Looks like we will stay a few days in one or more of these places in early February. It sounds to me like Nosara is less crowded and more rustic. Tamarindo sounds great but more crowded, with Samara somewhere between the two. We are not looking for a "resort" vacation, but don't mind being comfortable. Any advice from those who've been there? Muchas gracias!!!

Your ideas are just about right on. I've been to all three, although I didn't stay in Samara, only passed through a few times.
Nosara is much less crowded than Tamarindo, only a little less crowded than Samara. In fact, the population of Nosara might be about the same as Samara, but it's hard to tell because Samara's "town" is more compact. Nosara is fairly spread out.
I don't know what you mean about Nosara being more rustic? You can find "comfort" in any of thoses three locations, with the 'nicer', most comfortable and even dang near 'American Standards' being found in Tamarindo.
Samara is a fishing village, so the main beach will have boats tied offshore and no waves. Nosara's main beaches have much larger waves.
I hope this helps...

Schmeed, We have been to Tamarindo and Nosara. I think it really depends on which one is closer to where you will be, adn what you are looking for. In Tamarindo you can walk to restaurants and shops very easily, but the beach itself is not as nice as Nosara, in my opinion. Nosara has an absolutely beautiful beach and it was very uncrowded when we were there. There is not much shade. The town I am not familiar with since the town and the beach are in two separate places. Depending on where you stayed you could walk to a few restaurants but it is not at all as built up as Tamarindo. It is great for a quiet relaxing spot. We loved it and will probably go back. We were in Tamarindo two years ago and it probably has changed a lot since then.Where else in Costa Rica are you going?

I love this forum! We will also be in Arenal Paraiso for 3 nights prior to heading to one of the beach areas. After our stay there, we will move on to Manuel Antonio for a night (Mono Azul) and Hacienda Baru for 3 nights, then a couple of nights in San Jose with a Pacuare river trip. 12 nights in all. We'd love to see hatchling sea turtles, thus the interest in areas near Playa Grande and Ostional. thanks again for your help.