5 Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Costa Rica

I’m guessing that watching an ocean sunset is on just about everyone’s bucket list when planning a trip to Costa Rica, and with good reason! The sunsets I’ve witnessed in Costa Rica were nothing short of magical. At times, it almost felt like a spiritual experience.

If you think I’m exaggerating, keep scrolling.

I was in Costa Rica long enough to stumble upon incredible sunsets without planning for it, but if you’re going for a shorter trip and want to be more intentional about it, this guide has got you covered! Today I’m sharing the top 5 places to witness an epic sunset in Costa Rica!

Side note: All of these places are on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, which is where you can see the sun setting into the ocean. However, if you’re visiting the Caribbean side, make sure to catch a sunrise!

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Top 5 Places To Watch The Sunset In Costa Rica

1. JACÓ

Let me start off with the most INSANE sunset I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I only spent one evening in Jacó, but it was a visit to remember. I had just arrived on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, so I knew I’d finally be able to catch a sunset and well… the universe really went all out that day.

Honestly, I was in awe and I felt like I had teleported to a different planet. This was one of those moments the majesticness of mother nature just moves you to tears.

📍Where is Jacó? Jaco is a lively beach town located on in the Puntarenas province. It’s one of the most accessible beach destinations from San José, just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive via the main highway. Because of this, it’s super popular with both locals and tourists, especially for weekend getaways.

🏨 Where to stay? This charming, hacienda-style hotel with ocean view is perfect if you want to feel like you’re coming home to your own private oasis. Think dark wooden beams, warm earthy tones, and a lush tropical garden with a gorgeous pool. It’s got that old-school charm that makes you want to sip coffee on the veranda and pretend you live there.

2. SANTA TERESA

Santa Teresa is the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset at the beach with some friends and a couple of beers. It’s a laid-back town with a chill vibe. You’ll find lots of people surfing and swimming till after the sun sets. There are also some bars and restaurants right at the beach. Pura vida all the way!

📍Where is Santa Teresa? Santa Teresa is located on the southwestern tip of Nicoya Peninsula. You’ll need to travel a bit to get there, often via ferry and bumpy roads. Despite its remote location, it’s a lively town and quite popular among travellers. It’s also surrounded by some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches such as Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen.

🏨 Where to stay? This boutique hotel in Spanish colonial style is one of the most stunning hotels I’ve ever seen (seriously!). Set amidst lush jungle with sweeping ocean views and a beautiful pool, it’s the definition of paradise.

3. SÁMARA

Going to the beach and watching the sunset was one of my favourite things to do in Sámara town. Plenty of people head to the beach during golden hour, but Playa Sámara is huge, so it will never feel too crowded. Even though the sun doesn’t set in the ocean, the sky still explodes in stunning colours every night.

📍Where is Sámara town? Similar to Santa Teresa, Sámara town is located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. It’s known for its calm waters (great for swimming and beginner surfing!) and its friendly, small-town vibe.

🏨 Where to stay? When I picture tropical interiors, this gorgeous villa is exactly what comes to mind. Wooden accents, an abundance of greenery, colourful hammocks and a dreamy pool tucked into the jungle… It’s a true hidden gem in the heart of Sámara town.

4. PLAYA NEGRA

Playa Negra is perfect for everyone who likes to go off the beaten path. It’s not as easy to reach, but you’ll soon forget about the bumpy dirt roads once you’re settled on this gorgeous beach. The sunsets at Playa Negra are spectacular and because it’s so secluded, you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world!

📍Where is Playa Negra? Playa Negra is a quiet, slightly rugged beach just north of Tamarindo, on the northwest Pacific coast. Though quite remote, it’s pretty well-known among surfers for its spectacular surf-break. The nearby town of Los Pargos is tiny but growing.

🏨 Where to stay? This fascinating lodge is far from your average hotel. It’s giving luxury cabin in the woods with a creative twist. It has a big garden, an incredible pool and plenty of quirky design details that make this an unforgettable stay.

5. TAMARINDO

In Tamarindo, watching the sunset is like a tourist event. Hundreds of people gather on the beach to drink, relax and take those golden hour selfies. It’s great if you enjoy bigger crowds and a fun party vibe!

📍Where is Tamarindo? Tamarindo sits on the northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations, offering a mix of surf culture, nightlife, and nature, with plenty of restaurants and hotels lining the beach.

🏨 Where to stay? Whoever designed these insane bungalows honestly deserves an award. All natural materials, luxury yet super cozy, lots of windows and tropical plants. Oh, and it’s right by the beach too! For this hotel alone I would travel all the way to Tamarindo, lol.

I hope this post gave you a clear oversight of where to watch the sunset in Costa Rica. Even if you don’t catch the sunset every evening, each of these destinations is well worth a spot on your itinerary!

Where did you see the most beautiful sunset in your life? Let me know in the comments! 🙂