It’s the largest beach town in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province.

Surfers are well aware of Tamarindo, but it’s remained under the radar otherwise.

Wildlife abounds, and you’re likely to spot turtles, birds, and monkeys here.

View overlooking the boats on the water in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Credit:Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Best Hotels and Resorts

Jardin Del Eden:This adults-only boutique hotel is nestled within spectacular gardens.

The rooms have sea views or views of Marino las Baulas National Park.

Read on the beachfront hammocks or lounge by the pool if youre not feeling the beach.

Two people walk narrow path surrounded by lush tropical forest towards beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

The rooms also offer kitchenettes, so you’re free to stay in as you wish.

Expect tropical garden villas, houses with infinity pools, and big mansions thatll fit the whole family.

Many hotels can coordinate surfing lessons as well.

Overlooking people in a pool on the edge of a hill with ocean in the distance in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

The land portion is just about the size of Central Park in New York City.

VisitMonkey Park:Dont let the name fool you, theres more than just monkeys here.

Theres also hiking trails, a night walk, bird watching, and more.

Horseback riding on the beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

There are plenty of horseback riding tours and most hotels can arrange them for you.

Patagonia:An Argentine-inspired restaurant, Patagonia offers amazing cuts of meat cooked to perfection, alongside classic cocktails.

(They also have a great selection of beer and wine.)

A surfer walking to short from the water at a beach during early sunset in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you have a craving for exquisite meat dishes, Patagonia is the place to visit, Imhoff insisted.

Their menu centers around local, fresh ingredients and dishes often feature an Asian-fusion spin.

They’re known for their meat, vegetarian selections, and sushi so theres something for everyone.

Boat tour of the mangroves at Tamarindo Estuary

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

These specialty coffees are tasty, and use only local and organic ingredients.

March and April are the hottest months on record.

April to November tend to have bigger waves, great for more experienced surfers.

Two cows looking down in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Double check with your hotel to see if transportation is included in your hotel rate.

If it’s not, you’re able to book through theairports website.

A butterfly and toed sloth at the Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Three food plates showing eggs, vegetables, ceviche and coconut battered shrimp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Playa Avellana in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Palm trees on the beach and the exterior of a Pottery Studio in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

A moped drives down the street of the main boulevard in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Playa Tamarindo with tourists in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Martin Romero/Travel + Leisure, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max