beer & beaches in nosara, costa rica

Leah Fishman

Surf & yogi haven, hidden gem, home of the best frozen banana coffee—Nosara is, by far, one of easiest and breeziest places I've ever been. While there's local shopping, yoga retreats, and extreme adventure a'plenty, my focus was on three things and three things only: vegan food, good beer and beautiful beaches. Pura Vida, folks!

Go Juice, Naked Foods, Burgers & Beers, The Harmony Hotel, Beach Dog Cafe, La Luna, Playa Guiones, Playa del Ostional, Playa Garza, Playa Pelada, Nosara

  • Go Juice, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      If you think that I didn't wake up every morning and walk across town to grab a banana coffee, you're very very wrong. This frozen treat is no joke: a perfect mix of local organic Cacao, bananas and coffee all blended together with so much love by local Ticas.

  • Naked Foods, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      Nosara's best local, fully organic, and plant-based eatery. Naked Foods' menu is filled with creativity and care: from breakfast to dessert, your body will feel nourished and your belly full. My vegan recs (full vegan menu): the superfood parfait, Filet No Fish (made with local plancha, grilled guanabana, and breaded with coconut, whatttttt), and literally any of their raw treats and smoothies.

  • Burgers & Beers, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      So like, yeah, you wouldn't normally find me at a restaurant called "Burgers & Beers," but pals, hear me out. Super simple menu with about 6 burger options and fries — amazing craft beer. I hopped in to escape the rain and ended up staying (and sipping) for most of the afternoon. My vegan recs: the Vegetarian Portobello Burger (w/o goat cheese).

  • The Harmony Hotel, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      Even if you're trying to do this thing on a budget, I'd recommend splurging and staying at Harmony Hotel for at least one night (book one of their Coco rooms, right near the bar and pool deck). Wind down with cool pools, yoga classes, and treatments, and then ramp back up for one of the most deelish meals of your life at the HH restaurant. Extensive beer and cocktail menu. My vegan recs: the Grain Bowl with falafel, the veggie Green Curry with tofu, and any of the vegan sushi rolls. The hotel juice bar is bomb, too.

  • Beach Dog Cafe, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      A fan-fave for both locals and tourists, Beach Dog offers everything from fresh smoothie bowls for breakfast to sliders and beer for dinner My vegan recs: Stufffed Mushrooms with vegan cheese, Mediterranean Bowl with Tofu, Vegan Pad Thai, and the Cleanse smoothie.

  • La Luna, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      La Luna is heartbreakingly romantic—specializing in mediterranean and Italian cuisine— perfect for a sunset dinner and drinks. Candles, lanterns, endless wine — they aren't messin' around here. Right on the sandy beach or Playa Pelada, a 5 minute drive from the heart of Nosara. My vegan recs: while not incredibly veggie-friendly, they have beautiful salads, a bomb hummus & veggie plate and can do any of their pizzas without cheese.

  • Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      My surfer dudes, this one's for you. Playa Guiones is Nosara's most popular beach— and with one of the most consistent breaks on the planet (they say it's so regular you can surf here almost every day of the year!), it's easy to see why.

  • Playa del Ostional, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      A 20 minute drive north, Playa Ostional is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the world. Each year, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles climb ashore and lay eggs (best witnessed in Costa Rica's rainy season, September-October). On top of turtles, Ostional is an endless stretch of black sand beach and a magnet for surfers.

  • Playa Garza, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      This under-the-radar beach is about 15 minutes south (by car). Located in a quiet fishing village, Garza Beach's calm and crystal clear waters are a magnet for fisherman, divers, kayakers, and snorkelers.

  • Playa Pelada, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      A quick 10 minute walk north, Playa Pelada is home to laid-back vibes and calm waters, perfect for families and R&R. Pack some snacks and drinks, you're gonna want to post up here.

  • Nosara, Costa Rica

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    • leah

      Despite its location on the coast of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula (AKA, one of the last places with long stretches of unpaved roads— if you get car sick, gooood luck kid!), Nosara is a hidden hub for yogis, surfers and expats. The best part? It's still an absolute secret gem and mostly flies under the tourist radar. If yoga retreats, surf shops, and jungle-living is your thing, book that flight ASAP. Just don't tell anybody.