Regions of Costa Rica
3 Beautiful Beaches of the Central Pacific
Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast is the closest beach region to San José. Jaco is the busy surf-and-nightlife town, Manuel Antonio pairs beaches with a national park full of wildlife, and Playa Bejuco is a long, quiet surf beach for experienced surfers. This guide helps you choose between them.
The Central Pacific is the closest stretch of coast to San José, so it's busy on weekends and holidays, with Costa Rican families as well as visitors. Here are three very different beaches, from party town to protected park to empty surf beach.
Playa Jaco
Jaco is about 1.5 hours' drive from San José on the Route 27 highway, which makes it the capital's go-to beach town. It's a lively place, with high-rise condos, surf shops, restaurants and plenty of nightlife along the main street.
The long, gray-sand beach has a sandy-bottomed beach break that's popular for learning to surf, and there are lots of surf schools in town. Choose an instructor with good reviews and proper safety gear. Rip currents are common along this coast, so swim near other people and ask locally where it's safe. For three quieter places to stay, see our article on hotels in and near Jaco.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, near the town of Quepos, is about 157 km (98 miles) from San José. Here the beaches sit next to, and inside, Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited parks in the country. Inside the park you'll find calm, curved bays backed by forest, with good chances of seeing monkeys, sloths and iguanas. Outside it, Playa Espadilla is a long public beach with surf and beach chairs.
Practical tips: park tickets are sold online in advance through SINAC, the national parks service, and popular days sell out. The park closes one day a week (Costa Rica's tourism board announced in 2021 that the closing day moved to Tuesday), so check before you go. Arrive early for the best wildlife and the coolest hours, and hire a licensed guide if you want to spot animals hidden in the trees.
Playa Bejuco
Playa Bejuco is a long, quiet beach south of Jaco near Esterillos, much less developed than Jaco or Manuel Antonio. It has rocky points and tide pools at low tide, and its consistent beach-break waves draw surfers all year.
The waves here can be powerful and the currents strong, so it suits experienced surfers better than beginners, who'll do better in Jaco. If you're combining yoga with surf, our yoga and surf guide covers which beaches suit which level.
Yoga on the Central Pacific
The Central Pacific has drop-in studios in Jaco and Manuel Antonio and a few retreat options nearby. For the full picture, see our article on the Central Pacific region and our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica.
Frequently asked questions
Which Central Pacific beach is best for beginner surfers?
Jaco is the usual choice, with a sandy beach break and many surf schools. Playa Bejuco's waves are better for experienced surfers.
Do I need tickets for Manuel Antonio National Park?
Yes. Buy them online in advance from SINAC, the national parks service. The park closes one day a week, so check the schedule before you go.
How far is Jaco from San José?
About 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
[Updated on: 4 November 2026]
