Things to do in San Juan del Sur

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur Attractions

It's not difficult to find fun things to do in San Juan del Sur. Delve into some local history and check out the best attractions in this delightful city. Map out your itinerary now so you're ready and raring to go when you arrive.

Discover the best sights in San Juan del Sur with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {26 fun activities in San Juan del Sur fun activities in San Juan del Sur}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in San Juan del Sur

Tours & day trips

See all 20 activities
Tour Nicaragua one day Costa Rica, Historical and Colonial

Tour Nicaragua one day Costa Rica, Historical and Colonial

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $220 per adult*
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Water activities

See all 4 activities
sunset and snorkeling at the Dreams las Mareas Costa Rica hotel

sunset and snorkeling at the Dreams las Mareas Costa Rica hotel

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $155 per adult
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History & culture

See all 4 activities
Tour Nicaragua one day Costa Rica, Historical and Colonial

Tour Nicaragua one day Costa Rica, Historical and Colonial

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $220 per adult*
Tour Nicaragua one day Costa Rica, Historical and ColonialOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Spanish lesson and homestay, Lago Azul Spanish School

Spanish lesson and homestay, Lago Azul Spanish School

Activity duration is 5 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $297 per adult
Spanish lesson and homestay, Lago Azul Spanish SchoolOpens in new tab

What to do in San Juan del Sur

Free Things to Do in San Juan del Sur

Taking a break in San Juan del Sur on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

San Juan del Sur Port - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or unique places in the community, this place is worth a visit.

Church of Saint John the Baptist - Take some time for a bit of meditation or prayer at this tranquil sacred site.

San Juan del Sur Beach - Skip stones on the water, watch the sun come up or just enjoy the views from the shore.

Old Lighthouse Trail - Let the natural surrounds ease your soul.

Ostional Private WildLife Reserve - Nurture your green thumb and explore the wide range of plants on show.

Things to Do in San Juan del Sur with Kids

San Juan del Sur is a great destination for a family break. Bring the little ones along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in San Juan del Sur? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Juan del Sur

Wanderlust at la playa en San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur Beach

4.5/5(40 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, San Juan del Sur Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Juan del Sur. Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

San Juan del Sur Beach
After this banger sunset, we were driving back to town with our sunroof open. We were in good spirits after a mellow surf day and beautiful views when we had a howler monkey almost join us in the car. He howled so loud right into our open roof that the color drained from our faces and we sped home so quickly. If you haven't heard these animals before just listen to Jurassic Park #adventure #overlanding #sunsets #surftowns #beaches #panamerican

El Remanso Beach

4.5/5(6 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, El Remanso Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Juan del Sur. Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

El Remanso Beach
We walked down from our Airbnb just in time to catch the perfect sunset. Playa Maderas is one of the best beaches I've ever been to. A short and gorgeous walk down from Tacos Locos brings you to a secluded section with hardly any fellow beach goers in sight. You'll also find Matilda's where you'll get great burritos and cold cervazas.

Maderas Beach

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Maderas Beach during your travels in San Juan del Sur? Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Maderas Beach

Playa Marsella

4/5(14 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Playa Marsella might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Playa Marsella.

Playa Marsella

Hermosa Beach

5/5(23 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Hermosa Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Juan del Sur. Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Hermosa Beach

San Juan del Sur Port

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in San Juan del Sur with a trip to San Juan del Sur Port. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

San Juan del Sur Port

Nacascolo Beach

3.5/5(3 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Nacascolo Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Juan del Sur. Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Nacascolo Beach

El Coco Beach

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at El Coco Beach during your travels in Playa El Coco? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

El Coco Beach

Yankee Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Yankee Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to San Juan del Sur. Discover the bars in this relaxing area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Yankee Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur showing a sandy beach, a bay or harbor and a coastal town

Centro

While visiting Centro, you might make a stop by sights like San Juan del Sur Beach and Church of Saint John the Baptist.

Centro
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Paradise Bay

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Though Paradise Bay might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like San Juan del Sur Port and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Paradise Bay
Birds eye view of the Bay Area

Pacific Marlin

When in Pacific Marlin, you can plan a visit to Nacascolo Beach and San Juan del Sur Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pacific Marlin
Default Image

La Talanguera

La Talanguera might not have many top sights, but San Juan del Sur Beach and Nacascolo Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

La Talanguera
Pelican Eyes Resort in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Amazing infinity pool with a bar. The perfect place to watch a sunset in SJDS. #sunsets #surfsudsandsights #travel #Nicaragua

Las Pampas

While there might not be top attractions in Las Pampas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like San Juan del Sur Port and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Las Pampas
Pelican Eyes Resort in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Amazing infinity pool with a bar. The perfect place to watch a sunset in SJDS. #sunsets #surfsudsandsights #travel #Nicaragua

Frente Sur

While Frente Sur might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Juan del Sur Port and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Frente Sur
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from San Juan del Sur

Photo by Matt Russell

La Cruz

Photo by Kimberly & Tyler

Rivas

Photo by Mark & Kylee

Tola

Frequently asked questions

Is San Juan del Sur worth visiting?
With a blend of surfing and watersports, there's no shortage of things to do in San Juan del Sur. While you're here, visit Maderas Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Juan del Sur?
After you've visited top attractions like Maderas Beach and Playa Marsella, spend the rest of your day enjoying San Juan del Sur's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Juan del Sur?
The top tourist attraction in San Juan del Sur is Maderas Beach, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in San Juan del Sur?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, like Maderas Beach, Playa Marsella and Nacascolo Beach. The average stay in San Juan del Sur is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, La Cruz isn't far away.
Is San Juan del Sur a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to see and do in San Juan del Sur. Several key sights, such as Nacascolo Beach and Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of San Juan del Sur's neighborhoods, Lomas de Palermo is 1 mile away from downtown, while Paradise Bay is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Juan del Sur with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all of your group, check out these great ideas for what to do in San Juan del Sur with kids.

What to do in San Juan del Sur for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in San Juan del Sur. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, outdoor adventures or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in San Juan del Sur?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in San Juan del Sur. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Maderas Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.