Things To Do in Playas Tamarindo and Langosta

Tamarindo's main boulevard is awash in souvenir stands, art galleries, jewelry stores, and clothing boutiques. For original beachwear and jewelry, try Azul Profundo ★ (tel. 2653-0395), in the Plaza Tamarindo shopping center. The modern Garden Plaza shopping center, near the entrance to town, has several high-end shops, as well as a massive Automercado (supermarket).

The lack of any longstanding local arts and crafts tradition across Costa Rica is often lamented. One of the outstanding exceptions to this rule is the small village of Guaitíl, located on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Santa Cruz and an easy visit from Tamarindo. The small central plaza—actually a soccer field—of this village is ringed with craft shops and artisan stands selling a wide range of ceramic wares. Most are low-fired relatively soft clay pieces, with traditional Chorotega indigenous design motifs. All of the local tour agencies offer day trips to Guaitíl, or you can drive there yourself, by heading first to Santa Cruz, and then taking the well-marked turnoff for Guaitíl, just south of the city, on the road to Nicoya.

As a popular surfer destination, Tamarindo has a sometimes raging nightlife. The all-around best bar, maybe in all of Guanacaste, is Cata ★★★ (www.catacostarica.com; tel. 8529-4250), in the terrace space above Nogui’s. It serves up agave spirits, from Mexican tequilas and mezcals, to agave distillates from Ecuador and Venezuela. Original cocktails from renowned bartender and co-owner Liz Furlong are also offered, alongside light snacks.

Other happening bars in town are El Garito ★★ (tel. 2653-2017) located about a block inland, on the road leading toward Playa Langosta, and Aqua ★ (tel. 8934-2896), a discoteque on the main road through town. We also like the Crazy Monkey Bar at the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas (tel. 2653-0114), Pacifico Bar (tel. 8705-4762) near the rotunda, and thebar at the Selina hotel. For  a rocking sports bar can head to Sharky's ★★ (tel. 8918-4968) a little up the road that heads to Playa Langosta.

The best casino in town is at the Barceló Playa Langosta (tel. 2653-0363) resort down in Playa Langosta.