One of the perks of being in Costa Rica is that it’s a destination friends want to visit. Good news for us! Our first visitor was our good friend Summer, who joined us a few weeks back. Especially as she moved from Oregon to Texas last year, it was so good to see her and catch up. To make the most of her trip, we headed to Dominical, an adorable surf town on the Pacific coast.

Despite the popular thought that Brice and I are living on the beach surfing every morning before work, San Jose is sadly smack-dab in the meeting of the country, with the ocean at least two hours away. So alas no morning surf routine and instead a little roadtrip was in order.

As a nice break from the car on our 4-hour drive to Dominical, we stopped in the touristy town of Jaco for lunch. The moment we stepped outside, the humidity hit is. No longer was it the perfect breezy 70-degree weather like in San Jose!

The humidity in Dominical was not any more accommodating so when I proposed a hike for our Saturday activity, Brice and Summer looked at me like I was crazy. But it was a hike to a waterfall. I promised it would be worth it.

After a 3 mile very sweaty hike through the rainforest, we made it to the beautiful Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Not only was the view of the 60-foot lower falls and 140-foot upper falls stunning, jumping into the cool, clear waters of the natural pool below the falls was beyond refreshing. As expected, my companions agreed at that point, the hike was worth it.

Another reward was returning to our awesome little stay, Mavi Surf Hotel, for a dip in the pool with a cold Costa Rican beer. I say day well spent.

After being considered somewhat a slave driver planning that, the rest of the weekend was much more leisurely.

Enjoying the best of breakfasts at our hotel owned by the sweetest ex-pat Italian family. If asked “would you like everything on the menu?” You say yes. Fresh fruit, yogurt, banana cinnamon pancakes, farm-fresh eggs and tons of coffee. I’ll have them make me breakfast every morning, please.

Reading in the hammocks outside our room.

Strolling down the beach and splashing in the surprisingly warm waters of the Pacific ocean.

Touring the laidback town of Dominical, which is only approximately a 20-minute walk all the way. Surfers have set up tents and BBQs to camp out right on the sand, just moments from the water. About 10 good restaurants and bars are dotted along the pedestrian-friendly roads, including Fuego Brew Co which serves up locally-made craft beer in an awesome treehouse.

Dominical may be my favorite beach town so far.

Who wants to come visit next?! 🙂