With gorgeous weather, dreamlike vistas, and no shortage of things to do, Costa Rica makes not just a great vacation destination, but a brilliant pick for family travel, as well. The combination of a welcoming and hospitable tourism industry, diverse landscapes, and excellent beachside adventures makes it an easy recommendation. However, what exactly should you do there? Here are a few ideas to fill out your itinerary.
Enjoy A Day At The Beach
It’s hard, if not impossible, to recommend one beach alone that you and your family should visit on your trip to Costa Rica. With extensive coastlines to both the east and west, you’re never too far from some coastal adventures. However, there are a few family beaches, in particular, worth noting, from the surfing at Playa Hermosa near Saint Teresa to Tamarindo Beach, a popular tourist spot with no shortage of eateries, cafes, and souvenir vendors.
Make Tamarindo Your Base Camp
If you’re visiting Tamarindo Beach, then you may as well consider its adjoining town the perfect stage to plan your adventures. While popular with tourists, the vibrant hub still has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and it’s not difficult to find a fun hotel in Tamarindo Costa Rica that offers boutique levels of service without the crowds associated with the larger resorts. It’s also a great spot for turtle-watching. Time your visit right and you can see a whole horde of newborn turtles race to the seas at Playa Grande.
Explore An Immense Volcano
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One of the most famous national parks in the entire country, Arenal Volcano is full of great hiking trails that can take you to some of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints you’re likely to see. If you want to get closer to the jungle than you have ever been, then it’s recommended that you explore the hanging bridges. For those craving a little more excitement, there’s also zip-lining and white water rafting available.
Make Some Friends At Manuel Antonio National Park
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If you want to fully immerse yourself in the enriching displays of wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer, then Manuel Antonio National Park is the place to go. There’s a veritable zoo’s worth of fascinating animals, from sloths to monkeys and iguanas to tropical birds. There are plenty of easy-to-navigate trails that make it a great pick for children, not to mention beautiful beaches that offer some relaxation if you want a mid-walk picnic.
Take To The Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the more mystical and fascinating attractions of the country. It has a cooler climate than many of the other national parks, offering lush greenery that you and the kids can explore through the suspension bridges hanging between the treetops. It offers some delightful sights, from the butterfly gardens to hummingbird sanctuaries, and even offers night tours, allowing the family to see nature in a whole new light.
If you’re making your way through Costa Rica, there’s no shortage of stops that are worth your time. However, with the tips above, hopefully, we’ve provided some of the highlights, to begin with.