I think you'd be wise to follow crfan's suggestion. Samara has the same kind of vibe that you are looking for - no casinos or large resorts, but the beach is family-friendly.

You could also stay in Playa Manzanillo which is a 15 min. drive from Santa Teresa....Manzanillo has a family friendly beach, no surf large enough for surfers because of the off-shore reef. There are huge friendly tidepools between Playa Manzanillo and Playa Hermosa (which is between Manzanillo and Santa Teresa).

Check out www.nicoyapeninsula.com for more information, maps and accommodation.

Some nice houses around Coyote beach...not many people ...

roadadvisor

Another vote for Samara...still has a nice vibe to it...not too touristy in my opinion. I've been to both Sta. Teresa and Samara and I preferred the beach at Samara. My teens liked the waves at Sta. Teresa but yes, it is a pretty strong surf. Gorgeous beach though!!

Also, too many ATV's whipping around in Sta. Teresa for us.

Thank you all for your advice! Such an important thing to get advice! I am grateful. Sounds like switching gears!

Confused about one thing...I though playa hermosa was in the papagayo gulf up north by the resorts?

Also... Does anyone know why there isn't much on the nicoya gulf? It looks like a perfect "inlet" for calmer waters and snorkeling. I only see playa naranjo and playa curu and Montezuma there. Are those ok choices? Or stick samara and other mentioned options?

I'm certainly no CR expert but we have been to Montezuma (stayed in Cabuya), Sta. Teresa and up the coast to Samara as well as Playa Hermosa near the LIR airport. Best place of those in my opinion for a family beach vacation would still be Samara. Samara has more of an area to walk around with restaurants and some funky tourist shops and the beach is just one big long beach - great for long morning walks!! Nice easy swimming. I'm sure your kids will love it...assuming they love the beach and water. Montezuma has a "cool vibe" but I think the beach in Samara wins hands down.

Also good choices around Samara for other beach visits...easy to do with a 4x4 vehicle.

Yes, Sta. Teresa beach is absolutely gorgeous but if you're staying with your kids, you might regret it because the surf is quite big. I also got the feeling that there were many more bar celebrations geared towards the 20 something crowd...full moon parties, etc. Sounds like a lot of fun...but we are past that point in our lives and our family really enjoyed our time in Samara.

I love all the answers and advice! Thank you all so much.

I would love to stay in Samara! It does sound just right, however I do not see many options for staying on the beach. There were some cabins that looked charming (casitas laz divas) but they can not accommodate children. The tree house place looks a bit tired and weird. And all others seem to be not on the beach. Any suggestions? Is that not a big deal there? We always LOVE to stay right on the beach. Villas kalimba.. Not on the beach but ok?

Thanks again...you all have given me great advice!

The beach is lined with many small type restaurants...Villas Kalimba is like being on the beach - you'll still hear the surf...but it can't be seen from your window...you're a 30 second walk. Roberto and Carmen are great and the property is really nice and relaxing. We didn't stay there - we rented one of their homes up the main road (El Gauchito). It's nice for a family - larger and more private then the units at Villa Kalimba...less than 5 min walk from the beach. I know nothing of the smaller casitas or hotels that might be on the beach - wasn't in my research so maybe someone else can make suggestions for you!

have fun...your kids will love Samara!

Steve L:

You will find there are many Playa Hermosas and many Playa Manzanillos.... you just have to be specific when you mention the names. When the names are mentioned on the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais forums, they will be the ones located within a few Kilometers of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, not the others in the country.

It does get confusing!