It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Costa Rica the happiest country in the world, and that’s because there’s just so many reasons for the denizens of this tiny country to celebrate. With some of the highest living standards in the region, Costa Rica can perhaps best be described as the Switzerland of Latin America for its peace and prosperity. Or is it better described as the Borneo of Central America, for its biodiversity and outstanding opportunities for eco-tourism? Or how about the Denmark of Central America, due to Costa Rica’s environmentally-conscious economy? Or how about be ditch comparisons all together and admit that when it comes to beaches, Costa Rica is in a league of its own. This slender strip of isthmus has more beaches than borders, and puts postcards to shame with that smooth white sand and turquoise waters. So when it came to deciding on which country deserves our Experts’ Choice Award for Best Beach Destination for 2019, we just couldn’t pass up Costa Rica.
Costa what?
Good luck finding Costa Rica on a map. Sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, this humble country rarely makes international headlines. When it does, it’s often for one of Costa Rica’s numerous environmental achievements,
Such as its ambitious plan to become the world’s first zero emissions nation. While many of its neighbors struggle with insecurity, corruption and violence, Costa Rica has spent the last few decades quietly building a paradise at the crossroads between North and South America. It’s so peaceful that since 1949, the country has proudly boasted a constitution that bans the creation of a standing army. It’s peaceful attitude was recognized in 1980, when the United Nations opted to base the U.N. University for Peace in Costa Rica. Nonetheless, Costa Rica isn’t quite perfect, and in early 2019 an uncharacteristic spike in violent crime led the Canadian government to warn its citizens to exercise caution while visiting the Central American country. Since then, Costa Rican authorities have announced a crackdown on violent crime and illegal arms. Despite this, you’ll find locals in Costa Rica are generally open, gracious people.
Of course, Costa Ricans (or Ticos, as locals refer to themselves), don’t just love each other; they also care deeply for the environment. A deeply ingrained culture of conservationism has taken root in this country ever since the 1950s, when American Quakers flocked here to create their own de-industrialized utopia. By 1972, the Quakers had created their own bio-reserve with virtually no government or corporate backing.
Since then, Costa Rica’s conservation movement has exploded, and today the country has around 160 protected areas, ranging from volcanic highlands perfect for hiking, dense jungle teeming with unique wildlife, and marine reserves that will take the breath away from even the most seasoned of scuba
Manuel Antonio National Park
veterans. Whether land or sea, wherever you go in Costa Rica you can expect to be blown away by the unparalleled biodiversity. Costa Rica contains an estimated 5 percent of global biodiversity, despite comprising barely 0.03 percent of the world’s surface. Arguably the most popular place to experience Costa Rica’s natural environment is the Manuel Antonio National Park, with its diverse range of seaside ecosystems that feature colorful toucans, screeching macaws and adorable sloths. It also happens to be the most well-visited beach in the country.
Alternatively, head to the highlands for the Volcan Arenal National Park. The centerpiece of this reserve is the active Arenal volcano, which is surrounded by lush jungle and hot springs. Otherwise, birdwatchers should flock to the Mixto de Vida Silvestre Romelia National Refuge, where you might be lucky enough to catch sight of the rare rare waterfowl. An even better reason to visit is to see the Olive Ridley sea turtle, which uses this reserve as one of just a few known nesting grounds. True adventurers, however, shouldn’t miss the Volcan Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Dominated by the boisterous Rincon volcano, the park bubbles with hot springs, fumaroles and steaming mud pots.
Beaches, beaches and more beaches
No visit to Costa Rica would be complete without a couple of lazy beach days. Along with the afore-mentioned Manuel Antonio National Park, the surf town of Tamarindo is as flavorsome as it sounds. Find yourself a cozy beach hideaway like the humble Tamarindo Inn, and hit the surf. Otherwise, for something really unique, pay a visit to Flamingo Beach, which gets its name from the unusual pinkish hue of the sand. Finally, consider ending your trip with a mind-blowing flyover tour of the Marino Ballena National Park. This beach is best known for its shoreline shaped like a whale’s tail, and is best seen from the skies.
Wherever you go in Costa Rica, you’ll find rest and relaxation on some of the world’s best beaches, and exhilarating ecological experiences throughout the well-preserved jungles, highlands and shores of the gem of Central America.
As with any vacation, hotel selection is key. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is your best bet. It neighbors a world-class golf course and overlooks the Pacific. And if those surroundings are not enough, “the resort itself is a celebration of the American Craftsman period, from its stained glass and handcrafted woodwork to its Stickley-style furnishings,” says Forbes Travel Guide. Rooms here start at $305.
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Something to keep in mind is that San Diego is a border city. Mexico is just a short drive away, making for some pretty amazing food. Plus, Mexican heritage is visible in many spots, and Old Town San Diego is a particularly bright spot to experience it.
After checking in at the Lodge, make your way to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. San Diego is definitely a city that requires a car to get around, but if you want to save yourself the hassle of renting one and finding parking, Uber is your safest bet. A trip from the Lodge to Old Town will be around $15.
The main attraction of the Historic Park is its plaza, which is “a pleasant place to rest, plan your tour of the park, and watch passers-by,” according to Fodor’s.
After a stroll, it’s time you have your first Mexican meal of the trip. The Old Town Mexican Café is a staple in San Diego, where the staff prepares fresh tortillas in front of you. Lonely Planet recommends you try “machacas (shredded pork with onions and peppers), carnitas (grilled pork), and posole (hominy stew).” You can’t go wrong with this casual diner. Dishes here range from $4-$16.
Mission San Diego de Alcala
After lunch, cruise over to the Mission San Diego de Alcala, also in Old Town. The architecture is representative of Spanish colonial rule of the area. It is the first of a chain of 21 missions stretching northward along the coast, and according to Fodor’s, has some pretty intense history. Plus, you can still attend mass here over the weekends. Admission into the mission is $5.
Before it gets dark, head back to Torrey Pines and check out the Reserve. It is a completely different scene than Old Town. Rather than looking at some amazing architecture surrounded by Mexican food and Spanish music, the Torrey Pines State Reserve is a place to enjoy nature. San Diego is an outdoorsy city, and the Reserve is an ideal place for a late afternoon walk. Afar magazine says “either you can hike a longer loop around the entire reserve, or take a short walk from the parking lot near the nature center to the edge of high bluffs overlooking the ocean.” Exploring the Torrey Pines State Reserve is definitely a great way to open up your appetite before dinner.
Torrey Pines Reserve, La Jolla, California
To end your first day, it’s time to splurge. After all that walking, it’s time to eat at San Diego’s best restaurant, George’s at the Cove. A close drive to the Torrey Pines Lodge, George’s is often regarded as the place to find the city’s best meal. “Chef Trey Foshee is committed to using farm fresh organic and sustainable ingredients in dishes like the yellowfin fish tacos and porcini-glazed halibut,” says Travel + Leisure. Main courses here are between $13-$50.
For the next day, you should aim for a big breakfast or brunch, because there’s a lot of walking involved. Hash House A Go Go is known for its huge portions, but “it is not simply quantity over quality,” according to Zagat. The hash browns, biscuits, and pancakes are delicious, as are their eggs cooked in many different styles. Prices range from $9-$18 for meals. It will be a $15 Uber ride from the Torrey Pines Lodge.
Just a short distance away from the restaurant is one of San Diego’s main attractions: Balboa Park. One of the biggest cultural parks in the world, it houses museums, restaurants, and the first stop for today, the San Diego Zoo. Prepare to explore for hours. “The expansive “habitats” include a tropical rainforest filled with gorillas, a recreated Arctic tundra with polar bears and reindeer, and a Giant Panda Research Station,” says Travel + Leisure. It’ll cost $50 to check out every corner of this 100-acre animal wonderland.
After the zoo, be sure to walk around the rest of Balboa Park. The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Air & Space Museum are two of the park’s highlights.
Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma
As a final stop before dinner visit Cabrillo National Monument, in the Point Loma neighborhood. It’s a historic site dedicated to a 16th century explorer, but the views are the biggest pull here. “It’s also the best place in town to see the gray-whale migration (January to March) from land,” says Lonely Planet. It’s a $16 Uber ride away from Balboa Park, and admission is free.
Watch the sunset at Cabrillo, and then get ready for a wonderful meal nearby. Point Loma Seafoods is perfect for an early dinner, and promises amazing food and ambiance. “The place is known for its Alaskan cod fish sandwich, though the squid sandwich is another bestseller,” says Gayot.
If you still have some energy left, check out Café Sevilla downtown for live music and drinks. It should be an $8 ride from Point Loma Seafoods. “Thursday through Sunday evenings, it’s packed with youthful throngs who crowd the ground-floor bar,” according to Fodor’s.
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You can’t leave San Diego without spending some time at the beach. So for the remainder of the trip, it’s all about Mission Beach. The boardwalk here stretches for several miles, perfect for a walk or a bike ride. An Uber ride from the hotel will be $12.
Start the day at The Mission for breakfast. It has three locations throughout San Diego, including the beach. “There’s soy chorizo, gluten-free blueberry cornmeal pancakes, egg whites, and braised tofu and generous bowls of fruit and granola for health-conscious types, and roast beef hash and eggs for hungry carnivores,” says Frommer’s. Expect to pay $7-$11 per item here.
Make your way to the final stop of your San Diego visit: Belmont Park. The once abandoned amusement park bow has a functioning roller coaster, along with shops where you can find kitschy gifts. “Attractions include miniature golf, a video arcade, bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, and an antique carousel,” according to Fodor’s. Prices vary for every attraction.
After those 72 hours, you probably won’t be done with San Diego. The hikes, the food, and the gorgeous weather will leave you certain of why this place is such a popular spot. Just listen to the experts, and you’ll be enjoying the best of what the city has to offer.
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