Best scenic beaches in Costa Rica, 2026
25 scenic beaches in Costa Rica that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to scenic travellers.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Backwash Bay
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Small Matapalo cove prized by surfers and travelers seeking a tucked-away feel.
2OBI 7.5+
Barra de Parismina Beach
Parismina, Costa Rica
River-mouth beach area giving Parismina its distinctive isolated coastal character.
3OBI 7.5+
Boca Coronado Beach
Coronado / Ojochal, Costa Rica
Quiet river-mouth beach area used as the gateway for Garza Island and mangrove trips.
4OBI 7.5+
Callejones Beach
Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Local surf-oriented beach near Playa Negra with fewer visitors
5OBI 7.5+
Isla Chora Beach
Sámara, Costa Rica
Tiny island beach just off Sámara Bay used for kayaking, snorkeling and day trips.
6OBI 7.5+
Isla Garza Beach
Isla Garza, Costa Rica
Boat-access island beach between the ocean and Térraba estuary with strong off-map value.
Laguna Jalova Beach
Jalova, Costa Rica
Quiet beach frontage near Jalova lagoon, valued for wilderness rather than resort facilities.
Playa Agua Dulce
Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica
Little-known northern coastal spot for boat-based exploration near Barra del Colorado.
9OBI 7.5+
Playa Agujas
Tárcoles, Costa Rica
A small coastal village beach with calm local character north of Herradura.
10OBI 7.5+
Playa Alcatraz
Paquera, Costa Rica
Small Tortuga Islands cove valued for snorkeling stops and calm boat-access swimming.
11OBI 7.5+
Playa Arco
Uvita, Costa Rica
A tide-sensitive hidden beach framed by cliffs and one of the coast’s best natural-photo spots.
12OBI 7.5+
Playa Arco
Punta Uva, Costa Rica
A small beach with a gentle curve and calm waters, perfect for those seeking solitude.
13OBI 7.5+
Playa Arco Sur
Ojochal, Costa Rica
A small cove-style beach area near Ojochal that is more discoverable locally than in generic maps.
14OBI 7.5+
Playa Arenillas
Nosara, Costa Rica
Rocky pocket north of Pelada, more of a scenic discovery than a mainstream swim beach.
15OBI 7.5+
Playa Arenillas
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Small Papagayo shoreline with quieter local-resort character
16OBI 7.5+
Playa Avellanas
Pinilla, Costa Rica
Major surf beach near Tamarindo known for Lola’s, long sands, and several wave peaks
Playa Azul
Tárcoles, Costa Rica
A small village beach north of the main resort zones with authentic local character.
Playa Azul
Ostional, Costa Rica
Low-key beach settlement north of Ostional with a simple, local feel.
Playa Backwash
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Local surf beach near Cabo Matapalo with wild Osa jungle backdrop
20OBI 7.5+
Playa Bajamar
Tárcoles, Costa Rica
A broad, under-the-radar beach near the northern edge of the Jacó-Herradura coastal corridor.
21OBI 7.5+
Playa Bajo Caletas
Bahía Drake, Costa Rica
Remote pocket beach likely underrepresented in generic datasets
Playa Bajo Negro
Paquera, Costa Rica
Low-profile Gulf beach with a rural coastline feel near Paquera.
Playa Ballena
Uvita, Costa Rica
A core Marino Ballena beach with long sands, calm scenery, and whale-watching identity.
Playa Bananito
Matama, Costa Rica
A quiet Caribbean beach near the Bananito area, useful for travelers seeking undeveloped coastline.
Playa Bananito Norte
Matina, Costa Rica
Quiet southern fringe beach with a raw Caribbean atmosphere