A Local’s Guide to Guanacaste: Best Eats, Shops, and Adventures

Welcome to Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s tropical paradise, where golden beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture come together to create the ultimate setting for your dream getaway—no matter the reason for your visit.

Whether you’re here to feast, shop, or dive headfirst into adventure, this slice of paradise has something for everyone.

In this blog, let’s discover unforgettable eats, unique finds, and amazing experiences!

Best Eats in Guanacaste

Are you a food lover or a curious traveler with a taste for adventure? Then Guanacaste is your playground! These local spots serve up tropical flavors, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering dishes you’ll dream about long after you’ve left.

1. Sugoi Mexican & Asian Cuisine (Playas del Coco - Ocotal Road)
   Located at The Club at Coco Bay, you’ll find the perfect setting for afternoon or night meals. With the best recipes in town and the unique Hibachi Tables, this restaurant mixes both Mexican and Asian dishes. Besides the delicious flavors, there’s special options for you three times a week: Wednesday get a 10% off every sushi creation; Thursday Margaritas can be enjoyed at 2 x 1 and on Friday Live Music by Grupo Mangú are there to light up your dinner!

2. Ginger Restaurant (Playa Hermosa)
   Picture this: a serene garden, twinkling fairy lights, and a tapas-style menu that mixes global inspiration with tropical flair. Pair it with a creative cocktail, and you’ve got yourself an enchanting evening.

3. The Lookout Restaurant & Bar (Playas del Coco)
   Perched high above the coastline, this spot serves up jaw-dropping ocean views and fresh seafood that’ll make your heart sing. Don’t skip the tuna tartare—trust us.

4. Santorini (Playas del Coco)
   For an upscale evening, Santorini is where it’s at. Located in a beautiful setting right on Main Street in the heart of Playas del Coco. This restaurant offers everyday Greek and American dishes. Think grilled meats, local seafood, fresh salads, gyros, gourmet burgers, and all the Greek staples you love—plus a few vegetarian options. Pair your meal with a large variety of wines, beers, or house-made sangria. 

5. Father Rooster Beachfront Bar & Grill (Playa Ocotal)
   Laid-back and right on the beach, Father Rooster is the perfect place to savor fresh-grilled seafood and tropical cocktails—toes in the sand, drink in hand.

6. Hacienda Blu Beach Lounge & Grill
   If you’re in the Hermosa/Panamá area, Hacienda Blu Beach is the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience. Their specialty, irresistible bruschettas, are a must-try—whether you’re sharing them or keeping them all to yourself! The menu also features fresh seafood, juicy beef, and an excellent selection of wines. Combine that with a stunning setting, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable evening.

Unique Shops in Guanacaste

1. Hidden Garden Art Gallery (Playas del Coco)
   Stroll through this vibrant gallery and discover stunning landscapes, wildlife paintings, and one-of-a-kind pieces from Costa Rican artists. It’s like walking through Guanacaste’s soul.

2. El Coco Art & Souvenirs (Playas del Coco)
   Looking for unique keepsakes? This charming shop is packed with handcrafted jewelry, colorful artwork, and souvenirs with heart. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself.

3. Seaside Boutique (Playa Panama)
   Beach chic meets local craftsmanship here. From breezy beachwear to handmade accessories, you’ll find stylish treasures that vibe perfectly with the tropics.

4. Coco Loco Surf Shop (Playas del Coco)
   Got your surf game on? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, this shop has everything you need to ride the waves or simply look the part.

5. Artisans Market in Liberia
   Located in the heart of Guanacaste’s capital, this market offers handmade goods ranging from intricately woven bags and hammocks to pottery and carved wooden figurines. Every item tells a story, making it the perfect place to find a meaningful souvenir.

Must-Try Adventures in Guanacaste

Craving a little thrill with your chill? These local experiences will get your heart racing and leave you with stories to tell.

1. Catamaran Tours
   Set sail on a catamaran adventure where you’ll discover amazing beaches, vibrant snorkeling spots, and sunsets that’ll steal your breath away. Food, drinks, and tropical vibes included. We recommend visiting during Whale Season to witness these marvelous creatures! 

2. Scuba Diving
   Dive into a whole new world! Some of the best spots in Guanacaste offer crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Swim alongside colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, and maybe even a friendly turtle or two.

3. Beach Yoga
   Start your day with a sunrise yoga session by the ocean. The sound of waves and the soft sand under your toes will leave you feeling blissed out and refreshed.

4. Adventure Day Trip
   Enjoy a day of pure excitement with Guanacaste’s best tours and activities! From zip-line tours to ATV rides and horseback adventures, these activities promise not only fun but also a whole new way to experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking beauty. If you require assistance to create the perfect vacation itinerary, reach out to our Concierge Services!

5. Local Cooking Classes
   Roll up your sleeves and learn how to make Costa Rican classics like casado and picadillo. These hands-on classes usually include a trip to the market for fresh, local ingredients.

Let’s Plan Your Guanacaste Getaway

Visiting the land of Pura Vida translates into a vacation filled with tropical vibes, friendly people, delicious food and impressive landscapes! Costa Rica is waiting and Guanacaste truly has it all. Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Panama, and Playa Ocotal are calling—ready to answer? Check out our full listing of available properties and let’s start planning your next vacation together. 

Stay tuned to our blog for exclusive tips, tropical inspiration, and expert advice, or reach out to us anytime through our contact channels. We're here to help you plan your perfect vacations!

Your Perfect Getaway Awaits—and trust us, you won’t want to miss a second of it!