Why travelers love it:
Beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and adventure for every pace, from relaxing by the ocean to zip-lining through the jungle.
Best time to go:
The dry season, December to April, offers sunny days and warm temperatures. Costa Rica is enjoyable year round with more rain in the green season.
How to get there:
Non-stop flights from major Canadian cities to San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), approximately 5 to 6 hours flight time.
Where you’ll stay:
All-inclusive beach resorts, eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and family-friendly accommodations.
⭐ Our Destination Picks
Download the Destination Guide
Guanacaste
Golden-sand beaches, gentle surf, and sunny days make this region ideal for families. Lively towns like Tamarindo have restaurants and activities for kids, while quieter spots like Playa Hermosa and Playa Conchal are perfect for relaxed beach days and safe swimming.
🚗 30 min–2 hrs from LIR
⭐ Beach time, surfing, snorkeling, catamarans, ATV tours, resort stays
Nosara & Samara
Gentle surf beaches, calm waters, and a safe, relaxed atmosphere make these towns perfect for families. Nosara is eco-conscious and peaceful with yoga and wellness retreats, while Samara is more social, with kid-friendly beaches, restaurants, and small-town charm. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and laid-back beach days.
🚗 2–3 hrs from LIR
⭐ Swimming, kayaking, surfing, wildlife spotting, turtle nesting, nature walks & town exploring
Santa Teresa
Surf-focused beaches and yoga retreats give this town a bohemian, adventurous vibe. While the surf is strong, families with older kids can enjoy beach days, nature walks, and exploring nearby waterfalls and Cabo Blanco Reserve.
🚗 5–6 hrs from LIR
⭐ Surfing and surf lessons, hiking, ATV tours, snorkeling, sunset cruises
La Fortuna (Arenal)
Iconic Arenal Volcano, lush rainforest, and hot springs appeal to families looking for adventure and nature. Activities like waterfall visits, wildlife spotting, and gentle hikes are great for all ages, while ziplining and rafting provide more thrilling options for older kids.
🚗 3 hrs from SJO | 🚗 2.5 hrs from LIR
⭐ Volcano views and hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, ziplining, wildlife tours, rafting
Monteverde
Cloud forests, hanging bridges, and wildlife spotting offer educational and adventurous experiences for families. Easy trails, guided nature walks, and wildlife tours make this a calm yet engaging destination for kids and adults alike.
🚗 3.5–4 hrs from SJO | 🚗 3 hrs from LIR
⭐ Tropical forest hikes and tours, hanging bridges, ziplining, wildlife night tours
Quepos
Beaches with gentle waves, wildlife sightings, and family-friendly restaurants make this area ideal for families. Manuel Antonio National Park has accessible trails and beaches perfect for kids, while Quepos offers more local charm and casual dining.
🚗 3 hrs from SJO | 🚗 5–6 hrs from LIR
⭐ Wildlife viewing, national park visits, hiking, canopy tours, snorkeling, scenic beaches
Uvita
Whale-watching, calm beaches, and jungle scenery make Uvita a relaxed, nature-focused destination for families. Gentle surf and wide beaches allow safe swimming, while tours like Marino Ballena National Park whale trips are memorable for all ages.
🚗 3.5–4 hrs from SJO | 🚗 6–7 hrs from LIR
⭐ Whale watching, waterfalls, national parks, beach walks
Drake Bay
Remote rainforest, wildlife spotting, and snorkeling make Drake Bay ideal for adventurous families with older kids. Eco-lodges provide safe, comfortable accommodations, and excursions like Caño Island snorkeling or Corcovado National Park hikes offer unforgettable family experiences.
🚗 6–8 hrs drive from SJO/LIR + boat | ✈️ 45 min domestic flight
⭐ Adventure, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, diving, whale watching
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Caribbean beaches, cultural experiences, and calm surf make Puerto Viejo a unique family destination. Kids enjoy exploring colorful towns, gentle waves at Playa Cocles, and easy jungle walks, while families can sample Afro-Caribbean cuisine and local wildlife. Not your typical Costa Rica.
🚗 5–6 hrs from SJO
⭐ Beach hopping, snorkeling, diving, wildlife tours, cultural experiences
⭐ Our Accomodations Picks
Comfortable
Exceptional
Luxurious
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo →⭐ Our Tour & Activity Picks
Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Manuel Antonio Wildlife & Beaches
Monteverde Hanging Bridges
Walk through the cloud forest canopy →
Sunset Catamaran in Tamarindo
🚖 Getting Around Costa Rica
Getting around Costa Rica is straightforward once you know what to expect. From taxis and ride-share apps like Uber (in some cities) for short trips, to private transfers and rental cars for added comfort and flexibility, we’ll help you understand the options and choose what works best for your trip. Whether you’re exploring beach towns, volcanoes, or rainforest destinations, Costa Rica offers convenient ways to get where you want to go.