I have been to CR twice and am going back with my boyfriend at the end of April. We are contemplating going to Hermosa b/c I liked it so much. However, we were thinking of going somewhere else if we could find somewhere that sounds just as good.

We are looking for good beaches and surf. We do not want the tourist places, that's one of the reasons I liked Hermosa so much (but I was there in 2001). However, we would sometimes like to have a little night life such as rest. & bars- but not the tourist "resort" types- if at all possible.
(ex. when in Hermosa I felt it was quaint and away from things, but could go into Jaco if we wanted more to do)

We were thinking Samara or Mal Pais. Any suggestions? I would really like to know how those places are re: tourism, beach/surf and whether or not there is some good rest./bars a.k.a. nightlife w/o the crowds. Thanks!

There is no surf in Samara. Mal Pais sounds like what you're looking for. Most of the 'tourist' are surfers, except for the few that are going to the new upscale Flor Blanca Resort. It's a small resort and is not very close to 'town'. It seems like most people who go there, stay there. There are nice little restaurants around, and the Mal Pais surf camp is fun in the evenings with surf videos, pool table and other games. Mal Pais is nowhere near as populated as Jaco, so you won't find any discos, but as mentioned, some of the bars can be fun. Look at the Tropico Latino Hotel. Sounds like just what you may be looking for.
North of Samara, is Nosara and has great surf in the area. I've been there 5 or six times with my husband who is a surfer. He went by himself for a couple weeks in Jan and we are both going back again in May. Nosara is pretty spread out though, and is also pretty quiet, and again, does not get many 'tourist', except surfers. Again, some of the bars in the area can be fun, and there is a large disco/dance bar in town, though you'd need a car to get there as the hotels are a few minutes from the 'downtown' area.

Visited both Malpais and Samara in August 2003. It sounds like Malpais would be the place for you although it may be quieter than Hermosa. surfing appeared to be very good there (we don't surf ourselves but saw lots of surfers there). If you stay in Malpais proper or near it, you'll find some places to hang out in the evening. That area is also very beautiful and not very touristy. Check this website: http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/

Samara's beach did not strike me as a surfing beach (small waves, good for swimming). The town appeared nice with a good selection of hotels, restaurants and bars. It definitely is a bigger town than Malpais and I hear it can get busy because it is easy to get to.

Also check out Nosara - beautiful beach, very quiet and spread around town. Further north, the beaches Playa Avellana and Playa Negra were absolutely beautiful with good surf but difficult to get to (they are south of Tamarindo but the roads are poor).

Very funny, it looks like Ally and I responded exactly at the same time with exactly the same response.

How are you Ally?

Great Iza! Looking forward to my 9th trip to Costa Rica the 1st of May! My twin sister and my brother are also going with us this year which is very exciting for me because they have never been!

(Sorry to interrupt your post CaseyLee!

You might also consider playa grande. Its close to Tamarindo, but way nicer. The surf spot at the the main peak is fun consistent beach break with clear water. The only draw back is there is not much accomodation choices here.

CaseyLee, mind if I ask Ally a few questions? Thanks Casey!!

Ally, could you give me some info on party places in Jaco? Me and about 120 other soccer guys and gals will be in Jaco April 28, 2004 through May 4, 2004. We'll be staying at the Best Western there but it only has a small, lame disco.

Alot of us went to a bar in Jaco to dance and stuff, but the place was so thick with hookers, most of us stuck with the lame disco at the hotel. I'm hoping things have changed in Jaco and would like your suggestions on where to go party. Thanks!!

Bo

Sorry Bo, I can't help with party places in Jaco. I have only stayed there once (I was at the Best Western too) and only for one night. We have driven through town on our way to other places, just to see how big it's gotten, but we have not stayed to 'Party'.
CaseyLee, if she is still around, can probably help you more with Jaco. After one night there, it was just not my 'cup of tea' so I have never returned for any amount of time. Have you tried posting you question on Lonely Planets Thorn Tree Forum? I'll bet they can help you! Good luck!