Costa Rica
Costa Rica
We’ve mapped every place that shaped our time in Nosara—from sunrise surf to sunset dinners. Save it for your next escape or pass it along to someone chasing the sun.
This guide revolves around the sun—just like our designs. From sunrise surf, to slow afternoons in the heat, to sunset dinners timed just right, it follows the natural flow of the day.
Mornings in Nosara begin at sunrise. The pull of the ocean is an early call, drawing surfers toward the waves before the day fully wakes. Playa Guiones stretches wide with long, sandy-bottom breaks that roll in steadily at any tide—welcoming for beginners, forgiving for longboarders, and exactly where we learned to surf (still learning, to be fair).
And if a cold dip in the Pacific doesn’t wake you up, Nosara’s cafés will. Coffee here is brewed thoughtfully, sourced locally, and served with the kind of ease that encourages you to linger. Our favorite was Rolling Waves Coffee—a laid-back spot tucked along a side street, with outdoor seating perfect for drying off in the sun. Inside, an unexpected photo of the Williamsburg Bridge hangs on the wall—a small, familiar nod to our second home when we’re not in New Orleans.
Olo Alaia Cafe and Sunrise Coffee are also worth a stop if you’re looking for a bite. One doubles as a surf shop, with a food truck parked out front—casual, unfussy, perfectly Nosara. The other is a lively local favorite for eggs, toast, and playful coffee drinks that remind us of mornings back home.
When the sun is at its peak, lounging on the beach or by the pool feels like the only plan worth keeping. But if you’re up for wandering, the main stretch of Nosara offers a glimpse into daily life—slow, friendly, and unhurried.
If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Tuesday, the local market takes over Downtown Guiones. Artisans, farmers, makers, and food trucks line the street, and the whole place hums with the feeling that everyone knows each other—or is happy to welcome you in. It’s a feeling we recognize instantly—the way a place makes you feel at home, whether you’re a local or just passing through. In New Orleans, that kind of hospitality is second nature.
Miss the market? Organico Grocer is the next best stop. Fresh produce, cold brew, juices, and pantry staples fill the shelves, while their bakery across the street offers a pool and shaded tables—an easy place to linger through the afternoon heat.
For a quick, unfussy lunch, Taco y Tacos is always a good call. A small roadside taco truck serving a tight, delicious menu—tacos, churros, and some of the best guac and chips we had in Nosara.
The place we return to every time we visit is The Harmony Hotel—a retreat tucked beneath a canopy of trees where design and hospitality feel quietly intertwined. The winding pathways, open-air spaces, and thoughtful details create the kind of atmosphere we’re always searching for when we travel.
On mornings when we’re not surfing, we like to start the day with a Yoga Class—though they offer sessions throughout the day, making it easy to move at your own pace. And there’s no better way to refuel than stopping by the Juice Bar afterward, sitting beneath the trees, and letting the rest of the day unfold slowly from there.
Our go-to at the Harmony Hotel juice bar is the Passion Fruit Turmeric: a bright, refreshing blend of passion fruit, turmeric, lemon, honey, and coconut water. Equal parts restorative and indulgent—exactly what Nosara does best.
As the heat of the day begins to break and the light softens, timing becomes everything. Sunset in Nosara isn’t just a view—it’s a ritual. If you can, book a table at Restaurante La Luna. The open-air patio looks straight out toward the beach, and even as plates are passed and conversations flow, attention drifts toward the horizon—watching the sun fade into a warm orange glow.
When the light finally slips away, the mood shifts. String lights flicker on, voices rise, and the evening settles into something that feels like a dinner party among friends. Spritzes, margaritas, natural wine, fresh seafood, and surprisingly great pizza make the rounds, while a few neighborhood dogs quietly patrol for anything that might fall from your plate.
If reservations aren’t in the cards, Playa Pelada is just as special. As sunset nears, you’ll feel the collective pull toward the beach—a shared gathering of locals and visitors watching the day close side by side. Grab fresh ceviche from a beach vendor on your way down, or head to Olga’s afterward for a cold local beer and simple food.