Pura Vida Packing Guide: Beach Edition — What to Wear in Costa Rica

There's a reason Costa Rica's coast steals hearts. Between golden and black-sand surf beaches, warm turquoise water, and that unmistakable pura vida spirit, the beach towns are where you slow down, breathe deep, and live a little more freely. Because Costa Rica has so many kinds of adventures — from cloud forests to coastline — we're kicking off this series with the Beach Edition: your laid-back, boho-ready guide to what to wear and pack for sun, sand, and surf.

Dress for the Beach & the Pura Vida Lifestyle

Beach days in Costa Rica run on ease, and your wardrobe should too. Think breathable, flowy, and effortless — pieces that move with you from a morning surf to a sunset dinner without a second thought.

• Wide-leg or palazzo pants — lightweight and airy, perfect for humid beach days and that relaxed coastal look. Try our Goddess Wide Leg or Mandala Palazzo pairs — roll them up for the sand or pair with a fitted top for a beach-town stroll.
• Flowy dresses & crop tops — our Lace Beach Dress and the Spiritual Gangster High Vibe Tank are easy layers that keep you cool in the tropical heat and look effortless over a swimsuit.
• A kimono or light cover-up — the ultimate beach-to-bar piece; throws right over your bikini and doubles as evening style.
• A swimsuit (or two) — you'll basically live in it, so bring a backup to rotate while one dries.
• Sandals you can walk in — you'll be padding between beach, town, and tide pools, so comfort is everything.

Don't Forget the Beach Essentials

Costa Rica's coast is wild and wonderful, which means a little prep goes a long way. Here's what we'd never hit the beach without:

• Reef-friendly Sun Bum SPF 50 — the sun is strong and the reefs are precious. The roll-on makes reapplying mess-free.
• A refillable water bottle — stay hydrated between swims and sun.
• A crossbody bag or fanny pack — keep your essentials hands-free and secure while you explore, surf, and hop between beaches.
• A boho head wrap — tame beach hair in style and add an instant boho touch. 
• Polarized sunglasses — non-negotiable for coastal glare; polarized lenses cut the shine off the water. Our best-selling Knockaround Fast Lanes are a beach favorite.
• A boho trucker hat — shade plus effortless style for long beach days.
• Your favorite crystals — tuck an amethyst or a grounding stone in your bag for calm, intentional travel.
• A soft cooler — keep drinks and snacks cold with an IceMule Classic 15L or a fun Fydelity cooler for beach days and sunset picnics.
• A light rain layer — tropical showers roll through fast, especially in the green season.

Pack Light, Live Free

The magic of Costa Rica's coast is in the moments you don't plan — a spontaneous surf lesson, a slow coffee overlooking the water, a barefoot walk at golden hour. Keep your beach packing simple, choose pieces that make you feel like you, and leave room for the memories (and maybe a treasure or two you pick up along the way).

Ready to build your beach wardrobe? Explore our boho-ready pieces made for wandering, and bring a little Wild Flier spirit to the coast. Stay tuned for the next edition — heading up into Costa Rica's mountains and cloud forests. Pura vida. 🌴