Things to Do in Tamarindo
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Tamarindo

27 curated spots from Tamarindo itineraries

Activities & Attractions

11 curated experiences

Tamarindo Beach
Do
morning

Tamarindo Beach

Iconic surf spot with golden sands; rent boards or take a lesson.

2h · $20 for board rental or Free
Day Trip to Playa Avellana
Do
morning

Day Trip to Playa Avellana

Take the local bus or shared shuttle to Playa Avellana, a more remote beach with surf and relaxed atmosphere.[4]

4h · $4-10 transport
Final Sunset at Tamarindo Beach
Do
evening

Final Sunset at Tamarindo Beach

Return to your favorite spot on the sand for one last sunset and reflection on the week.

1h 30m · Free
Kayak or Canoe Estuary Tour (Tamarindo Estuary)
Do
morning

Kayak or Canoe Estuary Tour (Tamarindo Estuary)

Join a small-group paddle through the estuary separating Tamarindo and Playa Grande to spot birds, crocs, and monkeys.[2]

2h 30m · $35-45 per person
Last Swim at Tamarindo Beach
Do
morning

Last Swim at Tamarindo Beach

Take a final dip, walk the shoreline, and say goodbye to the waves.

1h 30m · Free
Playa Avellana Beach Chill
Do
afternoon

Playa Avellana Beach Chill

Spend the afternoon swimming, watching surfers, and exploring the sandy coastline.

2h 30m · Free
Tamarindo Craft Beer Visit (Volcano Brewing Company)
Do
afternoon

Tamarindo Craft Beer Visit (Volcano Brewing Company)

Visit Volcano Brewing Company’s taproom for a single beer and ocean views rather than a full pricey tasting.[4]

1h · $5-7
Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari
Do
evening

Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari

2-hour guided boat tour spotting wildlife in mangroves and Las Baulas National Park.

2h · $49 per person
Tamarindo Night Market
Do
evening

Tamarindo Night Market

Thursday evening market with artisans, food stands, live music, and a casual social scene.[2][1]

2h · Free to enter (food $5-12)
Tamarindo Sunset Beach Hang
Do
evening

Tamarindo Sunset Beach Hang

Sit on the sand near the river mouth or central lifeguard stand and watch the sun drop over the Pacific.

1h 30m · Free
Tamarindo Town Walk
Do
afternoon

Tamarindo Town Walk

Stroll the main strip, check surf shops, mini markets, and tour kiosks to understand prices and options.

1h 30m · Free

Restaurants & Food

16 local favorites

Burger Stop Tamarindo
Eat
evening

Burger Stop Tamarindo

Simple burger joint back in town with affordable burgers, fries, and cold drinks.

45m · $8-12 per person
Café Tico Tamarindo
Eat
morning

Café Tico Tamarindo

Small café known for good coffee and simple breakfast options like toasts and fruit.

1h · $6-10 per person
Dragonfly Bar & Grill (Bar Snacks)
Eat
evening

Dragonfly Bar & Grill (Bar Snacks)

Opt for bar snacks or shared plates instead of main entrées to keep dinner cost down.

1h 30m · $10-15 per person (snacks)
Falafel Bar Tamarindo
Eat
evening

Falafel Bar Tamarindo

Middle Eastern wraps, salads, and falafel plates with vegetarian-friendly options.

45m · $9-13 per person
Green Papaya Mexican Restaurant
Eat
evening

Green Papaya Mexican Restaurant

Local favorite for tacos al pastor, guacamole, and craft beers post-adventure.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Green Papaya Taco Bar
Eat
afternoon

Green Papaya Taco Bar

Colorful taco spot with swings for seats; try the fish or veggie tacos and homemade sauces.[1]

1h · $10-15 per person
Nordico Coffee House Tamarindo
Eat
morning

Nordico Coffee House Tamarindo

Specialty coffee and light breakfasts like smoothie bowls and toast; bring a book or journal.

1h · $7-12 per person
Panaderia y Café Santa Rita
Eat
morning

Panaderia y Café Santa Rita

Local bakery with fresh pastries and simple coffee; grab something to go for a cheap start.

30m · $4-7 per person
Pangas Beach Club
Eat
afternoon

Pangas Beach Club

Oceanfront eatery serving fresh fish tacos, ceviche, and salads.

1h · $18-30 per person
Pizzeria La Baula
Eat
evening

Pizzeria La Baula

Relaxed garden pizzeria known for large thin-crust pies; split a pizza or take leftovers for the next day.

1h 15m · $10-15 per person (if sharing)
Soda El Estero
Eat
evening

Soda El Estero

Back in Tamarindo, grab a simple casado or soup at this small soda near the estuary area.

45m · $7-10 per person
Soda La Barqueta
Eat
morning

Soda La Barqueta

Local spot serving traditional breakfast plates like gallo pinto and eggs with coffee.

45m · $6-9 per person
Soda La Nena
Eat
afternoon

Soda La Nena

Tiny local soda serving casado plates (rice, beans, salad, plantain, choice of meat).

45m · $7-10 per person
Soda Las Marinas
Eat
afternoon

Soda Las Marinas

Casual local restaurant near the road to Langosta offering typical plates and juices.

45m · $7-10 per person
Soda Las Palmas
Eat
evening

Soda Las Palmas

Wrap up the trip with a final casado or arroz con pollo at a local soda.

45m · $7-10 per person
Soda Rendevous Tamarindo
Eat
morning

Soda Rendevous Tamarindo

Final-day breakfast at a local soda with typical plates and coffee.

45m · $6-9 per person

More on Tamarindo

BUILD YOUR TAMARINDO PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning