When I first moved to Tamarindo from Montreal, I thought the town itself was paradise. And it is! But then I started exploring what's within an hour or two drive, and my mind was completely blown.

Living here isn't just about the epic surf breaks and sunset sessions at our local beach. It's about having access to some of the most incredible natural wonders in Costa Rica, all just a short drive away. I'm talking secluded waterfalls, pristine beaches that look like screensavers come to life, wildlife encounters that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy, and cultural experiences that'll remind you why Pura Vida isn't just a saying. It is a lifestyle.

Whether you're visiting Tamarindo and trying to decide if you want to make the leap to expat life, or you're already here and looking for weekend adventure inspo, these five day trips are going to seal the deal. Trust me, by the time you finish reading this, you'll be googling real estate listings faster than you can say "casado con gallo pinto."

So grab your reusable water bottle, charge your phone, and let's dive into the five-day trips that make Tamarindo the ultimate home base for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike.

Distance from Tamarindo: 45 minutes

Best for: Beach perfectionists and anyone who thinks they've seen it all

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a beach where instead of sand, you're walking on millions of tiny crushed shells that sparkle like diamonds in the sun. The water? So crystal clear you can see fish swimming around your ankles. That's Playa Conchal, and it's the kind of place that makes you question why anyone would ever vacation anywhere else.

I discovered this gem on my second week in Costa Rica when a fellow surf instructor told me I "hadn't seen anything yet." He was right. The drive takes you through rolling hills and past cattle ranches, and then suddenly—BAM—you're staring at one of the most stunning beaches you've ever laid eyes on.

Here's what makes it special:

•        The beach itself is protected, so it stays pristine

•        Incredible snorkeling right off the shore, bring your mask!

•        The Westin resort has beach access if you want to grab lunch at their restaurant

•        Perfect for families because the water is calm and shallow

But here's my pro tip: don't just stop at Conchal. Drive another 10 minutes north to Las Catalinas, this gorgeous pedestrian-only beach town that feels like you've stepped into a Mediterranean village, if that village had howler monkeys and tropical drinks.

Las Catalinas offers excellent trails for mountain biking and hiking, along with some truly exceptional cafes and restaurants. The vibe is upscale but laid-back, and it's car-free, which means you can actually hear the waves and birds instead of traffic. Grab lunch at Sentido Norte; their fish tacos are life-changing. Then hit Playa Danta for some more swimming and beach time.

Sophie's hot take: This is the trip I take when friends from Canada visit and they're skeptical about Costa Rica being "all that." Without fail, by the time we're floating in that impossibly blue water, they're asking me about visa requirements.

Distance from Tamarindo: 1.5 hours

Best for: Adventure junkies and nature nerds (said with love)

Okay, so I'll admit it, I'm primarily a beach girl. Give me salt water and sand between my toes, and I'm happy. But Rincon de la Vieja? This place converted me into someone who gets genuinely excited about volcanic mud pools and hiking trails.

This national park is like Mother Nature showing off. Active volcano? Check. Bubbling mud pots? Check. Waterfalls you can actually swim under? Double check. Hot springs? Yep. Wildlife that'll make your safari-loving friends jealous? Absolutely.

The drive there is an adventure in itself. You'll leave the coast and head inland, watching the landscape transform from dry tropical forest to lusher, greener terrain. About an hour in, you'll start seeing signs for "haciendas" and "hot springs," and trust me, you'll want to stop at some on the way back.

Here's my suggested itinerary:

•        Start early (like, 6 AM early) to beat the heat and the crowds

•        Do the Las Pailas trail first. It's about 2 miles and takes you past fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs

•        Hike to La Cangreja waterfall (another 2 miles) and take a refreshing dip

•        Head back and stop at one of the nearby hot springs resorts for lunch and a soak

The trails are well-maintained but can be muddy (it's a rainforest, after all), so wear proper shoes; leave your flip-flops in the car. And bring a swimsuit! The waterfall pool is incredible, and after a sweaty hike, jumping into that cool water feels like winning the lottery.

Wildlife spotting is insane here. I've seen howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, coatis, agoutis, and more bird species than I can name.

Sophie's hot take: This is the trip that reminds you Costa Rica isn't just beaches and surf breaks. It's got geological drama, serious biodiversity, and enough natural wonders to make you feel like you're in a nature documentary. Also, the volcanic mud is weirdly therapeutic for your skin. You're welcome.

Distance from Tamarindo: 1 hour

Best for: Anyone with a soul (seriously, this one's special)

I'm going to get emotional here for a second. Watching sea turtles nest is one of those experiences that changes you. It's humbling, it's beautiful, and it reminds you that we're sharing this planet with creatures that have been going about their business for millions of years.

Ostional is famous for its arribadas, Spanish for "arrivals," where thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. This doesn't happen every day. It follows the lunar cycle, with peak nesting occurring during the rainy season, from August to November. But when it does? It's absolutely magical.

The drive to Ostional takes you through Nosara, a super chill beach town that's worth exploring in its own right. The road gets a bit rough toward the end, welcome to rural Costa Rica, but any decent car can make it. Just take it slow.

Important things to know:

•        Timing is everything. You can see turtles year-round, but the big arribadas happen mostly between August and November

•        Go with a guide. The local cooperative offers tours, and they're the real experts. Plus, your money supports the community

•        Nighttime is best for nesting, so plan accordingly. Bring a red flashlight (white light disturbs the turtles)

•        Respect the rules. No flash photography, stay behind the turtles, and follow your guide's instructions

Even if you don't catch an arribada, you'll likely see individual turtles nesting. Watching a mama turtle dig her nest, lay her eggs, and cover them up before heading back to the ocean is incredibly moving. I don't care how tough you think you are; you'll feel something.

During the day, Ostional is a beautiful, tranquil beach, perfect for surfing or simply relaxing. The vibe is super local and unpretentious, which I love. Grab lunch at one of the sodas (small local restaurants) in town; the fresh fish and rice with beans never disappoint.

Sophie's hot take: This trip isn't about Instagram moments (though you'll get some unforgettable memories). It's about witnessing something bigger than yourself and remembering why conservation matters. Additionally, it serves as a poignant reminder that Costa Rica takes its biodiversity seriously, which makes living here even more meaningful.

Distance from Tamarindo: 1.5 hours

Best for: Wildlife lovers and anyone who wants to see a completely different side of Costa Rica

Here's the thing about Palo Verde: it's not what people typically picture when they think of Costa Rica. Instead of lush rainforests or pristine beaches, you've got wetlands, dry tropical forest, and the Tempisque River winding through it all. And that's exactly what makes it so cool.

I stumbled onto this place by accident when a friend invited me on a river cruise. I was skeptical. River cruises sounded somewhat touristy and unappealing. But then we saw our first crocodile, followed by a whole family of howler monkeys, and then literally hundreds of birds; I was hooked.

The best way to experience Palo Verde is definitely by boat. Several tour operators offer cruises on the Tempisque River, and it's worth every penny. You'll float along peacefully while your guide points out wildlife you'd never spot on your own.

What you might see:

•        Crocodiles—sometimes massive ones sunbathing on the riverbanks

•        Over 300 bird species—herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and kingfishers

•        Howler monkeys, iguanas, and white-faced capuchins

•        Jesus Christ lizards (basilisks that literally run on water—it's wild)

The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit because the water levels are lower, which concentrates the wildlife. But honestly, any time of year is pretty spectacular.

Most tours last about 2-3 hours and include snacks and drinks. Some even offer sunrise or sunset cruises, which add a gorgeous golden-hour vibe to the whole experience. I recommend the morning tours. The animals are more active, and you beat the midday heat.

If you have time after the cruise, drive into the park itself and explore the hiking trails. The scenery is quite different from that of the coastal areas. It is drier and more open, with incredible views across the wetlands. It feels like a completely different country.

Sophie's hot take: This is the trip for people who think they're not "into" wildlife watching. The sheer density of animals here is mind-blowing, and seeing a 14-foot crocodile up close (from the safety of a boat, obviously) is kind of terrifying and totally awesome at the same time. Plus, you'll finally get some use out of those binoculars you bought and never used.

Distance from Tamarindo: 1.5 hours

Best for: When you just want to vibe at a gorgeous beach without the tourist crowds

Sometimes you just want to go to a really, really nice beach and do absolutely nothing. That's where Samara comes in.

Samara is what I call a "locals' favorite." It's popular enough to have good infrastructure (restaurants, surf rentals, cafes) but not so crowded that you're fighting for space on the sand. The beach is protected by a reef, which means the water is calm and perfect for swimming, SUP, or learning to surf.

The vibe here is super laid-back. Palm trees swaying, gentle waves, a mix of expats and Ticos hanging out at beachfront restaurants, and not a single mega-resort in sight. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing and feel completely content.

Here's what makes Samara special:

•        The beach is huge—plenty of space to spread out

•        Isla Chora (a small island visible from shore) is perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding

•        Great restaurants right on the beach—try Lo Que Hay for fresh tuna poke

•        Super safe for swimming—the reef keeps the water calm

•        Consistent small waves—ideal for beginner surfers

My perfect Samara day looks like this: arrive mid-morning, grab a fresh coconut from one of the beach vendors, swim for a bit, rent a SUP board and paddle out to Isla Chora to check out the tide pools, come back for a late lunch at one of the beachfront spots, then spend the afternoon reading in the shade of a palm tree with my toes in the sand.

The drive to Samara is gorgeous, too. You'll wind through rolling hills and small towns, and there are a couple of viewpoints where you can pull over and snap photos of the valley below. Take your time. Costa Rica's roads are meant for enjoying the journey, not rushing through it.

If you want to make a longer day of it, check out nearby Playa Carrillo (just 5 minutes south). It's even quieter than Samara and has this perfect crescent shape with white sand and turquoise water. Plus, there's a great beachfront restaurant called El Colibri if you want to grab dinner before heading back.

Sophie's hot take: Samara is the beach I take people to when they're feeling burnt out from their old life and need to remember what it feels like to just... breathe. There's something about this place that makes you slow down and appreciate simple pleasures. It's not flashy or dramatic. It's just really, really lovely.

Here's what I love about living in Tamarindo: the town itself is fantastic for day-to-day life. We have solid infrastructure, a great expat community, reliable internet for remote work, excellent restaurants, and some of the best surfing in Costa Rica. But what really seals the deal is having all these incredible adventures within easy reach.

When you live here, weekends aren't about binge-watching Netflix or hitting the same old shopping mall. They're about choosing between volcano hikes, turtle-nesting tours, pristine beaches, and wildlife adventures. It's about having genuine options for exploration and never running out of new places to discover.

And the best part? You don't need to take vacation days or plan months in advance. These trips are spontaneous-Saturday-morning material. Bad surf? Drive to Samara. Need a nature fix? Hit up Palo Verde. Feeling adventurous? Rincon de la Vieja. The flexibility is unreal.

Before I wrap this up, here are some real-world tips from someone who's done these trips more times than she can count:

•        Start early. Costa Rica is hot, and morning light is gorgeous for photos. Plus, you beat the crowds

•        Pack snacks and water. Not everywhere has food readily available, and you'll be happier with supplies

•        Bring cash. Many small towns and parks don't take cards

•        Download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas

•        Respect nature and local communities. Leave no trace, support local businesses, and follow guidelines at protected areas

•        Check road conditions. Some routes can be rough during the rainy season; Waze and Google Maps are your friends

•        Don't overpack your day. Trying to cram too much in ruins the Pura Vida vibe. Pick one main destination and let the day unfold naturally

Seriously, invest in a good cooler for your car. Fresh fruit, cold drinks, and leftovers from breakfast will save you money and keep your energy up on longer trips.

Look, I get it. Reading about paradise is one thing. Actually packing up your life and moving to Costa Rica is another.

But here's the truth: it's more doable than you think. I moved here three years ago with two suitcases, a basic plan, and a whole lot of faith. Now I run a successful surf instruction business, contribute to travel blogs, and live five minutes from the beach. My cost of living is lower than it was in Montreal, my stress level has dropped dramatically, and I genuinely wake up excited about my days.

These day trips I've shared with you? They're not just tourist attractions I visit occasionally. They're part of my life. When friends come to visit, we explore them. When I need a change of scenery, they're there. When I want to remind myself why I made this crazy decision to leave Canada, I just have to drive an hour in any direction.

If you're seriously considering making the move to Costa Rica, check out our Move to Costa Rica Masterclass. It covers everything from visa options to finding housing, setting up utilities, understanding the healthcare system, and building a life here. It's the resource I wish I'd had when I was planning my move—practical, honest, and created by people who've actually done it.

So there you have it, five day trips that showcase why Tamarindo is such an incredible place to call home. Whether you're drawn to the adventure of volcano hikes, the serenity of turtle nesting, the beauty of pristine beaches, or the wildlife wonderland of national parks, it's all within reach.

The best part? This list barely scratches the surface. There's Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, the beaches of the southern Nicoya Peninsula, and countless hidden gems that even I haven't discovered yet. Living in Tamarindo means having endless adventure at your doorstep.

If you're reading this from a gray office in the middle of winter, know that this life is possible. These places aren't just vacation destinations; they could be your weekend reality. That beach with the shell-covered sand? That could be your Saturday morning. The turtles nesting under the stars? Your Tuesday evening. The river full of crocodiles and howler monkeys? Just another Thursday adventure.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning that exploratory trip. Come check out Tamarindo. Do these day trips. Talk to the expats living here. You might just find yourself Googling "how to become a Costa Rica resident" before your flight home.

Trust me, three years ago I was sitting in a Montreal apartment during a brutal winter, reading articles just like this one. Now I'm writing them while sitting on my balcony, listening to howler monkeys, planning which incredible day trip to take this weekend.