Discover Why This Costa Rican Beach Town is Ideal for Family Getaways

1. Introduction

A mother travels with her family to one of the world’s Blue Zones to learn how to dance on water.

2. The Journey to Nosara

One of the unfortunate aspects of travel is that I inadvertently bring myself wherever I’m going — my mental baggage always seems to follow. If journeys are the midwives of thought, then escaping to a slower-paced destination allows us to disconnect and reconnect, shedding our mental burdens along the way. The more unknown and remote the place, the more profound the journey.

This year for spring break, my mind, body, and spirit craved a pura vida spring clean, leading us to Nosara, a remote surf town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. It’s no surprise that this terra incognita village is one of the five Blue Zones globally, where residents prioritize health, happiness, and longevity. The infectious warmth of a cozy community is palpable; one cannot step outside without encountering a friendly face. The dirt roads, dusted with molasses to keep down the dust, sweeten the air. Coconut stands and smoothie trucks are abundant, providing a perfect gathering spot for locals under shaded trees. It’s an idyllic setting that feels expertly arranged.

3. Where to Stay

For our family of three children and three adults, villas have always been our preferred accommodation. The need for immediate satisfaction comes along on holiday too. Room service delays can spell disaster, and a fully stocked refrigerator prevents hangry meltdowns. Rick at Wanderlust Realty can assist in finding the perfect villa for your family. For those seeking hotel accommodations, The Harmony Hotel offers an understated yet chic oasis in the town’s heart.

4. Transportation

In the Blue Zones, walking is the primary mode of transportation. This allows you to appreciate your surroundings in a way you miss when driving. My busy lifestyle in Los Angeles often confines me to long hours in the car, so walking, accompanied by the sounds of howler monkeys, provides a refreshing reset. To transport our tired bodies post-surf sessions, we decided to hire a golf cart (for surf trips) and an ATV for quick coffee runs from Limo Dan.

5. Breakfast

Cafe de Paris serves the fluffiest croissants this side of the Seine. Be sure to try their sandwiches and tartelettes; our kids loved the Pokémon cards for sale near the register. For the best coffee in town, visit Olo Alaia’s surf shop. Owner Robbie is generous with advice on the best breaks. Bonus: Grab a takeaway ice cream for after-surf treats.

6. Smoothies and Juices

After your sunrise surf, head to La Ventanita de Milly, a recent addition created by the minds behind The Harmony Hotel. Most mornings, we enjoyed smoothies with banana, peanut butter, cocoa, honey, and coconut milk. I often added a shot of espresso for that needed boost. The eggwich is a must-try. The terra-cotta terrace, cooled by ceiling fans, provides an ideal post-surf setting.

Maria at the coconut stand near the Beach Dog Cafe will beautifully craft your ice-cold coconuts, offering a glimpse into the Blue Zone lifestyle. Furthermore, the Juice Bar at The Harmony Hotel invites you to linger longer with delicious smoothies, and their almond butter banana toast topped with honey and cinnamon has become a staple in our home.

7. Lunch

A casual Gaelic Fish & Chips Taco Truck surprised us with its delicious taco offerings, satisfying our British-born children who are fish and chips experts, unanimously voting the taco truck as the best on-site. Fish Bar presents a blend of casual dining with craft beers and specialties like blackened fish tacos piled high with kimchi. Finding a picnic table is recommended, as you might spot iguanas lounging among bougainvillea bushes.

For fresh groceries, Organico is the best organic market, offering healthy takeaway meals and juices, ensuring you maintain your fresh diet.

8. Dinner

If you want to dine where locals gather, Gabi’s is essentially a local food court catering to the surf crowd. Despite its casual self-service vibe, the sushi from Sushi Mar, the Costa Rican specialties from Soda La Barra, and the plant-based tacos at Symbiosis are exceptional. Nearby, La Brasa offers a fine dining experience featuring Argentinian steaks with a robust wine list.

For evening snacks, the Falafel Box food truck located near Dies Pies offers a delightful selection of falafel pitas accompanied with a lively atmosphere from surprise DJ sets.

9. Activities

Consider booking your surf lessons with Agua Tibia. Even months after our trip, I still feel the excitement from our mornings spent with their instructors, who offer profound insights into surfing. You will learn to interpret wave patterns and embrace the ocean’s rhythm. Playa Guiones can produce substantial waves, but the Agua Tibia crew will teach you how to navigate them safely. They focus on fostering a sense of harmony between the surfer and the sea, which is an enriching experience.

Check the Bodhi Tree schedule for evening sound baths and sunset restorative yoga classes, providing a rejuvenating haven after an active day.

For private yoga sessions tailored for families, Yali is an exceptional choice. She excels in engaging kids and often hosts mini sound baths post-yoga.

If your adventure cravings persist, consider dirt biking, zip-lining, or horseback riding. For biking, rent from La Mona DirtVentures (remember to wear closed-toe shoes) and enjoy the thrilling trails. For a unique experience, try Miss Sky, known for being the longest canopy tour globally, giving you an exhilarating view of nature. Ride with Playa Ponies along the beach at sunset for an unforgettable memory.

A few days spent in Nosara feel like an emotional reset, but even that isn’t sufficient to absorb its essence. Completing a journey of over five hours on a 737 followed by a bumpy two-and-a-half-hour drive may seem daunting, yet these often lead to the most rewarding experiences, reminding us that the best things in life require effort. You may feel tempted to stay forever, but plan for at least a week because Nosara truly is a benchmark for family vacations.