If you are looking to fly into Costa Rica’s Liberia airport you are in for a treat. There are plenty of great beach towns near Liberia where you can visit making your travel easy and convenient.
After living in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica for 6 years, I know this area of Costa Rica all too well. That’s why I decided to make this list of the best beaches near Liberia, Costa Rica.
All these towns on located on the Pacific Ocean and only a short drive from LIR International Airport.
So whether you are looking to do some beach hopping on your vacation or you are looking to chill and enjoy some exotic beaches for the whole time of your vacation, I’ve got you covered.
These are the best beach towns you can find within a short drive or shuttle from the airport. They are organized from the closest to the airport to the farthest, to keep it easier for you to decide.
There are some beautiful beaches near Liberia Airport, so you are in luck.
Best Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica
1. Playas Del Coco
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica is a great choice for anyone looking to have an unforgettable beach vacation that doesn’t want to travel far from the airport.
Located only a few miles away from Liberia International Airport, Playas del Coco is the closest beach town to the airport you will get.
Making it one of the most popular beach towns in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Here you can enjoy outdoor activities such as zip-lining, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding while you are here.
The town also has many excellent restaurants offering traditional Costa Rican cuisine as well as international dishes.
It is also great for nightlife and is close to Ocotal Beach, which is known for its olive ridley sea turtles. Which is a bucket list item to do while you are there.
Also, be sure to check out Santa Rosa National Park perfect for nature lovers looking to see Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Duration: 20 minutes
2. Conchal Beach
Costa Rica’s beaches are world-renowned for their natural beauty and Playa Conchal is no exception. This is by far the prettiest beach near Liberia, Costa Rica.
You will love the bright blue waters and sugary white sand beaches.
Located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, Conchal Beach is just a short drive away, making it an ideal destination for those wanting to visit a beach town close to the airport.
With its pristine white sand and calm turquoise water, Conchal Beach offers visitors the perfect setting for relaxation and adventure.
Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation that everyone will remember for years to come, Conchal Beach has a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a calm vacation.
The beach offers activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, and more. It is also one of the prettiest beaches near Tamarindo.
Duration: 45 minutes
4. Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach, located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, is a stunning white sand beach surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal clear waters.
It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday, but there’s also plenty to explore and do.
Flamingo is the perfect location for retired travelers and families, as it is a bit more laid back, but still offers restaurants and plenty of things to do during the day, but a little quieter at night.
Duration: 50 minutes
5. Playa Grande Beach
Playa Grande, Costa Rica is a stunning beachfront destination known for its big waves and epic surf.
This stretch of golden sand surrounded by lush vegetation offers visitors a chance to experience a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Due to its strict turtle policy, there is little development on the beach, keeping it a remote location.
With the perfect combination of white sand beaches, calm waters, and swaying palm trees, you can relax and enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and swimming in the warm waters.
Additionally, Playa Grande provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to enjoy the laidback surfer vibes here.
Playa Grande is an ideal place for travelers who are looking to surf and who don’t care much for nightlife or an array of restaurants to choose from.
Duration: 50 minutes
6. Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo, located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, is a phenomenal beach town that offers something for everyone.
It is one of the most popular beach towns in all of Costa Rica and for good reason. There is plenty to do in Tamarindo.
With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse wildlife, it gives travelers the perfect mix of R&R and adventure.
It also boosts some of the best nightlife in Costa Rica, so you will not be bored.
Which is how I got stuck here for 6 years.
Tamarindo also offers plenty of opportunities to shop, dine, and explore the local culture.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation full of surfing and zip-lining, Tamarindo has it all!
Duration: 60 minutes
7. Pinilla
Pinilla, Costa Rica is on the Pacific Coast and is the perfect location for families, couples, and any traveler who enjoys staying in resorts.
Once you are here, you won’t want to leave.
The white sandy beaches and clear blue waters make it a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, while the stunning scenery of lush green mountains provides an ideal backdrop for taking long walks or hikes.
It is also on an epic golf course, so if you are looking to golf vacation this is your spot.
It’s conveniently located near Liberia airport, making it easy to get to from the United States or Canada.
Playa Pinilla is also known for its laid-back atmosphere; you won’t find any loud nightclubs here. Making one of the best beaches for a relaxing vacation.
Duration: 60 minutes
8. Playa Avellanas
Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Playa Avellanas is a stunning beach town perfect for those looking to spend some time in the sun and surf and who don’t care to be in a large town.
It is a lovely beach. The beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters draw visitors from around the world each year.
Home to the world famous Lola’s restaurant you can come dine here and visit the pig on the beach.
With plenty of activities available such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and zip-lining, there is something for everyone here at Playa Avellanas.
It is a much quieter town than Tamarindno, so good if you are looking to rent an airbnb cook and stay on the beach.
Duration: 60 minutes
9. Playa Negra
Playa Negra Costa Rica is a great destination for those looking to travel to a beach town that’s close to Liberia Airport.
This tropical paradise is known for its BIG WAVE surf. This wave it for advanced surfers only, so if you are new to surfing you might want to stick to Tamarindo Beach.
Playa Negra has some of the best black sand beaches in Costa Rica, hence the name.
The small town of Playa Negra is also home to delicious restaurants, shops, cafes, and activities like surfing.
With its warm weather and stunning views, it is an unbeatable destination for those looking for an epic surf spot in Costa Rica.
Duration: 75 minutes
10. Nosara
Okay, the last two are a little bit further from the airport, but worth the drive.
Nosara, Costa Rica is a charming beach town perfect for a surf and yoga retreat type of vacation. It is located in the Nicoya peninsula, one of the world’s blue zones.
From pristine white beaches to lush forests and jungles, Nosara has all the beauty and a more laid-back vibe making it the ideal location for couples looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
You won’t find much nightlife here, it is a spot to come and unwind.
The area is also home to some of the best surfing spots in Central America, making it an excellent destination for outdoor adventurers.
Duration: 90 minutes
11. Playa Samara
Samara, Costa Rica is the perfect surf and relaxing spot in Costa Rica. It is the farthest town on this list, but still worth the drive if you are looking for uncrowded surf.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or explore the unique landscapes surrounding Samara, there are plenty of options available.
You will find some nightlife here, but if your main goal is nightlife stick to Tamarindo or maybe even think about flying into San Jose and visiting a spot near there like Jaco Beach.
Duration: 100 minutes
Tours You Can Do Nearby Liberia
There a loads of tours you do near Liberia Airport.
- Rincon De La Vieja – All Day Combo Tour in a Volcanic National Parks
- Begging Surf Lessons In Tamarindo
- White Water River Rafting Tours
- Canopy Tours – Embrace the stunning natural beauty with adrenaline
- Palo Verde National Park
- Horseback riding tours
Conclusions On Beaches Near Liberia
Flying into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) can be a great alternative to flying into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). There are great spots to visit close by to LIR, not only the beach towns.
However, if you want to visit the Caribbean coast or Manuel Antonio National Park I recommend flying into SJO. Most of my favorite beaches are located in the Guanacaste region and close to LIR airport. It is a great spot to fly into and start your Costa Rican vacation.
FAQS
Is There A Beach Near the Airport in Liberia?
Yes, the closest beach to Liberia, Costa Rica Airport is going to be Playa Coco Beach.
It is the closest beach, but not the most beautiful beach around.
A small fishing village turned into a tourist beach town, you will find cute restaurants on the beach here with vacation vibes.
Are There Surfing Opportunities in The Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica?
Yes! If you are just starting out to surf or thinking about taking lessons you will most likely want to start off in the town of Tamarindo.
Here you take beginner surf lessons for around $50 a person. I highly recommend taking a surf lesson if you have never done it before, lessons will help you more than you know. Surfing is hard, especially when you are learning.
How long does it take to learn to surf?
Does Liberia Costa Rica Have Nice Beaches?
Yes, outside of Liberia you will find a ton of beautiful beaches for any occasion, all within a short drive.
After all Costa Rica’s name in English translates to the rich coast. So there are plenty of beautiful beaches to be discovered.
