Food Scene
Great place for breakfast or lunch with decent coffee. It is run by Nicas.
56 locals recommend
Barrio Cafe Hotel
Great place for breakfast or lunch with decent coffee. It is run by Nicas.
Cute little spot for breakfast or lunch. Try out the steak burrito. Also have a few vegetarian options.
8 locals recommend
Salud Kitchen
Avenida MercadoCute little spot for breakfast or lunch. Try out the steak burrito. Also have a few vegetarian options.
My favorite spot on the beach. Has great decor and amazing view. Perfect for lunch or a few beers in the afternoon.
19 locals recommend
The Beach House Nicaragua
My favorite spot on the beach. Has great decor and amazing view. Perfect for lunch or a few beers in the afternoon.
Nica Thai
Avenida del ParqueDelicious Thai food!
Simon Says
Avenue VanderbiltFun, quirky atmosphere, great music, and delicious smoothies!
Drinks & Nightlife
Great local beer with a friendly atmosphere. Often have live music. Go check it out for sure.
49 locals recommend
San Juan del Sur Cervecería
Avenida MercadoGreat local beer with a friendly atmosphere. Often have live music. Go check it out for sure.
This place gets crazy over the weekends. Fills up with a nice atmosphere overlooking the beach. If you want to go out and have some drinks I would recommended putting this on the list.
76 locals recommend
Iguana Bar
This place gets crazy over the weekends. Fills up with a nice atmosphere overlooking the beach. If you want to go out and have some drinks I would recommended putting this on the list.
Lots of activities going on at this bar, like poker nights, trivia nights etc. They also have house-infused rums. The food is delicious, and they offer vegetarian and vegan options!
18 locals recommend
Republika
Avenida MercadoLots of activities going on at this bar, like poker nights, trivia nights etc. They also have house-infused rums. The food is delicious, and they offer vegetarian and vegan options!
Sightseeing
One of the largest Christ statues in the world, how could you miss it? At the very least, it's worth a drive up to check out the view. But for the fit traveller, it is possible to walk. Go via the beach until the river mouth and head back to the road and follow the signs all the way up; it's a work out but you can cool off with the breeze up top. There are also tons of cabs that can give you a ride.
38 locals recommend
Christ of Mercy
One of the largest Christ statues in the world, how could you miss it? At the very least, it's worth a drive up to check out the view. But for the fit traveller, it is possible to walk. Go via the beach until the river mouth and head back to the road and follow the signs all the way up; it's a work out but you can cool off with the breeze up top. There are also tons of cabs that can give you a ride.
Parks & Nature
Great little beach and one of the closest nearby. Has a beginners break so maybe you want to give surfing a try here?
12 locals recommend
El Remanso
Great little beach and one of the closest nearby. Has a beginners break so maybe you want to give surfing a try here?
The famous Playa Hermosa, one of the longer beaches in the area, is bursting with surf shacks. It is a pretty advanced break so if you want to surf I would recommend having some experience.
40 locals recommend
Playa Hermosa
The famous Playa Hermosa, one of the longer beaches in the area, is bursting with surf shacks. It is a pretty advanced break so if you want to surf I would recommend having some experience.
Another one of the most recognized beaches in the area. This one is quite small, but attracts an energy. Lots of great surfers and a cool spot to spend the afternoon.
63 locals recommend
Playa Maderas
Another one of the most recognized beaches in the area. This one is quite small, but attracts an energy. Lots of great surfers and a cool spot to spend the afternoon.
This is the perfect beach to see turtles. There is an entrance fee and it is protected by the military for poachers, etc. It costs around 200 cordobas, but well worth it. There are many tours that leave from town, which provide transport and a guide to explain how to not disturb the turtles. We recommend booking a tour - don't want to be that tourist who accidentally blinds a turtle! Tours generally go for around $25 USD per person.
15 locals recommend
playa la flor
This is the perfect beach to see turtles. There is an entrance fee and it is protected by the military for poachers, etc. It costs around 200 cordobas, but well worth it. There are many tours that leave from town, which provide transport and a guide to explain how to not disturb the turtles. We recommend booking a tour - don't want to be that tourist who accidentally blinds a turtle! Tours generally go for around $25 USD per person.
Arts & Culture
Chocolate lover? Why not try a chocolate-making class here? Learning at its tastiest.
7 locals recommend
Museo del Chocolate
Chocolate lover? Why not try a chocolate-making class here? Learning at its tastiest.
Shopping
It is hard to miss the market when in town. It is located outdoors on a central street, and is comprised of various stalls. They have a few artisans and clothing options along with the best fresh veggies in town.
29 locals recommend
Mercado
Avenida Gaspar Garcia LavianaIt is hard to miss the market when in town. It is located outdoors on a central street, and is comprised of various stalls. They have a few artisans and clothing options along with the best fresh veggies in town.
Essentials
Miscelania Sánchez
Great little place to stock up on essentials.
Only supermarket in town. However, the small convenience stores in town are very well-stocked, and the market is the best place for fresh veggies.
64 locals recommend
Palí
NIC-16Only supermarket in town. However, the small convenience stores in town are very well-stocked, and the market is the best place for fresh veggies.
Only gym in town, if you need to pump some iron or hit the boxing ring, then this is...well the only place.
12 locals recommend
Fight Club Gym
Only gym in town, if you need to pump some iron or hit the boxing ring, then this is...well the only place.
Hospital
NIC-16Not feeling 100%? Jot this location down just in case.
Need to trim that hipster beard or work on that surf hair? San Juan has got you covered.
Barberia Super Star
Need to trim that hipster beard or work on that surf hair? San Juan has got you covered.