Costa Rica Spring Break 2022 - Best Places to Stay & Things to Do

Ah, spring break – a much-needed escape from the dregs of winter and a long Q1 in the company calendar (or second semester of school, for the younger members of your family). Ah, Costa Rica spring break – an elevated escape to ocean-view infinity pools and world-class surf, tropical forest hikes and all the amenities of your own, private resort. Because, while long gone may be the days of bacchanalia and spring break parties into the wee hours of the morning, a new kind of adventure now awaits: Welcome to a vacation that leans into sunset sails and long walks on the beach, lounging by the pool and savoring a spectacular sunset. If you're planning your Costa Rica spring break 2022, then you've come to the right place: Tamarindo, where you can carve out your perfect getaway, whether you're a relax-and-do-nothing-at-all vacationer or a bucket-list traveler seeking to go big and pack it in.

Costa Rica Spring Break: What to Do

As we so often say, what you do in Costa Rica is largely a function of what you want to do. The truth is, we've lived here for years and still haven't done it all – there's just so much to do that, as soon as you've done it all, there's another new thing to do! So, we say, you do you: Are you an adrenaline junkie? Relaxation royalty? Family traveler? Nature aficionado? Because check, check, check, and check – Tamarindo has you covered! That said, here are a few things you should at least put on your radar:

Tamarindo Breweries

In the land of sun and fun, you're likely to crave an ice-cold one. That's our motto, at least! Because Costa Rica's microbrews and craft beers are the perfect pairing to the warm tropical sun, a day of activity, and a packed plate of local fare. (Be sure to try the catch-of-the-day!) Ask around at any bar or restaurant, and you'll quickly discover that there's one MAJOR player in Costa Rican beer: the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO), which produces all of Costa Rica's more mainstream, standard brews, including those that maraud under the brand names of Imperial, Pilsen, and Bavaria. They'll quench your thirst – but that's not what this keep-your-eyes-peeled suggestion is all about. Because there's an entire (and growing daily) world of harder-to-find, you-may-have-to-ask-for-them Costa Rican microbrews, craft beers, and artisan lagers, many of which you can find in and around Tamarindo. They include the Volcano Brewing Company, Tamarindo's local superstar and the hoppy brainchild of Witch's Rock Surf Camp. Their offerings vary but you can always rely on an ice-cold Witch's Rock Pale Ale or Gato Malo Brown Ale; be sure to ask about seasonal or limited-run brews. Beyond that, be sure to ask around for offerings from Maderos Brewery, Lake Arenal Brewery, Costa Rica's Craft Brewing Company, and the Costa Rica Meadery. Read more about Costa Rica's breweries.

Surfing

Tamarindo is known for many things (and we'll get to many of those many things, in just a moment!) but great surf is arguably our greatest claim to fame. Our sandy little beach town is located smack dab in the center of Guanacaste's famed Gold Coast beaches, where swells from north and south pump out huge surf (and gentle waves), big breaks (and mild crests) that for decades have inspired both die-hard surfers and newbies alike. Whether you're looking for some beginner surf spots where you won't get in over your head (literally) or are ready to tackle Tamarindo's advanced surfing spots world-renowned for their huge waves, big barrels, hard rights and lefts, our town is happy to serve up some of the best in Costa Rica. And the world. And that's no exaggeration.

Restaurants & Nightlife

What would Costa Rica spring break (or vacation, generally) be, without a little (or a lot) of great food, good drink, and live music? Luckily, Tamarindo is a veritable foodie haven: Dozens, if not hundreds of worth-your-time restaurants and joints, beachfront spreads and tiny holes-in-the-wall. Melty cheese and just-caught seafood, wood-fired grills and sizzling brick ovens, open kitchens and dining with your feet on the sand – we have it all. And so, it's for just this reason that we publish our Tamarindo restaurants guide (updated version, coming soon!), to help you draft your list of must-eats and must-views while you're here. Want to drill down a little? Check out our guide to the best pizza in Tamarindo, the best seafood in Tamarindo, the best dinners in Tamarindo, the most romantic restaurants in Tamarindo, and even our intro to the famed Costa Rican casado (a traditional dish). We just want you to have options. A little more room to experiment with your taste buds and hone your Tamarindo palate. A few more inspirations to try new things and taste new tastes. Or, to revisit old favorites. Because you'll want to. You really will. Tamarindo's restaurants have a certain temptation. So, as we say in Costa Rica, ¡provecho! Enjoy! Still can't find quite the meal you're looking for? That's why we're here! Get in touch and we'll be happy to point your palate in the right direction.

Adventures by Land and Sea

Spring break should be everything you want it to be. We firmly believe that, with no aspersions, no preconceived notions, no judgment. You do you. Want to lounge by the pool for a solid straight week? Valid. Planning to pack your days with morning and afternoon tours, from the moment you arrive? We're on board. Prefer a little-bit-of-both? We've got you covered. And so, because we believe that knowledge is power, we're happy to help you sift through all your many options: What can you do, so you can narrow it down to what you want to do. And it all starts with land and sea – the dual (but not dueling) promise of a Tamarindo vacation. Because, while you're probably thinking about the beach, the ocean, the sun, and the sand, you should also be thinking about Tamarindo by land: a veritable world of dry forests, savannah lands, mountains, and volcanoes have on offer. Because, we're talking high-octane adventure and sunset horseback rides, wildlife explorations and breathtaking mountain biking. Tours, activities, and experiences that will stamp indelible memories onto your time in Costa Rica. With that knowledge in your back pocket, travel on to explore Tamarindo by sea because, well, we're a haven for all things aquatic: Whether you're an adrenaline junkie in pursuit of frothing white water, an angler in search of the next big catch, or your little pirate has professed a desire to pursue underwater treasure, the best Tamarindo tours on water promise to fulfill your dreams (and probably stoke a few new ones). It's just that kind of place. Want to discuss Tamarindo things to do more in depth? That's why we're here! Get in touch and we'll be happy to point your palate in the right direction.

Costa Rica Spring Break: Where to Stay

You'll have a lot of choices in where you stay on vacation, but we'd like to highlight a few stand-outs. A few homes so expansive, so luxurious, so incredibly special that they don't so much as compete with but rather outclass even the most exclusive Tamarindo Beach resorts:

Compass House

Tamarindo | 8 Bedrooms | 8 Baths | Sleeps 16

A compass may always point north but your heart – well, it'll lead you to Compass House, a mansion perched high in the hills of Tamarindo and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by lush scenery and yet, close enough to check the surf conditions just by stepping out onto the terrace. Indeed, this ocean-view property is an ideal choice for an elevated Costa Rica spring break: chic and sleek, and built for the most discerning expectations, with soaring interiors and modern color palette, cool steel detailing and expansive indoor-outdoor living. And then, there's your private infinity pool, which adjoins the outdoor dining room and opens onto spectacular ocean and sunset views. Accept the invitation to deepen your connection to sky and sea, to sand and Mother nature. To luxuriate in one of the best and most private Tamarindo Beach resorts – everything, your very own: Eight luxury bedroom/bathroom suites, all of which open onto the outdoors and ocean views. A chef-ready kitchen that joins the open spaces of living and dining rooms. A glorious pizza oven. A heated Jacuzzi. And oh, so very much more...

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Casa Tranquila

Playa Langosta | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths + 2 Half Bath(s) | Sleeps 14

Cozied into the ultimate privacy of Tamarindo Preserve, one of Costa Rica's only beachfront communities, another superlative: an oceanfront home – a rarity in Costa Rica. Welcome to Casa Tranquila, the embodiment of its name and an invitation to relax, forget your stress, and tap into your own, private resort. Because, let's start with that: Your stay at Casa Tranquila grants you access to the Tamarindo Preserve Beach Club, exceptional even in the world of luxury beach communities: Located beachfront, this luxurious club offers an ocean-view resort pool, 5-star bistro and bar, gym and yoga studio, and other amenities. Top it off with a beautiful and safe beach for swimming. We also promised private. This home delivers. Because your Costa Rica spring break should be everything you wish. Escape to tropical design and splendid sunsets, an ocean-view infinity pool and a private path to the ocean. An upscale kitchen and expansive private terraces, 6-days-a-week housekeeping and delicious daily breakfasts (when housekeeping is onsite). So, yes, Casa Tranquila is exactly like the best Tamarindo Beach resorts – only, without resort crowds. The best of all worlds, in every sense of the phrase.

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Casa Puros Dieces

Tamarindo | 8 Bedrooms | 8 Baths + 1 Half Bath | Sleeps 20

one of Costa Rica's largest luxury homes – and a perfect fit for a luxurious Costa Rica spring break with friends and family. Here, overlooking coastal expanses and the Pacific Ocean, where sun-dappled sands meet endless blue sky, Casa Puros Dieces lives up to its name: a perfect 10, in every way. For this Balinese-style mansion sits high on a tropical hilltop, unfolding over your private infinity-edge pool (with Jacuzzi) and Pacific Ocean views, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living: Sun loungers. Outdoor dining. Shaded living. Outdoor everything. This is why you're here. So, jump in. Swim to the edge. Go ahead, bring your drink. As we said, this is why you're here. And if you're also here for the Tamarindo Beach resort experience, then know that you'll be pampered at Casa Puros Dieces. In addition to our exclusive concierge services,  your rental includes two full-time housekeepers and daily breakfast prep (except Sundays and Holidays), plus a full-time caretaker for maintenance. Your Guest Coordinator will be also available to address any issues that may arise during your stay.

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Need More Help? 

If you'd like help making the most of your time in Costa Rica or planning your day trips from Tamarindo, please get in touch with our concierge, Cris! Her services are free and we promise, she'll hook you up with the best option to match your day-touring, make-the-most-of-it adventure style.