Is it safe to walk at night in these towns?

Generally yes, but stick to well-lit areas and main roads. Use a Didi or local taxi for late-night returns to remote villas.

Do I need a car to visit national parks?

No. Most popular parks like Manuel Antonio and Cahuita are located directly on public bus lines or are walkable from the town center.

Getting Around Costa Rican Beach Towns Without a Car

You can navigate Costa Rica's beach towns using a combination of shared tourist shuttles, public buses, and local bike rentals. Avoid renting a car by choosing a home base like Santa Teresa or Manuel Antonio where everything is walkable and infrastructure supports non-drivers.

Use shared shuttle services for inter-town travel. Book shared shuttle services like Interbus or Tropical Tours for transfers between hubs (e.g., San Jose to Tamarindo). They cost about $55-$65 per seat and offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate bus terminals.
Master the public bus system for budget transit. Public buses are cheap ($5-$12) but follow strict schedules. Use the 'Moovit' app or 'Busca Bus CR' to check real-time routes. Always arrive 20 minutes early at the station, as buses often depart precisely on time or slightly early.
Rent a bicycle or ATV for local mobility. In beach towns like Nosara or Santa Teresa, rent a beach cruiser bike for $10/day or an ATV for $70/day. This is the primary way locals and long-term travelers get to remote surf breaks.
Leverage licensed taxi apps. Download 'Didi' or 'Uber'. They are legal and reliable in most major beach towns and provide transparent pricing, which protects you from 'gringo pricing' common with street taxis.

Is it safe to walk at night in these towns?: Generally yes, but stick to well-lit areas and main roads. Use a Didi or local taxi for late-night returns to remote villas.
Do I need a car to visit national parks?: No. Most popular parks like Manuel Antonio and Cahuita are located directly on public bus lines or are walkable from the town center.