In this series of posts, we answer common questions about traveling to Costa Rica. Today, we’ll talk about whether you can visit the beach on a day trip from La Fortuna/Arenal and where the closest beaches are located.
Question
“Hello. I landed on La Fortuna only because I originally found Nayara Springs Resort and Spa (the couples-only one) and it seems really nice. My husband and I want a romantic getaway. I was not aware until I stumbled upon your page and found your info on the area that it is not near any coastline. Is it still possible to take a day trip to the coast/beach and which one would be the nicest?”
Answer
Nayara Springs is a beautiful hotel and would be one of our top picks in the country for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, though, it is quite far from the coast.
The closest scenic beach from La Fortuna is Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, at about 2 hours 45 minutes away. Other options about the same distance are resorts located around the Papagayo Peninsula. Some examples are the Andaz Papagayo, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Resort, Secrets Papagayo, etc.
Although visiting the beach is technically possible on a day trip from La Fortuna, it would be a very long day. You’d need to leave early and would return late in the day or into the evening.
You would be much better off staying a night or two in the Guanacaste region if you can change your plans in La Fortuna. Or try to pair the beach time with your departure airport and stay over then. Playa Hermosa, for example, is only about 30 minutes from Liberia Airport (LIR). So you could stay at a hotel there instead of near the airport.
If you do try for a day trip, it’s best to avoid driving in the dark on the way back because the road around Lake Arenal is very dark and curvy. Sunset is around 5:45 p.m. and it’s dark by 6:00 p.m. A private shuttle driver might be better in that case, to avoid stress.
More Information
Guanacaste Beaches
Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region has the closest beaches to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Like we mentioned above, it can be convenient to pair a beach destination in Guanacaste with La Fortuna, especially if you are flying in/out of the LIR Guanacaste Airport in Liberia.
Here are some examples of approximate drive times from La Fortuna to popular Guanacaste beaches:
La Fortuna to Playa Hermosa – 2 hours 45 minutes
La Fortuna to Playa Panama – 2 hours 45 minutes
La Fortuna to Papagayo Resorts (Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood) – 3 hours
La Fortuna to Samara – 3.5 hours
La Fortuna to Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo – 3 hours 45 minutes
La Fortuna to Tamarindo or Playa Grande – 3 hours 45 minutes
Central Pacific Beaches
For those flying in or out of SJO Airport near San Jose, a beach destination on the central Pacific coast makes more sense to pair with La Fortuna.
Here are some examples of drive times from La Fortuna to popular central Pacific coast beaches:
La Fortuna to Playa Blanca/Playa Mantas – 3.5 hours
La Fortuna to Jaco, Herradura, and Los Suenos Marriott – 3 hours 40 minutes
La Fortuna to Esterillos Beaches – 4 hours
La Fortuna to Quepos/Manuel Antonio – 4 hours 45 minutes
Looking for more information to help you plan? Check out these pages:
La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – This is one of our most popular posts. It’s loaded with hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations near Arenal Volcano.
Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – Driving in any foreign country can be an adventure, learn about what it’s like in CR!
La Fortuna Hotel Guide – For more romantic accommodations, or ones for the entire family, check out this post.