Playa Guiones
This beach is one of the natural wonders of Costa Rica: a wide expanse of light-brown sand, sandwiched between rolling surf and green sea-grape vines starting at the high-tide mark and backed by rejuvenating secondary forest. With some of the most consistent surf on the Pacific coast, Playa Guiones attracts a lot of surfboard-toting visitors. The inside whitewash and sandy floor is ideal for beginners, and the outside line up is where you'll find more experienced surfers. Even on crowded days, there are plenty of waves to be had with various breaks lining the coastline. The always-breezy beach is also a haven for sun lovers, beachcombers, and anyone who wants to connect with nature. This glorious Blue Flag beach has 7 km (4½ miles) of hard-packed sand, great for jogging, riding bikes, and saluting the sun. Because there's a 10-foot tide, the beach is expansive at low tide but rather narrow at high tide, when waves usually create strong currents and riptides that can make the sea dangerous for nonsurfers. Most hotels post tide charts, but there are no lifeguards. Keep in mind there are no umbrellas for rent on this shadeless beach. Guiones is at the south end of the Nosara agglomeration, with several public accesses. The easiest one to find is about 300 meters past the Harmony Hotel, beyond the parked ATVs and souvenir stalls. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing; walking.