This post may contain affiliate links, which means that purchases through the links listed may give me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flamingo is a comfortable beach town with a ton of amenities, right in the heart of Guanacaste! It’s only 50 minutes from the Liberia Airport and about 3-3.5 hours from La Fortuna and Monteverde.
Flamingo is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo. There are a ton of activities to do and awesome day trips in the immediate area!
If you’re looking for a town with a gorgeous beach and great restaurants, Flamingo is a lovely option. This guide will go over the best tours and activities in the area, where to get some amazing meals, and the best places to stay in Flamingo!
What is Flamingo Beach like?
Flamingo is most famous for its white sand and clear turquoise water. This beach gets decent waves, which makes it a fun place for families to visit. There’s two beachfront restaurants, Coco Loco and Margaritaville. You can rent umbrellas and chairs right on the beach, or even get a massage!
Flamingo is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Parking can be a bit tight at Flamingo Beach, so make sure you come early to secure a spot.
The Best Places to Stay in Playa Flamingo
One of the reasons why Playa Flamingo is such an incredible destination is the amazing options of where to stay! There are quite a few hotels and condos right off of the beach!
360 Splendor del Pacifico Residences
🔹 Just 850ft from the beach, with incredible views of the Pacific Coast
🔹 Saltwater infinity pool
🔹 Fitness room, AC, private parking, & great restaurants nearby
🔹 Apartments with kitchen & patio
🔹 Boutique hotel with great prices
🔹 Ample outdoor space, restaurant on site, AC
🔹 Breakfast is included!
🔹 Comfortable rooms with various options for families
🔹 Practically on the beach!
🔹 Multiple pools
🔹 Comfortable condos with a full kitchen
🔹 Fitness room, AC, private parking, & bar/lounge on property
Wondering what other options you have? Check Booking.com below.
Where to Eat in Flamingo
There are a ton of great restaurants near Flamingo. Here are some of my tried and true favorites.
🔷 Gracia La Vid – Terrific pizza in an upscale setting. This restaurant has an intimate feel and the menu is outstanding! They combine unique flavors and ingredients in the most creative way.
🔷 Patagonia – An Argentine restaurant with great appetizers and a stunning view of the sunset. This restaurant also has a pool so it’s a great place to come with kids.
🔷 Las Brisas – A casual restaurant located right on the beach! They specialize in local food and drinks. The Bomba Ceviche (pictured above) is my favorite dish. It’s a huge bowl of ceviche with all kinds of seafood piled high—even a lobster tail!
🔷 Potrero Brewing Company – A local brewery with great craft beers. The brewery shares their outdoor space with a couple different food vendors.
🔷 Flamingo Marina – A new marina with an ice cream shop, a few boutique shops, and a Cafe Britt!
For a complete list of restaurants worth trying in the area, check out this post!
The Best Things to Do in & around Flamingo
One of the best things about Flamingo is its central location! There are a ton of activities and tours right in the area. Here are some of the must-do activities when visiting the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
🔷 A Catamaran Tour – What better way to appreciate the beauty of Guanacaste than boating around on a catamaran? Catamaran tours include snorkeling, a visit to a pristine beach only accessible by boat, a fresh lunch, and unlimited beverages!
🔷 A Surfing Lesson – You can’t leave the Pacific Coast without trying your hand at surfing! Tamarindo Beach is the go-to place for beginners looking to surf.
🔷 Horseback Riding – Spot monkeys in the jungle on horseback and finish your ride at the beach!
🔷 Watch Baby Sea Turtles Hatch – One of the most impressive thing you can see in Costa Rica, watch hordes of sea turtles come to the beach to lay eggs or see the babies make their way to the sea!
🔷 Visit Some Other Must-See Beaches! – There are tons of beaches in the area, each one more breathtaking than the next. If you want to venture to some other beaches, check out Playa Conchal and Playa Prieta!
🔷 Watch a Pacific Sunset – Watch the sunset at the beach or at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, like Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas and Coco Loco on Flamingo Beach. Make sure you catch it from start to finish!
🔷 Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Destination – Tamarindo is another beach town with great shopping, dining and nightlife. Poza Los Coyotes is a hidden gem in Guanacaste, home to a series of natural pools with bright blue water! Las Catalinas is another town close to Flamingo with picturesque buildings and cobblestone roads.
For a complete list of the best activities in Guanacaste, check out this post.
Final Thoughts on Playa Flamingo
If you’re looking for a comfortable town near the beach with great restaurants and amenities, but also easy access to the best things to do in Costa Rica, Flamingo is a great choice. It’s also a great destination to pair with Monteverde or La Fortuna to experience both the rainforest side of Costa Rica and the sunny beaches.
Looking for true freedom when exploring Costa Rica? Enjoy 10% off your car rental with Costa Rica’s most trustworthy company.
More Essential Info for Planning Your Dream Trip:
🔹 Costa Rica Planning Guide – Trip planning 101
🔹 Deciding when to come to Costa Rica
🔹 10% off your rental car – Costa Rica’s most reliable company
🔹 Safety Tips to enjoy your trip to the fullest
🔹 The Ultimate Packing List for Costa Rica
About Costa Tica Travel
