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With two distinctly different coasts and hundreds of beaches, this Central American country has a lot to offer for seaside adventures.

Warm water, year-round waves, and Costa Rica’s relaxed “pura vida” spirit have made this Central American country one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.

A repositioning sailing offers improvised exploration of under-the-radar coastal towns and beaches and the chance to slow down while at sea.

Discover fresh seafood and fruit-packed batido smoothies among the country’s culinary delights.

Though smaller than the state of West Virginia, Costa Rica has devoted more than 25 percent of its land to protected parks and nature reserves.

The best way to embrace the country’s pura vida is by staying in one of these nature-surrounded rental properties.

The U.S. may be known for its national parks, but these 10 in other countries―from Costa Rica to China―are worthy rivals.

In 2021, Costa Rica made headlines when it committed to increasing protection for the waters surrounding Cocos Island National Park. In reality, things are far more complicated.

The best cruises open up the world in fresh ways. Through thoughtful routes, excursions, and approaches, they help travelers access places they may not have realized were available to them—such as secluded islands, remote riverside towns, and wondrous engineering marvels. Read on for inspiration on where to cruise next.

Mexico City local, Alfonsina Peñaloza, tours us through her favorite places in the neighborhood of San Ángel.

El Pelicano is a local spot recommended by some folks that live in the area. It’s a lovely beachfront spot that drops ‘fresh from the water’ seafood on your plate, along with ice cold beer (or wine) to accompany it. The dining area is big, open and airy, and big enough to seat the masses. The crashing of the waves is also soothing as you down ‘just one more bite’ of that locally crafted meal that came from the water you can hear.

Interior designer and owner Denis Roy eschewed the palapa-inspired elegance employed by so many Costa Rican resorts in favor of a tropical take on European influences—Victorian architecture, French colonial touches, and Grecian columns among them—creating a resort like no other on the country’s west coast. Owing to its vantage point 1,100 feet above the entrance to the Gulf of Nicoya, the views of the rain forest, ocean, and sunsets are stunning, especially from the infinity pool. Rooms in the main building are fairly basic, but suites and villas offer more luxurious touches, such as Jacuzzis, private ocean-facing terraces, and plunge pools. The property has its own beach (with sun beds, showers, and a snack bar), but since it’s at the bottom of a steep hill, the resort provides hourly transfers. Retreat to the open-air yoga studio, then head to the bar atop the Greek amphitheater to linger over a martini at the nightly sunset happy hour.

With its pristine beaches, emerald lagoons, and wildlife-filled jungles, Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. There’s no better place from which to explore it than the five-star Arenas del Mar, an 11-acre hotel and reserve that’s set atop rain-forested cliffs overlooking the Pacific and delivers just the right amount of luxury within walking distance of the park. (Just don’t be surprised to cross paths with the occasional monkey, sloth, crab, or iguana.) The rooms on the upper level have ocean views and feature hot tubs on large terraces; beachfront rooms are a particularly good choice for families with children thanks to easy access to the lower pool and the casual Playitas Restaurant. But the resort is also an unexpected culinary beacon, serving sustainable dock-to-dish seafood caught by local fisherman that morning and certified gluten-free options alongside traditional Costa Rican specialties.