Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Surf, Sunshine, and a Quiet Stay at the Beach

Tamarindo surprised me in the best way. It’s laid-back, lively, and full of color—from the bright blue ocean to the personality of the town itself. It’s a true surf town, with a mix of locals, tourists, families, and backpackers all hanging out in beachwear, grabbing smoothies or beers, and soaking up the pura vida vibe. But what really made this trip special for me was where we stayed and how easy it was to settle into the slower pace of life.

Where We Stayed: Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel

This hotel was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. I had my heart set on a private bungalow, and Capitán Suizo delivered. It’s right on the beach but tucked off the main road, which means it’s peaceful and quiet, even though you’re just minutes from the heart of Tamarindo.

We could walk straight from our room to a shady lounger under the trees, where we’d watch surfers ride waves and just chill with no agenda. The room was cozy but spacious, and ours came with a deep soaking tub and a fun outdoor shower. Though I’ll admit, it’s not quite as fun when you’re trying to rinse off in the middle of a downpour!

The hotel restaurant was beautiful, especially for dinner, and the piña coladas were the best I’ve ever had! They were made with fresh pineapple and not overly sweet. I’d skip the breakfast next time (it was just okay), but dinner and drinks? Definitely recommend.

Why I’d Stay Again:

It’s family-friendly but still quiet enough for couples.
The staff is kind and helpful, and they can book tours or help with plans.
That private porch area made it easy to unplug.
Being right on the beach made the whole trip feel effortless.

Exploring the Town: Tamarindo Tips from Experience

We spent a lot of time walking around the main streets of Tamarindo. There are cute little shops, lots of restaurants, and plenty of casual surf-town energy. It’s easy to get around on foot, but a few things stuck out that I’d do differently next time.

I was carrying a nicer leather crossbody purse when a car full of guys drove past Joe and I twice, yelling out. I couldn’t tell if they were trying to distract us or start something, but it rattled me a bit. It was a reminder to stick with a simple, cheap crossbody bag and not wear anything that might draw attention. Most people we met were super kind, but just like any tourist town, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings.

Street-Smart Tips:

Wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot and the sidewalks aren’t always smooth.
Stick with a low-profile bag that zips or buckles securely.
Go out during the day or early evening, especially if you’re walking on foot.

Favorite Food Stops in Tamarindo

The food in Tamarindo was a big win. We tried several spots and didn’t have a bad meal, but a few definitely stood out:

Pandeli

This was hands-down my favorite place for breakfast and lunch. The food was amazing, with plenty of fresh options and really good coffee, including decaf (which is surprisingly hard to find). They also had delicious pastries if you’re craving something sweet.

Zulu Taco Bar

Their tacos were packed with flavor, and the nachos were seriously loaded! They didn’t have just cheese and chips, but layers of seasoning, toppings, and texture. Super casual, really tasty, and totally hit the spot.

Solado Ice Cream

This place is a must-stop. The staff was incredibly kind, and they offer a huge range of flavors. I had the brioche ice cream cone, and while it was delicious, it got messy fast. Definitely grab a cup to hold it. Worth it, though.

What to Do in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is the kind of town where you don’t need a packed itinerary. Most of our days were a mix of beach time, food, and relaxing. But if you want to plan a few activities, here’s what I’d recommend:

Surfing or taking a lesson—even if you’ve never done it, this is the place to try.
Sunset watching on the beach—every single night, the sky turns insane colors.
Book a tour through your hotel—we saw people heading out for fishing, snorkeling, horseback rides, and more.
Tide pool walks—especially fun early in the morning when it’s quiet and peaceful.

Final Thoughts

This trip was the perfect mix of rest and fun. Capitán Suizo gave us a calm, beautiful place to stay, and Tamarindo gave us color, energy, and some truly great food. I’d absolutely come back, and next time I’d pack a little lighter, bring a simple bag, and plan to spend even more time doing nothing at all.