Are you looking for a beach getaway a bit off the beaten path? My husband and I stumbled upon Playa Potrero in December of 2016 and instantly fell in love. We had booked a week at an unfortunate AirBnB in Tamarindo, a more well known and much more touristy town about 25 minutes down the coast. After 4 days there during the busiest week of the year, I had enough, ditched the AirBnB and found us a place on the beach in Potrero. Two years later, we own a little condo and are regular visitors to this lovely town. Getting to Playa Potrero is easy, with flights arriving at Daniel Oduber International Airport, which is a one hour shuttle to Playa Potrero. We use EcoTrans to get back and forth for $25 per person (two person minimum. $50 for single booking).
Playa Potrero is in the province of Guanacaste, in the Northwest part of Costa Rica and on the Pacific coast. Potrero Bay is the jewel of the town with calm waters, beautiful views and plenty of beach bars from which to enjoy the perfect sunsets. As one travels inland from the bay, more restaurants, sports bars and pubs dot the town. The town is flat and walkable, with Potrero meaning “pasture” in Spanish. Herds of free roaming cows and bulls are often encountered on the streets and the beach as they have maintained their jurisdiction over the former ranch land. Don’t worry, they are docile and used to sharing space with humans. Iguanas, small tropical birds and the occasional monkey family also raom about as do some very cute beach dogs.
If you are looking for an easy getaway from the states to a tropical pardise with a chill vibe, Potrero is your spot. Check out my travel guide below to get you on your way to sipping cocktails in the sun!
Where to Stay:
Our one bedroom condo sits just a few minutes walk from Potrero Beach. The complex has only eight units, beautifully maintained grounds with a crystal clear pool and amazing ancient trees. There is 24-hour security presence, parking and easy access to local business. The master bedroom opens via sliding doors to the veranda which is steps to the pool. The kitchen is well equipped with all needed implements to cook for your guests should you desire. A brand new queen size pull out couch in the living room is comfortable enough for an additional two adults. To book, visit VRBO or Krain Vacation Rentals. Subscribe to my blog and direct message me for a 5% discount on your stay. Feel free to contact me via the contact form on the blog for any additional information.
If you are looking for a luxury beach resort, Bahia Del Sol is your spot. The property offers a variety of suites and rooms a stone’s throw from the gorgeous beach and surrounded by tropical gardens. Room charges range from approximately $275 for a standard room during high season to $700 for a family suite that sleeps up to five guests. Low season rates are considerably lower, ranging from approximately $150 to $285 per night. As a guest, one can wander the grounds of the small resort and learn about tropical plants that are conveniently labeled with explanatory placards, enjoy a book in the outdoor reading room, or relax with a spa treatment at Nau where a variety of wellness services can be found. Nasu Restaurant has excellent offerings throughout the day, and the pool with swim up bar is the perfect spot to stay cool under the palm trees. Day passes for the pool are available to guests not staying at the hotel by spending a certain amount at the restaurant or bar (varies by season-$20 low season and $30 high season). High Season is December-April and low season is May-November.
A full service real estate, vacation rental and property managment company that manages Villa Jazmin for us, offers a variety of lodgings for couples to families to large groups. They have excellent knowledge of the area and are staffed by friendly locals and expats. Visit their website at Krain Vacation Rentals. One of our other favorite properties in the Krain portfolio is Pacific Beach Condos. Krain staff can also assist you with booking transportation and excursions that will pick you up from your Potrero lodging.
Where to Eat and Drink:
Is our go-to fancy spot when in Potrero. They offer a diverse menu focusing on local ingredients including ceviche, delicious salads, curries, fresh caught fish, local grilled beef and tropical fruit desserts. Don’t miss the flaming edamame in a delicious garlicky broth. They have perhaps the best wine list in Potrero with the Chilean Riesling bottle being my pick to pair with the spicy curries. It is fully dry with an impressive minerality and a very favorable price. Numu also offers three cabinas that surround the cocktail pool which can be rented for phenomenally reasonable rates. The cabinas are modern, clean and simple and in a perfect location from which to enjoy the town on foot.
Can’t be beat for breakfast and brunch. They have fresh squeezed juices, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas for Sunday brunch as well as North American favorites like chicken and waffles alongside various “tipico” dishes with eggs, plantains, beans and rice.
Is where you need to be for sunset. The airy patio faces directly west over Potrero Bay and will fill up most evenings half an hour before sunset, so get your spot early. Enjoy cocktails, beer or wine with a beach bar menu including burgers, sandwiches and ceviche. Their fish dishes have been solid with a friend of mine recommending the coconut shrimp by way of ordering it twice in three days.
A shiny new brewpub just opened in Potrero headed up by a great couple from the states, TJ and Cathy who brew about 7 or 8 different craft varieties including two IPAs (West Coast is my pick), a Scottish Ale, Pale Ale and a Tropical Hefeweizen. Sit under the big umbrellas and enjoy flights or pints. Soon, there will be a full beer garden from which to enjoy the suds.
Is the local sports bar and gathering spot for live music and activities. They have a good line up of local beers including the big brands, but also Costa Rican craft beers. They have live music several nights a week, host bingo on Saturdays, and have a lively schedule of Karaoke, Latin Dance nights and Taco and Wings nights.
Things to Do:
Is where you can have it all. Justin and Jeff are long time friends and sailors who dreamed of opening a place in Costa Rica after sailing here as young men. They now run the place for fun in Potrero. They have a full restaurant, Latitude 10, which features great ceviche and pizzas. The bar slings delectable cocktails like my new favorite, the Guaro Piña (I think that’s what is was called, but it was a fruity, icy thing that went down way too easy), local and not-local craft beers and the ever-present chiliguaro shot. Just get one, you must. This is a family friendly spot where you can rent beach cruisers, kayaks and paddle boards to explore the bay, and sign up for sailing lessons. They host a very popular trivia night, bingo, and beach bonfires. If they are having a party…just go.
Is my recommendation for Catamaran tours. They have several big catamarans for exploring the surrounding ocean while enjoying snacks, an open bar, snorkeling and paddle boarding. The staff was friendly and fun while paying attention to the safety and comfort of all guests.