We want everyone to enjoy Costa Rica at their own pace!

If you're looking to explore, here are some recommended spots in town based on your vibe:

Activities & Excursions

To keep things easy, we partnered with Native’s Way Costa Rica, a top-rated local agency in Tamarindo. They handle everything from smooth nature tours to extreme adventures and can help you book whatever fits your vibe.

You can check out their full list of activities and book directly on their website at nativeswaycostarica.com, or call their toll-free U.S. line at 1 (800) 605-2806.

some popular options...

- The Mangrove Estuary Boat Safari: A calm, shaded river boat cruise to see wild monkeys, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Perfect for families and all ages with zero hiking required.

- Catamaran Sunset Cruise: A relaxing afternoon sail on a large, stable catamaran with an open bar, food, snorkeling, and sunset views.

- Adrenaline & Day Trips: They also offer ziplining, ATV tours, surfing lessons, volcano hikes, and trips to local waterfalls if you want to get active.

Feel free to reach out to them a few weeks before the wedding to lock in your spots!

Family-Safe Tides & Quiet Beaches

Playa Langosta (The Calm Side): The main beach in town can get wavy. If you want a quieter day with smooth, flat sand and massive, warm shallow tide pools at low tide, this is your spot.

Getting there: Take a 5-minute taxi or rent a golf cart (highly recommended!). It's a bit too far to walk in the heat.

Restaurants: Real Local Food (The "Sodas")

Skip the tourist traps and head to a Soda (traditional family-owned kitchens) to get a Casado—the staple local plate of fresh fish/chicken, rice, beans, and sweet plantains.

some local favorites...

- Soda La Marimba: Hands-down the best authentic local flavors in town. Very casual, high quality, and close to the town center. (Walkable from the villa)

- Soda Marcela: A traditional, relaxed local spot famous for its fresh catch of the day and hearty portions. (Walkable from the villa)

- Tropic Tamarindo: Traditional Costa Rican flavors with an elevated, modern twist in a beautiful outdoor garden setting. (Walkable from the villa)

Downtown Shopping & Gelato: The main strip of town is completely flat and easy to walk. Drift through the local boutiques and grab a scoop at Central Gelato.

Golf

Hacienda Pinilla Course: A world-class 18-hole championship course right on the Pacific coast, located 15–20 minutes south of the villa. You will need a taxi or shuttle to get there since it is too far for the town golf carts. Rental clubs are available at the pro shop, and you can book afternoon tee times for cheaper twilight rates. We highly recommend emailing golf@haciendapinilla.com a few weeks in advance to secure your spot.

Beach Bonfires & Sunsets

The bonfire is at El Vaquero Beach Bar, which sits right on the sand on the main beach strip. Because Tamarindo is so compact, it is incredibly easy to get to from anywhere in town. El Vaquero Beach Bar hosts nightly, family-friendly beach bonfires on the sand. It is completely casual, perfectly safe for all ages, and features live music and great food right next to the waves. It is the best spot in town to grab a drink, watch the sunset, and let the kids play in the sand by the fire. No reservations needed.

🛺 Pro-Tip on Getting Around: While the town center is walkable, renting a gas golf cart for the weekend is the ultimate move. It makes zipping down to Playa Langosta's tide pools or hitting the grocery store effortless and fun.

How to Book: Reserve a few weeks early at nativeswaycostarica.com or call their toll-free U.S. line at 1 (800) 605-2806. They will deliver them straight to the villa. Drivers must be 21+ with a valid license and passport.

⚠️ Planner's Safety Tip: Tamarindo is very safe, but standard beach town rules apply. If your guests wander down to the sand for a beach walk or bonfire after midnight, remind everyone to leave their expensive wedding jewelry/clutches locked in their villa rooms first! Keep a trusted local taxi number handy if your villa is tucked up on the hills outside of the main walkable town strip