This Costa Rican Beach Town Lets You Escape The Crowds of Tamarindo
Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a vibrant beach town known for its lively atmosphere, bustling nightlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. And as a result, this playground can get a bit crowded. When I was looking for a place to stay on our recent trip to Costa Rica, I stumbled upon a quiet, serene bedroom community just minutes from Tamarindo. Playa Langosta is the perfect escape, just a short distance from Tamarindo, and it offers a peaceful retreat with luxurious accommodations, pristine beaches, and excellent dining options, all without the overwhelming crowds.
Playa Langosta vs. Tamarindo
Playa Langosta is an upscale residential and vacation area located just a mile south of Tamarindo. This tranquil beach town is known for its stunning coastline, where golden sand meets dramatic rocky outcroppings and the Pacific Ocean’s rolling waves. The area exudes a laid-back charm with a mix of luxury condos, boutique hotels, and private villas nestled among lush tropical greenery. Playa Langosta is ideal for those who appreciate nature, as the nearby estuary and mangroves create a unique ecosystem that attracts an array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.
Unlike its bustling neighbor, Playa Langosta is not overrun with tourists, making it a perfect place to relax, unwind, and truly enjoy Costa Rica’s famous pura vida lifestyle. The beach itself is stunning, with strong waves perfect for experienced surfers, while tide pools and calmer areas offer great spots for wading and beachcombing. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxurious retreat, or a peaceful family vacation, Playa Langosta delivers an experience of tranquility and natural beauty.
Tamarindo, just a five-minute drive from Playa Langosta, is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns, attracting surfers, backpackers, and vacationers from around the world. It’s known for its energetic vibe, with a mix of international restaurants, beach bars, and boutique shops lining its main streets. The town’s expansive beach is famous for its consistent surf breaks, making it a hotspot for both beginner and seasoned surfers.
While Tamarindo can feel crowded, especially during peak season, it offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Visitors can browse local artisan markets, surf shops, and chic boutiques offering everything from handmade jewelry to high-end beachwear. If you’re looking to experience Tamarindo’s excitement without fully immersing yourself in its busy atmosphere, staying in Playa Langosta provides the best of both worlds: peaceful days on a secluded beach with easy access to Tamarindo’s amenities and nightlife.
I love the proximity of these two towns because there is so much to do both onshore and offshore. From shopping to horseback riding to water sports, you’ll find plenty of fun activities.
Where to Stay in Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta has a range of accommodations from luxury beachfront resorts to charming vacation rentals. There are only a few hotels but I can vouch for these:
- Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas – A luxurious eco-friendly resort offering spacious suites and private villas with pools. The resort features an on-site restaurant, yoga classes, and wellness services.
- The Coast Beachfront Hotel – A perfect spot for travelers who want direct beach access, this hotel offers modern rooms with stunning ocean views and an infinity pool.
- Sueño del Mar Bed & Breakfast – A charming boutique bed & breakfast with a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering a delicious homemade breakfast and cozy accommodations.
- Horizontes del Mar – A collection of oceanfront condos that provide a home-away-from-home feel with modern amenities and beautiful beach views.
I opted to stay in a condo at the Peninsula Resort because I like to have a kitchen for breakfast and lunch so we can splurge on dinners. My advice is to book one of the spacious vacation rentals in Playa Langosta where you’ll enjoy peaceful mornings and tranquil nights.
Where to Eat in Playa Langosta
Despite its quiet atmosphere, Playa Langosta has some excellent dining spots and the best news is that they are all walkable. Here are my tried and true favorite restaurants in Playa Langosta.
- Fish & Cheeses – It’s no secret that my family loves Italian food so we found ourselves dining at Fish & Cheeses several times. Aside from being just steps from our condo, the restaurant served great homemade pasta and pizza.
- Bistro Langosta – I was looking for a special place to celebrate our last night in Playa Langosta and was pleasantly surprised at this rather upscale bistro with a great menu – and really good craft cocktails! It was buzzing with locals! The menu includes delicious seafood dishes, local Costa Rican specialties, and international cuisine.
- Cala Luna’s Origen – Located within the Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, this restaurant offers a fresh, farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on sustainable ingredients.
- Langosta Beach Club – A fantastic dining option with gourmet cuisine, delicious cocktails, and a prime beachfront location.
- El Sapo Ristopizza – If you’re just looking for a quick pizza to carry back to your condo, this place is a favorite for wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes.
INSIDER TIP: Make a reservation when dining out in Playa Langosta. I got the sense that a lot of people venture here for dinner to escape the crowds of Tamarindo.
Playa Langosta Beach Club
I unapologetically prefer to escape the crowds when I’m on vacation so Playa Langosta was perfect. While my husband and son went deep sea fishing (they caught a shark!) and scuba diving, my daughter and I opted to lounge at the Playa Langosta Beach Club. It’s a private beach club with a stunning beachfront infinity pool, beachside lounging areas, and a top-notch restaurant and bar – with amazing margaritas I might add! Although it’s private, there are limited day passes available (we paid $50 each). Whether you want to sip on a tropical cocktail, indulge in gourmet cuisine, or simply relax under the shade of a cabana, this beach club provides a luxurious retreat. The club also offers yoga classes, live music, and special events, making it a great spot to spend a laid-back afternoon in paradise.
INSIDER TIP: If you want to visit with a day pass, get there early. Most of the lounge chairs were taken by 10am.
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Costa Rican Cuisine
This blog is called Travel for Foodies so I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a bit about Costa Rican food. I find that the food Central America has a uniqueness to it whether it’s Panama, Peru, or Belize. And Costa Rica certainly fits that mold. Costa Rican cuisine is a flavorful reflection of the country’s rich agricultural resources and cultural influences. Rooted in fresh, local ingredients, traditional dishes emphasize simplicity and nourishment. Staples like rice, black beans, plantains, and fresh vegetables form the foundation of many meals, with proteins such as fish, chicken, and beef often accompanying them. One of the most iconic dishes is gallo pinto, a savory combination of rice and beans, typically served at breakfast with eggs and tortillas. Another favorite is casado, a hearty plate featuring rice, beans, meat, salad, and fried plantains. Costa Rica’s tropical climate also yields an abundance of fresh fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, which are often enjoyed as snacks or in fresh juices. While the cuisine is not known for being heavily spiced, flavors are enhanced with ingredients like cilantro, lime, and mild sauces, making Costa Rican food both comforting and delicious.
Best Time to Visit Playa Langosta
The best time to visit Playa Langosta depends on your travel preferences. Costa Rica has two main seasons:
- Dry Season (December – April): This is the most popular time to visit, with sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. While it’s also peak tourist season, Playa Langosta remains relatively quiet compared to Tamarindo.
- Green Season (May – November): Known as the rainy season, this time of year brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Afternoon rain showers are common, but mornings are typically sunny, and hotel rates are lower, making it an excellent time to visit if you prefer a more budget-friendly and peaceful experience.
Getting to Playa Langosta and Getting Around
Getting to Playa Langosta is easy, as it is located just a mile south of Tamarindo so it’s easily walkable. Golf cart rentals are also quite popular. The closest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, about an hour and 15 minutes away by car.
Renting a car in Costa Rica
Many travelers opt to rent a car at the airport, which is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas. But if you do the research, you’ll come across tons of articles about the car rental scams in Costa Rica. I waded through them (so you don’t have to) and I recommend booking a car through a reputable international rental agency (we rented through Alamo and had a problem with the car mid-week and they immediately swapped it out for us). RENT A CAR HERE!
Alternatively, private shuttles and taxis are readily available, providing a comfortable and stress-free transfer to Playa Langosta. BOOK A SHUTTLE HERE.
Once in Playa Langosta, getting around is simple. The area is small and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles and golf carts are popular rental options for navigating the quiet streets and nearby beaches. For those looking to venture into Tamarindo for shopping, dining, or nightlife, taxis and rental cars are convenient choices. Many accommodations also offer bike rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy a scenic ride between the two beach towns at their own pace.
If you love the idea of visiting Tamarindo but prefer a more tranquil setting, Playa Langosta is the perfect escape. This hidden gem offers stunning natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and top-tier dining without the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo’s tourist-heavy streets. Whether you’re looking to surf, relax on a secluded beach, or indulge in fine dining at the Playa Langosta Beach Club, this serene coastal retreat provides the ultimate Costa Rican getaway.
By staying in Playa Langosta, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful days surrounded by nature and the vibrant energy of Tamarindo just minutes away. So pack your bags, embrace the pura vida lifestyle, and experience the beauty of Playa Langosta for yourself!
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