Beaches:

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Playa Playita
This small, immaculate beach northwest of Playa Espadilla is known as a gay and lesbian gathering spot. Although nudity is not permitted anywhere in Costa Rica, nudists have frequented this beach for more than 30 years – but not as much in recent times due to the construction of a large hotel. Access to Playa Playita is closed off for roughly two hours before and after high tide, when waves block entry to the shore.

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Playa Espadilla

Playa Espadilla is the lovely long, white-sand beach in fronting Manuel Antonio village. Currents are often strong here, so swimmers should use caution although lifeguards are often present throughout the day. Espadilla is a great beach for beginner and intermediate surfers. Visitors have access to several restaurants and souvenir shops paralleling the beach and vendors walk the shores selling cold beverages, snow cones and coconut water. Visitors can rent beach chairs with umbrellas for $6 per day, snorkeling gear for $15, and surfboards for $25.

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Playa Manuel Antonio

Located within Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Manuel Antonio offers restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water and showers.  The beach's almond trees provide plenty of shade, and gentle currents make this sheltered shore a favored swimming spot.

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Playa Gemelas

Also situated in the national park, this beach may be accessed by hiking the short Playa Gemelas trail from the gravel road. Rarely crowded, Gemelas is has strong currents and is generally not safe for swimming.

 

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Playa Biesanz

Biesanz is a pristine beach frequently visited by locals on the weekends. To access the beach, follow signs to Parador Hotel and continue on the gravel road until it dead ends. There is good snorkeling directly offshore and equipment is usually available for rent at a small beach stand. A cozy restaurant serves typical Costa Rican dishes. Parking is available along the road, and the beach is a short downhill hike from there.

Parks, Farms and Wildlife Refuges:
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Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park attracts more than 160,000 visitors each year, all drawn to its sublime beaches and amazing wildlife diversity. Bordered by the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, the park consists of mangrove swamps, primary rainforests and marshy woodlands. It is a haven for more than 100 mammal species including the highly endangered squirrel monkey. There are three secluded beaches inside the park.

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Damas Island Estuary

Located 15 minutes from Quepos, Damas Island is famous for its lush mangrove forests. The backwater canals are home to crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, herons, egrets and other waterfowl. Half-day boat tours to Damas Island can be booked through a number of eco-tour operators in town. Excursions include transportation, beverages and a bilingual naturalist guide.

Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation

Situated in the small village of Villanueva (a 35-minute drive from Quepos), Villa Vanilla is a spice farm and tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture. Vanilla, cacao, black pepper and cinnamon are cultivated on the 150-acre plantation. Visitors can also stock up on organic vanilla beans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and hot chocolate – all grown on-site. Tours are available by reservation. 

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MidWorld Adventure Park

Located 20 minutes from Quepos, MidWorld is set amid 1,000 acres of primary rainforest. In addition to aiding in local reforestation efforts, the park offers ATV tours, a high ropes course, canopy tour and the longest Superman cable in Costa Rica. Transportation to/from Manuel Antonio is included in all tour packages. 

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Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge

This 25-acre wildlife refuge is located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, across from Si Como No Resort and Spa. The refuge includes a reptile lagoon, butterfly garden, aquatic gardens and trails. Guided tours and interpretive night walks are available by reservation. Handouts with a butterfly guide, amphibian list and map are included. Hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; night walks at 5:30 p.m.

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Rainmaker Conservation Project

Rainmaker is a private rainforest reserve situated in the Fila Chonta Mountains, 30 minutes from Quepos. The reserve spans more than 1,530 acres and offers morning birding tours and interpretive talks on canopy ecology. The main attraction is an aerial walk formed by suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy. 

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Waterfalls:
Several canopy and horseback riding operators offer tours to these waterfalls:

La Culebra Waterfall: boasts a 30-foot jump for thrill-seekers.
Matapalo Waterfall: this beautiful waterfall is located about 18 miles from Quepos.
Tocori Waterfall: a popular destination for horseback riding tours, this set of two falls is nestled within the Tocori ecological reserve