Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tamarindo?

Q: Is one day enough time in Tamarindo?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the chill town of Tamarindo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tamarindo?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Tamarindo, Costa Rica? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Tamarindo during their visit. After all, the chill town will let you swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Tamarindo is a popular beach town in the Guanacaste Province. It has beautiful golden beaches that attract surfers and vacationers. The town is also near Playa Grande Beach, which is where you'll find hatching leatherback turtles during the right season.

Do you have one or two days to visit Tamarindo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Tamarindo?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the chill town of Tamarindo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Tamarindo

Don't miss Las Baulas National Marine Park during your trip to Tamarindo, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Tamarindo is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a small town that is quite popular with tourists. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the chill town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 5 days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica

How to spend 2 days in Tamarindo

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Tamarindo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

The beautiful beaches await you in Tamarindo, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

A few tour suggestions include:

BEST Surf Lessons in Tamarindo and Surf funcional, Surf skate, Video Analisis ($65)
5 Star Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, with SALT Surf As Life Therapy ($73)
Jet Ski guided tour in Playa Conchal ($190)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

A few tour suggestions include:

Bartending Masterclass & Cocktail Tasting Tamarindo ($149)

Public transit in Tamarindo is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are three public bus lines through town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Tamarindo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.