4 reviewed party hostels · from €11.12/night · Hostelworld rated
Santa Teresa isn’t just another surf town. By 10 p.m., the dirt road outside Somos Hostel is lined with scooters, and the open-air bar at Zeneidas Surf Garden is packed with backpackers swapping stories over cheap Imperial beers. The place has a rhythm: surf by day, party by night: without the pretence of bigger Costa Rican hotspots. Hostels here are small, social, and often right on the sand. Most don’t bother with dorms over eight beds, so you’re more likely to end up in a hammock circle than a crowded bunk room. The main strip, running along the beachfront, is where you’ll find the action, but the real gems are the beach bonfires that kick off after midnight when the bars close.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Somos is Santa Teresa’s ultimate party haven, where jungle vibes meet electric nights. The House of Somos bar pumps out mezcalitas and DJ beats, igniting dance floors till dawn. Live music and poolside lounges spark epic pre-party vibes, while daily surf and waterfall adventures fuel the fun. Steps from the beach, it’s a social hotspot for global party lovers.
Lost Boyz, in Santa Teresa’s surf paradise, is a vibrant, adults-only party haven for backpackers. Its poolside bar, treehouse, and garden spark epic nights with daily social events. A pool table fuels fun, and the central location—steps from top bars and beaches—makes it perfect for lively connections and unforgettable party vibes in Costa Rica’s jungle setting.
Hostel La Posada is a party powerhouse in Santa Teresa, with a poolside bar blasting music and hosting wild nightly events. Billiards and lounges spark pre-party banter, while surf trips and ATV adventures fuel the vibe. Steps from top bars and beaches, its hammock-filled spaces keep the tropical party spirit alive for surfers and socialites.
Don Jon’s Lodge is Santa Teresa’s go-to for party vibes, just a 3-minute stroll from beach fiestas and bars. Hammock-filled communal areas buzz with pre-party chats, while daily yoga sessions bond travellers for epic nights. With free coffee to kickstart your day, its prime location and chill social scene make it perfect for bar-hopping adventurers.
How Santa Teresa's nightlife zones break down
The heart of the action. This is where you’ll find the main strip of hostels, bars, and sodas. The beach is long and sandy, with consistent surf breaks. At night, the road turns into a pedestrian zone, with scooters weaving between bonfires and bar crowds. Stay here if you want to be in the thick of it.
A 10-minute walk north of Santa Teresa, Carmen is quieter but still has a few bars and restaurants. The beach is wider and less crowded, making it a good spot for a daytime chill. The famous Bakery Café is here, along with a few boutique hostels. Less party, more vibe.
A 15-minute scooter ride south, Mal País feels like the older, sleepier sibling of Santa Teresa. The roads are unpaved, and the pace is slower. It’s a good place to escape the backpacker crowd, but don’t expect much nightlife. The surf is solid, and the sunsets are worth the trip.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The hostel’s open-air bar is the de facto pre-game spot for backpackers. Happy hour runs from 5–7 p.m. with £2 beers and £3 cocktails. By 9 p.m., the place is packed, and someone’s usually playing guitar. It’s low-key but sets the tone for the night ahead. Expect a mix of surfers, digital nomads, and first-timers.
Right on the beach, this hostel bar turns into a bonfire party after midnight. Bring your own booze or buy a £4 beer from the fridge. The crowd is a mix of hostel guests and locals, and the vibe is more chilled than rowdy. If you’re lucky, someone will break out a drum or a didgeridoo.
A tiny bar with a big reputation. Kika’s is known for its £3 caipirinhas and reggae nights. It’s tucked off the main road, so it feels like a local secret. Gets busy after 11 p.m., especially on weekends. The owner, Kika, is usually behind the bar and happy to chat.
Not a party spot, but the best place to start your night. Their wood-fired pizzas (£8–£12) and craft beers (£4) draw a crowd from 6 p.m. onwards. It’s a good spot to meet people if you’re travelling solo. Closes at 10 p.m., so don’t linger too long.
A backpacker favourite for its £5 Aperol spritz and free popcorn. The bar fills up by 9 p.m., and the staff keep the drinks flowing until midnight. It’s a good place to warm up before heading to the beach bonfires. Live music on Thursdays.
The closest thing Santa Teresa has to a club. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, it plays a mix of electronic, reggaeton, and Latin beats. Entry is usually free, but drinks are £5–£7. Gets busy after midnight, and the dance floor is tiny but lively.
Not a venue, but the best way to end the night. After the bars close, head to the beach near Somos or Zeneidas. Someone usually brings a Bluetooth speaker, and the bonfires burn until sunrise. Bring your own drinks and snacks: there’s nothing else out there.