Playa Grande in Costa Rica is the place to go for a relaxing vacation or an adrenaline rush on the surfboard. Located in the province of Guanacaste, this sleepy beach town is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
The dawn and dusk of the sun and the tides dictate all other activities. Here, we'll talk about Playa Grande, a tranquil vacation spot, and the things to do, places to stay, and places to eat there.
Setting and Design
Playa Grande is located in Guanacaste, in Costa Rica's northwest province. This nation area is often considered drier and more devoid of the jungle than the rest of the country. In contrast, Guanacaste is most famous for its stunning beaches.
Playa Grande's golden sands complement the Pacific Ocean's dazzling backdrop. Amazing sunsets can be seen here, and the waves are always sound. On the other hand, Playa Grande has managed to be a sleepy little fishing village despite the rapid growth of the surrounding Guanacaste region.
The vast amounts of protected land serve to limit development. The town is also conveniently located distant from any major tourist areas.
Activities
Beaches
The beach is the primary attraction in Playa Grande. Although the town's direct beach has the municipality's name, there are more choices in the immediate vicinity. Everything you need to know about the three is included here.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is the town's most famous beach. The 4.5-kilometer-long beach faces nearly due west. Dante's Rock is a massive boulder that marks the northernmost terminus of the beach.
Where the Tamarindo Estuary begins, the beach finishes to the south. Playa Grande and Tamarindo, the latter of which is significantly busier, are separated by a small river. The center of Playa Grande is primarily uninhabited and deserted, with grassy dunes providing a lovely backdrop
Playa Ventanas
A smaller beach, Playa Ventanas, may be found immediately north of Playa Grande. This stretch of beach, around a kilometer long, is less frequented by tourists and has calmer waves.
It's easy to get confused between Playa Ventanas and another beach of the same name in the south of the nation that features caverns. Despite the lack of caves, Playa Ventanas is a fantastic beach. See our page for more information on the beautiful Playa Ventanas in Guanacaste!
Playa Carbon
You must check out Playa Carbon, a genuinely one-of-a-kind beach at Playa Grande. You may get there from Playa Ventanas by going around the point at low tide or climbing the little slope in the middle of the beach.
The sand of Playa Carbon, on the other hand, is darker than at other Costa Rican beaches. Occasionally, the darkness is almost entirely opaque. In addition, if the tide is appropriate, you may do some good snorkeling.
Surfing
The waves at Playa Grande are some of the best in the world. Many surfers of varying skill levels can find suitable locks along the long beach. Expert surfers may ride the regular waves of the beach, while novices can get their feet wet in the whitewater just off the coast.
Dining Options In Playa Grande
Playa Grande may be a little town, but it's surprisingly well-stocked with excellent dining options.
Pots and Bowls
The patio restaurant provides a tranquil setting and serves light, nutritious fare. Bowls featuring several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives are provided alongside cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and coffees.
Our children particularly enjoyed the all-day availability of breakfast foods like waffles and pancakes. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are all available at Pots and Bowls. This page features the restaurant's menu.
Upstairs At The RipJack Inn
Since its opening in 2004, the RipJack has been a fixture in Playa Grande. After the owner's two dogs, Ripley and Jack's is a popular venue to congregate for drinks and meals before or after sunset.
You may also have some breakfast and lunch here. Burgers, salads, and seafood dishes sit alongside ribs, spaghetti, and poke bowls on the extensive menu. Macaroni and cheese are one of the kid-friendly menu items.
Casa Inti
A few well-seasoned items are available at this little Peruvian eatery. You can check out their ever-evolving menu on Instagram. We could sample a range of flavors from five meals with four people at our party. Popular dishes included red snapper stew with lentils and maize and shrimp with citrus and yucca.
El Huerto
Another prominent building in Playa Grande is El Huerto. This popular eatery first opened its doors in 1998. Steaks, pasta, and even some fish dishes are on the menu. The pizzas have always been the main attraction, so we've never ventured into the rest of the menu. Crispy and flavorful, they result from cooking in a custom wood-fired oven. Lunch and supper are served daily.
