Playa Grande Villas & Luxury Vacation Rentals

You must present a valid passport upon entering Costa Rica. If you are traveling from outside the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, or New Zealand, then you may need an additional tourist visa.

Most travelers will fly into Liberia International Airport. From there, it’s a 1-hour and 15-minute drive to Playa Grande.
The road between the airport and Playa Grande is well-paved and easy to navigate.
If you’re coming from Tamarindo, then a 2-3 minute water taxi will take you to Playa Grande. Tamarindo is also just a 20-minute drive away.
Your Rental Escapes Concierge can assist with airport transfers, rental cars, and any other transportation needs.

Playa Grande itself is walkable. Most of our Playa Grande villas are just a short, scenic walk to the beach.
There are also plenty of bike paths around Playa Grande, and the area is flat.
Golf carts are also a popular option for getting around Playa Grande, especially if you’re just visiting nearby shops and restaurants.
If you want to explore beyond Playa Grande, then you’ll want a rental car. Nearby towns like Tamarindo, Avellanas, and Hacienda Pinilla are just a short drive away. The roads are generally in good condition.
Private drivers are available, but should be booked in advance. Many private drivers also double as tour guides.
Boat taxis to Tamarindo are also available during the day, and you can arrange a boat charter to see more of the coast.
Your Concierge can help with rental cars, golf carts, boat charters, and more.

Peak season in Playa Grande is from mid-December to April. The weather is hot and clear, and it’s ideal for beach days, surfing, and wildlife spotting. Sea turtles also nest from October to March, with hatchings into April.
Shoulder season is from May to August. There may be some light rain in the late afternoon and evening, but mornings are still sunny and warm. The hills and forests also turn green and vibrant. It’s a great time for families, surfers, and nature lovers.
Off season is from September to early November. It’s the rainy season, especially in October, and there could be some humid conditions. The surf is still strong, though, and this is when the landscape is at its lushest.

Yes, Playa Grande is considered one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica. It’s quiet and low-key, with very little crime and a laid-back, residential atmosphere. Most Playa Grande villas also include staff, which helps make them even safer.

Watch sea turtles nest: Playa Grande is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the leatherback sea turtle, the largest sea turtle species on Earth. Visit their nesting site from October to April with a licensed local guide for a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Surf world-class breaks: Playa Grande’s consistent waves and long beach breaks make it a top surf destination. It’s ideal for all levels, with mellow spots for beginners and solid swells for advanced surfers.
Explore the mangroves by boat: Just south of town, the Tamarindo Estuary winds through protected mangrove forests. Spot crocodiles, monkeys, and rare birds as you float through the calm waters.

The food scene in Playa Grande is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You won’t find fine dining, but you will find laid-back beachside spots serving seafood like grilled mahi-mahi, ceviche, and tacos with house-made tortillas. There’s a good mix of locally run sodas (small, family-owned restaurants) and expat-owned cafés with global flavors.
Tamarindo is just 25 minutes away and offers a wider variety of restaurants, including more upscale options.
Your Rental Escapes Concierge can also arrange private chef service and grocery pre-stocking at your Playa Grande villa.

Spring in Playa Grande starts hot and dry in March and gradually transitions into the green season by May. March and April are the sunniest months of the year, with clear skies nearly every day. Temperatures average around 90°F (32°C) during the day and dip to 75°F (24°C) at night. Rain begins to appear in late April and increases slightly in May, averaging about 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rainfall by the end of the season.
Summer marks the heart of Playa Grande’s green season. Expect warm, humid days with sun in the morning and short, heavy showers in the late afternoon or evening. It stays hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 87°F (31°C) and nighttime lows around 74°F (23°C). Rainfall picks up, with monthly averages between 5 and 7 inches (130 to 180 mm), though storms rarely last long and most mornings are still bright and clear.
Fall is the wettest time of year in Playa Grande, especially in October. Rain can be more frequent and intense, sometimes lasting for hours, but often alternating with sunny breaks. Temperatures remain steady at around 85°F (29°C) during the day and 73°F (23°C) at night. Rainfall peaks in October with about 12 inches (300 mm), tapering off in November to around 5 inches (130 mm) as the dry season begins to return.
Winter is dry season in full swing, bringing blue skies, low humidity, and perfect beach weather. Rain is extremely rare during these months, with December averaging less than 1 inch (25 mm) and January and February often seeing none at all. Daytime highs average 88°F (31°C) with cooler evenings around 72°F (22°C). This is the most popular time to visit Playa Grande for sunshine, warm surf, and crystal-clear sunsets.