Playa Flamingo is one of the more upscale beach towns on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, set along a crescent of white sand in the Guanacaste province. Unlike many Costa Rican beach destinations, Flamingo has seen significant development — condominiums, a full-service marina, and a handful of resort-style restaurants line the hillsides above the bay. The sand here is genuinely white, which is unusual for the Pacific side and a big part of the town's appeal.
Sportfishing is the main draw beyond the beach itself. The marina serves as a base for charters heading out after marlin, sailfish, and dorado, and several international fishing tournaments are held here each year. Scuba diving and snorkelling at the Catalina Islands are also popular — the islands, 10–20 minutes offshore, host spotted eagle rays, white-tip sharks, and giant manta rays (May–October). The beach itself is sheltered and calm, good for swimming, kayaking, and catamaran trips along the coast.
The town is quieter and more residential than its neighbours Tamarindo or Playa del Coco — if you want nightlife, you will need to drive — but for a relaxed few days on the coast, it is hard to beat.