You’ll know you’ve arrived when the road that gets you there dead-ends you to right onto the sand. And if you take a gander to your immediate right, you’ll discover something of an oasis known as “Lola’s On the Beach” (Or just “Lola’s” as locals call it.) The towering Royal palms that surround this venue literally give the feel of a very, very cool oasis. (I lack the words) Imagine stumbling upon a private party on a wide open shoreline. That’s the sensation you’ll have when you’ve arrived.

Playa Avellana (or Avellanas as some call it) is a beach located about a 20 to 30 minute drive south of Tamarindo, and it a beach that you definitely don’t want to miss if your staying in or around Tamarindo. In addition to being a fun surf spot, it is also great place to just pass the day relaxing over a good book and a drink.

Located on about one acre of beachfront, Lola’s is the only venue- no actually, the only establishment at all to border the water here, and that’s what makes is it so cool. What you will find here is a front row seat to the horizon, a very tasty and reasonable menu of food, and a delectable ambience. My favorite when I’m tight on cash is a fresh fruit smoothie and a plate of fries. Hit’s the spot after a good session in the water. But my encouragement is to “go large!” You won’t regret it.

Directions from Tamarindo: Take the main road out of Tamarindo and you’ll hit a T in the road at Villareal. Take a right. Drive about 3kms and you’ll hit another T where you take another right. Take this road all the way to the beach and your at Lola’s).

Places to stay: In Avellanas- Cabinas Las Olas or for a little less, stay at Las Casitas de Avellanas.

Surfing: There’s a great left just in front of Lola’s. Several sand bar breaks to your right. A river mouth break about ½ km to the north of Lola’s called “little Hawaii”.

Recommended WebSites and Travel Services

Before You Go | Online Shopping Center: Amazon.com

• View Travel Guidebooks on Places to See in Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Travel Maps
• Find Travel Accessories You Need at Amazon's Travel Center (Luggage, Travel DVD's, Camera, Books, Portable Electronics, etc) 

Holiday Alternatives | Other Services

• Find great adventure travel packages from GAP Adventures! (Outdoor Adventure Travel Service)
• Want to travel more and spend less? Try home exchange for your next vacation. 20,000+ Worldwide Listings. (Home Swapping Service: "You stay in my home while I stay in yours")

About the Author: Lyle Watson is pastor and coffeehouse owner in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Check out his coffeehouse and ministry involvement at http://www.cafetamarindo.blogspot.com, http://tamarindochurch.com, and http://www.beachcommunitychurch.org