Tamarindo & Playa Grande
We first went to Tamarindo when we arrived in Costa Rica in 2017, as part of our initial scouting for where to live. It's very much a tourist destination, and it wasn't for us as a place to live. We went back in 2021 for a few nights and enjoyed it — it's touristy, but it has good dining options — and we made a few more trips over the years, enjoying each one.
The one thing that wears on you is the people selling stuff on the beach and in the streets; it gets overbearing. No, we don't want a bird whistle.
Watch Tamarindo & Playa Grande
What we'd tell a friend
- Do Playa Grande first, then move over to Tamarindo for a few days.
- Eat and drink at Tama Onda, and eat at Joe's and Bamboo Sushi Club.
- Get off the beach and try the many other restaurants around town.
- Stay within walking distance — parking is mad.
Who should come here?
- You want convenience — eating and shopping close by
- You want both chill (Playa Grande) and touristy (Tamarindo)
- You love to surf
- You hate crowds
- You want a more authentic Costa Rican experience
- You don't like being hassled by beach sellers
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Tamarindo worth visiting?
Yes — it's touristy, but we enjoyed every trip. There's good dining and easy convenience, and Playa Grande next door gives you a chiller counterpoint. Just know it isn't the authentic, off-the-beaten-path side of Costa Rica.
How many days do you need in Tamarindo and Playa Grande?
About a week — roughly four days in Tamarindo and three in Playa Grande, so you get both the busy and the quiet side.
Do you need a car?
It's recommended. You can arrive by shuttle, but your own vehicle makes the area easier — and stay within walking distance of town, because parking is mad.