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Beaches

Guanacaste Beaches

Guanacaste’s Gold Coast is named that for the glorious sapphire blue beaches. As our guest in Hacienda Pinilla, you’ve already chosen a vacation destination with miles of pristine coast to explore. Take some time to explore what else Costa Rica has to show you! If you’re a surfer, you’ll be looking for surf spots like Tamarindo, Langosta, and Playa Grande. If you’re a fan of still waters, you’ll enjoy the south end of Tamarindo Beach, Sugar Beach, and Playa Brasilito. Here’s a brief overview of some of the beaches you shouldn’t miss.

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Sugar Beach

To find this hidden gem, drive north until you come to the sign for Sugar Beach Hotel. You’ll need to go through the hotel property to get to the beach, so thank them for the secure parking and the beautiful job the do of caring for Sugar Beach by patronizing their restaurant for a cold drink, or a delicious meal. Sugar Beach is a beautiful little cove you would never find if we didn’t tell you about it. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic get-away or just a peaceful afternoon in the sun and sand.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is the least human-impacted beach you will find in Guanacaste because it forms part of the Las Baulas national Marine Park. Playa Grande obeys its name--it’s truly grande, in the length of its expanse of sand and in the size of the waves that form all along this beach break. Playa Grande is home to the nesting grounds of the massive Leatherback sea turtles. In January through April, keep an eye out for baby turtles hurrying from the sand into the sea.

Playa Langosta

Stay on the road through Tamarindo, and you’ll end up at Playa Langosta. Langosta is a local favorite for its crashing surf, lava rock tide pools, and its undisturbed aura of natural beauty. Strap your board on the car if you like fast rights, and get to Langosta as the tide is turning.

Playa Tamarindo

You can’t come to Hacienda Pinilla without spending a day or an evening in Tamarindo. The long sandy beach is beautiful for walking and sunbathing while the north end of the beach is an excellent surf spot and the south end of the beach is a favorite for swimming. The town of Tamarindo is a vibrant spot with cultures and languages mix, yielding an amazing variety of cuisine, colorful shopping options and nightlife that doesn’t stop. Tamarindo is truly the Costa Rican beach with something for everyone.

Playa Avellanas

Located on the Costa Dorada of Guanacaste, Playa Avellanas is the paradise for longboarders, it has several world-class surf peaks or just to relax and enjoy the warm and clear water. Two of its surf sections are the secret spots known as "Little Hawaii" and the rivermouth, where the waves can reach up to more than 10 ft, attracting experienced surfers from around the world. As a quiet alternative to nearby Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas offers a white sand beach and turquoise waters, well known for the Lola’s restaurant and the wood bridge that connects Cabinas las Olas to the beach.

Playa Negra

Known for its world-class waves and breaks, Playa Negra is a surfer's paradise for intermediate to advanced surfers. Famous for being the location of the film, "Endless Summer II", this beach is located along the northwestern region of Guanacaste on the North Pacific coast. But this small beach community has more to offer than its surf breaks. You will be able to find great restaurants and enjoy the easy lifestyle vibe, surrounded by dark sand and one of the most perfect right waves along the Pacific coast.

Playa Mansita

Playa Mansita is located within Hacienda Pinilla, just in front of the JW Marriott. It is a small white sand and rocky beach with a landscape similar to Avellanas, but smaller and without the heavy waves, turning this little spot into the perfect place to relax.

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