Puntarenas is the capital and largest city of the province of Puntarenas, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This city hosts over 100,000 residences, and its proximity to the ocean makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Nearby parks and beaches: there are many other beaches and national parks where tourists and locals can travel from Puntarenas in a relatively short time.
Some of the most popular surrounding areas that are traveled include Playa Naranjo, Mal País, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Carara National Park and the famous surf spot in Boca Barranca. One thing that is immediately visible in Puntarenas is that this is not a place you want to overlook just as a port or a stop to a better place. While many people only travel through Puntarenas, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy in the city during a stay there. Check out the cafes that line the beach along the Paseo de los Turistas walkway. You will find fresh seafood in these places. You can also find something sweet, with ice cream and smoothie on many of the menus. Also, on street vendors you will find them on sidewalks. These sidewalk shops are a great place for a tourist to find authentic Costa Rican souvenirs to take home to friends and family.