Summer Adventures in Costa Rica: Exploring Samara
This summer, I had the chance to escape to Costa Rica and spend a few days in a magical little beach town called Samara. It was my second time visiting Costa Rica, but my very first time in Samara - and I already know it won’t be my last.
I went with my friend Tiffany (we were celebrating her birthday!) and her friend Bonny. The three of us wanted somewhere fun, safe, and easy to explore - and Samara was exactly that. It’s a walkable beach town with a gorgeous shoreline, plenty of shops and restaurants, and the kind of quiet and laid-back charm that makes you instantly feel at home.
Our Stay in the Treetops
We stayed in this beautiful Airbnb, tucked away in the treetops but still just a short walk from the beach. From our balcony, we could hear the birds chirping and even saw Howler monkeys and a Coati (a small animal that looks like a raccoon, but with a long tail😆). It was the perfect mix of nature and convenience.
For women traveling together, I’d also add that we felt completely safe during our entire trip. Samara is definitely a destination I’d recommend for a girls’ getaway!
Food + Drinks We Loved
One of my favorite things about travel is trying local spots, and Samara did not disappoint. A few highlights:
Roots Bakery – The perfect stop for coffee and delicious pastries in the morning!
Sheriff’s on the Beach – A great spot for a snack or a full meal. The crispy fried red snapper dish was incredible, and we loved the plantains too!
Microbar Samara – A tiny bar with amazing craft beer.
Samara Organics – A local gem with chocolates, hot sauces, and handmade gifts. It’s also within walking distance from the Microbar, win! 😁
Bahía Restaurant – A beachside restaurant with delicious food and the prettiest ocean views. We really enjoyed this one!
We didn’t make it to Samara Wok, but the smell coming from that restaurant on our last night had me wishing we had an extra day. Next time, for sure!
Adventures in Samara
Samara is best known for its surfing schools, thanks to a natural reef barrier that protects the beach from larger waves. This makes it a great location for beginner surfers. Tiffany tried out Indio Surf School and loved it!
We also couldn’t resist horseback riding along the beach. If you go, you’ll find locals offering horseback rides right by the SAMARA photo opp sign near the Sheriff’s restaurant. I’d recommend going directly to the beach and asking the men that have horses for a ride. Riding to a waterfall and then down the shoreline was such an amazing and memorable experience!
And then there were the wild horses. Yes, wild horses…everywhere! You will find them at Playa Samára, a beautiful beach on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s still a little bit of a mystery of where they came from, and you can often find them by taking a trip to the beach or exploring some of the nearby accommodations. They’re often spotted roaming the beaches in the late afternoons, and seeing them was surreal - like something straight out of a movie.
Why I Love Traveling as a Photographer
Trips like this always remind me how much I love being a photographer. Whether I’m capturing weddings in Austin, events at the Four Seasons, or wild horses on a Costa Rican beach, photography is all about noticing beauty and telling a story through images.
Samara is a place I’d go back to in a heartbeat - whether for another girls’ trip or even for a destination wedding or elopement. If you’re dreaming of a wedding or event in Costa Rica (or anywhere else in the world), I’d love to bring my camera along and help capture your story in a way that feels true to you.
Until Next Time, Samara
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and want a quiet, safe beach town full of charm, Samara is a must! From delicious food to incredible adventures, it’s a place that feels both relaxing and unforgettable.
And if you’re looking for a destination photographer in Costa Rica (or beyond) - I’d love to connect. 💛 Travel and photography are two of my favorite things, and I’m always excited to blend them together.
