Things to do in Central Peninsula
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Iglesia de San Blas
In Parque Central, a major town landmark, is the attractive white colonial Iglesia de San Blas, which dates back to the mid-17th century. The appealingly peaceful, wood-beamed church is under continuous restoration, and its mosaic tiles are crumbling, but it can be visited when mass is not in session. It has a small collection of colonial religious artifacts, or have a look at the wooden Jesus with articulated joints and bleeding stigmata. The park outside is an inviting spot to people-watch from one of the shady stone benches.
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B
La Casa de la Cultura
On the opposite side of the park is La Casa de la Cultura. This small area has cultural exhibits a few times a year and features work by local artists. The exhibit schedule and hours of operation are erratic, but it’s worth a peek if the doors are open.
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Café Ambrosia
Excellent espresso drinks, pasta carbonara, gnocchi and fresh sandwiches and salads are the specialties of the house. They also dish out ice cream, for which you'll be thankful if the air-conditioned room isn't doing enough for you. They even accept credit cards.
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C
Restaurant El Teyet
Chinese restaurants such as this are some of the tastiest and cheapest spots to eat in the city. Grab a seat on the patio or in the air-conditioned interior and feast on huge portions of chow mein and other noodle dishes.
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D
Guayacan Real
The best place for a drink and delicious bocas is the consistently packed Guayacan Real. The ceviche and patacones (fried plantain with bean dip) are exceptional - and there is cable TV.
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Market Sodas
There are a number of cheap sodas in the mercado (market) that are good for a quick bite, as well as all your favorite Costa Rican fast-food chains.
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E
Super Compro
Super Compro and Palí supermarkets provide food and supplies for self-caterers.
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Palí Supermarket
Super Compro and Palí supermarkets provide food and supplies for self-caterers.
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Playas Corzalito
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Playa Camaronal
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Bejuco
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Bar.Co Nico
A few kilometers past the village on the turnoff for Costa de Oro, this German-run beachfront restaurant (which looks like a giant ship) has reinstated the old Tico tradition of giving away a free boca with every beer. The beer is cold and the bocas (appetizers) are delicious – what are you waiting for? There’s also free wi-fi, and Nico now rents a few simple cabinas.reviewed
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Tabanuco
Named for the founder of Sámara, Esteban ‘Tabanuco’ Castillo Vargas, this posh beachfront bar-restaurant is the most upscale and romantic eatery in town. The open-air deck with driftwood beams is bathed in twinkling lights. The international menu features seafood and grilled meats. Don’t miss the crema de mariscos (cream of seafood soup).
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Soda Sheriff Rustic
One of a few classic sodas in town. The beachside location sells itself, though the filling breakfasts, killer casados and low, low prices aren’t too bad either.
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Soda Sheriff Rustic
One of a few classic sodas in town. The beachside location sells itself, though the filling breakfasts, killer casados and low, low prices aren’t too bad either.
reviewed
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Shake Joe’s
This hip beachside spot is awash with chilled-out electronica and cool, calm travelers lounging on the huge wooden outdoor couches. You can grab a burger here after your surf session, but the ambience is tops when the sun goes down and the drinks start to flow.
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Restaurante Mirador Barranquilla
On the crest of a hill about 2km southeast of the hotel, the Mirador Barranquilla has breathtaking 180-degree views of Punta Islita and Playas Bejuco and San Miguel, and is the top place in the area for a sunset beer.
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Restaurante Las Brasas
This upscale Spanish restaurant on the main street has all the signature dishes including tortillas, paellas and roast suckling pig. It also has a well-stocked wine cellar, and the upstairs balcony is perfect for people-watching.
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Restaurante Jardín Marino
This large, airy soda is always packed, and if you sit yourself down and order something here, you’ll see why. The typical food is fresh and of high quality – a casado de pescado here means grilled fish, not a deep-fried filet. It’s on the main road leading to the beach.
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Koss Art Gallery
Visit Jaime at his outdoor studio on the beach, where he frequently displays his richly hued works in the high season. Call ahead for a viewing.
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Kingfisher Sportfishing
A well-known local outfit, offering half- and full-day excursions from US$600.
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Galería Dragonfly
You’ll see Leonardo Palacios’ mural as you walk the main street; the gallery inside houses uniquely wrought jewelry in all sorts of media such as leather and seashells, along with sculpture, paintings and decorative pieces in a very organic style.
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