Beaches we like:
Playa Prieta-right in front of our place-down the driveway, turn right, take the first left under the telephone pole, down to the beach-great for sunset, hanging, no surfing or boogieing. BYO everything-no services.
Playa Penca-turn left out of driveway, right at Sol y Mar, right again at next corner, park at end. Great hanging, swimming, snorkeling, etc. BYO everything….
Playa Potrero-driveway, turn left, right at Sol Y mar, take road straight past soccer field on your left, park when you are out of road-Las Brisas restaurant on your right, you can walk to Flamingo if you want on your left. Great pink shells, watching the locals fish.
Playa Conchal-take the road back to Brasilito, in Brasilito turn left just before bridge and go to ocean—on your left is outback jacks-good rest. Make a left, drive along water for 50 yds, you will come out on the beach, take the track along the beach for about 400 yds, follow up over the hillock and into Conchal beach. Park. This is all shell beach, has good swimming, snorkeling, vendors on the beach to shop, and jet ski rentals. Usually there are vendors with refreshments-at your left is 9000 unit housing development that is all enclosed, but the beach is public by law. Usually vendors with snacks and drinks, or BYO.
Playa Grande-go past Brasilito, head for Huacas-at the dead end, go right, follow signs to Playa Grande. In Grande, you will see surf shop on your right, KIKE's Place (pronounced KEEKE"S) on your left, and in about 100 yds, Frijoles Locos surf shop on your left-good place for shopping, at Frijoles take the road slightly right-straight down the beach-about 400 yds. Park. At end of lot is Taco Star-say hi to Brittany and her tacos are a must have, also best deal in town. This is one of the best surfing beaches around, but can be tricky with currents-her husband and brother in law are surf instructors and she is always up on water conditions. (Bring an umbrella-very little shade here) . Great shelling as well.
Playa Avellanas. Go out like you were going to Grande, but at the dead end (Yellow burned van advertising Outback Jacks on your right) turn left, follow signs for Tamarindo—turn right in about 200 yards at the split in Huacas-go towards Tamarindo…..in Santa Rosa, almost in Tamarindo, the road splits with a hard right to go to Tamarindo—go straight and follow signs for Avellanas. In about 1 kilometer you are on dirt road, keep going for about 8 kilometers, then take the right: Avellanas and Pinnillea (which is a Marriott 5 star resort)—follow signs to Avellana for about 13 kilometers. When you see a road to the right with a sign for Lola's-take that, straight into the parking lot in about ½ klick. Attendant is either Victor or his son Dennis, if it is Victor say hi from Suzi he will get you a shade spot. On your right is the Lola's—have a seat, ask if Brenda is working and she will take care of you. Food is excellent, drinks are great, CASH Only, and this is a legendary surfing beach, boogie boarding, etc. Also great shell collecting. (www.Avellanassurfschool.com)
At the left end of the beach, is the Avellanas surf school, if you want a lesson tell Walter or Mauricio we sent you, they will take care of you.
Sugar Beach-turn right out of the gate, take the road about 2 kilometers and turn in to the Sugar Beach hotel-great food, drinks on the beach, and fun swimming, etc. (www.sugar-beach.com)
Playa Dante—go past Sugar beach (don't turn in at the hotel..) and keep going about 5 kilometers, you will see a sign. Park in lot, about 100yds hike to beach-no services but some shade under trees—great swim, snorkel, etc. beach. BYO.
