This Laid-back Beach Town in Costa Rica Has Beautiful Beaches, World-class Surfing, and Stunning Sunsets

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, has long lured surfers with its palm-fringed beaches, swells, and pura vida ethos. In recent years, a broader swatch of mostly bohemian travelers have descended upon it. While access and increased tourism continue to shape the evolution of this once-remote destination, the laid-back beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula still retains a carefree, off-the-beaten-path spirit.

Today, Santa Teresa doesn’t just attract surfers but also the wellness set and foodies who come to this Blue Zone darling hungry to try the international dishes representing so many corners of the globe. It’s a sort of surf utopia, hippie wellness mecca, and little village wrapped into one.

Wondering where to stay, play, and eat in Santa Teresa? Scroll on for everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. 

What to Do in Santa Teresa

Hit the beach: Playa Santa Teresa is the biggest draw for most holidaygoers. With palm trees that dance in the breeze, soft sand, warm water, and candy-colored sunsets, there’s no doubt it’s a postcard-perfect stretch that holds its own against the best beaches in Costa Rica. 

Take a surf lesson: As access to sand and swells grew, so did the surf culture. These days, wave-chasers come from near and far to brave the breaks and barrels. Folks new to surfing might consider taking a lesson at Del Soul Surf School or Pura Vida Adventures. However, it’s worth noting that you certainly don’t have to paddle out to have a good time. Just watching boarders from the shore counts as an afternoon well spent. 

Stretch out: There’s a palpable free-spirited, wellness-centric vibe around town. It’s a popular destination for yoga retreats, and you can always find some zen seekers doing downward dogs in Hotel Tropico Latino's open-air shala. Non-guests are also welcome to practice postures at Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center and at both Selina outposts. The well-being scene also includes day spas for holistic facials, massages, and bodywork. 

Shop local: Santa Teresa has a small but mighty clutch of fabulous boutiques. Guided by the design philosophy that swimwear should be stylish and functional, Dkoko focuses on sporty yet sweet bikinis and one-pieces. Next door, La Maga sells colorful printed bucket hats and consciously crafted soap. Stock up on rosewater facial mist and hand-poured candles at Calm & Co. 

Take a day trip: Active travelers will be pleased to learn about the spate of eco-adventures within a short drive. You can do day trips to Isla Tortuga and Montezuma as well as deep-sea fishing adventures and after-dark tours of bioluminescent Paquera Bay or just wander the empty rocky coves of neighboring Mal Pais. 

Where to Stay in Santa Teresa

Hotel Nantipa: One of the best beach resorts in Costa Rica, Hotel Nantipa is a sustainable-minded boutique gem wrapped in lush foliage and perched on one of the prettiest parts of Playa Santa Teresa. The stand-alone bungalows provide privacy and indoor-outdoor living, courtesy of sliding glass doors and leaf-shrouded patios featuring plunge pools and hammocks. It also offers a small spa sanctuary, mixology glasses, and a terrific beachfront restaurant, Manzu.

Florblanca: Another top-rated eco-oriented hotel, Florblanca, embodies the pura vida lifestyle well. It’s laid-back and intimate, with a peaceful atmosphere that extends from beachfront villas featuring soaking tubs and handwoven hammocks to seaside yoga and surf sessions. 

Selina: Gen Z-ers and budget-conscious remote workers love Selina Santa Teresa South near Playa Carmen and Selina Santa Teresa North. Both backpacker-friendly properties appeal to young, social travelers who split time between surfing, sipping cocktails while clacking away on a laptop by the pool, and snoozing in shared rooms.

Where to Eat in Santa Teresa 

The Bakery: The Bakery is the most popular spot in town for breakfast. A menu of coffee, fresh juices, sweet and savory dishes, and fresh-baked pastries keeps the tables full and crowds coming back for more each morning. 

Ani’s: Another morning must is Ani's, which blends the most delectably thick and creamy smoothie bowls. There’s even a Costa Rican breakfast available for kids.

La Cevicheria: Ticos and travelers come together at La Cevicheria, which makes poke bowls using yellowfin tuna caught in neighboring Mal Pais and pairs them with fresh juices made daily. 

Uma Santa Teresa: If you’re in the mood for a leisurely late lunch on the beach that stretches into the evening, head to Uma Santa Teresa. Order whole grilled snapper, Greek salad, and a bottle of rosê and see where the afternoon goes. 

Amici Santa Teresa: Craving pizza? The wood-fired pies at Amici Santa Teresa are crispy and made with fresh ingredients. Oh, and don't sleep on the grain salad with herbs and cashew cheese.

Eat Street: Eat Street is perfect for those nights when you can’t decide what to eat. It’s a sort of food hall with a handful of different vendors that cook up everything from tacos to international bowls, plus drinks to wash it down. 

El Corazón: El Corazón, an atmospheric, open-air restaurant up a hill on the jungle side of the road, pairs a lively vibe with plant-based food and expertly mixed cocktails that make it a seductive option for a date night or fun group outing.

Koji’s: Ask almost anyone where to get the best sushi in Santa Teresa, and you'll get the same enthusiastic response: Koji's. Diners savor nigiri, sashimi, and crudo made by a Japanese chef using only the freshest, locally caught fish. It's a divine example of how cuisine can cross borders and honor what's available without forsaking traditional techniques.

How to Get There

Admittedly, Santa Teresa isn’t the easiest place to reach. And, maybe that’s not such a bad thing since it’s virtually the only reason thing that keeps the town from being overrun with tourists. Flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), hopping on a quick domestic flight to Tambor Airport (TMU), and then taking a 45-minute taxi is arguably the most expeditious arrival strategy. If you’re not keen to change planes, the other option would be to fly into Liberia Guanacaste International Airport (LIR) and rent a car or arrange van transport for the bumpy, four-hour drive to Santa Teresa.  

How to Get Around

Santa Teresa has one main road that runs parallel to the beach. It's not entirely paved and gets quite dusty in the dry season. Most locals and visitors whiz around on ATVs or four-wheel drive vehicles, primarily SUVs.