Beaches in Costa Rica are one of the most important assets of the country when it comes to tourism.
Costa Rica has since many years worked hard to save the rain forest and has during recent years begun to do the same with their beaches.
The west coast of Costa Rica with beaches like Jaco, Quepos, Manual Antonio, Puntarenas, Playa Conchal, Playas de Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo and many other, is a complete tourist, sportsfishing and surfers heaven.
You can literally walk from one beach to the next in a lot of places, and it is still possible to find small sand beaches with cocos palms where you can be all alone or have a nice time with someone.
Something to consider when visiting the Costa Rican beaches is the increasing interest of keeping the beach clean and inviting. Waste baskets can often be found on the beach or close by, and regular test of not only drinking water but also the sea water have begun on many of the most visited beaches.
The tourism has not only brought with it good things. Real Estate has become really big, especially at the beach. Land prices as well as constructions are being sold for fantasy sums every day and new condominiums, beach houses and hotels just pop up out of nowhere to still the need for more places to host visiting tourists.
Puntarenas, one of the beaches closest to San José is a good example of this. Puntarenas has never been known for having special beaches. But due to being very close (approx 2 hour drive) to the capital, San José, has the beaches in and around Puntarenas increased in value.
Many high class resort hotels including Fiesta Resort (All-Inclusive) can be found there.
Some of the best looking beaches and probably least expensive are the ones that attract surfers. This as the waves makes it less interesting to swim and relax, and this makes the beach less interesting for your common tourist.
So when visiting Costa Rica, make sure you visit at least some of the beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Manuel Antonio (with its 3 beaches and protected forest) and if time allows go to the east coast (Caribbean side) and beaches like Cahuita and Playa Puerto Viejo. The contrast is big and will spice up your Costa Rican beach experience.