Hello, we are travelling with another couple 3 weeks end of Aug/Sept and looking to end our vacation with 5 days in a rental along the Costa Brava. The two towns we have looked at are Tossa de Mar and Roses. Does anyone have experience with either, and which would you choose? We are looking at beachy afternoons and wandering to restaurants and shops. We will have a car, so trips to other villages/beaches/wineries may happen depending on how lazy our are!

Tossa de Mar looks idyllic, but looks fairly isolated if you want to do day trips.
Roses looks a bit busier, and it may mean a taxi to get into the old town from a rental, it seems like there are a lot of apartment blocks on the southern side of the town. But this town might be better located to do day trips.

Any preferences?

Have you considered Begur? It makes a perfect base for exploring the best of the Northern Costa Brava.

Hello, we would prefer to be right on the water, and make morning trips into towns or cities.

I understand. Have you looked at Calella de Palafrugell or its neighbor Llafranc, both right on the water, which are also handy for any day trips you might want to make?

We stayed a few days in Roses, there's a nice beach and sea front and it makes a good base to visit the area
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspo...od-to.html?m=1

As a follow up, we booked an apartment in Roses, and are really looking forward to it. Departure in a week! Thank you for replies.

Wonderful..PLEASE let us know how it works out and how you like the town and surroundings. HaVE FUN!!

Tossa is a good choice.
Also, you may look at Lloret De Mar - it is 1 step of Tossa.