Much like Tamarindo Santa Teresa Costa Rica is a laid back surf town in the best sense of the phrase. There are a few nice restaurants, a smattering of local food options and several bars with happy hour. Other than that there is a pristine stretch of sand that looks like a picture from a postcard and a relaxing vibe that will have you wanting to stay forever. Aside from surfing and catching a tan there is not much to do in Santa Teresa so grab your bronzing oil and enjoy a true vacation.
Read about our entire Costa Rica trip here.
What to Do in Santa Teresa:
Surf
We rented our surfboards from “The Shit Hole” on the main road. At $8 for the day they were the cheapest rentals we have found in Central America. The owner is an old school surf bum that closes shop when the break is good and constantly complains that the one road in town is too big. He offers a great selection and advice on where to surf so definitely check him out if you plan to rent a board.
Rent 4×4’s
Renting four wheelers seems to be a very popular way of getting around town. There is only one main road that connects all of the bars and restaurants on the beach. We saw plenty of four-wheelers and rental shops along that road. We had a rental car so did not end up getting one but it does seem like a lot of fun.
Where to Eat in Santa Teresa
Banana Beach Club
Walking along the beach in Santa Teresa you will eventually find Banana Beach Club. On our first night in town we watched an interesting fire / juggling show there and then we went back the next day for Happy Hour and to watch a surf contest. The drinks are reasonably priced and the food looked like typical beach bar food.
Taco Corner
Having spent five years living in the taco heaven that is San Diego, we are always on the lookout for a great taco stand. Taco Corner turned out to be a great stop for cheap street-style tacos. They pack a lot of flavor without stretching the budget.
There are also several beach restaurants, like Habanero, that are great to watch the sunset!
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa
Don Jon’s Lodge
We stayed at Don Jon’s and absolutely loved it. It is close to town but the property feels like it is its own secluded jungle. There is a basic hostel portion but splurge for one of the private tree houses. We had a tree house for the three of us and even saw a large monkey from the hammock on our front porch. There is even a yoga platform!
If you are in the mood for a relaxed surf break or if you just want to enjoy some time in the sun, Santa Teresa is a great pick. But be warned, we met a couple of people that went to check it out on vacation and never left… In fact, we are thinking about going back and doing the same.
Want more information to plan your trip to Santa Teresa Costa Rica? Check out the Costa Rica Lonely Planet here.
-Grant
