Maracuya Beach Club Ocotal

Playa Ocotal is quieter than its neighbor Coco, and Father Rooster fits that pace exactly, fresh tacos and a sunset session that has no interest in being anywhere else.

Locals treat Tortuga Bar as the official start of the night in Playas del Coco, chifrijo and a chilled Imperial while reggaeton plays, and yes, they will cook whatever you caught that day.

Locals call it the best place to bid the sun goodnight in Coco, and Cafe de Playa builds an entire experience around that one moment, hammocks and string lights included. Plan for an hour and stay for three.

Chef Jean-Luc Taulere serves his signature Coco Loco cocktail in an actual coconut on teak tables under white umbrellas, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches doing exactly what it should.

Tables on the sand under ancient trees where the Las Baulas estuary meets the Pacific, Pangas is beautiful enough that it has become one of Costa Rica’s top wedding venues, which tells you everything about the sunset.