Playing and Eating in Nosara, Costa Rica
On our most recent trip to our Costa Rican home away from home, we managed to fit in a new town that none of us had visited before. This surf spot called Nosara, is about 3 hours North of our casa, along the Pacific Coast. The more known surf town of Tamarindo is a little North of it, which I’ve been to many times. Last time I was in Tamarindo, I found it to be a little too North Americanized for my liking, but I do know a ton of people who enjoy it. Personally, I prefer the more quaint, European influenced towns like Nosara (and Santa Teresa - my favourite beach town in Costa Rica).
Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica
In just a couple of days, the family and I enjoyed a multitude of activities from surfing to rock climbing to eating and drinking well.
Here’s a roundup of our 48 hours in Nosara, complete with a review of the local medical clinic! (more on that in a bit):
As soon as we got into town, we headed straight to a newly opened boutique kids store called Little Wildlings. This store sparkles! We hopped in, in late afternoon, with the sun shining through, and each product calling our names (my kids definitely took advantage of the fact that they were with their easily swayed grandparents). This small store is filled with eye candy, ranging in locally made high quality bathing suits, to gorgeous “going out” outfits for the little ones, to enviable and carefully thought out toys. It’s hard to buy just one thing!
Little Wildlings Kids Boutique in Nosara, Costa Rica
The Airbnb we checked into was a beautiful Spanish style home in the mountains, complete with old charming finishings and modern decor. *A PSA for visiting pretty much anywhere in Costa Rica: you’re almost always going to deal with some sort of water issue, unless you’re at a huge American style resort. Roll with it…which is easier to do…in a paradise like Costa Rica :)
Our Airbnb in Nosara, Costa Rica
The next morning we woke up and headed straight to the main beach Playa Guiones. We were there from 9:30 to 11:30am and I was pleasantly surprised with the shore and its tide at that time of day. I’m sure it varies, but the waves were ideal surfing waves - there were hundreds of surfers out - without it being too powerful for a beginner. My 7 year old daughter and 8 year old niece were able to get right in there with their little boogie board and ride some ways, amongst a large number of beginner kids and adults taking lessons, as well as more seasoned surfers farther out. All this to say, it was a very usable beach. The tide came in quick but not so quick that you couldn’t enjoy a solid two hours relatively stress free (if you started at 6am, you’d get a half a day in!). **another PSA, be prepared to wear long sleeves or re-apply your sunscreen every half hour…or, if you’re like me, welcome a deep tan/light burn. All babies - wear the full skin covering suits - non negotiable.
Later that day, my parents and the kids made it a point to find La Luna and wow, am I ever happy we did. This meditarreanean restaurant is hidden on a gorgeous nook of the beach, and the whole experience from start to finish is very reminiscent of a European getaway. Unbelievably, we had a lingering 3 hour lunch, without ever feeling rushed, and without any freak outs or hyperactivity from the kids. I’m convinced the latter phenomenon was partly due to the European-meets-tropical vibe, setting everyone in a relaxed and content mood. Standouts from the menu include: the Meditarranean kebabs with grilled shrimp or chicken, the Kale Ceasar Salad and the Chocolate Cake (all five of us stayed in a euphoric trance until every last bite was done). If you do just one thing while in Nosara, this is what I recommend. We had lunch from noon to 3. If you are looking to spend a dinner there, you will need to make reservations well in advance. It was heaven!
The Mediterranean kebabs and sides dishes at La Luna that come with it, including pickled carrots with soy sauce - so good!
La Luna in Nosara, Costa Rica
The view at La Luna restaurant in Nosara, Costa Rica.
The absolutely heavenly chocolate cake at La Luna.
After our 3 hour lunch, some of us stayed at our rented home, and the older kids, Papa and my cousin, headed to the skate pump track. This professional level skate park also houses a kid friendly rock climbing wall and basketball nets. It’s nicer than most North American parks!
Skate park and rock climbing in Nosara, Costa Rica.
The last thing I’ll say about Nosara is that their medical clinic Guiones Centro Medico, is bright, clean, and staffed with true professionals. I had to make a trip there early one of the mornings because the night before I had stepped on a small piece of glass that we couldn’t get out with tweezers. (it was in my foot vertical and basically embedded itself into my heel - yay). I showed up at 8am and was out before 9am, with a fixed heel by a super friendly and competent nurse.
We loved our time in Nosara and look forward to returning when the itinerary allows.
Any additional questions, let me know!