img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:99.761336515513%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}You’d never guess which international destination is stealing the spotlight.
According to Skyscanner, a lesser-known Costa Rican beach town is drawing an insane amount of attention with a nearly 300% increase in searches.
While Costa Rica has been a mixed bag over the last year or so with security alerts and lagging tourism numbers, one place is catching the eye of travelers who are ready to say goodbye to San Jose and Guanacaste in favor of fewer crowds and authentic experiences.
Costa Rica is one of those places so diverse that you’ll likely ask around for recommendations, especially if you have a loved one who has visited before.
But many travelers who come here hit up the same spots, whether it’s unforgettable jungle excursions, world-class resorts, or “hidden gem” surf towns that aren’t so hidden anymore.
There’s one last place travelers appear ready to venture off to in 2026, as Skyscanner says the proof is in the pudding that Limon is set to be the world’s trendiest destination.
Discover Caribbean Costa Rica
For decades, travelers have been obsessed with Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, dotted with aforementioned resorts and surf havens that have now become digital nomad hotspots in recent years.
But as Skyscanner states, “US travelers are turning their attention to smaller, lesser-known destinations that fly further under the radar but offer something fresh beyond the big-name spots”.
That’s where Limon comes into play.
Nestled along the Caribbean coast, this port city provides unexpected delights and easy access to untouched beach towns that have yet to be plastered all over travel guides.
This side of Costa Rica feels more like the real Pura Vida life, not like other popular beach towns with yoga classes run by an American expat.
Expect to find sounds and flavors of Afro-Caribbean culture and far less crowded beaches laden with palm trees for your own slice of paradise.
Limon’s Top Experiences
Limon is a place it doesn’t matter which hotel you book — you’re going to want to be outside as much as possible.
If this little-known city has any claim to fame besides its port, it’s gotta be its lush national parks, where it’s all but impossible to come back home without some amazing wildlife photos.
Its most popular spots for such adventures are:
- Cahuita
- Tortuguero
These 2 national parks are skipped over too often, as many tourists scope out the best surf and follow the crowd into the Monteverde Cloud Forest (and who can blame them?).
But what really makes these parks stand out is its unspoiled natural beauty, and from the sound of it, there’s no better time to go before more people discover this side of Costa Rica.
And given it’s the Caribbean, it’s time to dive into the best beaches, shall we?
Limon is more of a port city than a proper beach locale, though it does serve as an excellent gateway to check out the coast for sun, sand, and one of the most popular activities, given the clear water conditions, snorkeling.
South of Limon lie clusters of beach towns you likely wouldn’t find on a simple Google search (or even AI nowadays).
Cahuita is a map-dot town with stunning beaches, especially Playa Blanca, hugging the aforementioned Cahuita National Park.
If it were me, this is where I’d make my base away from the busy port and close enough to kick back along gorgeous shores and go exploring if you can get me out of my beach lounger.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 beaches in Limon for 2025:
- Playa Cocles
- Playa Punta Uva
- Playa Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica’s Secret Island Is A Stone’s Throw Away
While most tourists venture off to the same-o, same-o places despite being perhaps Central America’s most diverse nation, one place that is undoubtedly overlooked is Uvita Island.
Home to no one other than an array of astounding wildlife, this is the ultimate place to go snorkeling or diving.
For as low as $54, this tour guide offers ecotours to Uvita Island for memories that will last a lifetime, ranging from surprising history lessons about Christopher Columbus’s ties to the island, indigenous communities, and flawless shores you’ll have all to yourself.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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