What to do in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
Your local guide to adventure, wellness, and nature in Avellanas
Beyond the beach, Playa Avellanas offers a mix of adventure, wellness, nature, and laid-back experiences that make it one of the most special places to stay in Costa Rica.
Whether you want to play a round of ocean-view golf, ride tropical forest trails on a mountain bike, book a pickleball match, recover with an ice bath and sauna session at Oasis Avellanas, visit a local goat farm, or spend a quiet morning birdwatching, there’s something here for every pace and every type of traveler.
This guide highlights the best things to do in Playa Avellanas so you can plan your days with intention, balance activity with relaxation, and make the most of your stay at Rent Avellanas.
Activities nearby
Golf
The Golf Course (5 minutes drive) offers one of the finest settings and challenges in a country renowned for its golf tradition. Created by acclaimed architect Mike Young, the layout conforms gracefully to the natural flow of the land, weaving through the tropical forest along the shores of the Pacific to provide an unparalleled blue water backdrop. This par 72 course, which can play up to 7,200 yards, was designed to enhance the natural landscape of Hacienda Pinilla, giving golfers an exceptional and immaculately conditioned place to enjoy a round with family and friends.
To reserve your tee-time email golf@haciendapinilla.com
Tennis & Pickleball
If you’re looking for something active but social, pickleball at Hacienda Pinilla is a great way to spend the morning or late afternoon.
The courts are well maintained and set within the lush surroundings of the community, offering a fun, energetic atmosphere whether you’re a beginner or experienced player. It’s easy to jump into a casual match, play doubles with friends, or meet other players visiting the area.
Pickleball is especially popular in the early morning before the heat sets in or in the golden hour just before sunset.
To reserve court time or inquire about group play, contact +506 6247 4953 via Whatsapp
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking at Hacienda Pinilla offers one of the best ways to experience the natural landscape of Playa Avellanas.
The trail network winds through tropical dry forest, open fields, and scenic coastal stretches, giving riders a mix of shaded paths and wide, flowing terrain. Depending on your route, you may pass wildlife, ocean viewpoints, and quiet corners of the property that most visitors never see.
The terrain is generally approachable for intermediate riders, but there are enough longer loops and sandy sections to keep it interesting. Early mornings are ideal, when the air is cooler and the trails are quiet.
If you don’t have your own bike, mountain bike rentals are available at Bike Craft Costa Rica in Hacienda Pinilla, open Monday/Tuesday 9am-5pm and Wednesday-Sunday 7am-5pm. They can be contacted via whatsapp +506 8918 6534. Mountain biking is a great complement to surf days and beach time, especially if you’re looking to stay active during your stay at Rent Avellanas.
Ice Bath and Sauna at Oasis Avellanas
For a deeper reset during your stay, spend a session at Oasis Avellanas, our dedicated wellness space just minutes from the beach.
Oasis offers guided access to a traditional sauna and cold plunge experience designed to help you recover, recharge, and reconnect. Cycle between heat and cold at your own pace and leave feeling lighter, clearer, and fully refreshed. Many guests book a session after surf, golf, or mountain biking to support muscle recovery and improve circulation.
Beyond the physical benefits, the experience is about slowing down. The setting is calm and natural, creating space to breathe, reset your nervous system, and enjoy a different kind of energy than the beach.
Whether you are looking for performance recovery or simply a peaceful wellness ritual during your stay, Oasis Avellanas is one of the most unique experiences in Playa Avellanas.
You can reserve your session online, OasisAvellanas.com, via whatsapp, +5067271 3294 or walk by anytime from 12pm-7pm
Scuba / Snorkel
Tama Dive are a Tamarindo SCUBA diving company with 10 years of providing 5-star services to the Flamingo and Tamarindo area. We offer daily Costa Rica scuba diving tours for people of all experience levels, including the one-day Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) tour for anyone without a scuba license that is 10 years or older, which includes a pool lesson beforehand and allows participants to dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet. We also offer all PADI certification courses. For anyone who does not want SCUBA, we offer snorkeling or you can be a passenger on the boat and enjoy spotting whales, dolphins, turtles and more. We have something for everyone!
Birdwatching
Playa Avellanas is a quiet paradise for birdwatching. The mix of coastal trees, wetlands, open fields, and nearby tropical dry forest creates a perfect habitat for a wide range of species, and you don’t need to go far to start spotting them.
Early mornings are best. As the sun comes up, the area comes alive with birdsong and movement. You may see parrots and parakeets flashing through the treetops, herons and egrets near water, hawks gliding overhead, and hummingbirds darting between flowering plants. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of scarlet macaws passing by in pairs.
This is the kind of activity that fits naturally into your day. Bring a coffee, take a slow walk, and keep your eyes up and ears open. Even from your patio or while heading to the beach, you’ll notice how much wildlife is part of everyday life in Avellanas.
Visit the Goat Farm
The Goat Farm is a relaxed and family-friendly experience that offers a different side of Playa Avellanas.
Here, you can meet and feed the goats, walk through the farm, and enjoy a slower pace surrounded by open land and tropical forest. It’s especially fun for families with kids, but adults enjoy it just as much. The setting feels authentic and local, giving you a glimpse into the agricultural roots of Guanacaste.
The farm often produces fresh goat cheese and other small-batch products, depending on availability, making it a unique stop during your stay. It’s a great activity for a morning outing before the beach or as an easy, low-key afternoon experience.
If you’re looking for something beyond surf and sun, the Goat Farm in Avellanas is a charming and unexpected addition to your Playa Avellanas itinerary.
