Over the past decade, Costa Rica has steadily grown to become a major hotspot for international tourism. The landscape of Costa Rica is diverse and plentiful, offering plenty of exciting opportunities to visitors from overseas. From its expansive beaches and glittering ocean to the towering rainforest and the vibrant ecology within, the nation’s popularity as a travel destination should come as no surprise. But where can you go to get the best of all of this and more? Look no further than the bright coastal town of Dominical, Costa Rica.

Things to Do in Dominical, Costa Rica: A Visitor's Guide

Not only is Dominical one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica, but it is also a short distance from many Costa Rica rainforest destinations, as well as nature reserves and national parks where you can observe the fascinating flora and fauna. The following blog will break down just a few of the many things to do in Dominical that can make for the perfect Costa Rica vacation.

Hit the Beach

In its tropical climate, Costa Rica is a perfect place to relax and have fun on the beach. With more than one excellent beach to choose from, Dominical easily stands out as one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica.

Playa Dominical

Playa Dominical is the primary beach in the town of Dominical, and one of the best places to surf in Costa Rica. The shore is beautiful on its own, and a great place to sit back and relax, but the beach’s iconic feature is its large, consistent waves. The intense waves may not be great for a laid-back swim, but they are perfect for seasoned surfers looking for adventure.

Playa Dominicalito

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, you can also make your way to the smaller Playa Dominicalito, which is a short distance away from Playa Dominical. Here, the waters are a little calmer, giving it a more laid-back feel. For those who want to try surfing but are intimidated by the intense Playa Dominical waves, Playa Dominicalito can be a great place to find surf lessons.

Take a Hike

Dominical’s coast is certainly gorgeous, but it only accounts for a fraction of what Costa Rica has to offer. Beyond the shoreline, the town of Dominical is also nearby to several excellent hiking spots that will allow you to immerse yourself in lush Costa Rica jungle.

While hiking, make sure to look out for the diverse wildlife in the Costa Rica rainforest, contributing to the incredible ecosystem and adding to the nation’s appeal. Thanks to Dominical’s proximity to the Barú River, it’s nearby to a few breathtaking waterfalls that make for perfect hiking destinations.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nestled in a canyon not far away is a picturesque Costa Rica landmark, the Nauyaca Waterfalls. This attraction consists of an upper and lower fall that together stand around 200 feet tall. There is a beautiful pool below the falls as well as several smaller pools close by, making the falls a popular recreational stop for visitors to Dominical and the surrounding area.

Diamante Waterfalls

Those looking to immerse themselves in the rainforest should look no further than Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, a serene landscape filled with natural life. The valley itself is gorgeous, but the Diamante Waterfall is the centerpiece that brings it all together. Visitors who want to get a closer look can organize an exclusive hiking tour to see the top of the majestic 600-foot fall, as well as many other natural wonders that make the valley special.

Enjoy the Local Atmosphere

Dominical is not a very large city, but it is a great place to visit with a thriving local culture. The town has long been known for its laid-back culture, embraced by the many expatriates (residents from other native countries) who have settled in Dominical over the past several decades.

Eco Feria Farmer's Market

For an experience that is unique to the character of Dominical, you may want to check out the Eco Feria farmer’s market, which occurs every Friday morning in town. The market hosts local vendors, and can be a great place to shop for food, drinks, clothing, and crafts. Live music can also be enjoyed at the market.

Food, Drink, & Fun

Dominical also has plenty of delightful local restaurants serving different kinds of cuisine. Possibly due in part to the community of expats living in town, there is a lot of variety, including different international dining options. Here are a few local highlights:

• Fuego Brewing Co., a restaurant and brewery that prides itself on quality craft beer.
• Cafe Mono Congo, a community-oriented eatery that serves a variety of tasty food and beverages made from local and premium ingredients, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
• La Junta Dominical, a lively cafe featuring live music and good vibes, focused on fresh, sustainable meals made from scratch.

Step Into the Natural Beauty of Costa Rica

Planning a stay in Costa Rica? Interested in the offerings in Dominical and the surrounding area, but want to stay somewhere with a more immersive feel? Let us invite you into the wonder and beauty of the rainforest for a relaxing stay at Vajra Jahra Retreat Center.

At Vajra Jahra, we offer comfortable amenities fully enveloped in the serenity of Costa Rica’s rainforest. Though our property has much to offer on its own, we also aim to help guests make the most of their time in Costa Rica by providing coordinative support. That means if you want to organize an outing to Dominical, a hike to the Nauyaca or Diamante falls, as well as a multitude of other nearby options, we can help with planning, scheduling, and transportation.

Call today to get started and find out how we can help you plan a perfect Costa Rica rainforest getaway!