In this Daily: The Many Guanacaste Things To Do This Saturday
Weekends in Guanacaste are times of freedom, openness, and relaxation after a full week, and in Las Catalinas things are no different. On Saturdays in town the kids are off of school and spend the days playing football in the streets or catching the perfectly formed waves off of Playa Danta. New friends arrive on Saturdays as well, and if you look closely you can see tense shoulders relaxing with every step taken along our walkable streets.
Saturdays are also times to explore, hitting the waves on a paddle board, charting ground on the trails, or venturing over the hills and beyond to see what Guanacaste things to do are waiting. Three ideas to get you started.
A few beaches down the road from Las Catalinas are the towns of Potrero (with popular neighborhood Surfside) and Flamingo, which hug the shoreline and round out the little gulf to our south. Each small town has their own character, with a colorful blend of small shops, popular beach spots, and interesting backstreets. Some ideas if you’re spending the day outside of Las Catalinas.
Take a right just before you arrive at the Potrero Football field coming from Las Catalinas and drive a few hundred meters and you’ll arrive at Playa Penca, a long sandy beach dotted by trees that locals love. The waves are ideal for boogie boarding here, and depending on the tide and the swell can range from easygoing beginner waves up to some heart pounding breakers. The tides also reveal a hidden beach on the back side of the nearby islote, accessible for very strong swimmers.
Afterward, as you return to town, the Marisquería on your right offers fresh seafood sourced straight from local fisherman. A great way to bring home dinner to cook on the barbecue after a long day at the beach.
Stretching between the two stop signs in Surfside and extending a little further beyond, the Surfside strip has a little something for any time of the day. You can enjoy yoga down at the beachfront at Bahía del Sol, work out on the beach with CrossFit Surfside, venture out on a small vessel with the Sailing Center, taste Potrero-made craft beer and street food at El Garden, or enjoy a dinner at one of the strip’s many restaurants.
Rising up into the hills, racing along the beachside, winding deep into the forest and then arrive on the mountaintop, the twisting roads of Flamingo are worth exploring on two wheels. Small neighborhoods dot the hillside, with some beautiful homes along soaring cliffs, cozy cottages nestled back in the woods, and some stunning views peeking through the trees.
Finish the afternoon with some agua de pipa at Coco Loco and a splash in the waters of Playa Flamingo, where the wind’s direction dictates either an exciting day to enjoy the waves or a gentle swim out along the rock reefs.
No matter where you find yourself, either in town or beyond, make sure to bring some good stories to share on Santarena’s rooftop for Gin & Tonics tonight.