Quepos - Best Beaches

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Best Beaches

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Central America Costa Rica Quepos Best Beaches

Overview

Best Beaches The guide was updated: 2025-05-24

The expansive shoreline of Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a true gift for beach lovers. Beautiful white or volcanic black sand paradise lined with palm trees, naturally rugged beach coves surrounded by tropical rainforest, abundance of wildlife, both marine and peaking out from the forest. People come here to surf, swim, bask in the sun or simply enjoy the laid-back beach towns sprinkled along the coasts.

The beaches around and inside the Manuel Antonio National Park are considered to be the best in the country. The best place to stay in close proximity to a variety of beaches is the Manuel Antonio village.

Manuel Antonio Beach

Manuel Antonio Beach

The Manuel Antonio beach is an absolutely beautiful piece os nature where you can see monkeys, toucans, raccoons and sloths on the seafront edges of the national park. Mind your stuff — those monkeys love grabbing backpacks and dragging them into the forest. You'll find a cute café up the hill and a shower facility.

Playitas Beach

Playitas Beach

Playitas Beach, an extension of Playa Espadilla, is a cosy beach on the north side of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. Beach chairs can be set up in the sun or the shade, according to your preference. Great waves for surfing. Playitas is also known as a hangout spot for LGBTQA+ folks.

Biesanz Beach

Biesanz Beach

Biesanz Beach is tucked away not far from Manuel Antonio village. Not overrun by tourists, with locals offering drinks, kayaks, lounge chairs, restrooms and some snacks. The trail down to the beach is a bit rocky, so consider wearing stable shoes and not flip-flops. The beach has a quiet surf, perfect for swimming and relaxing. If you're lucky, you'll see sloths up in the trees.

Puerto Escondido Beach

Puerto Escondido Beach

Puerto Escondido Beach is located inside a cosy and tranquil cove in the Manuel Antonio National Park. The 650-metre-long cove offers a spectacular landscape, thanks to the biodiversity of the flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine, that live here. You'll see plenty of animals peaking out of the lush forest.

Espadilla Beach

Espadilla Beach

The stunning Playa Espadilla is located on the grounds of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, and is characterised by its natural rock protecting the warm tide pools and its tropical shore birds. A jungle surrounds Arenas Del Mar and touches the sand, offering natural shade. The beach is 2 km long and connects to the National Park.

Palo Seco Beach

Palo Seco Beach

Palo Seco is a very tranquil, unpopulated, sandy and palm-fringed beach that extends for as far as the eye can see. Most people congregate close to their hotels, and it's not difficult to find a section of the beach all to yourself. This beach is not perfect for swimming because of the rough surf, but it is perfect for surfing and long walks.

Rey Beach

Rey Beach

El Rey beach is the most secluded and least known on our list. Playa Rey is well known for being a perfect spot for surfers — the breaks are super clean and the coast is seemingly infinite. Best reached by car via road 235, and then the 34 direction Dominical, and then a short stretch down a dirt road. You'll see plenty of animals in this less-travelled part of the Manuel Antonio National Park. When you're close to the Naranjo River, watch out for crocodiles!

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