I’ve visited San Juan Del Sur two times before moving here and even without being a surfer girl I managed to completely fall in love with this town. The vibes, the people, the activities everything is perfect. If like me, you’re looking to have fun out of the water, here is a list of things to do in San Juan Del Sur beside surfing
Hike to the Cristo de la Misericordia Statue
This steep hill hike leads to the famous Jesus statue overlooking the bay. It’s a moderate climb,especially if you don’t hike often. The view is very much worth the effort! I highly recommend going up for sunrise when it’s cooler and the town is still quiet. I went right at the opening and i was the only one there.
Tip: If you have a rental car, you can drive most of the way up and just walk the final few steps.
Beach Day (Without Surfing!)
Even if you are not surfing, the beaches here are wonderful. I suggest you at least spend a day or two getting a tan and enjoying cocktails.
If you decide to spend the day at Remanso and are looking for a great iced coffee, I suggest Swell Coffee. Owned by one of my friends, this coffee shop is one of my favourites in the area—you can enjoy your drink while reading your book and watching the surfers from the second floor.
For a full breakdown of the best beaches around San Juan del Sur, check out my Ultimate Beach Guide for all the details
Sunset at the Lighthouse
After watching the sunrise from one part of town, you can watch the sunset from the other side. You can either hike or drive up the hill to the lighthouse. From there, you’ll have a beautiful view of the town on one side and the ocean on the other. You can enjoy a beer, sit back, relax, and watch the sun go down in a serene environment.
Sunday Funday Pool Crawl
If you like to party, Sunday Funday is the event you’ll want to go to. It’s a wild pool crawl that starts at Pachamama Hostel and ends at Arribas Bar. The third location always varies. There are DJs, food, and sometimes even a tattoo artist ready to give you an unforgettable memory.
You can buy your ticket online. If you decide to purchase in advance, I recommend choosing the cancellation option. Since the event is mostly outdoors, you’ll be able to get a refund or reschedule if it rains. The event still goes on, but personally, I prefer going when the sun is out and the crowd is bigger
See the Sea Turtles Nesting
If you’re lucky enough to be in Nicaragua between July and January, you absolutely have to witness one of nature’s most magical events: sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs at Playa La Flor Natural Reserve.
Located just south of San Juan del Sur, this protected beach is one of only a handful of places in the world where thousands of olive ridley turtles comes to nest during what’s called an arribada.
How to Get There
Playa La Flor is about 22 km from San Juan del Sur. If you’re driving, take the road heading south toward El Ostional, then follow the dirt road signs to the La Flor Wildlife Refuge. Be aware: this road gets tricky in the rainy season—you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle.
You can also catch a local bus to El Ostional from the San Juan del Sur municipal market terminal. Let the driver know you’re getting off at the entrance to the reserve. From there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to reach the beach.
Tips
Always go with a responsible local tour that respects the rules (no flash, no touching the turtles).
Wear dark clothes, bring bug spray, and prepare for a late night.
Most tours leave around 6–7 PM and return after midnight.
Eat at Dale Pues
Try one of the best places to eat in San Juan del Sur. This restaurant is recommended by a lot of tourists, and there is a reason for that! Dale Pues has the vibe and aesthetics of a coffee shop, but they not only serve amazing beverages but also delicious food. They offer healthy and vegan options. The menu ranges from breakfast to lunch and dinner.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Not advertised that much, but horseback riding is a must-do activity around San Juan del Sur. You can book in advance and go ride at the crack of dawn along the calm beaches. This outdoor activity is not far from town and is well worth the money.