While planning our California family vacation from Australia, we asked our 18-year-old twins and their two friends one question: After visiting Los Angeles, should we go to Disneyland or Palm Springs?
28.01.2025 - 08:17 / lonelyplanet.com
Jan 27, 2025 • 8 min read
Costa Rica bridges the gap between Panama and Nicaragua with more than 630 miles of wave-bashed Pacific coastline. Ranging from the wide river estuaries of the south through the long, cocoa-colored beaches of central Puntarenas, up to the remote bays of Santa Rosa in the north, it's a land of formidable diversity, with a coastal topography capable of crafting easy and challenging waves side by side.
Consistent east-west trade winds blow down from the high sierras almost all year, adding shine and shape to the sets. Swell-wise, it's rarely flat. The wet season (May to November) drags up strong southerly waves that are perfect for expert surfers, while the dry season (November to April) has gentler waves ideal for beginners and improvers.
In a single surf trip here, you can go from the rambunctious party town of Tamarindo, to the dusky sands of Playa Santa Teresa for yoga camps, and then onto the deserted reaches of Playa Esterillos for empty A-frame waves. It's a real adventure.
Surf, sundowners, and plenty of party – that's Tamarindo. Costa Rica's premier surf-nightlife hub has boomed since the Endless Summer II crew first waxed lyrical about its 88°F waters in 1994. Hugging long Playa Tamarindo, the town is a medley of beach bars, creative microbreweries, and lux surf camps.
All that spills out onto a two-kilometer beachfront sandwiched by the Tamarindo River to the north and the rugged rocks of Isla Capitan to the southeast. This beach counts six – yes, six! – named surf breaks (consistent surfing points) that work on different tides, offering different shapes and waves for all levels.
Most notably, the Tamarindo Beach Break is among the most accessible and user-friendly beginner waves in the country. Expect plenty of whitewash to practice on and mostly nothing but soft sand underfoot. Head to Iguana Surf to organize starter lessons – they've been going since 1989 and have a spot right beside the beach.
Type of wave: All sorts! Beach break, rock reef, and rivermouth, all within walking distance of town. Good for any level, from beginner to pro.
Good to know: The tide affects the waves a lot in Tamarindo. Some waves won't work until the water pushes up. Others will totally disappear at low tide. Time your surfs accordingly. Dry season (November-April) is best for beginners.
Two full miles of uninterrupted Costa Rican beach break is on offer in Playa Santa Teresa. Peaks of all shapes and sizes stretch up and down its length to offer solid intermediate surf during the dry season and more challenging, hollower waves throughout the green season (May-November).
The town itself hides behind a phalanx of lush green palms, stretching out along a roadway that's never more than 250m (820ft)
While planning our California family vacation from Australia, we asked our 18-year-old twins and their two friends one question: After visiting Los Angeles, should we go to Disneyland or Palm Springs?
The US Travel Association warned that the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Canada could impact Canadian visitation to and spending within the United States, with even a 10 percent reduction in Canadian travel leading to a loss of 14,000 American jobs and $2.1 billion less in spending.
Planning a warm-weather vacation to beat winter’s chill? Star Clippers is launching three new offers on select Costa Rica and Panama sailings.
Jan 31, 2025 • 8 min read
Where is the hottest place on Earth? And why do you want to know? Surely, it’s not because you're looking to plan a trip there during peak temperatures. We all want warm places to visit in winter, but still. The hottest of the hot is not necessarily one of the best places to travel.
Jan 28, 2025 • 8 min read
Adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages has announced record-breaking revenue and a tidal wave of bookings in the first three weeks of 2025. Additionally, quarter one 2025 inventory is almost completely sold out.
Jan 27, 2025 • 15 min read
As cold winter temperatures continue to cover much of the United States, airlines are discounting prices for spring break getaways. American Airlines recently published hundreds of discounted airfares, many under $200, spanning the spring and early summer travel season. Best of all, the destinations include a variety of popular locations including Cancun, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, and more. Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of discounted fares including:
Delta Air Lines is dropping nonstop service to two Central American destinations from a key West Coast hub — but launching two new routes for the summer months.
The first thing you saw was the sign: an arc of three fish fashioned from red neon, blinking from left to right. Centered in blue neon just below: “Reel Inn,” the name of the invitingly ramshackle seafood restaurant it marked for 36 years.
The U.S. is the fourth largest country by land mass, with over 3.5 million square miles to explore. It’s home to 63 national parks and some of the most well-loved cities in the world. We’ve got Alaska for those looking for extreme wilderness and Hawaii for those looking for an island beach vacation.