Costa Rica lives up to its title, ‘wealthy shoreline’, with a range of mesmerizing & enriching travel experiences up its sleeve for those heading to its stunning shores. Pristine nature awaits you at every turn in the road on this captivating nation with ivory sand beaches, exotic wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re soaring over lush rainforests on a zipline, ascending gushing waterfalls, peering over an active volcano, or tackling wild rapids on your raft, Costa Rica guarantees an endless unrestricted adventure. As you collect beautiful seashells and memories for a lifetime, make sure to simply sit back, unwind, and embrace the simple pure life (pura vida) that Costa Ricans wholeheartedly embrace.
Those who desire to indulge will be pleasantly surprised by the thriving Costa Rica nightlife that offers a variety of options for nighttime escapades! From lively beach gatherings to taverns, nightclubs, and intimate dinners, we’ve got it all covered with some helpful Costa Rica nightlife pointers for a seamless experience.
Here are the destinations for nighttime adventures that match your daytime thrill in this splendid country!
Nightlife In San Jose
The capital city offers countless choices for the finest nightlife in Costa Rica, from sizzling dance clubs to trendy Irish pubs and shisha bars. Let’s explore some popular venues in town:
1.Club Vertigo
Living up to its name, this trendy night club will leave you dazzled with its fantastic pulsating music by some of the top DJs in the nation. Equipped with its state-of-the-art sound system, this renowned club also hosts numerous events throughout the year with superb techno, hip hop, and house music mixed by some of the finest talents in the industry. For a taste of the scintillating Costa Rica nightlife, head straight to Club Vertigo, renowned for hosting the most vibrant parties in Central America.
Location: Paseo Colón, San José, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 10PM-6AM (Fri-Sun)
2.Castro’s Nightclub
Being the sparkling gem in the crown of Costa Rica nightlife, San Jose is home to some of the finest nightclubs and bars. This enjoyable karaoke bar in the capital city promises fantastic music and the opportunity to party all night with your friends. There are separate spaces for nightclub and karaoke, along with delectable cuisine and cocktails.
Location: Calle 20 11a, San José, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 12:05PM-1AM (Mon-Wed); 6PM-3AM (Thurs-Sun)
3.Jazz Cafe
Undoubtedly one of the finest places to listen to live music in the country accompanied by excellent food and beverages, Jazz Cafe adds a lot of excitement to Costa Rica nightlife. From jazz trios to salsa, reggae, latin music, and rock ‘n’ roll, the live performances at the club make it truly special. The wonderful ambiance, superb cuisine, and an outstanding bar contribute to its undeniable allure.
Location: San José Province, San Rafael, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 6PM-12AM (Mon-Sat)
Nightlife In Jaco
Considered one of the top destinations for experiencing Costa Rica nightlife, this coastal town with sandy beaches and lush hills has some excellent options to choose from:
4. Le Loft
Synonymous with Jaco nightlife, Le Loft is one of the finest places to have a lively time till the early hours of the morning. The personnel is amiable, the ambiance superb, and the trendy proprietor ensures everyone is having a splendid time. The DJs ignite the establishment with sensational music to get you moving immediately. Relish your beverage, grab a delectable snack, and dance throughout the night at Le Loft!
Location: Costa Rica, Jaco, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 10PM-4AM (Thurs-Mon)
5. Orange Pub
This typical Latin informal club is an excellent spot to celebrate with some trendy music and delightful company. There’s a fantastic blend of local and visiting individuals, a pleasant assortment of beverages, a couple of billiards tables, and live DJ performances. The go-go dancers enhance the enjoyment factor on weekends, while the reggae and hip hop tunes get you in the mood for dancing.
Location: Pastor Diaz Ave, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 8:0PM-2:30AM (Mon, Thurs-Sat)
Planning your vacation but uncertain about where to visit? These travel anecdotes assist you in discovering your ultimate journey!
Genuine travel anecdotes. Authentic accommodations. Useful pointers to aid you in making the correct decision.
6. Beatle Bar
This massively popular local drinking establishment is a pleasant place for a couple of brews and some good tunes. The relaxed tavern-like ambiance makes it an excellent spot to relax and have a rocking time. The service is prompt, the food fantastic, and the beverage selection vast & affordable. They also have a few tables and small screens for a sports bar ambiance.
Location: Pastor Diaz Avenue, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa RicaOpening Hours: Daily, 11AM-12AM
Nightlife In Playa Tamarindo
From romantic dining spots and rooftop bars to trendy casino and nightclubs, this beautiful beachside location has some of the finest Costa Rica nightlife spots.
7. Sharky’s Sports Bar
One of the top-notch Costa Rica nightlife venues to hang out in Tamarindo, Sharky’s has an enjoyable vibe and excellent cuisine to accompany the beverages. There are plenty of events/themes almost every day, including ladies’ night on Mondays, to enhance the fun. The friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to socialize with the locals, watch sports events, and savor delectable bar grub.
Location: Central Avenue, just adjacent to Pacific Park, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 11:30AM-2:30AM (Thurs-Tues); 5PM-2:30AM (Wed)
8. El Garito
The unrestrained ceiling dance floor, exceptional house & electronic music and a remarkable ambience make El Garito the foremost Costa Rica nightlife spot in Tamarindo. It is a delight to groove to some of the best subterranean house music created by their first-rate DJ’s. The bartenders do an excellent job and sustain the beverages flowing even with such enormous crowds.
Location: Centro Comercial el Punto,, Cerca de Arenas Surf and Skate, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 7PM-2:30AM (Mon-Tues; Thurs-Sat)
Nightlife In Puerto Viejo
This tranquil coastal town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, changes to a lively nightlife destination once the sun sets.
9. Mango Sunset
Another open-to-the-ocean spot that offers $1 tequila and guaro shots, complimentary cocktails for ladies on Mondays (10PM-12AM) and cool live music. Mango Sunset is the location to encounter Costa Rica nightlife like the locals and encounter a euphoria like no other. The amiable crowd, exceptional ambience and weekly beach barbecue make it a remarkable place to hang out when in Puerto Viejo.
Location: Limón Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, 70403, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 4PM-2:30AM (Mon-Fri)
10. The Relaxed Monkey
Located right by the ocean, this fantastic seaside bar is a great spot to hang out both during the day and at night. It’s so close to the ocean that you can even take a refreshing swim while enjoying your cocktails! You can play billiards, listen to some fantastic live music (reggae & calypso bands) as well as DJ sets throughout the week. They have happy hours every evening and complimentary drinks for ladies on Thursdays between 10PM and 12AM.
Location: Stanford’s on the Beach, 70403, Limón, Costa RicaOpening Hours: 12PM-12AM (Sunday-Wednesday); 12PM-2:30AM
Costa Rica Nightlife Pointers
- Although Costa Ricans love to party, weekends remain the optimal time to enjoy Costa Rica nightlife when most clubs and bars are lively and open until late hours.
- Be on the lookout for special events like discounted nights and ladies’ nights at various establishments to get some fantastic deals. Many places also offer complimentary cocktails for ladies on certain nights.
- You need to dress according to the type of bar or club you’re visiting and the weather of the city. San Jose gets chilly at night so you need to layer up. A stylish top or dress paired with jeans or a skirt and shoes/heels is always a good choice.
- Some upscale establishments have strict dress codes for both men and women. No hats, tank tops or torn jeans at these Costa Rica nightlife venues.
- It’s socially acceptable for both men and women to ask each other for a dance in a club or discotheque.
- Since everyone in Costa Rica loves to dance, you can let loose, hit the dance floor and learn a few steps of salsa or meringue to join the festivities!
Further Reading: 10 Top American Road Trips For An Unforgettable Journey In The Land Of Enchanting Sceneries!
Just like the country itself, Costa Rica nightlife offers a variety of options and experiences to make the hours after sunset just as thrilling as your daytime adventures in its vibrant cities. So, pack your finest attire and head to Costa Rica and have an extraordinary trip.
Disclaimer: Fred and Fuzzys claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is subject to copyright and is the property of its respective owners. We strive to provide proper attribution to the original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on Fred and Fuzzys, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in giving proper credit to the original author, artist, or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by Fred and Fuzzys in any content format is not intended to be a substitute for any medical advice, and individuals should not take any action before consulting their own choice of professional medical expert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica Nightlife
What is Costa Rica renowned for?
Other than its reputation for producing the finest coffee beans in the world, Costa Rica is also famed for its stunning natural scenery, abundant biodiversity, and multiple intriguing tourist attractions.
