Travel Guide: Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is not so off the beaten path anymore, but it does check every box for the most perfect vacation, at least in my book. After the pandemic and deep in the doldrums of NYC Winter, we were searching for a place to spend the holidays, I had three requirements: hot temperatures, good waves, and delicious and vibrant food. Friends mentioned Nosara, and I was instantly intrigued. First, I needed to convince my non-surfing husband that it was not just a surf destination, and then I needed to convince my kids that unpaved roads and prehistoric sized dragonflies would be fun, but they came around and now the whole family is hooked on this magical place.

Adventure abounds, and I’m not talking about zip lining or UTV tours through waterwalls, though there is plenty of that. Just being in Nosara evokes what travel always should: awe, wonder and the idea that the world is vast, and if we are brave and humble enough to set aside our pre-conceived notions and explore it, anything is possible.

I’m addicted to travel, because I am addicted to possibility—the idea that your new favorite food, the most magnificent wave, or a beautiful friendship is waiting for you, at any moment.

Nosara is on the map now, but it still maintains a bit of mystery. There are unpaved roads, and coconut stands with perfectly tart passionfruit and luscious mangoes. There are very few cars, most people choose to get around by scooter, ATV, UTV or golf cart. Monkeys swing from the trees and dragonflies’ flitter about like fairies with incandescent red wings. There are spikey looking trees that line the enchanted beach paths and world class surf break a few steps from most accommodations. Speaking of accommodations, they run the gamut from surf hostels and Airbnb’s, to jungle-y beach houses to lovely boutique hotels, and there is something for every price range.

Even if you don’t surf, the beach is unlike most in the world with shallow rolling waves that are warm and perfect for boogie-boarding, throwing a football or just wading or swimming in at higher tides. At sunset, the whole town heads down to the beach to surf, play, relax and take in the liquid gold and vibrant reds of the best show on earth.

The food is delicious, part the best vegan hippie food you’ve ever had, part delicious local cuisine like gallo pinto and fish tacos and always fresh juice, aqua Pippa and coffee with coconut milk.

As I’ve gotten older, and time appears to be ever more precious and fleeting, where and how I spend it matters even more to me. Nosara is a place I keep returning to because it has that rare element where every time I go I discover something new and exciting, and yet each time I travel there it feels so very much like home.

Here are my travel tips if you’re looking for a truly amazing family vacation, solo surf trip, girls trip, or couples getaway; in Nosara you can’t go wrong!