I have 3 small children (4, 6, and 9) and will be in Costa Rica for a month this summer. We're looking for a house right on the beach to use as the base camp for our adventures. Any advice?

Have you looked at VBRO (Vacation rental by owner)? I do not have personal experience with them but have seen many interesting listings. There are many other real estate firms involved with renting properties in CR. You might choose a particular area (Quepos/ManuelAntonio, Tamarindo/PlayaGrande) and search online for rentals in those areas. If you find one you are interested in, many list comments from previous renters, like VBRO. You are lucky to have such a long time to stay - I am sure you will enjoy it and monthly rentals are usually a much better deal.

It's VRBO, not VBRO. We have rented 4-5 times from owners on this site and have been very satisfied. You deal directly with the owners, not an agency. http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...ica/costa-rica is the website

In MA, Tulemar Bungalows also has homes for rent. the prices are not dirt cheap but lower than winter and they have a private beach that is available. Some of the houses have pools as well. Good Location and with a gated entry to the area.

How is the climate in CR over the summer? We had thought it might be too hot and wet?

The temperature was not overbearing. It was warm and humid and cooled down at night in Arenal. It was warmer at the beach but also cooled in the evening but not as much as Arenal. Didn't need a sweater there. I would guess around 85F on average.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAMARINDO AREA, I CAN STRONGLY RECOMMEND RPM AS A RENTAL AGENCY. THEY ARE EXTREMELY HELPFUL (MEET AT AIRPORT, HELP WITH PROVISIONING RECOMMENDATIONS) AND OFFER A GREAT PROPERTY INVENTORY.