Once the center of Costa Rica's coffee-exporting boom, Puntarenas sits on a slender spit of sand that snakes into the Pacific Ocean. Still a working port, home to a charming blend of colonial buildings, chatty street vendors, and a must-visit market selling tropical fruit and handmade souvenirs, this place packs a punch. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are known, flock here to soak up the laid-back beachfront atmosphere and stroll along the promenade. The place is famed for its fresh seafood, and traditional dishes include zesty lime-drenched ceviche, best sampled at the family-run sodas, or restaurants, that line the old dock.

Costa Rica's Playa Flamingo is a tropical paradise with golden shores, cerulean lagoons, and hidden coves that make it one of the Guanacaste province's best-loved coastal destinations. Here, a day spent basking in the sun and paddling in crystal waters is a day well spent, but should you wish to crank up the adventure, take a short boat ride to the nearby Catalina Islands and dive beneath the blue to discover an underwater idyll teeming with colorful schools of fish and giant manta rays. There's plenty to do on dry land, too – from golfing at one of the region's world-class 18-hole courses to exploring surrounding national parks (keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and iguanas).

Unearth the charm of Acajutla, El Salvador's thriving port city, where sun-kissed Pacific beaches meet a rich history and a lively culture, crafting an extraordinary Central American experience. The seaside town of El Salvador is famous for its fishing culture and maritime heritage. In this charming town, you will be able to explore beautiful beaches, visit El Imposible National Park and taste delicious, fresh seafood dishes in the many local restaurants.

A-list visitors from Liz Taylor to Mick Jagger sought serenity in Zihuatanejo during the 1970s, enticed by the swaying palms and sweeping white-sand beaches lapped by warm waters. Today, this Pacific coast hotspot on the Mexican Riviera is just as popular with Mexicans for its authentic old-school charm, such as the boardwalk Paseo del Pescador where fishermen bring their catch to sell each sun-kissed morning. They also love to linger over a cafecito made from homegrown beans in the cafés along the waterfront. Look beyond the gently curving bay to the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains – this is beachfront bliss at its best.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, Manzanillo is a small city that derives its name from the manzanilla trees that thrived, laden with poisonous tangerine-colored fruit, beside its original wharves. Searching for Chinese treasure in the Pacific during 1522, Hernán Cortés and his minions dropped anchor in the Bay of Salagua, which is located just north of Manzanillo, while looking for safe harbors and good shipbuilding sites. Shortly thereafter navigator Alvaro de Saavedra discovered the Bay of Manzanillo and christened it Santiago de la Buena, or Santiago's Bay of Good Hope. It became a principal departure point for important expeditions and twice sheltered Cortes' galleons from marauding Portuguese pirates. Over the next 300 years, the Pacific Coast's history is filled with accounts of pirates from Portugal, England, France and even Spain assaulting, looting and burning ships for their rich cargos. In recent times, the harbor has been modernized and deepened to allow access to all major shipping lines from around the world.

Flanked by the lush Sierra Madre mountain range on one side and the golden shores of Bahía de Banderas on the other, Puerto Vallarta is the pearl of Mexico's Pacific Coast. With its sandy beaches, jungle trails, and clear waters rich with marine life, the sun-soaked beach town is a hit with outdoor enthusiasts. It's also a thriving cultural hub: don't miss a visit to the vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly Zona Romántica, where the cobblestoned streets are lined with quaint boutiques, independent art galleries, and taco stands.