After several years of exploring the coastline of Guanacaste, we have some thoughts on the best beaches to visit. We have broken our review into a 3 part series. Part One, this post, explores the calm-water beaches close to surfside where Casa Daniel and Casa Roberta are located. Part Two covers the main surf beaches a short drive away, and Part Three reviews a few beaches further afield that are worth a full day trip.
One of the first things we tell first-time guests is: don't just stay at the beach in front of the house. Playa Potrero is a great beach in its own right — but it's also the launching pad for one of the best stretches of coastline in Guanacaste. Within a few minutes you can find a sleepy shell beach and a horseback-riding beach nobody else is on. Within 30 minutes, real surf breaks. And if you're up for a bigger day out, the Papagayo Gulf beach towns to the north are worth the drive too.
Part One: Family-friendly beaches close to home
The beaches below all have calm, swimmable water and are a short walk or drive from Casa Roberta and Casa Daniel — perfect for an ordinary beach day.
Playa Potrero — the main beach in Potrero, easily walkable from either house. This is where you'll find Hemingway's and the sailing club, which rents kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear if you want to get out on the water. The main access point is on the road next to the sailing center, and you can park on the side of the road if you'd rather drive down.
Playa Penca — the next beach north of Potrero and an easy walk along the sand. You'll often see locals fishing here, and it's a great spot for a quiet morning stroll. Once you reach Las Brisas, the seafood restaurant at the North end of the beach you can keeping walking to the other side of Playa Penca which is more attractive for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa Flamingo — a gorgeous white-sand beach and one of the best places around for sunsets, especially with a drink in hand at Coco Loco. It's also a hub for snorkeling and diving, with a few dive shops nearby renting gear and running trips. Check out the newer marina on the way in — there's even a Margaritaville, though it's looking a little tired these days.
Playa Brasilito — about a 12-minute drive south of Surfside. Calm and typically uncrowded, and a great spot for horseback riding. Access is through the main town of Brasilito — park around the village square and expect to pay around $5.
Playa Conchal — one of the most famous beaches in the country, made up almost entirely of crushed seashells instead of sand. The water is clear enough for genuinely good swimming and snorkeling, especially in the small lagoon at the right-hand end when it's calm. You can't drive in — access is by walking along Brasilito beach and over a short hill.
Playa Prieta — a genuine hidden gem, reached by driving past the tiny town of La Penca toward Las Catalinas. Access is down a steep dirt road on the left — take it slow, especially in a low-clearance car, and watch the lip at the top. Unfortunately, it’s not marked, that makes it very uncrowded, but persevere and you will see the steep drive. There's a small parking lot at the end and plenty of shade. You'll usually see more locals here than tourists.
Playa Danta & Playa Dantita (Las Catalinas) — Danta is the main beach in Las Catalinas — a car-free, walkable little town built in a European hill-village style, worth a wander even beyond the beach. Danta itself has a food court, shops, a water sports center, hiking trails, picnic tables, and a beach playground. Around the cove to the right is Dantita — quieter, no facilities, just a lovely little bay worth the short walk. Parking in the main Las Catalinas lot isn't cheap, but if you keep driving past it there's a dirt lot (also the trailhead for the hiking trails) where you can find cheaper parking.
Sugar Beach — named for its sand, which really does look like dark brown sugar. Good for body surfing, and there's plenty of natural shade if you're travelling with people who don't want full sun all day.
A few practical tips
- Bring cash for parking. Brasilito and Las Catalinas both charge a small fee and don't take cards. $USD or Colones are both fine and plan for about $5 for the day
- Mind the tide. Conchal, which you reach on foot from Brasilito, is a much easier walk at low tide.
- Go early or late. The midday sun in Guanacaste is intense. Mornings and late afternoons are cooler, quieter, and usually prettier.
- Wear something on your feet for the rockier access points, like the walk to Prieta or over the hill to Conchal.
Up next: Surf’s up
Ready to get some real waves under you? Part 2 of this guide covers the best surf beaches near Playa Potrero — from Tamarindo's beginner-friendly breaks to the reef at Playa Negra.
Planning a family trip to Playa Potrero?
Casa Roberta and Casa Daniel were made for families — private pools, full kitchens, room to spread out, and two owners (and parents) who'll happily share everything we know about the area. Book direct with us and save on platform fees.
Questions about traveling with kids? Reach out — you'll get us, not a call center.