Tamarindo is a small beach town located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. This sunny dream destination is popular with tourists from all over. This destination has it all – cute boutiques, incredible beaches, awesome waves for surfing, and fun nightlife. And of course, bars.
Before diving into Tamarindo’s bar scene, let me share a couple of must-do activities if you visit nearby La Fortuna. My family and I experienced the 7 Zipline Cables in Arenal above La Fortuna Waterfall and a Horseback Riding Adventure—both were absolute highlights of our trip! Don’t miss them! And, the ultimate place to stay was Lost Iguana Resort – truly beautiful.
If you’re a sports fan, this is the place for you. You can catch games from around the world on multiple screens, so there’s always something exciting to watch.
They’ve got an amazing lineup of imported beers, plus some great local options. And let’s not forget happy hour! From 4 to 6 pm, you can dive into delicious cocktails and food specials—perfect for sampling something new without breaking the bank.
The nightlife vibe here great, with an electric atmosphere that draws a crowd. Just a heads-up: it gets busy, so plan ahead.
And for a little friendly competition, swing by on Sundays for their beer pong tournaments.
At El Be, you can watch the beautiful sunset from the comfort of tables or sofas set in the sand! What better way to enjoy happy hour? Happy hour runs from 4pm-7pm usually do 2-for-1 cocktails.
Tip: Try the Margarita!
After the sunset, they usually have a fire show that is a lot of fun, and some nights they have a DJ or live music.
At the end of the day, they typically put on a spectacular fire show that is sure to thrill! On special nights, you can enjoy live music or the sounds of a DJ.
TamaOnda
This spot is spectacular. Front row seats to a stunning beach sunset–who wouldn’t want that? Come during high season and you can catch a fire show.
It’s literally Happy Hour all day, every day at their bar! So go ahead and let your worries disappear with that second, third OR FOURTH cocktail – after all, nobody around will judge you! Pura Vida!
Pacifico
If you’re looking for charm and tradition, Pacifico’s your spot! This Tamarindo classic has been around forever – it’s like an iconic landmark right at the end of the main street.
They offer a happy hour of beer and also cocktails. Try the mojito, which is fresh and delicious. Looking to party late on a Saturday night? This will likely be your spot.
This fantastic beachfront spot has a charming, laid-back shack vibe, complete with tables and chairs right on the sand. It’s easy to find, located along the main street.
Happy hour runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering great deals on national beers and $4 cocktails—perfect for unwinding while watching the sunset over the beach.
Don’t miss trying a chiliguaro shot here! It’s a Costa Rican favorite made with the local liquor, “Cacique,” mixed with tomato juice and a touch of spice. Give it a try for an authentic taste of Costa Rica!
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is more restaurant than bar, but I had to include it here thanks to their delicious drinks and their team’s willingness to get on video! Thank you for the delicious drinks Dragonfly!
Tamarindo is the perfect mix of nightlife and ocean views. You can sip cocktails while watching a beautiful sunset or enjoy live music late into the night. It’s a tropical paradise with something amazing to do every day.
Cheers!
Where to Stay?
While in Tamarindo, I stayed at the Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, which had 2 swimming pool areas and a beautiful lawn area to watch the sunset: