zeledón · ★New · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
San José
San José is one of the largest cities in Costa Rica. This list contains places that I have been to and places that are on my bucket list.
While San José has some questionable areas, these are some safe spots to visit. If traveling alone, try to do t...
We really enjoyed our stay at the Haven Hotel! They also have a hostel area for those travelers that are on a tight budget. The breakfast included was very delicious!!! We discovered that the pool table is not level, but man did we still have a blast...
Haven Hotel Los Yoses · San José, San José Province
There are 5 levels to this amazing Jade Museum and is a must see! I made it through 3 levels before I met up with my group, so I plan to go back to finish the other 2 levels. Family friendly and be prepared to be amazed!
Museo del Jade · San José, San José Province
I was floored at some of the pieces that were displayed. I highly recommend you visit. Be prepared to be in awe! Family-friendly spot!
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum · San José, San José Province
This museum is on my bucket list. I have heard that it is absolutely amazing!
National Museum of Costa Rica · San José, San José Province
With such a wide variety of insects/bugs here in Costa Rica, this would be an excellent spot to visit to understand what you might be seeing in the wild. Knowledge is power. Some of these bugs are very dangerous. Another place on my bucket list.
Museo de Insectos de la Universidad de Costa Rica (MIUCR) · San Pedro, San José Province
This museum and hand crafted items is on my bucket list as well. Anyone that knows me, they know I LOVE hand crafted items/gifts (giving and receiving).
Chietón Morén Museo y Mercadito de Artesanías · San José, San José Province
What a wide variety of food options at this awesome food court. The decor is gorgeous and has plenty of backdrop options for selfies.The drinks are also on point!
CALLE 33 Mercadito · San José, San José Province
Son of a biscuit is this an awesome place to eat at. It offers a variety of options, friendly staff, and quick service. Just know that you may have to wait in line for a table to free up because this is a popular spot!
Santeria® · Curridabat, San José Province
Oh my goodness was the food amazing here. I had the patacones and I am full just thinking about them! Huge portions and money well spent. The drinks....oh let's talk about the drinks. So. Dang. Good. The names are super cute and boy do they pack a pu...
La 45 - Street Food · San Pedro, San José Province
Oh my goodness was the food amazing here. I had the patacones and I am full just thinking about them! Huge portions and money well spent. The drinks....oh let's talk about the drinks. So. Dang. Good. The names are super cute and boy do they pack a pu...
La 45 - Street Food · San Pedro, San José Province
It is one of our favorite places to find gardening supplies and has one of the biggest varieties of plants available in the area. It is definitely a spot that I highly recommend! What a huge variety!
Vivero Central La Garita · La Garita, Alajuela Province
Uvita
Uvita is an amazing place to visit while offering a wide variety of attractions that are family friendly.
One of my absolute favorite beaches to visit.
Playa Ventanas
A nice rental house, 4wd vehicle recommended. I have stayed here and it is close to quite a bit.
Home in Uvita · ★4.45 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath
They have amazing and fresh bagels here. Their breakfast options are so dang good!
Bagel Time Bakery
This shipping container food court is awesome and has amazing food! I highly recommend Somos Quatro!!!
Uvita Gastro Park | Home
This is outside of Uvita, the food is well worth the extra drive!!!
Los Gatos Locos
Visit the amazing and well known Whale's Tail during low tide. Absolutely stunning!
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena