Susan’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The town of Potrero stretches down the entire beach of Bahia Potereo, or Potrero Bay. A great place to see the locals fish in the surf, watch the catamarans and fishing boats coming and going, and there are plenty of beachfront eateries to enjoy the view from. A great walk as well.
59 locals recommend
Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
The town of Potrero stretches down the entire beach of Bahia Potereo, or Potrero Bay. A great place to see the locals fish in the surf, watch the catamarans and fishing boats coming and going, and there are plenty of beachfront eateries to enjoy the view from. A great walk as well.
One of our secret spots, this beach is gorgeous! It is located directly north of Playa Potrero, and features white sand and crystalline waters, plus another great viewpoint for the local maritime comings and goings. A personal favorite.
63 locals recommend
Playa Penca
Playa PrietaOne of our secret spots, this beach is gorgeous! It is located directly north of Playa Potrero, and features white sand and crystalline waters, plus another great viewpoint for the local maritime comings and goings. A personal favorite.
In addition to Playas Potrero and Penca, located directly north of Potrero we have the following beaches: Prieta, Sugar Beach, Playa Danta and Playa Dantita. You can have lunch on a different beach every day if you like!!!! And what's not to like? Life's a beach!!!! Puravida
17 locals recommend
Playa Prieta
In addition to Playas Potrero and Penca, located directly north of Potrero we have the following beaches: Prieta, Sugar Beach, Playa Danta and Playa Dantita. You can have lunch on a different beach every day if you like!!!! And what's not to like? Life's a beach!!!! Puravida
Playa Grande is another great place to plan a day trip. This is a surf community, and an area that is protected for sea turtle nesting, so depending on the timing of your visit, so plan your visit accordingly.
61 locals recommend
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is another great place to plan a day trip. This is a surf community, and an area that is protected for sea turtle nesting, so depending on the timing of your visit, so plan your visit accordingly.
This is a recent addition to the diving tours i the area. I am not a diver, but one guest who is an experienced diver recommended the company, so I am happy to add it to the activities offered by our local tourism businesses
GoDive Costa Rica
This is a recent addition to the diving tours i the area. I am not a diver, but one guest who is an experienced diver recommended the company, so I am happy to add it to the activities offered by our local tourism businesses
This is definitely a family favorite for sunset tours. They also offer morning trips. I highly recommend that if you have a chance get out on the water and see the beautiful coastline of the area, snorkel, or just relax.
Panache Sailing Main Office
This is definitely a family favorite for sunset tours. They also offer morning trips. I highly recommend that if you have a chance get out on the water and see the beautiful coastline of the area, snorkel, or just relax.
This company just brought a catamaran to Flamingo, and are now booking tours, give it a try for a nice day trip
Planet Dolphin Catamaran Eco Adventures
This company just brought a catamaran to Flamingo, and are now booking tours, give it a try for a nice day trip
Food scene
If you want the authentic Costa Rican typical food experience, this is the place to find it! Great menu with classic preparations of the daily meal. Costa Rican comfort food, so to speak. The menu is varied so if your stomach wants something else, that is not a problem either. Clean, bright, and great service, we can't recommend Sol Y Mar enough for our guests who want to try Costa Rican cuisine.
53 locals recommend
Sol y Mar Restaurant
If you want the authentic Costa Rican typical food experience, this is the place to find it! Great menu with classic preparations of the daily meal. Costa Rican comfort food, so to speak. The menu is varied so if your stomach wants something else, that is not a problem either. Clean, bright, and great service, we can't recommend Sol Y Mar enough for our guests who want to try Costa Rican cuisine.
Pleamar is one of the older beachfront establishments left on the bay. It is family owned and operated, as are most of the older businesses here. A GREAT view of the bay, as it is right on the beach. Great ceviches and cold drinks, what more do you want? Oh yeah, most of the staff speaks English, which also applies to the other places I have mentioned.
11 locals recommend
Restaurante Pleamar
Pleamar is one of the older beachfront establishments left on the bay. It is family owned and operated, as are most of the older businesses here. A GREAT view of the bay, as it is right on the beach. Great ceviches and cold drinks, what more do you want? Oh yeah, most of the staff speaks English, which also applies to the other places I have mentioned.
Real Italians making real Italian food. Pasta that melts in your mouth, beautiful tuna tartare, pizzas. Something for everyone.
49 locals recommend
La Forketta
Calle NaranjaReal Italians making real Italian food. Pasta that melts in your mouth, beautiful tuna tartare, pizzas. Something for everyone.
This place has a special place in our hearts. It is no longer owned by Perla, but we still love it just the same. Great pub food, and the traditional gathering place and watering hole for the old school expats, Perla's is a must if you spend time here.
111 locals recommend
La Perla Restaurant
Brasilito to PotreroThis place has a special place in our hearts. It is no longer owned by Perla, but we still love it just the same. Great pub food, and the traditional gathering place and watering hole for the old school expats, Perla's is a must if you spend time here.
Good food, good times. A gathering place for a lot of expats meet up to discuss the daily grind of beach life. Great food, great service and great conversation!
94 locals recommend
The Shack
Good food, good times. A gathering place for a lot of expats meet up to discuss the daily grind of beach life. Great food, great service and great conversation!
This is one of the oldest establishments on the beach in Potrero. Located at the north end of the beach Las Brisas is an institution of sorts. It is a great place to hang at the end of the afternoon, and the food is fresh, the service is great, and it just has one of the best views of the bay. On the patio every table is beachfront, what more could you ask for?
98 locals recommend
Las Brisas Potrero Restaurante Bar
This is one of the oldest establishments on the beach in Potrero. Located at the north end of the beach Las Brisas is an institution of sorts. It is a great place to hang at the end of the afternoon, and the food is fresh, the service is great, and it just has one of the best views of the bay. On the patio every table is beachfront, what more could you ask for?
Everything on the menu is great. Quiches, bagels, sandwiches, juices, coffees. 7 am to 3pm.
10 locals recommend
Nita Coffee
Everything on the menu is great. Quiches, bagels, sandwiches, juices, coffees. 7 am to 3pm.
Like everywhere here, casual dining, and this place is right next to the ocean.
63 locals recommend
The Beach House
Like everywhere here, casual dining, and this place is right next to the ocean.
Sentido Norte
Great spot for sunsets
I have received excellent feedback from some of our guests regarding the menu at Tandoor
59 locals recommend
Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
I have received excellent feedback from some of our guests regarding the menu at Tandoor
City/town information
The white sands of Flamingo are legendary in this area. Check out CocoLoco while you are there, another beachfront eatery, imagine that!
217 locals recommend
Playa Flamingo
Flamingo Beach RoadThe white sands of Flamingo are legendary in this area. Check out CocoLoco while you are there, another beachfront eatery, imagine that!
Tamarindo is everything rolled into one. Definitely a tourist destination, worth a visit, or two, if you like the hustle and bustle of a small beach city. You will find endless shops, restaurants and lodgings, a beautiful beach and constant activity. If you are up for an action packed day of navigating crowds, you can find everything you might be looking for right here! Surfing, tours, food, drink, souvenirs, undeniably the place to go!
336 locals recommend
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is everything rolled into one. Definitely a tourist destination, worth a visit, or two, if you like the hustle and bustle of a small beach city. You will find endless shops, restaurants and lodgings, a beautiful beach and constant activity. If you are up for an action packed day of navigating crowds, you can find everything you might be looking for right here! Surfing, tours, food, drink, souvenirs, undeniably the place to go!
Neighborhoods
Potrero
This is home.
Groceries
This is one of several local grocery stores. There is also pharmacy in the same building.
55 locals recommend
MerKdo
This is one of several local grocery stores. There is also pharmacy in the same building.
This is a grocery store that is very close and has loads of stuff. From basic Costa Rican fare to imported meats and cheeses, a little bit of everything. It is now known as Super Muralla and is a family run business.
60 locals recommend
Super Wendy
Brasilito to PotreroThis is a grocery store that is very close and has loads of stuff. From basic Costa Rican fare to imported meats and cheeses, a little bit of everything. It is now known as Super Muralla and is a family run business.
This little store is packed with goodies that you normally don't find without a long trip. Angus Beef patties, Sliced Genoa Salami, a great selection of cheeses, Romaine lettuce ( in season, of course ) and loads of great produce. Also a whole room ( yes, a room ) dedicated to breads. The usual selection of beverages, coffees, and snack foods. A real time saver for busy vacationers.
100 locals recommend
Super Massai Grocery
Brasilito to PotreroThis little store is packed with goodies that you normally don't find without a long trip. Angus Beef patties, Sliced Genoa Salami, a great selection of cheeses, Romaine lettuce ( in season, of course ) and loads of great produce. Also a whole room ( yes, a room ) dedicated to breads. The usual selection of beverages, coffees, and snack foods. A real time saver for busy vacationers.
Fish market
Our good friend Alonso has just opened up a new location in the plaza of one of the Villagio entrances. He delivers and speaks English.
Marcosta Seafood Pescaderia
Our good friend Alonso has just opened up a new location in the plaza of one of the Villagio entrances. He delivers and speaks English.