Atlantic/Caribean side info...
 

I never hear much to do about the East coast other than Tortuguero...can anyone inform on worthwhile places south of there?

Aren't there any nice places or good things to do down there?

...and what are the roads like from San Jose to Manzanillo anyway?

The highway through Braulio Carillo Parque Nacional from San Jose to Limon is very nice--fairly new. It goes through some beautiful country. From Limon, you head south along the coast to Cahuita (fairly decent road). From Cahuita south to Puerto Viejo the road is very good in places and very, very pot holed for some rather long stretches. You can get by with a regular sedan, but a 4 wheel drive gives one a better vantage point of the severity of the holes!

From PV south to Manzanillo, the road is similar--good in places, not so good in others. My daughter and I did this drive in October when we were in the country for 4 days and opted for the Caribbean side. We loved it. My second time there, her first. Very laid back and easy with an entirely different vibe. Manzanillo is one of my favorite "not much going on" little towns. La Pecora Nera, an Italian restaurant south of PV is to die for. Bicycling is fun as is hiring a guide for a day to show you around. There are some nice hotels, although very few on the beach. Cahuita Parque nacional is very interesting with lots of wildlife. Pretty beaches, very picturesque. A good place to hang for a few days and just relax.

Shilmac! Thanks again...who did you rent from out of San Jose? Is there alot of ocean front driving along the way...any really good spots to swim?

The drive follows the ocean, of course, but not right next to it necessarily. There are a few places you could stop as you go further south toward Cahuita. Be sure and inquire about riptides. They are so common in Costa Rica and deserve much respect!

Thanks Shillmac...how deep can you safely go in without worrying about the rip tide though? Oh yah...and my girlfriend is worried about sharks...any worries??

As for depth, ask round in the area. Sharks? Up north, yes--haven't heard down in the southern Caribe. . . .