Why you’ll want to spend your next family vacation at Fermata Hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

Santa Teresa is known for its surf, sunshine, and laid-back vibe, and it’s also a great spot for families. With its beautiful beaches, wildlife-filled adventures, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re looking for a calm beach day or an adventurous hike, Santa Teresa has plenty to offer for kids of all ages.

Here are a few tips for making your family vacation to Santa Teresa both fun and stress-free.

When to Visit
The more popular time for families to visit is during the dry season (December to April), when sunny skies and calm waters make for perfect outdoor adventures. If you come during the green season (May to November), you’ll enjoy lush landscapes, though be ready for occasional rain showers. Either way, Santa Teresa offers a memorable experience year-round. You can read about the different times of the year to visit here.

Getting Here
Though Santa Teresa is a bit off the beaten path, getting here is part of the adventure. Most families fly into San José or Liberia, then take a short domestic flight to Tambor, followed by a scenic 45-minute drive. For families with younger kids, consider booking a private shuttle to make the journey more comfortable. The drive from San Jose is about 5-6 hours and from the Liberia airport is about 3.5-4 hours.

What to Do with Kids

Beach Time
Santa Teresa has several wide, stunning beaches perfect for kids to play and explore. Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa are especially family-friendly, with calm waters and soft sand for building sandcastles or paddling in the shallows.

Tide Pools
At low tide, head to the rocky areas of Playa Santa Teresa or Malpaís to explore natural tide pools. These shallow pools are ideal for younger kids to safely discover marine life, like small fish and crabs.

Surf Lessons
Santa Teresa is known for its surf culture, and Chorotegas, Fermata’s surf school, offers lessons for kids. Playa Hermosa is a great spot for beginners. Kids as young as five can take surf lessons, and instructors make it fun, with opportunities for even first-time surfers to catch a wave.

Day Trips
– Montezuma Waterfall: A short, easy hike leads to one of Costa Rica’s most stunning waterfalls, where kids can swim in the natural pool.
– Curú Wildlife Refuge: Just an hour from Santa Teresa, Curú offers well-maintained trails through tropical forests. It’s a fantastic place for kids to spot wildlife, including monkeys and colorful birds.
– Read about more day trips here.

What to Pack
To make your family trip easier, pack:
– Light clothing for warm days.
– Swimsuits, rash guards, and water shoes for beach adventures.
– Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and bug spray for protection.
– Snacks and small games for downtime at the hotel.

While you can find essentials in Santa Teresa, packing ahead ensures you won’t need to hunt for something your kids need. If you want to read our full packing list suggestions, click here.

Staying at Fermata with Family
After a day of exploring, Fermata is the perfect place to unwind. With luxury rooms just steps from the ocean, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Fermata Kitchen offers dishes inspired by fresh ingredients and designed for sharing, so you can enjoy meals as a family. After a busy day of exploring, enjoy a nourishing meal together and recount the adventures from the day.

Final Tips
– Rent a 4×4 if you plan to explore beyond town — some roads are unpaved.
– Most restaurants are casual and kid-welcoming, with outdoor seating and space to roam.
– During the peak season, you might want to ask the Fermata front desk to make dinner reservations for you, especially if you’re a large group.
– Plan activities early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.
– Don’t over-schedule — part of the magic is letting the days unfold.

Santa Teresa is an ideal destination for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re spending time on the beach, hiking to waterfalls, or spotting wildlife, this paradise offers unforgettable experiences for families. And with Fermata Hotel as your home base, you’ll have a comfortable retreat to return to after a busy day.