The best beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is best known for its volcanoes, greenery, and famous wildlife — and the beaches are worthy of a daydream. Because of its rich biodiversity, the country offers a little something for anyone from the surfer to the yogi to the casual sunbather.

Here are eight beaches that are worth adding to your Costa Rica itinerary for your next trip.

1. Playa Negra

Best for getting away from crowds

This black sand beach on the Caribbean coast is arguably one of the country's most famous — and when you visit for the first time, you'll see why it's considered a natural wonder. Despite its popularity, its never too crowded. While you can swim in the water, the waves attract a lot of surfers, so just stay aware of your surroundings.

Playa Negra is surrounded by a handful of budget lodges and vacation rentals. What makes the beach such a great spot is the nearby town of Cahuita, where travelers can learn more about the area's Afro-Caribbean traditions.

• Location: Located in Guanacaste province, Playa Negra is about 50 miles (80km) from Liberia International Airport.

• Getting there: Hire a driver or rent a 4WD vehicle to get there as the roads are often unpaved.

• Amenities: There are restaurants, hotels and cafés close to, if not on, the beach.

2. Playa Carrillo

Best for relaxing like a local

Carrillo is one of those places where "if you know, you know." Located near the town of Sámara, this rural beach is popular with locals and repeat visitors who have probably gone to all of the well-known haunts along the coast.

You'll know you've arrived by the sight of the palm trees lining the beachfront and views of the distant mountains. Playa Carrillo's proximity to water sports, resorts and its namesake town makes it one of the best beaches for families.

Planning tip: Because of its popularity with locals, the beach gets crowded on weekends and holidays such as Easter or Christmas. Consider making an excursion to this beach on a weekday for a quieter experience.

• Location: Located about 55 miles (90km) from Liberia Airport and about a 10-minute drive from Sámara.

• Getting there: Hire a driver, rent a 4WD vehicle or take a local bus from Sámara.

• Amenities: Options are limited so bringing a packed lunch and snacks is a good plan. There are occasionally vendors selling snacks from carts on the beach. There are also picnic benches and there's a lookout point as well.

3. Playa Conchal

Best for picture-perfect scenery

If you've seen a postcard with a Costa Rican beach on it, chances are you were looking at Playa Conchal. This beach is an all-around great pick for couples, solo travelers and families because of its amenities, from renting gear to sports vendors to food.

Conchal's signature white-shell sand makes it a sought-after attraction, along with its endless sunshine. The area is known for its clear skies, making it very popular during the high season in the first half of the year. The beach sits close to the popular town of Tamarindo, should you want to do a short excursion while you're in the neighborhood.

• Location: Located about 13 miles (21km) from Tamarindo.

• Getting there: You can't actually drive directly to the beach. Park in the nearby town of Brasilito and walk 15-20 minutes across a bridge to Conchal.

• Amenities: There are few options here so come with a full backpack, from sunscreen to snacks and water.

4. Playa Quesera

Best for calm waters

If you're looking for turquoise-colored waters and white sand vibes, Playa Quesera delivers. The calm clear water here feels more like a natural swimming pool and attracts snorkelers.

This public beach is more remote than some of the others on this list. To get there, you'll need to either take a 20-minute ferry ride from nearby towns Puntarenas and Paquera or embark on a 1.5-hour hike through the adjacent Cúru Wildlife Refuge, making it a worthwhile find for more adventurous travelers.

Detour: Speaking of adventure, hiking in the Cúru Wildlife Refuge is the best precursor to the beachside trip. Here, expect wildlife sightings and to see varieties of multicolor flora. Plus, there ocean dip will feel all the more gratifying post-hike.

• Location: Located 26 miles (42km) from Puntarenas.

• Getting there: The only way to reach this beach is through the wildlife refuge. Getting there requires a boat ride or a hike.

• Amenities: Pack the food, water and sunscreen you'll need as there are few options at this beach.

5. Playa Rajada

Best for escaping the sun

This pristine beach is one of the country's quieter, without the hustle of beach vendors or nearby establishments. (Hint, hint: bring whatever you need with you.) The water is clear and calm, and on the southern end of the beach, through the trees, there's a small trail that leads to a neighboring, smaller and also quiet beach.

The mangroves along the beach provide ample shade and you can easily spend a day here seeing few tourists. Playa Rajada is popular with locals and an easy drive on paved roads from nearby La Cruz. There's plenty of parking and the beach is totally free and accessible from any town along the Guanacaste Coast.

• Location: Located roughly 41 miles (66km) from Liberia International Airport

• Getting there: The road from La Cruz is paved so a 4WD isn't necessary. There are no buses or shuttles that drop off here, so driving is the way to go.

• Amenities: None, aside from the ocassional cart vendor on weekends.

6. Playa Hermosa

Best for families

Sitting just 20 minutes outside Liberia Airport, Playa Hermosa is one of Costa Rica's most scenic beaches. The strip attracts a lot of families because of its proximity to the airport, resorts (mainly luxury accommodations like the Four Seasons and El Mangroove) and restaurants. It's quiet and there are plenty of options along the beach in terms of snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and diving in the protected bay-like waters.

• Location: Located 17 miles (28km) from Liberia Airport.

• Getting there: Driving is easy.

• Amenities: Playa Hermosa is a pretty quiet spot, though there are a few hotels and dining options right there. For more action, head 10 minutes away to Playa del Coco.

7. Playa Biesanz

Best for spotting wildlife

In a quiet corner of the Manuel Antonio National Park sits Playa Biesanz. Along the white sand beach you will be welcomed by different wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to lizards, who live amongst the dense greenery of the jungle. The cove is excellent for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. While the surroundings are stunning, beachgoers shouldn't expect many amenities outside of small gear rentals.

Planning tip: There's a jungle path that connects the parking spaces (no formal lot) to the beach. The 10-minute walk is easy but can be slippery at specific points.

• Location: Playa Biesanz is about 15 minutes by car from Quepos in Puntarenas Province and a roughly 3-4 hour drive from Liberia Airport.

• Getting there: Driving is your best bet, or hike the trail 10 to 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio.

• Amenities: There are few so plan accordingly.

8. Playa Jacó

Best for parties

If you are staying closer to San José, Playa Jacó is one of the most accessible beaches for visitors – it gets a spot on this list because of its proximity to nightlife options and its rocky vantage points that deliver excellent sunset views.

Younger travelers and spring breakers will particularly enjoy Jacó, whether they want to enjoy its great parties or just vibe on the beach. While its neighbor Playa Hermosa (not to be confused with the one in Guanacaste) gets more of the shine, this is an excellent option if you don't want to venture too far outside the city limits.

• Location: Located 53 miles (86km) from San José.

• Getting there: Private shuttle, car or bus are all available for this route.

• Amenities: Lots of access to shops, restaurants, banks and more from this beach.