Last Updated: October 7, 2025
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. We’ll also give a map to help you plan.
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, Ritz-Carlton, Planet Hollywood, 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 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 Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (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. See map below for the exact locations.
La Fortuna to Playas del Coco – 2 hours 45 minutes
Busy beach town popular with expats, good restaurants, and easy access to diving/snorkeling.
La Fortuna to Playa Hermosa – 2 hours 45 minutes
Small town with a calm, family-friendly beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming.
La Fortuna to Playa Panama – 2 hours 45 minutes
Quiet beach without much around except a resort.
La Fortuna to Papagayo Peninsula Resorts (Andaz, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Planet Hollywood) – 3 hours
Luxury all-inclusive resorts on secluded coves with pristine beaches and top-tier amenities.
La Fortuna to Samara – 3.5 hours
Laid-back town with a local vibe, nice beach for swimming and beginner surfing, and good for families.
La Fortuna to Playa Conchal – 3 hours 45 minutes
Unique beach made of tiny shells, home to luxury resorts and good snorkeling.
La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo – 3 hours 45 minutes
Upscale destination with a popular white-sand beach and high-end vacation rentals.
La Fortuna to Tamarindo – 3 hours 45 minutes
Guanacaste’s most developed beach town, famous for surfing, nightlife, and dining.
La Fortuna to Playa Grande – 3 hours 45 minutes
Quieter surf town next to Tamarindo known for big waves.
La Fortuna to Nosara – 4 hours
Upscale surf and yoga destination with light-sand beaches and a health-conscious vibe.
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
Secluded beaches that have calmer water for swimming and are popular with locals.
La Fortuna to Jaco – 3 hours 40 minutes
Lively surf town with lots of restaurants, bars, and adventure activities.
Herradura and Los Suenos Marriott – 3 hours 40 minutes
Upscale marina area with a luxury resort, sport-fishing, and a golf course.
La Fortuna to Esterillos Beaches – 4 hours
Three quiet beach towns with darker sand, popular with surfers and families looking for a laid-back vibe.
La Fortuna to Quepos/Manuel Antonio – 4 hours 45 minutes
Famous for its wildlife-rich national park, beautiful beaches, ocean-view hotels, and tons of activities.
Map of Beach Towns Closest to La Fortuna
Use our interactive map below to see where each beach is located in relation to La Fortuna.
Have a question about beaches near La Fortuna? Ask us below.
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 Costa Rica!
La Fortuna Hotel Guide – For more romantic accommodations, or ones for the entire family, check out this post.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica with Kids – See our picks for the most family-friendly beaches.
Beaches – Explore all the beaches we cover on this website (40+!).