Forming part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, this beach gets its name from its great size. It stretches south to the Tamarindo estuary, site of a large mangrove swamp (the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge) that can be toured by boat to check out the flora and fauna. Playa Grande is particularly popular with surfers, as well as visitors wishing to observe nesting giant leatherback turtles. This Blue Flag beach is also great for sunbathing, walking and swimming.

How to get there:
From San Jose: At the Juan Santamaría International Airport get on the Pan American Highway (Hwy 1) north toward Liberia/Peñas Blancas for about 250 Kilometers (follow the road signs). In Liberia you will come to a four way traffic signal. Turn left (west), and continue driving toward Santa Cruz/Tamarindo. Shortly after passing through Filadelfia, make a right turn toward Tamarindo/Playa Grande/Hacienda Pinilla. After about 20 minutes, you will go over a steep hill and come to a cross-roads town called Huacas. The signs will say to turn left to go to Tamarindo, but you will continue straight for another 5-8 minutes until you reach a small town with a soccer field called Matapalo. Following the signs to Playa Grande, you will turn left immediately after passing the soccer field. The road will turn to dirt and you will continue for about 10 minutes until you reach Playa Grande.