Explore Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a good mix of fun, chill vibes, and surf culture. Look for Volcano Brewing when you get into town and shortly after, Rasta Joaquin will usually be there flagging you down for parking. We love parking with him because he looks after your rental car and has always taken care of us. If you’re into surfing or even just want to give it a try, Tamarindo is the place for mellow waves and tons of surf schools ready to help you with a lesson. Are you renting a car? Check out our guide to Renting a car in Costa Rica.
There are tons of restaurants dishing up everything from fresh seafood and traditional Costa Rican food to sushi and Italian. There’s something for everyone. Once the sun goes down, Tamarindo comes to life. I’ve passed my all-night party days, but there are bars, clubs, and live music spots where you can dance or just chill with a drink in hand.
Don’t forget to check out the shopping scene. Tamarindo’s got some great shops and boutiques where you can find souvenirs, local handicrafts, and beach essentials. As you wander around town, soak in the laid-back atmosphere, chat with the friendly locals, and snap some pics of the beautiful surroundings.
Volcano Brewing on the main street
Visit La Leona Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall is a great day trip that you don’t want to miss if you’re in or around Playa Flamingo. The journey there takes about 1.5 hours by car, but it’s definitely worth the time and effort. The waterfall, which is accessible all year round, and the optional activities are an excellent way to spend a day away from the beach.
Some travelers suggest exploring this area independently, but that doesn’t seem to be a feasible option. The waterfall is located in a gated property, and the easiest way to access it is through the La Leona Tour Company, which offers reasonable ticket prices. With the entrance fee, you can join a group tour with a guide or pay a small up-charge for a private tour. Fortunately, we were paired with another couple, so it was almost like a private tour, and we had an unforgettable time at the falls! They provided “waterproof bags” but my phone still got completely soaked. I recommend picking up a waterproof phone case like this to make sure your device stays dry for the tour.
Additionally, you can also enjoy river tubing (which we did), hot springs (which we also did), and zip lining. From what could see, the zip lining experience is relatively uneventful and might be better elsewhere. Nonetheless, this tour company does an excellent job, and we would gladly join them again in the future.
Anna hiking to the falls - you'll get wet
...and a little tubing after
Playa Conchal
If you’re looking for a stunning beach in Costa Rica, Playa Conchal is definitely worth a visit. The sand is composed of millions of crushed seashells which creates a coarse and textured surface to walk on. Plus, the crystal clear blue water is perfect for snorkeling against the cliffside.
Keep in mind that getting to this beach requires a bit of effort. You can park on the street in Brasilito town for free or pay around $3-5 USD for closer parking. Once you make it to the shore, it’s a half mile walk south to reach the entrance of Playa Conchal.
On weekends, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds in the main tourist area. You can find a shady spot or rent a canopy tent and chairs from a local beach vendor for around $20-40 USD (depending on your negotiation skills). We recommend bringing your own cooler, sun shade, and chairs to save money. Conchal stretches for a few miles along the coast, so there’s plenty of space to explore and relax. This is our favorite can koozie that comes with all the time.
The crystal clear waters of Conchal
Let’s go!
You’re here to relax, but don’t miss out on exploring the surrounding areas. Tamarindo, La Leona Waterfall, and Playa Conchal are some of the best day trips from Playa Flamingo. Stay with us at The Flamingo Dream!
