When you have a story, share it—especially if it’s about Playa Grande! For those that know the area, tourists come and go…but they often return again and again. Take it from Mark Allison, a surf aficionado, and owner of Surf City Surf Shop that has been coming to Costa Rica’s Gold Coast since the late ‘80s and returning to Grande as a property owner for over 12 years. You are gonna want to open your ears for this one, because this man is full of awesome info: where to stay, where to eat, how the waves hold different times of year, Grande’s vibe, you name it! Let’s get his 411:
MyPG: Thanks for sitting down with us Mark. We always love hearing others’ personal Grande love stories, how they budded and bloomed. How did you land in Grande?
MA: My first trip to Playa Grande was May of 1983 with Gary Wilson and Rick Allen. We booked our trip with Waterway Adventures out of California, and we stayed at the Diria in Tamarindo—the only thing/place in town at the time. We were greeted by the manager, a young Tico, and when he saw our surfboards he told us about the surf at the river mouth of Langosta. We followed him down a dusty road, no buildings in site, to the break and surfed for several hours that day.
The surf dropped the next day, but we saw some whitewater up the beach across the estuary. So naturally, we crossed over from Tamarindo, and surfed what is now referred to as the main break on Playa Grande. We also took a boat trip to Witch’s Rock, caught some fun surf, and caught maybe 10 nice Mahi Mahi on the way back. We had so much fish that we gave some to the people who arranged our trip and the rest went to the people in the kitchen at the hotel. We ate fresh fish the whole time we were there!
MyPG: Ah, the love affair was always about surfing and fishing. Were you a regular out of the gate?
MA: In 2005 a friend here in my hometown, Myrtle Beach, had been renting a house and vacationing in Grande/ Palm Beach. When he saw a house for sale right in front of the main beach access in Palm Beach, he made an offer on the house, came back to Myrtle Beach and put a group of friends together to own it. Casa de Amigos then became our reality.
MyPG: So, Casa de Amigos is your returning spot?
MA: We have owned Amigos since 2005, and I have made 2-3 trips a year since then. But my favorite place to stay in Playa Grande is at Pancho’s Villa. The vacation rental was named after my dad Frank, who had come to Costa Rica with my mom back in 1981 on a business trip, starting it all.
MyPG: What pulls at your strings when you aren’t in Grande?
MA: The simple lifestyle and feel of the area. No place I’ve ever been with the exception of Tavarua Fiji has that feel. The beach is awesome whether you are a surfer, a beachcomber, birdwatcher or fisherman, this place has it all.
If you can get up early you can hear the birds. The morning air is fresh and cool. If it’s low tide in the morning that’s the best time to walk on the beach. As the day goes on and the air heats up, that’s my time to take cover, hit the pool or take an afternoon nap. As we get towards late afternoon and if the tides right, it’s time to hit the surf for an evening session.
If the surf’s not your thing, then make yourself a cocktail and head down for sunset and be sure to take your camera. Each sunset is different from the day before, and it will provide a sight to remember for the rest of your life. Luckily I can always keep an eye on things with the Surf Cam.
MyPG: Give us your top Grande moments.
MA: We have so many great memories of Playa Grande. The best ones are with friends and family, sharing time with each other: Surfing and fishing with my friends; Spending time in the kitchen making fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, grilling chicken and fish; Cooking for 10 to 15 guests in the evening; I can go on and on. So many good times, and more to come God willing.
MyPG: You talk about fish a lot. Is that what you look for when you are ready to grub?
MA: Playa Grande has so many great places to eat. My favorite place to eat is at home, but if we go out for breakfast, the breakfast burrito at Mar Azul or the french toast at Bula Bula can’t be beat. For dinner Cafe del Pueblo makes their own pasta so make sure you give them a try. El Huerto has the best pizza and salads for my taste. The RipJack Inn has the best happy hour eats, drinks and sunset views. If you are looking for the best local food try Kike’s. There is a new spot just outside of town Mordo’s Fish & Chips next to the new Wilmart. It has the best fish and chips in the area. Check it out!
MyPG: Awesome breakdown, Mark! Can we safely assume surfing is your favorite of things to do in Playa Grande?
MA: Of course my favorite activity is surfing. I do most of my surfing these days on my paddleboard. Our beach break at the main beach access in Palm Beach is my go to spot. I also like the river mouth by the estuary. Depending on the swell and the size we make day trips as far south as Marbella, and when the time is right we will get a boat and hit Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point.
You’re the man Mark! Thanks for your story and the sharp portrait of Playa Grande.
No holds barred: Mark Allison is a local, even if he isn’t a year rounder…yet.
Do you have your own Playa Grande story? We would love to share it. Send us a line. Be on the lookout for more stories from our returning visitors to discover what keeps them coming back year after year.
