Top 5 Hidden Beaches on the Southern Pacific

Top 5 Hidden Beaches on the Southern Pacific Coast

(That Only Locals Know About)

The best beaches in Costa Rica don’t have signs or crowds—just whispers of salt air and the sound of waves calling you home.

Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, dramatic coastlines, and rich biodiversity. But beyond the well-trodden paths of Dominical and Uvita lie secret shores only locals whisper about. These hidden beaches are where time slows, crowds vanish, and the pura vida lifestyle sinks in with every step you take on untouched sand.

In this guide, we’ll reveal five of the best hidden beaches between Dominical and the Osa Peninsula—each one a quiet paradise known mostly to locals, travelers who stay a little longer, and those willing to veer off the main road. Whether you’re seeking solitude, natural beauty, or a chance to explore Costa Rica off the beaten path, these coastal gems await you.

1. Playa Arco – The Secret Cove of Uvita

Just south of the popular Marino Ballena National Park lies Playa Arco, a secluded stretch of golden sand nestled between lush cliffs and jungle. Accessible only at low tide and through a short jungle trail, Playa Arco feels like a hidden world. The beach is bookended by dramatic rock formations, caves, and cascading waterfalls during the rainy season.

Why locals love it: It’s peaceful, dramatic, and perfect for swimming or just lying under the palms.

How to get there: Enter through the private entrance at Playa Ballena or the nature trail near the Ballena Beach Club. Check tide charts—at high tide, the beach disappears.

Pro tip: Pack water and snacks; there are no services here, which is part of its charm.

2. Playa Piñuela – A Calm Escape Off the Highway

Located between Uvita and Ojochal, Playa Piñuela is often overlooked by tourists zipping down the coastal highway. But if you pull off near the Piñuela signage and follow the small gravel road toward the ocean, you’ll find a wide beach with gentle surf, framed by forested cliffs and often completely empty.

Why locals love it: It’s a peaceful picnic spot with tide pools, shaded areas, and great body-surfing waves.

How to get there: Look for the sign off the Costanera Sur between Playa Ballena and Playa Ventanas. The entrance is easy to miss, so go slowly.

Pro tip: Arrive early for shade under the trees and bring binoculars—you might spot scarlet macaws or whales offshore during migration season.

3. Playa Ventanas – The Beach with Sea Caves

While Playa Ventanas is slightly more known than others on this list, many travelers still miss it unless guided by a local. Its name comes from the natural sea caves (or “ventanas,” meaning windows) that tunnel through the rock and open to the sea. At low tide, you can walk through them; at high tide, they roar with the crash of waves.

Why locals love it: It’s a dramatic setting that’s still largely uncrowded, especially on weekdays. There are a few vendors, but the feel is still wild and untamed.

How to get there: Just past Ojochal, turn right at the sign for Playa Ventanas. There’s a small fee for parking. A short walk leads you to paradise.

Pro tip: Only explore the caves at low tide, and always ask a local about ocean conditions first.

4. Playa Sombrero – A Local Favorite in the Osa

Farther south near Puerto Jimenez lies Playa Sombrero, a tranquil stretch of coastline with mangrove edges, warm shallows, and an incredibly laid-back vibe. It’s a favorite with local families and surfers who want to escape the more developed areas.

Why locals love it: It’s quiet, full of wildlife, and has some of the best sunrises in the country.

How to get there: From Puerto Jimenez, take the road toward Matapalo and turn off toward Playa Sombrero. A 4×4 is recommended in the rainy season.

Pro tip: Bring your own picnic and hammock. You might have the beach entirely to yourself.

5. Playa San Josecito – Hidden Jewel of Drake Bay

Accessible only by boat or a long hike from Drake Bay, Playa San Josecito is a treasure of the Osa Peninsula. Think powdery sand, turquoise waters, and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. It’s one of the most remote and rewarding beach experiences on the Pacific coast.

Why locals love it: It’s pristine, untouched, and part of a biological corridor near Corcovado National Park.

How to get there: Take a boat tour from Drake Bay or hike in with a guide (about 2-3 hours). The trail weaves through jungle and offers incredible wildlife viewing.

Pro tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and your sense of adventure. If you’re snorkeling, the area is best in the morning before the wind picks up.

Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches Respectfully

Hidden beaches thrive because they aren’t overrun by crowds—but they stay magical only if we treat them with care. Here’s how to travel mindfully:

Leave no trace: Take everything you bring in, including food wrappers and fruit peels.
Respect tides: Many of these beaches are only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit carefully.
Skip the loud music: Let the sounds of nature speak.
Be kind to wildlife: Don’t feed animals or disturb nesting areas.
Support locals: Buy snacks or crafts from roadside vendors and tip your guides.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Own Slice of Paradise

Part of what makes these hidden beaches so magical is the sense of discovery. They aren’t marked on every map. They don’t have crowded parking lots or resorts nearby. What they offer is something deeper: a return to nature, to solitude, and to the quiet rhythm of the sea.

So next time you’re traveling the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, step off the main road. Ask a local. Take the lesser-known turn. You might just find a beach that becomes yours, if only for an afternoon.

Pura Vida, always.

La Posada Sirena: A Real-World Example

Nestled near the coast of Uvita, Costa Rica, La Posada Sirena is a shining example of how a small boutique hotel can embody the principles of regenerative tourism. Family-run, La Posada Sirena goes beyond providing a beautiful place to stay—it invites guests into a way of life that respects the land, honors tradition, and celebrates community.

Rooted in Local Ecology

The property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and located just minutes from the protected Marino Ballena National Park. Guests are encouraged to explore the local ecosystem with the help of community guides who share their knowledge about native wildlife, plants, and conservation efforts.

Community Collaboration

From the artisans whose crafts decorate the villas to the chefs who prepare meals with ingredients from local farms, La Posada Sirena invests in its neighbors. The hotel also supports community initiatives, such as beach cleanups, reforestation efforts, and educational programs for local youth.

Experiences with Purpose

Guests can join yoga sessions under the canopy, attend storytelling evenings with local elders, or participate in ocean cleanups. These activities are not designed for passive consumption but for active engagement, leaving guests feeling connected, inspired, and transformed.

How You Can Be a Regenerative Traveler

Regenerative tourism isn’t a product you buy—it’s a mindset you adopt. Here are a few ways to align your travels with regenerative principles:

Choose Small, Locally Owned Stays: Prioritize accommodations that are locally run and transparent about their values.
Stay Longer: Reduce your transportation emissions and deepen your experience by choosing fewer destinations and staying longer.
Support Local Businesses: Eat at local restaurants, buy handmade crafts, and book excursions with local guides.
Learn and Listen: Be open to learning from the people and ecosystems you encounter. Respect their knowledge and traditions.
Give Back: Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, look for ways to contribute.

The Future of Travel Is Regenerative

As we look ahead, the most impactful travel won’t be defined by how far we go or how many places we visit. It will be defined by how much we care, how deeply we connect, and how consciously we move through the world.

Staying at small boutique hotels like La Posada Sirena is one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to support regenerative tourism. It means traveling not just to take in the beauty of a place, but to help it flourish—for the people who live there, the ecosystems that sustain it, and the travelers who will come after us.

So the next time you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, remember: your choice of where to stay is more than a reservation—it’s a vote for the kind of world you want to help create.

Sarah

I’m Sarah, owner of La Posada Sirena—a boutique villa retreat in Uvita, Costa Rica. I created this space to share the magic of slow, intentional travel rooted in nature and community. Every stay supports our local ecosystem and the people who call it home. I can’t wait to welcome you.

All Posts