With the construction (in February 2010) of the highway San José – Calderas, the closest beaches are only 50 minutes away from San José. The stretch of the coastline, all the way to the Nicoya Peninsula offers many great places to go.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but still one of the most popular ones. The National Park is part of nearly every tourists route through Costa Rica, whether you are traveling on tour or on your own. What can be found here that is so special? An undamaged ecosystem with plenty of wildlife, jungle and palm trees right next to the beach, the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Playa Jacó (if not exactly a spectacular beach) is one of the best beaches near the capital (50 minutes) and has a first class infrastructure. Restaurants, banks, hotels, casinos, nightlife, tours and leisure facilities, etc.. You can find all of these in a considerable quantity. Not everyone is looking for this, nature lovers want more tranquility. But it is a good option on the way to the south, or for a trip over the weekend.
A mile-long sandy beach, which is ideal for surfing and walking. When bathing, you have to be careful with strong currents and the tide's undertow (like everywhere on this coast).
It was discovered in the early seventies as a traveler's destination. There have been many immigrants that have settled here. This resulted in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Only 45,000 people live in Puntarenas. The city is located on a narrow spit of land across the middle of the Gulf of Nicoya. As a destination, Puntarenas is not particularly attractive, but the city has its charm. Most important are the ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula that depature here daily.