The first thing you notice about Tamarindo isn’t the waves or the golden sand. It’s the buzz. This sun-drenched Costa Rican town hums with an energy that’s equal parts laid-back and lively, a perfect cocktail of surf culture and social scene.
As you stroll down the main strip, surfboard under one arm, you’ll be struck by the eclectic mix of hangouts. From weathered beach bars to sleek lounges where bartenders muddle fresh passionfruit for craft cocktails, there’s a little something for everyone.
This is Tamarindo in a nutshell, a place where flip-flops are acceptable footwear everywhere, and where you’re just as likely to run into a pro surfer as you are a honeymooning couple at the local watering hole.
With that in mind, we uncover the best spots to relax, refuel, and mingle after long days of riding Costa Rica’s famous breaks. Here’s your guide to the best hangouts in Tamarindo. Grab your board and let’s dive in.
Lola’s: Where Beach Vibes Meet Culinary Delights
Photo courtesy of Lola’s
Let’s kick things off with a spot that perfectly encapsulates the Tamarindo experience: Lola’s. Situated right on Playa Avellanas, this beachfront restaurant and bar is the ideal place to transition from your surf session to your evening adventures.
Named after the owner’s pet pig (who, yes, you might spot wandering around), Lola’s is all about laid-back luxury. Picture this: you’re sinking your toes into the sand, sipping on a craft cocktail made with local fruits, and watching the last surfers of the day catch their final waves. The menu here is a delightful mix of Costa Rican classics and international favorites, all prepared with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Top tip: Try their ceviche—it’s the perfect post-surf refuel, packed with protein and zesty flavors that’ll dance on your tongue. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday night, stick around for their legendary beach parties. It’s the perfect way to mingle with fellow surfers and locals alike.
Sharky’s: Sports, Pool, and Surf Flicks
Sometimes, after a long day of battling the waves, you just want to kick back with a cold drink and some low-key entertainment. Enter Sharky’s, Tamarindo’s premier sports bar and a favorite among the local surf crowd.
With multiple big-screen TVs, pool tables, and a menu that doesn’t skimp on portions, Sharky’s is the perfect place to relax and recharge. They show everything from NFL games to surf competitions, so you can keep up with your favorite sports no matter how far you are from home.
But what really sets Sharky’s apart are their surf movie nights. Lounge on a comfy couch, cold beer in hand, watching classic surf films on the big screen. It’s a dream come true for any wave enthusiast. These nights are also great opportunities to meet fellow surfers and maybe even plan the next day’s session.
Top tip: Don’t miss their fish tacos. They’re a local legend and pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer after a day in the salt and sun.
El Be! Beach Club: Sunset Central
If you’re the type of surfer who lives for those magical sunset moments, El Be! Beach Club needs to be on your Tamarindo hit list. Situated right on the beach, this spot offers front-row seats to some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
El Be! strikes the perfect balance between upscale and laid-back. You can roll in straight off the beach in your board shorts, or dress up a bit for a special night out. Either way, you’ll feel right at home.
Their cocktail menu is a work of art, featuring unique creations that incorporate local fruits and spirits. Try the Pipa Fría, a refreshing blend of coconut water, white rum, and mint for a taste of Costa Rica in a glass.
As the sky turns golden, grab a seat on their beachfront terrace. Order a round of bocas (Costa Rican appetizers) to share, and watch as the sun paints the sky and sea in breathtaking colors. It’s the perfect backdrop for reliving the day’s best waves or planning tomorrow’s surf adventure.
La Oveja Negra: The Surfer’s Home Away From Home
Sometimes you just want a night out that feels less like a tourist spot and more like you’re hanging at a friend’s place. That’s La Oveja Negra, or “The Black Sheep.” This cozy hostel bar has become a second home for many traveling surfers.
What makes La Oveja Negra special is its community vibe. On any given night, you’ll find a mix of locals, expats, and travelers gathered around the bar, swapping stories and sharing laughs. The decor is eclectic and charming, with surfboards adorning the walls and fairy lights twinkling overhead.
They often host live music nights featuring local talent, which can range from acoustic singer-songwriters to full bands that’ll have you dancing till the wee hours. And if you’re feeling peckish, their kitchen turns out some mean pizzas that are perfect for soaking up those Costa Rican craft beers.
Top tip: Check out their bulletin board, which is often filled with notices about upcoming surf competitions, board sales, and other events that might pique your interest.
Rapture Camps Surf Camp: Where Surfing Never Stops
No list of Tamarindo hangouts would be complete without mentioning Rapture Camp’s surf camp. It’s more than just a surf camp and transforms into a full-blown surfer’s paradise that easily blends daytime wave-riding with nighttime socializing.
A relaxed bar area acts as a hub of activity from sunrise to well past sunset. By day, it’s a great spot to grab a quick breakfast before your morning session or refuel with a hearty lunch. But as evening falls, it transforms into a buzzing place to hangouts.
What sets Rapture Camps apart is its unbeatable surf vibe. You’re guaranteed to be rubbing elbows with a mix of surf instructors, pro riders, and stoked beginners who just caught their first wave.
More info: Learn about surf camp in Costa Rica
Pangas Beach Club: A Taste of Luxury
After days of roughing it in the waves, why not indulge with some luxury? That’s where Pangas Beach Club comes in. Nestled at the northern end of Tamarindo Beach, Pangas offers a more upscale experience without losing that essential laid-back, beachy vibe.
The setting here is nothing short of spectacular. Tables are set up right on the sand, under the shade of swaying palms. As you sip on a expertly crafted cocktail, you can watch boats bobbing in the estuary where the Tamarindo River meets the Pacific.
Pangas really shines when it comes to food. The menu is a celebration of Costa Rican cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood. And while Pangas is perfect for a special night out, don’t feel like you need to dress up too much. This is still Tamarindo, after all, and beach-chic is always in style.
Top tip: Try the catch of the day. It’s likely been pulled from the very waters you’re gazing at. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, and you’ve got a meal that rivals any five-star restaurant.
El Garito: Late Night Dance Vibes
For those nights when you’ve got energy to burn even after a full day of surfing, El Garito is the place to be. This lively club is where Tamarindo goes to dance, with different themes and music styles throughout the week.
What’s great about El Garito is its diverse crowd. On any given night, you might find yourself salsa dancing with a local, discussing wave forecasts with a fellow traveler, or getting down to some electronic beats with a group of international party-goers.
They often bring in DJs from around Costa Rica and beyond, ensuring the music is always fresh and exciting. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their signature shots – just maybe wait until after your morning surf session to indulge.
Like most places in Tamarindo, things don’t really get going here until late. Show up before 11 pm, and you might find yourself alone on the dance floor.
Tamarindo: A Surfer’s Social Paradise
From sunrise to long past sunset, Tamarindo offers a smorgasbord of options for surfers looking to socialize, relax, and enjoy the pura vida lifestyle. Whether you’re refueling after a marathon surf session, dancing the night away, or simply soaking in a spectacular sunset with a cold drink in hand, this Costa Rican beach town has you covered.
And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the full surf experience, there’s no better place to stay than Rapture Surf Camps. Nestled just a short walk from the beach, this surf camp offers not only top-notch accommodations but also a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
