Manuel Antonio enjoys one of the most coveted locations on the Central Pacific — a place that balances convenience with adventure for travelers looking to disconnect. A big part of why visitors fall in love here is the coastline itself: white sand and turquoise water, with a variety of beaches, each offering a different setting and a different experience.

There are around five beaches in and around Manuel Antonio, each with its own character — different sand, tides, and waves — so there's something for everyone in the family. Whether it's a morning walk along the shore, a picnic with loved ones, or sunset cocktails, there are countless ways to make the most of your stay.

For many visitors, sunset is the highlight. It's one of the most striking scenes in the country, and people return year after year to watch it — feet in the sand, or from the comfort of their own villa.

Beaches in Manuel Antonio

Most of the beaches in Manuel Antonio are tucked inside the National Park, accessible only to park visitors, while others are open to the public year-round. The west-facing coastline means nearly every beach offers some version of the sunset — though the best views depend on the time of year and which beach you choose.

Within Manuel Antonio National Park

• Manuel Antonio Beach — the most famous and beautiful, ringed by tropical forest. Forbes named Manuel Antonio National Park one of the 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in the World, and this beach sits at its heart: calm, clear, and sheltered by lush jungle on all sides.
• Espadilla Sur Beach — extensive and tranquil, ideal for swimming and relaxing after hiking the trails. The surf is calmer in the morning; as the afternoon tide rises the water grows more active, drawing surfers.
• Playas Gemelas — two small beaches separated by a rock formation, with a greenish hue and a secluded feel, reached by a short hiking trail.
• Puerto Escondido Beach — more secluded and wild, perfect for those seeking privacy. Accessible only by trail or at low tide, it rewards the effort with near-total solitude and dramatic rocky scenery.

Outside the National Park

• Espadilla Norte Beach — the main and largest beach of Manuel Antonio town, with waves well suited to surfing and water sports. Just beside the park entrance, it's a great spot to unwind after a day of adventure. The sand stretches nearly a mile, perfect for a long stroll, and the southern, west-facing end offers an excellent view of the sunset. As the closest beach to town, it can get busy on popular days — so it isn't the place for seclusion.

Other Nearby Beaches

• Biesanz Beach — just outside the park and close to the hotel zone, known for crystal-clear, calm waters. A short trail leads down to a coveted stretch of soft sand. As one of the area's popular public beaches, it's often full, so we recommend arriving early — the high cliffs that surround it tend to block the sun and shade the beach in the afternoon.

Where to Watch the Sunset in Manuel Antonio

Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of spots to settle in for a drink and watch the sunset roll by. Ocean and sunset views are one of the area's defining draws — the moment when everyone pauses their day and gathers to watch the sky fill with pink and amber.

Many of the restaurants and bars along the main road sit about 150 meters above the ocean on the hillside, looking directly west over the rainforest canopy toward the Pacific. Happy hour typically runs from 4–6 PM, right as the sky begins to shift. Whether you prefer your feet in the sand or a cocktail in hand with a panoramic view, Manuel Antonio delivers both.

Ronny's Place

Ronny's Place is known for famous sangria, beautiful sunset views, and fresh seafood. Perched atop a 90-acre private farm on one of the area's highest peaks, it's the only restaurant in Manuel Antonio where you can watch the sunset every single day of the year. The open-air rancho looks out over a two-bay private beach and the full Pacific horizon. Reservations are strongly recommended for the 5:00 PM sunset seating, especially between December and Easter.

Buena Vista Beach Club

Buena Vista Beach Club serves a blend of Latin and Spanish cuisine right on the shore of Playa Espadilla. Diners sit in an open-air setting with their feet in the sand, over plates of fresh ceviche, jumbo shrimp, red snapper, and tuna steak with shrimp risotto. It's one of the few places in Manuel Antonio where you can eat beside the beach — and take in the sunset without anything in the way.

El Avión Restaurant

El Avión is one of the most popular dining spots in Manuel Antonio, built around a vintage Fairchild C-123 cargo plane famously linked to the Iran–Contra affair of the 1980s. Standing atop the hill with the aircraft converted into a bar, El Avión offers an incredible view over the canopy toward the ocean and one of the best sunset vantage points in the area, alongside fresh seafood, cocktails, and a classic Costa Rican atmosphere.

Your Own Front-Row Seat to the Pacific

Perched three stories above the Pacific, Villa Mono Titi offers an unforgettable vantage point from the comfort of your own private pool deck — spectacular sunsets, without the crowds. Surrounded by nature and quiet, it's the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.

With its combination of privacy, lush jungle surroundings, and breathtaking ocean views, it's easy to see why the most memorable moments here are so often the ones spent watching the sun go down.