Playa Grande to Tamarindo
Tamarindo opens a world of opportunities for Playa Grande residents
Playa Grande’s lively neighbor is the place to be for nightlife, restaurants and activities.
Despite being two of the better-known beach towns in the Gold Coast, and neighboring each other, the relationship between Playa Grande and Tamarindo is a curious one.
A boat ride from Tamarindo to the Casitas break in Playa Grande takes merely five minutes, but the particular topography and ecosystem between both towns make it a much longer car ride, and a dangerous endeavor by foot. What lies between these two destinations is the Marino Las Baulas National Park and its corresponding estuary, home to exotic birds, the homonymous turtles, and (the reason why it isn’t a great idea to walk or swim) crocodiles. In order to reach Tamarindo from Playa Grande, the best way is to drive up to Matapalo, then take route 155 to Villareal, and finally follow Avenida Las Palmas right to the heart of Tamarindo. This whole trip shouldn’t take more than half an hour, and is one of the main reasons why each town has its own particular identity.
If for some reason you want to shake things up from the bohemian vibe and relaxing atmosphere of Playa Grande’s surf haven, Tamarindo is the way to go. There you’ll not only find the definitive tourist hotspot in the gold coast, but also one of the country’s most impressive restaurants and nightlife scenes.
Tamarindo Beach itself is a lively setting where surfers and casual visitors share its stunning white sand and turquoise waters. As soon as the sun sets, the party becomes a gathering place for tourists and locals alike, all sharing some drinks to the hypnotic sound of the crashing waves.
If you’re into a more elaborate experience, Tamarindo also hosts Volcano Brewing and the Night Market, two of the area’s best places for grabbing a beer and enjoying this beach town’s eclectic cuisine.
If you want dining options with a more defined expertise, then you’ll be happy to try out Bamboo Sushi and Antichi Sapori, depending on your particular craving.
If you rather have some adventurous options, Kingpin Sportfishing lets you make the most out of the full tropical angler experience on the Pacific’s calm waters, while Black Stallion Ranch lets you ride the trees through its impressive canopy line.
Whatever you might be looking for, the best bet is that Tamarindo can offer it, so you can keep enjoying the tranquility of Playa Grande knowing it only takes a few minutes to enter a whole other universe of possibilities.
