My best friend and I are going to Cost Rica for our 30th birthday. Any ideas as to the best beach area for swimming, activities, some night life, and decent hotels right on the water (mid-high tier hotels. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

You might like Manuel Antonio - it's an area with a lot of nice hotels, lots of restaurants that overlook the water, sunset views, a National Park full of wildlife with a beautiful beach, mangrove tours, ziplines, horseback riding, etc. It's really easy to get around in this area - things are pretty close together. It's not as natural and undeveloped as other areas of CR, but it sounds like some development is okay with you.

Great- thanks! Do you know of any hotels in this area that would be good? Also, we are open to areas that are a little less developed, but definitely want to be right by the beach.

Check out Mango Moon, Tulemar Bungalows, Costa Verde, Villas Nicolas, Si Como No, and Makanda by the Sea - different sizes and price ranges. Most of the hotels there are set on a hill overlooking the water; the best beach is inside the park itself.

Oops, forgot one - Buena Vista Villas is popular too.

Hi,

Just got back from Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio is beautiful. We stayed at Casitas Eclipse, very nice, mediteranian feel, get one with balcony overlooking the water. There are two sides in manuel antonio, jungle side on one side of street (casitas eclipse) or ocean side (you are high up though not on beach) (Si Como No). Manuel Antonio is a long road with hotels, restaurants, etc. not really townlike in my opinion. Gorgeous views, and tours. Volcanogirl has a good take on it. There are a number of resort towns on the beach. We did not stay in any of those areas but they looked beautiful. You'll have to ask someone else..maybe volcanogirl.

Enjoy! We were their for 40th.

Do not stop or stay in Jaco on the way to Manuel Antonio if you drive. It is a very criminal town. We had our luggage stolen and there were lots of people in police station experiencing the same thing. Locals outside of there said it is a bad place. Too bad because the beach is very nice.

Have fun!

Michelle

Thanks Michelle and Volcano girl> Will have to check out the mentioned places!