Last Updated: August 8, 2025
The Guanacaste region on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast is a tourism hot spot known for its miles of beautiful beach. But those seeking a more remote feel won’t have to look far. Just south of the bustling destination of Tamarindo is Playa Avellanas. Here, the road turns rough and the jungle becomes undeveloped and pristine. In this destination guide, we’ll give you a feel for the Playa Avellanas area, its surrounding beaches, restaurants, hotels, and things to do.
Orientation
Overview
The Playa Avellanas area is in Guanacaste Province, about 30 minutes south of Tamarindo. The biggest property nearby is Hacienda Pinilla, a residential development with high-end homes and rentals. Next to Hacienda Pinilla is the JW Marriott. These resorts are gated and separate from the main area of Playa Avellanas.
Playa Avellanas is the largest beach town in the area, though it is still quite modest in size. It doesn’t have a town center. Rather, a handful of casual restaurants and some surf camps and cabinas are spread out along the road to the beach.
In recent years, development at Playa Avellanas has increased so you will see some larger condo communities and residences going up on the drive from Tamarindo. Overall, though, it’s still a chill, peaceful area. See our directions below for how to arrive from Tamarindo.
The closest airport to Playa Avellanas is Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, at about 1.5 hours. San Jose Airport (SJO) is about 4 hours away.
Nearby Towns
About 1.5 km (1 mile) south of Avellanas is the quiet town of Playa Lagartillo. Small-town life abounds here. In between resident Ticos going about their daily business is the occasional small hotel or vacation rental.
Two kilometers (1.25 miles) past Lagartillo is the town of Los Pargos, best known for Playa Negra. This is another popular surf spot with more options for restaurants and accommodations.
Things to Do in Playa Avellanas
Most people visiting Playa Avellanas come for its quiet, uncrowded beaches. Below is more information about the beaches as well as some other fun things to do.
For more activities nearby, check out our guide on the best things to do in Tamarindo.
Playa Avellanas
Overview
Playa Avellanas is one of our favorite beaches in this part of the country. At Playa Avellanas, you’ll enjoy light tan sand and rolling turquoise waves.
This long beach stretches from Hacienda Pinilla, north of the river mouth, all the way south to Playa Lagartillo. The beach doesn’t see nearly the same crowds as Tamarindo, so there’s always a place to put down a towel.
Surfing
Surfing is one of the most popular things to do at Playa Avellanas. With seven different points, it offers a lot of variety for experts as well as those just starting out.
The biggest wave is known by locals as Little Hawaii. This spot is near the river mouth and has a left and right-hand break that can top 12 feet on really good days! You can also find a few beach breaks during mid or high tide.
Beginners are usually near the parking lot and Lola’s restaurant. This is a popular spot for surf companies to take people for lessons. You can also catch some good waves for boogie boarding here.
Lounging
Aside from surfing, the beach is backed by shrubby trees, which provide some nice shade for lounging. Just beware that some of them are poisonous. This tree is known locally as the manchineel. If you touch the leaves, bark, or fruit of this poisonous apple tree, it can cause serious skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Loungers are also available on the beach near Lola’s. We paid around 5,000 colones ($10) for a tent with chairs for a couple of hours on our last visit.
Tide Pools
Another fun activity, especially with kids, is exploring the rocks and tide pools. Low tide uncovers huge rock formations with lots of little pools. We’ve seen some gorgeous, huge shells hidden in the rock crevices. Here is a link to the tide chart.
Directions to Playa Avellanas
Coming from the Tamarindo area, you will head inland to connect to Route 152 in the busy town of Villareal. From Villareal, go south on Route 152 for about 3.5 km (2.2 miles). Before the road turns sharply to the left, you will take a right towards the resort, Hacienda Pinilla. After the turn, the road is partially paved (with many potholes). At the turnoff for Hacienda Pinilla, keep left, the road turns from pavement to dirt (bumpy at times but nicely graded and smooth in some areas). Overall, the road is very flat, so you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle. A vehicle with high clearance for the potholes, though, is a good idea.
After passing through the small town of Pinilla (there will be a church and soccer field), you will follow the road to the right, following signs for Avellanas. The beach is about 10 minutes from there.
There’s a parking area right next to Lola’s restaurant that is guarded. The attendants will charge you 2,000 colones (about $4) for the day. Have cash to pay.
Playa Lagartillo
The next beach past Playa Avellanas is Playa Lagartillo. This small beach isn’t well-known and you’ll often find no one else there.
A nice way to spend an hour or so is to walk the sand going south. Playa Lagartillo has a very wild feel, with interesting driftwood, rocky outcroppings, and untamed vegetation. Along the way, you’ll cross a small river and get a glimpse of the lush, green scenery inland.
The beach has some rocky spots as we mentioned, but you can swim if the waves aren’t too big.
Access to Playa Lagartillo is along a rustic 4×4 road/trail. This is directly across the street from the road to the Drift Away Eco Lodge. Here is a map with the location.
The trail is narrow and can be muddy, so it’s easiest to just walk the five or so minutes. There is a small stream to cross in the rainy months, but conditions are fine and the water generally isn’t too deep. We did it with our two young children.
Playa Negra
Another 10 minutes south of Playa Lagartillo is Playa Negra. This surfing beach is popular with locals and expats alike, who have made Playa Negra home because of its fantastic waves. The reef break is one of Guanacaste’s most famous.
Playa Negra has gorgeous light tan sand. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s a fun spot because of all the surfers coming and going.
To get to this beach, look for the turnoff right as you’re coming into town (shortly after Corazon Coffee Roasters). Follow the dirt road to the end. You’ll come to a big parking lot with an attendant who will watch your car for around 2,000 colones ($4). From there, just follow the brick path past the Playa Negra Surf Shop to reach the main area of the beach.
Interested in exploring more beaches on your trip? Our Beaches articles cover 45+ spots on both coasts!
Bridge Over the Mangroves
A unique attraction right off Playa Avellanas is Puente Avellanas (Avellanas Bridge).
This rickety wooden footbridge cuts right through the pristine mangrove and leads to a couple of small hotels. The hotels maintain the bridge but it is open to the public. It’s a great place to get some pictures!
Yoga and Wellness
Those looking to recharge with some yoga will find several options in the area. Yoga studios and retreat centers are located in both Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra.
A well-known Ayahuasca center, Rythmia Life Advancement Center, is located in Playa Avellanas.
Horseback Riding
A great way to take in the area’s raw natural beauty is on horseback. Small local operators will take you along the beach or through the jungle to show you hidden spots that you wouldn’t find on your own.
Tours are available out of Playa Avellanas.
Amenities in the Playa Avellanas Area
Overview
Because the Playa Avellanas area is rural, we recommend coming stocked with the essentials. Larger grocery stores are farther away in Tamarindo, but there are some small markets that carry the basics.
There are no banks or ATMs nearby so be sure to carry some cash. Most restaurants do accept credit cards. Learn more about handling money on your trip.
La Esquina de Avellanas
Be sure to check out La Esquina de Avellanas during your visit.
This small outdoor food court has a few restaurants to choose from. It also has some shops like a natural food store, clothing boutique, and artisan kiosks. Sometimes they have live music or community events. Check out their Instagram page for more.
Restaurants in the Playa Avellanas Area
Since tourism is one of the main industries in this area, one thing you will find plenty of is restaurants. Here are a few we have tried and enjoyed.
Lola’s (Playa Avellanas)
Lola’s is a must-visit when in the Avellanas area. Over the years, it has become one of Costa Rica’s most famous beachside restaurants.
The grounds of Lola’s are stunning, with grand shady almond trees and handcrafted wooden tables and lounge chairs right on the sand.
Lola’s mixes up delicious cocktails and has great, no-nonsense food with an emphasis on natural ingredients. They have an array of choices, including things like burgers, a Mediterranean pita, and pizza. Some small plates for snacking like hand-cut fries with garlic aioli and tuna poke are available too.
But the best part, aside from the ocean view, is how Lola’s got its name. More than 20 years ago when the restaurant opened, a special pig (named Lola) was the mascot. She was always very friendly with the customers and even splashed in the waves.
Though Lola herself has passed, the restaurant has kept pigs on the premises as a tradition.
Lola’s menu is available on their website.
Il Rustico (Playa Avellanas)
For authentic Italian food, head to Il Rustico on the main road in Playa Avellanas.
This casual restaurant is owned by a couple from central Italy. They have homemade pasta, pizza, and salads. Everything is delicious here, and they use high-quality ingredients. Our prosciutto pizza came complete with freshly shaved parmesan.
Check out their menu on their Facebook page.
Jalapeño Eatery & Market (Playa Negra)
A staple in Playa Negra, Jalapeño Eatery & Market has been serving up breakfast and lunch to hungry surfers since 2008.
They use fresh, local ingredients (organic whenever possible) in their burritos, tacos, and salads. The eggs come right from their backyard, and the friendly owner will give you a tour of the cute chicken coop upon request. Be sure to try their homemade hot sauces! We brought some home with us on our last visit.
Hotels in Playa Avellanas
Accommodations in the Playa Avellanas area are smaller; you won’t find any of the elaborate resorts and hotels like in Tamarindo. But there are plenty of nice places with all the amenities you would need. Most lodges and vacation rentals are set in the jungle or just a short walk to the beach.
Here are our picks for hotels in the area.
Cabinas Las Olas
If you’re looking to be close to the beach, try Cabinas Las Olas. This small lodge is just a short walk to Playa Avellanas via the wooden walkway over the mangroves.
The rooms at Cabinas Las Olas are rustic, but spacious, clean, and comfortable. You’ll be surrounded by thick jungle and mature trees with wildlife like monkeys. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Has a good on-site restaurant and surf shop with boards to rent.
$125-160/night. Check Rates and Availability.
SoulShine
SoulShine is a great mid-range option. They have 10 contemporary bungalows, including a larger treehouse. The rooms have natural-feeling decor and are well-equipped, with A/C, hot water, and high-speed internet. Many units have a kitchen.
The property has a pool and on-site restaurant that serves Middle Eastern cuisine. Free yoga classes on Monday and Wednesday for hotel guests.
$120-350/night. Check Rates and Availability.
Drift Away Lodge
Located in Playa Lagartillo is Drift Away Lodge. This small lodge has a mix of accommodations set among flowering gardens and tropical plants. One building has basic rooms, while four freestanding villas with kitchenettes are spread out on the other side of the property.
This lodge is eco-friendly and sustainable, from their locally made soaps and cleaning products to the pool, which was made using reclaimed materials. A large yoga studio is located on-site. Guests get free use of bicycles, surfboards, boogie boards, and beach umbrellas.
We really enjoyed our stay here. $130-300/night.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to explore Guanacaste’s lesser known beaches, the Playa Avellanas area has a lot to offer. Surfers will find no end to the area’s many amazing surf beaches. The wild, natural setting is also a great place to just relax and quiet the mind. After a few nights here, you’re sure to feel recharged and ready to start your next adventure.
Have a question about visiting Playa Avellanas? Or have you been before? Leave us a comment below.
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Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience – Tamarindo has a totally different feel but can be a nice contrast from Playa Avellanas and convenient since it is close by. Learn more about this popular destination with this post.
Playa Pavones: Surfing and Seclusion on the Southern Pacific – Pavones is an even more off-the-beaten path surf destination in the rainforest-rich Southern Zone.
Rental Car Discount: When visiting somewhere remote like Playa Avellanas, we highly recommend a rental car so that you can explore. Check out our discount to save at least 10% and get free extras like a surfboard rack and cooler.
Destinations: Not sure if Playa Avellanas is right for you? Our Destinations page has guides for 60 more towns in Costa Rica, including lots of other beach towns.
