Top 10 Things to Do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Intro
I spent 3 nights and 4 days in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua's most famous beach town. Known for surfing, nightlife, beautiful sunsets, and the infamous Sunday Funday pool crawl, it's one of the most popular stops on the backpacker trail.
Unlike León, Granada, Ometepe, or even Popoyo, San Juan del Sur felt very touristy to me. I mostly came because every backpacker I met said I had to visit at least once. While it wasn't my favorite destination in Nicaragua, I still had some fun experiences, watched some incredible sunsets, and finally discovered what all the Sunday Funday hype was about.
These are the things I did and what I'd like to do next time.
San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua's most famous beach town, known for surfing, sunsets, and the legendary Sunday Funday.
1. Experience Sunday Funday ✅ Did This
If you've spent any time backpacking through Central America, you've probably heard about Sunday Funday. It's a legendary pool crawl that takes travelers through several hostels and pool parties throughout the day before ending with a massive beach party at night.
I behaved myself for the first three days because I knew Sunday was coming and there was a very real possibility that I'd end up making questionable life decisions. I met a group of backpackers, got airbrush tattoos, somehow ended up with a handprint on my butt, and nearly got kicked out because apparently you're not supposed to push your friends into the pool.
Needless to say, Monday became a dedicated recovery day.
💡 JD's Tip: Don't plan anything important the next morning. Trust me.
Living the dream... at least until Monday showed up. 🍹
2. Hike to the Christ of the Mercy Statue ✅ Did This
The Christ of the Mercy statue sits high above San Juan del Sur and offers some of the best views of the bay. The hike isn't particularly long, but the heat can make it feel harder than it looks.
The view from the top gives you a great perspective of the coastline, the town, and all the beaches surrounding the area. Even though San Juan wasn't my favorite destination overall, this was one of my favorite activities.
💡 JD's Tip: Bring water. Nicaragua doesn't care that you're sweating.
The hike wasn't nearly as bad as the internet made it sound.
3. Watch the Sunset Over the Pacific ✅ Did This
One thing San Juan del Sur absolutely gets right is its sunsets. Every evening the sky seems to explode into shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun drops into the Pacific Ocean.
I found myself returning to the beach several evenings just to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Sometimes the best activity is simply doing nothing.
💡 JD's Tip: Grab a drink and stay until after the sun disappears. The colors often get better afterward.
Another beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean in San Juan del Sur.
4. Relax on the Beach With a Drink ✅ Did This
I didn't come to San Juan to learn how to surf. Instead, I found a much more relaxing strategy: sitting comfortably on the beach with a drink while watching everyone else do the hard work.
The surf culture is a huge part of San Juan del Sur, and even if you never touch a surfboard, it's entertaining to watch experienced surfers tackle the waves.
💡 JD's Tip: Watching surfing requires significantly less effort than actually surfing.
Sometimes the best beach activity is finding a good view and doing absolutely nothing.
5. Explore the Town Centre ✅ Did This
San Juan del Sur is packed with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, hostels, and backpackers from all over the world. The town itself is very walkable and easy to explore.
While it felt more developed and tourist-oriented than most places I visited in Nicaragua, it's still worth spending some time wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.
💡 JD's Tip: Explore early in the morning before the town fully wakes up.
Exploring the colorful streets and hillside views of San Juan del Sur.
6. Visit Playa Maderas ❌ Missed This
Playa Maderas is probably the most famous beach near San Juan del Sur. It's known for surfing, beach bars, and a laid-back backpacker atmosphere.
I never made it there during my visit, but nearly everyone I spoke to recommended it.
💡 JD's Tip: If you surf, this should probably be near the top of your list.
7. Learn to Surf ❌ Missed This
San Juan del Sur is one of Nicaragua's surfing capitals. Lessons are easy to find, and there are plenty of beaches suitable for beginners.
I chose relaxation over athleticism this trip, but if I return, I might finally give it a try.
💡 JD's Tip: There are beginner-friendly beaches if you've never surfed before.
8. Visit Playa Hermosa ✅ Did This
Playa Hermosa is one of the most beautiful beaches near San Juan del Sur and a popular escape from the busy town centre. Known for its wide sandy beach, rolling waves, and laid-back atmosphere, it's a great place to spend a day relaxing by the ocean.
Many visitors come here to surf, swim, enjoy a beachfront meal, or simply soak up the scenery. Compared to the main beach in San Juan del Sur, Playa Hermosa feels quieter and more natural, making it a favorite among travelers looking for a more peaceful beach experience.
💡 JD's Tip: If you're staying in San Juan del Sur, consider spending at least one day exploring Playa Hermosa. It offers a completely different vibe from the town itself.
Rocky shorelines, soft sand, and far fewer people than the main beach.
9. Take a Boat Tour ❌ Missed This
Several companies offer boat tours along the coastline, including snorkeling trips, fishing excursions, and sunset cruises.
I skipped the tours this time around, but they looked like a fun way to explore more of the coastline.
💡 JD's Tip: Sunset cruises seem to be the most popular option.
10. Embrace a Recovery Day ✅ Did This
After Sunday Funday, I had exactly one goal: survive Monday.
Thankfully, San Juan del Sur is the perfect place for a recovery day. Between the beach, ocean breeze, and slower pace, it wasn't difficult to spend the day doing very little.
Sometimes travel isn't about checking attractions off a list. Sometimes it's about finding a hammock and accepting your life choices.
💡 JD's Tip: Hydration is your friend.
Monday's goal: survive, hydrate, and avoid making eye contact with the sun.
Final Thoughts
San Juan del Sur was probably my least favorite destination in Nicaragua, but that's mostly because I prefer quieter places and slower travel. If you love nightlife, beach parties, surfing, and meeting other backpackers, you'll probably have an amazing time here.
Am I glad I visited? Absolutely. Sunday Funday alone made for some memorable stories, and the sunsets were spectacular.
Would I return? Maybe—but next time I'd spend less time in town and more time exploring the surrounding beaches.
For me, San Juan del Sur was worth seeing once, but León, Granada, Ometepe, Las Peñitas, and Popoyo were the places that really stole my heart. 🍹🌅
San Juan del Sur may not have been my favorite stop in Nicaragua, but the views were hard to beat.
