Free Class Trips

Arrange a free class trip.

From kindergarten, elementary school, and high school English classes, to college and graduate seminars, Poets House hosts educational groups from the five boroughs and beyond. We invite all public and private school teachers to arrange free class trips to Poets House.

Kindergarten through High School: We invite your students to participate in customized poetry writing and reading activities facilitated by our education team. Poets House staff members work with teachers to tailor field trips that excite and inspire, introducing their classes to the riches of the library and inviting them to make it their own.

For an example of possible curriculum and activities, check out Leman Manhattan’s article on their middle schoolers’ recent visit here.

College and Graduate Seminars: We invite you to bring your students for a class at Poets House. Our education team will provide a tour of the facility and an introduction to our collections. We will design an interactive poetry project for your class or welcome you to use our collections to support your poetry curricula.

To schedule a class trip to Poets House, please use this registration form to help us meet your students’ needs. Poets House seeks to accommodate as many schools and classes as possible, but our schedule fills quickly—make sure you schedule your trip early!

Please contact Jade Mapp with any questions.

  • Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
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  • School name *
  • Grade level and/or age range *
  • Number of students *
  • Preferred dates / availability * Please note the following: Poets House typically schedules class visits from 10:00am-11:30am Tuesday and Friday, and 11:00am-12:30pm Thursdays. Our space can accommodate groups of up 30 individuals. If your party exceeds this number, we are happy to schedule multiple visits. For private schools, we suggest a donation of between $50-$250, though this is not required.
  • For classes with older students, if applicable: What current literary coursework would you ideally like this visit to focus on or help develop further?
  • Is there anything else you'd like our educators to know about your class?

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FOR TEACHERS

Content and community for teachers.

Every semester, hundreds of K-12 teachers from across the United States and around the world enroll in Poetry in America courses at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.  In addition to earning professional development hours or graduate credit, they leave with a firm grasp on content area knowledge, teaching strategies and resources to bring into their own classrooms, and they join a warm and supportive global community of fellow educators.

This is the most valuable professional development I have had as an English teacher. I am taking as many courses as I can because I am so thrilled by how they have invigorated my teaching.” – Educator enrolled in Poetry in America online course

Poetry in America for Teachers Scholarships

Poetry in America (PiA) Teachers Scholarships enable middle and high school teachers to take one of the PiA courses per semester, for a reduced tuition cost of $250. The number of scholarships is limited. Teachers should apply early in the registration period. Click here to learn more, and to apply.

Poetry in America for Teachers Course Suite

Two of our Poetry in America courses were designed specifically with K-12 teachers in mind:

  • Poetry in America for Teachers:  The City from Whitman to Hip Hop
  • Poetry in America for Teachers:  Earth, Sea, Sky

Poetry in America for Teachers courses feature content relevant to the Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standards in grades 6-12, but teachers from any grade level or subject area are welcome–and encouraged!–to enroll.  We’ve enjoyed working with a number of science, art, and drama teachers over the years, as well as school librarians and administrators. By watching course videos–including a number of videos filmed in K-12 classrooms–and by engaging in weekly discussions with the course community, Poetry in America for Teachers enrollees will master advanced strategies for teaching students how to close read complex texts, and, relatedly, for facilitating productive classroom discussion centered on those texts.

NOTE:  Enrollees in Poetry in America for Teachers courses are eligible to receive 90 Professional Development hours from the Harvard Graduate School of Education if they choose the non-credit option when enrolling.  Poetry in America is an approved CTLE provider for teachers in New York State.

poetry field trips

I thought this course was the perfect mix of information that I could take back into my 8th grade classroom AND of high interest, high level learning that kept ME engaged as a learner. I loved both learning for myself as a student and for my students as a teacher.” – Educator enrolled in Poetry in America online course

[Poetry in America] has been invaluable in helping me shape a new approach to asking questions ... This enriches my students, it enriches me, and it makes me a better teacher.” – Educator enrolled in Poetry in America online course

Poetry in America Chronological Course Sequence

Our other for-credit courses take learners on a journey through the history of American poetry.  These include:

  • Poetry in America:  From the Mayflower Through Emerson
  • Poetry in America:  Whitman and Dickinson
  • Poetry in America:  From the Civil War Through Modernism

These three courses are also quite popular with teachers of English, history, social studies, and general humanities–as well as with librarians, undergraduate and graduate students in education, and others.  Although they do not include all the pedagogical scaffolding of our two Poetry in America for Teachers courses, they feature all of the other elements students value in Poetry in America courses: rich archival materials, one-on-one and roundtable interpretive discussions, and field trips around the nation.

We offer these courses on a rotating basis.  There is no prerequisite for enrollment, so feel free to take them in any order that works for you!  

Enrollees in our chronological sequence of courses can take the course for undergraduate or graduate credit, or they can choose the non-credit option.  Non-credit students will receive a certificate of completion from Poetry in America.

Visit the course catalog to view our upcoming offerings:

DCE COURSE CATALOG

Looking for Content for Your Students?

Click the button below to learn more about our curricular resources, as well as our Poetry in America for High School program, which allows high-school students to earn undergraduate credit by taking a Poetry in America course online.

Resources for Educators

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Harvard University Division of Continuing Education

The Harvard Division of Continuing Education offers open-enrollment courses, degrees and certificates, and professional development programs.

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For nearly 100 years, the Harvard Graduate School of Education has prepared smart and passionate individuals to become transformative leaders in education.

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Verse Video Education

Driven by the goals and values of its flagship project, Poetry in America, Verse Video Education develops video and accompanying curricular materials in the arts and humanities and beyond, creating a body of educational content capable of reaching a very broad community of learners: formal and informal, online and residential, young and old, American and international. By producing its own projects and creating thoughtfully-constructed and thought-provoking multimedia content for other organizations, Verse Video Education aims to enhance educational experiences, both within and outside of the classroom.

© 2024 Poetry in America and Verse Video Education. All rights reserved

Kip Wilson Writes

Literary field trips.

I’ve always been a huge fan of road trips, and literary field trips are probably my favorite type of all. I love to visit literary destinations both close to home and farther away, (including bookish sights in  Spain! ) but there are oodles of great options not too far from my doorstep in Boston. As summer winds to its lovely end, my kids and I piled in the car and headed off west for a lovely day.

Our first stop was the Montague Book Mill , about an hour and a half west of town (not counting traffic) off a curvy country road tucked beside a rushing river. This used bookstore is brimming with books and includes a healthy children’s section. We ended up with a delicious stack with something for everyone!

Next, we got back on the quiet road for a short stretch through hills and farmland to Amherst and the Emily Dickinson Museum . It was a gorgeous day, and we thoroughly enjoyed it with a picnic among the trees and stumps outside her window. I brought along a volume of her collected poems, and we took turns opening to random pages and reading poems aloud. So much fun! We weren’t able to do the full tour, but we at least made it inside and got an abbreviated tour of Emily’s bedroom where she wrote her poetry.

Finally, we finished up the day with a sunset performance of AS YOU LIKE IT at Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires. Beautiful setting and fantastic performance!

2 thoughts on “ Literary Field Trips ”

How fun! I’m not sure about actually in St. Louis, although I bet if I looked there are some. We could go up to Hannibal and visit the Mark Twain sites. It’s not too far. I’m pretty sure I went there as a kid, but I don’t remember much about it :). At Baylor, we had the Armstrong Browning Library, dedicated to Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. That was pretty cool.

Those both sound like great places to visit! I love EBB!

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Rate the lesson plan, field trips, field trip: longfellow poetry workshop.

Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

  • March-April
  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:00-11:45 AM
  • 3rd-5th grade classes
  • Limit 24 students per group  (at least 1 chaperone per 8 students)
  • Reservations required

As a writer, famous poet Henry Longfellow took inspiration from many things – his children, people who lived in the house before him, his community, and his travels. During this creative 90-minute program, 3rd-5th grade students will explore literary history and use poetry as a tool to express their experiences and inspirations.

Students will consider the people, places, and ideas that inspired the work of famed 19th century poet Henry Longfellow. They will work together to analyze the structure and meaning of four of his poems: “The Children’s Hour,” “The Village Blacksmith,” “To a Child,” and “Travels by the Fireside.” The program includes a visit to Longfellow’s Study or Library, where students will undertake a sensory exploration of the historic space and analyze poetry. Finally, students will collaborate to write original poetry based on their own inspirations and experiences, and share it with their classmates in a fun and supportive environment.

This program consists of three parts (detailed itinary below under "Source Materials"):

Welcome, introduction and initial poem discussion (45 minutes)

Brief visit to the inside of the house (one group will visit the Study, the other the Library), second poem discussion and sensory exploration (30 minutes)

Create your own poem challenge, shareout (45 minutes)

Parts 1 and 3 take place outdoors (weather permitting) on the Longfellow House lawn. In the event of inclement weather, these will move inside the Carriage House.

How to Book Your Field Trip

We are no longer booking reservations for spring 2024. Please  Email us with any questions.

Goals and itinerary for the 2023 Poetry Workshop field trip.

Download Longfellow Poetry Workshop Itinerary

Lesson Plans

Last updated: March 5, 2024

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41 Exciting Project-Based Learning Field Trip Ideas

August 14, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Discover a world beyond your classroom with 41 vibrant project-based learning field trip ideas. As teachers, we continually seek new ways to engage and inspire our young learners. For this reason, we’ve curated a list of unique educational destinations- each offering a wealth of hands-on learning experiences for you and your young explorers! From museums to farms, TV stations to local startups, these trips will ignite curiosity and enhance learning, so let’s jump right in to explore more.

Preschool (3-5 years)

1. puppet theater.

poetry field trips

Ever wondered what your puppets would say if they could talk? It’s time to unleash creativity and weave magic with a charming puppet theater. The stage is set, the lights dim, and your young puppeteers have a chance to spin enchanting tales for all of their peers to enjoy.

Learn More: Bob Baker Marionette Theater

2. Children’s Museum

poetry field trips

This next field trip idea allows your littles to discover something new with every step they take! Children’s Museums are a galaxy of interactive exhibits- with every room designed to pique curiosity and spark fascination.

Learn More: MCM

Let’s swap those classroom walls for sun-drenched fields and wide-open skies. Among the chirping birds and friendly farm animals, your kids can delve into the heart of rural life; discovering a new respect for farmers and all the hard work they complete.

Learn More: YouTube

4. Local Library

poetry field trips

Let the local library shelves whisper tales of mystery, adventure, and knowledge into your students’ ears. Watch as their curious minds unearth the joy of reading and embark on countless journeys through the pages of their favorite books.

Learn More: The Colorful Apple

5. Petting Zoo

poetry field trips

Ready for a fuzzy, furry adventure? The petting zoo awaits to greet your students with an assortment of friendly wildlife. As your kids pet and care for these adorable animals, they’ll learn important lessons about empathy and responsibility.

Learn More: Seattle’s Child

6. Fruit Picking Farm

poetry field trips

Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a day amidst vibrant orchards. A fruit-picking farm offers an opportunity to pluck, taste, and learn about various fruits. As your students reach out for those ripe apples and juicy strawberries, they are sure to experience the farm-to-table journey firsthand.

Learn More: Smith’s Nursery Inc.

7. Toy Factory

poetry field trips

Step into a life-sized playhouse with your students by taking them on an enchanting trip to the toy factory! Watch the wonder evolve as they discover the intriguing process behind how their favorite toys get created.

Learn More: Trip.com

8. Children’s Art Studio

poetry field trips

Welcome to the colorful chaos of a children’s art studio! Here, creativity reigns supreme, and messes are masterpieces in the making. Let your little Picassos unveil themselves through their imaginative designs and creations.

Learn More: Art Fun Studio

9. Aquarium

Dive into a magical underwater realm with a trip to the aquarium! As your students marvel at the vibrant marine life, they’ll gain insights into the mysteries and beauty of our oceans.

10. Local Bakery

poetry field trips

Tell your students to grab their chefs’ hats as you step into the aromatic world of a local bakery. During this scrumptious adventure, they will discover the science behind baking and might even get to try their hands at decorating cookies!

Learn More: Good Time DIY

11. City Park

There’s more to city parks than meets the eye. These spaces are living classrooms nestled in nature- offering lessons about local wildlife and providing countless outdoor activities for your students to indulge in.

Learn More: City Park Conservancy

12. Dance Studio

Let your students be entranced by the beat of the music and the flow of movement at a local dance studio. This field trip provides a space where your little ones can discover the joy of dancing, paired with the harmony between body and mind. Get their feet tapping and their hearts racing on this rhythmic journey.

Learn More: Jadore Dance

13. Botanical Garden

poetry field trips

Envision the botanical garden as a living book of floral wonders just waiting to be explored by your kiddos. As they wander through a stunning array of plants, they’ll uncover the fascinating world of nature’s extraordinary diversity.

Learn More: Naples Garden

Elementary School (6-10 years)

14. planetarium.

poetry field trips

Buckle up and prepare your pupils for a cosmic journey as they visit a local planetarium! As they gaze at the starlit dome, the mysteries of the universe are displayed- sparking curiosity and wonder about the cosmos with a quick voyage amongst the stars!

Learn More: HRM

15. Historical Museum

poetry field trips

Step back in time with a trip to the historical museum. Each artifact tells a riveting tale; bringing history to life for your young explorers. From stone tools to vintage attire, every exhibit is a time capsule for your elementary learners to enjoy.

Learn More: History Colorado

16. Art Museum

poetry field trips

Embark on a kaleidoscopic journey by visiting an art museum. This artistic adventure is sure to awaken your students’ creative side and inspire a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Learn More: The Art of Education

17. Recycling Center

poetry field trips

Reduce, reuse, recycle! At the recycling center, your everyday trash gets transformed into treasures! Here, your children can discover the importance of recycling and how it preserves our planet- making this a memorable lesson in waste management.

Learn More: Rethink Waste

18. Science Museum

poetry field trips

How about a trip to the science museum to ring home those hard-to-explain concepts? Interactive exhibits morph complex scientific concepts into fun-filled experiences; resulting in a hands-on approach to learning that lets your kids experience the thrills of scientific discovery.

Learn More: EdSurge

19. Historic Houses

poetry field trips

Peek into the past with a visit to historic houses. As your students walk through these corridors of history, they’ll develop an appreciation for the heritage and culture of eras gone by.

Learn More: Simple Homeschool

20. Conservatories

poetry field trips

Welcome to the conservatory, where every plant holds a lesson in biology, conservation, and ecology. As your children discover the wonder of our green planet, they’ll be encouraged to take better care of our Earthly home.

Learn More: Phipps Conservatory

21. Music Studio

poetry field trips

Transport your students to a world of rhythm and rhyme with a trip to the music studio. Here, your learners are sure to strike the right chord in more ways than one- getting an introduction to different instruments and the recording process at large.

Learn More: PBS

Middle School (11-13 years)

22. tech company.

poetry field trips

What does the future look like? Let your students discover this answer for themselves at a tech company! In our ever-changing world of technology and innovation, your children will gain insights into the possibilities of tomorrow!

Learn More: The Tech Interactive

23. Archaeological Sites

poetry field trips

Give your students the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their ancient ancestors by visiting an archaeological site. As they explore these open-air museums of human history, they’ll connect with the past and unravel the threads of evolution and civilization.

Learn More: Explore Hampi

24. University Laboratory

poetry field trips

Enter the frontier of scientific discovery with a visit to a university laboratory. In this bustling hub of investigation, your student’s experimental ambitions are sure to be sparked; feeding their curiosity and opening their eyes to the wonders of scientific exploration.

Learn More: The Cre8ive Zone

25. Theater

poetry field trips

Lights, camera, action! Let your students experience the enchanting world of performing arts with a visit to the theater. From costume design to dramatic performances, they’ll get a glimpse of the magic behind the curtains- igniting a passion for drama and possibly even playwriting!

Learn More: KMS Drama

26. Sports Complex

poetry field trips

As your students sprint on the tracks or score goals on the fields, they’ll learn the importance of teamwork, physical fitness, and healthy competition. Taking them to the local sports complex teaches them that not only winning is celebrated, but taking part matters as well.

Learn More: LA Galaxy

poetry field trips

A fun-filled adventure to the zoo is a classic field trip idea! Every enclosure will provide your learners insight into the beauty of the animal kingdom; inviting them to discover facts relating to animals from around the world and learn more about the importance of conservation efforts.

Learn More: Lincoln Park Zoo

28. Community Service Centers

poetry field trips

At community service centers, kindness isn’t just a virtue; it’s a way of life. Here, your children will learn about the power of empathy and helping others- reinforcing the crucial lesson of giving back to the community. This field trip will allow them to grow, not just as individuals; but as compassionate members of society.

Learn More: Lancaster Edu

29. Local Newspaper

poetry field trips

The bustling newsroom of a local newspaper opens a window into the world of journalism. Amid the clattering keyboards and the urgent phone calls, your learners can grasp what goes into the process of news creation, from just a spark of information to a published article.

Learn More: English Classes Cygnaeus Pori

30. Historical Reenactment Sites

poetry field trips

Journey back in time by taking your students to historical reenactment sites. Here, history gets brought to life through vibrant performances where your kids can learn about the past in a way that textbooks could never teach them!

Learn More: Student Travel Planning Guide

31. Weather Station

poetry field trips

I’m sure all your students have wondered how the forecast predicts if you need an umbrella or sunglasses! Answer their burning questions by taking them to your local weather station. From temperature readings to radar images, they’ll get a firsthand experience of meteorology!

Learn More: CW3E Edu

High School (14-18 years)

32. national park.

poetry field trips

In the national park, lessons are etched in the rings of trees and whispered on the wings of butterflies. It’s here that your children can learn about the harmony of nature and the importance of conservation- bonding with the great outdoors and having a well-deserved break from classroom life.

Learn More: Global Travel Alliance

33. TV Station

The TV station pulls back the curtain on the captivating world of television production. From script writing to broadcasting, your learners will get the chance to witness the exciting process of how their favorite shows get created.

34. Biotech Company

poetry field trips

Venture into the cutting-edge world of Biotech! Here, your students will get a glimpse into the science that is shaping the future of health and medicine. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that could inspire the next generation of biomedical innovators.

Learn More: Promega Connections

35. Local Government Office

poetry field trips

With this field trip your pupils can learn about the inner workings of local governance- getting a practical understanding of civics that no textbook could provide. Bonus: It’s a hands-on lesson in leadership and responsibility.

Learn More: Nations Classroom Tours

36. News Studio

poetry field trips

Enterinto the bustling energy of a live broadcast studio. From the anchors’ desks to the control room, your children will get a dynamic view of live journalism to fuel a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Learn More: Olympic High School

37. Courthouse

poetry field trips

Step into the halls of justice with a visit to the courthouse. Given the opportunity to learn about all kinds of legal processes, your learners can gain real-world insight into the judicial system; promoting a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Learn More: FHN Today

38. Botanical Research Institute

poetry field trips

Green thumbs at the ready! Taking your kids to the botanical research institute offers a unique opportunity for them to learn about the importance of plants and their environmental significance. Who knows, this could be the seed that grows into a future career in botany!

Learn More: GITM Edu

39. Architectural Firms

poetry field trips

Explore the nitty-gritty blueprints behind society with this field trip! As your learners observe how architects design and build, they’ll gain an appreciation for the relationship between art, science, and community at large.

Learn More: Arch Design

40. Local Startups

poetry field trips

Welcome to the ambition playground! On a trip to local startups, your students will witness the journey of how an idea transforms into a thriving business. This trip might inspire them to become the startup heroes of tomorrow

41. Film Studios

poetry field trips

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the big screen! From script to screen, your learners will witness the mesmerizing process of filmmaking. This cinematic adventure might inspire the next generation of filmmakers within your school!

Learn More: NST Group

Field Trips

Virtual education & learning resource for teachers, field-trips.org.

Online Education Inside the Classroom

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Awesome Field Trip Ideas for Students of All Ages

kids in school bus with windows down

There’s no question about it: students love field trips! Field trips are an exciting and unique way to get students out of the classroom and into the “real world” during the school year. Some of your best memories from your own school days might be the awesome field trips you and your classmates took. Are you looking for fun and educational field trip ideas to inspire students of all ages? Maybe you’re stumped on where to take older students or brainstorming homeschool field trips. Whether you’re teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, look no further than these great ideas for field trips!

Visit a Museum

Museums are time-honored field trip destinations for a good reason! They provide entertaining and educational talking points for classes of all ages and are already created to appeal to younger and older students alike. Check out these kinds of museums.

  • Art museums
  • Science museums (don’t skip the planetarium!)
  • Maritime museums
  • Archaeology museums
  • Historic house/building museums
  • Cemetery or gravesite museums
  • Technology museums

Enjoy Nature

The natural world is an invaluable learning resource and a source of countless field trip ideas! These nature-based field trip ideas will be sure to keep your students entertained.

National or state parks

Go for a hike or tour the visitor’s center at your local state or national park. Supporting the national parks system helps it stay beautiful for years to come! You can integrate geography, biology, history, geology, and more into your visit.

Botanical gardens

Botanical gardens are beautiful and a great place to talk about science and art. You can even have your students do a photography project!

Sculpture gardens

While sculpture gardens are technically more art than nature, they are another fabulous field trip idea. Some are even interactive or encourage touching the art!

Meet the Animals

Whether you’re wrangling 35 middle school students or you’re a parent teaching homeschooled kids, you’d have a hard time finding a student without a favorite animal, and chances are they’ll see that animal when you visit one of these destinations!

Zoos or conservation centers

The zoo is another field trip idea that has stood the test of time. Many zoos offer group or student discounts and include built-in activities for your visit, such as scavenger hunts or guided tours.

Farms are not only a place to visit animals but also a chance to talk about history, biology, and even economics. Plus, you can never go wrong by supporting your local farmers!

If you asked students their favorite field trip idea on this list, many would vote for a visit to the aquarium! Aquariums engage students of all ages while providing helpful information about the natural world.

Fish hatcheries

A fish hatchery might not be the first location that comes to mind when you think about entertaining your students, but it’s actually a great field trip idea. Fish hatcheries are full of interesting information, often offer tours, and can provide a wealth of knowledge on your local region’s waterways.

Watch a Show

Taking your students to a show serves as a jumping-off point for conversations about literature, art, theater, music, and everything else under the sun. It also makes an ideal rainy-day trip as your students will stay safe and dry. These and more performances make great learning experiences for your students.

  • Theater productions
  • Acrobatic performances
  • Magic shows
  • Presentations (think TED Talks!)
  • Book talks or poetry readings

Get Patriotic

The United States has many unique characteristics that you can talk about while teaching anything from history to archaeology to government. Visit these uniquely American destinations!

Capital buildings

Whether you visit your state capital or the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, there’s always something to learn about American history when you visit its source!

Historical sites

You don’t have to go to a museum to see historical artifacts and buildings — some of them are in your own backyard! Check out historical sites near you and see if any offer tours.

Post offices

The United States Postal Service is a venerable and uniquely American institution that’s been around for hundreds of years, and your students can learn about anything from history to commerce to government by taking a post office tour! Many post offices will be glad to help you arrange a visit with your students.

Teaching the value of ecological preservation? It’s always a good lesson for students to learn their impact on the world around them. Try these field trip ideas for a greener world:

  • A recycling center
  • An alternative energy plant
  • The local landfill or garbage processing facility
  • An ecological cleanup site (can also serve as an opportunity for volunteer work!)

Explore the Working World

It’s never too early to talk to your students about the future, which means career-based field trip ideas are always on the table. Explore the working world when you visit these destinations.

  • TV stations
  • Manufacturing plants or factories
  • Science labs
  • Technology companies
  • Courthouses
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Food production facilities
  • Colleges or universities

Reward Your Students

While field trips are about having fun as much as they’re about an educational experience, some field trips serve more to reward your students for their hard work at the end of the school year or after a particularly hard quarter or semester. Sometimes you can even sneak in a few physics, math, or English lessons, too! You’re sure to make students happy when you arrive at these destinations.

Bowling alley

Bowling is a great field trip idea for students who just need some time to have fun. You can often rent out a whole bowling alley to accommodate as many students as needed.

Laser tag/arcade

Everyone loves laser tag! Laser tag arenas often include arcades as well for students who don’t want to run around in the dark. There are often group and student discounts for laser tag, although it can be on the pricier side of field trip ideas.

Ice skating

Ice skating is a unique and fun field trip idea that is relatively easy to organize! It’s best suited for older students who view learning to skate as a fun challenge.

Sports game

Do you have a class full of aspiring MLB or NBA players? Trying to get your homeschooled kids interested in sports? Going to a baseball, football, basketball, or soccer game can be a fun class activity. Make sure you can book seats all together so your students can bond and relax watching the game while you keep an eye on the venue.

Amusement park

What list of field trip ideas would be complete without mentioning a visit to an amusement park? Amusement parks are designed to be fun, meaning there’s something every student can enjoy. However, they can be somewhat overwhelming, so be sure to check out these tips for an amusement park trip with kids before you go.

School Bus Rentals For Field Trips

Ready to take your students to a destination they’ll love? YellowBird Bus Company provides school bus rentals for all kinds of field trips, no matter where you’re headed! Contact us today, and we’ll get you and your students rolling!

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Join our Open trip! Exploring Komodo National Park can also be done in an affordable and sociable way.

It’s about making new friends, create memories and learning new things together. Our shared trip or open trip allows you to have the opportunity to share a wonderful island hopping experience, even if you’re a solo traveler or a couple.

And no worries, there is also plenty of room for people to find their own space if they want to.

FEATURED IN

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  • Airport / Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
  • Three Meals per Day
  • Paddle Boards
  • Afternoon Coffee and Snack
  • Water with refillable tumbler onboard
  • Snorkeling Gear
  • Linen & Towels
  • Airline ticket
  • Wine and Spirits
  • Entrance Fee Komodo National Park
  • Accommodation in Labuan Bajo
  • Gratuities/tipping for crew
  • Documentation
  • Local Guide

Itinerary Example

We are happy to help you create your personal itinerary.

  • Visit Kelor Island
  • Snorkeling at Menjaga
  • Sunset at Kalong Island
  • Snorkeling at Siaba
  • Fish Feeding at Kanawa
  • After breakfast, sailing back to Labuan Bajo​
  • Sunrise Trekking at Padar
  • Visiting Komodo Island
  • Swimming at Pink-Beach
  • Itinerary is subject to change depending on conditions or capitains desition
  • Trecking at Gili Laba
  • Visiting Taka Makassar
  • Swimming with Manta

What Our Customer Say

Dear Hans and crew, first of all thanks a lot for these beautiful pictures, Hans! Thanks a lot for the exceptionally wonderful time we had on the boat! We enjoyed every minute of it. Please send our big thank you to all of the crew for making a lot of beautiful memories on the most beautiful place we have ever been! We will keep these 4 days in our head and heart for ever and the beautiful pictures and video’s will be kept in a special place. Now we have to rehab from all the animal spotting, all the lovely views, food, private photographer, great service, cocktails, paddleboards and everything else I forgot to mention!

Terima Kasi or as we say: Dankjewel!

Mike & Rose

Ownernya sangat ramah dan perhatian.kru krunya asiiik.pokok nya good laaah…pengen joint lagi kapan kapan kalo ada rejeki

just amazing

it’s amazing, the experience was surreal. The crew is outstanding i’d definitely go on this trip again.

Jetta Ferra

Magical, memorable, magnificent.

Took the fam (wife, 3 kids 18, 15 & 6 and myself) on a 3-day 2-night circuit around Komodo National Park on the Samara. Hand-crafted boat was gorgeous and comfortable, staff were terrific, food was delicious and plentiful and the environment was just incredible. The personal touches of Fresa (Indonesian) & Marc (Swiss) came through in every detail and we can’t recommend it highly enough!

Definitely an experience that will never be forgotten! The room was always cool and the beds were clean and comfortable. Surprisingly, my children had no problem sleeping on the boat. We never had to worry about being hungry cause they serve abundant, delicious food from morning til’ evening. And to top if off, the entire crew was sensational! Very friendly and never hesitated to help us and to take care of the children. Thank you for the wonderful trip, we will definitely come back again someday

Enno Lorian

We are very and happily satisfied with the boat facilities, especially the delicious food that they served. The crew was friendly and helpful, even though we had a little trouble with unfitting snorkeling equipment, over all my family and I really enjoyed the experience of our holiday in Flores with Samara Liveaboard

Kenanga Wungu

Very well organized, incredibly lively and warm crew. Note worthy, the professional and attentive attitude to every passenger. Very knowledgable and helpful. We had an amazing experience, such as hiking, trekking and snorkeling despite the fact that we are not very “sporty”, but the crew made sure we were ok every step of the way. Delicious food and great service. Thank you Samara for making this a memorable experience.

Best crew, best chef – always making sure that the boat is nice and clean. The kids loved sitting on the deck looking at the breathtaking view of all the islands! All in all, just perfect.

Ayu Nadya Parama

We are two families with eight people and Samara II is an amazing boat! It has plenty of room for us. The chef is great and always ready to serve us. And the captain, Mr. Stefan always ensured that we were safe. We love the crew too, they are amazingly helpful. Not just us, the parents, but also our four teenagers had a great time visiting Komodo National Park. We highly recommend Samara!

ENJOY WITH YOUR LOVE, FRIENDS & FAMILY

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Sámara: A Travel Guide to Costa Rica’s Coolest Beach Town

  • February 26, 2021

Playa Samara in Costa Rica

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Are you considering visiting the surf town of Sámara in Costa Rica? Need some persuasion? Well you’ve come to the right place! This Sámara travel guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know to plan your escape to this stunning area of Costa Rica.

I spent a few days in Sámara at the end of my G Adventures Costa Rica tour, and I fell for it fast!

Unlike many other places in Costa Rica, this small town on the pacific coast is surprisingly authentic, and you’ll never have to deal with crowds of other tourists. Most tourists skip over Samara entirely, which in my opinion is almost criminal!

Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a whole load of reasons you’ll love Sámara. First of all, obviously, the lack of crowds is a big selling point. There’s also the laid-back, anything goes vibe that makes you want to quit your life and become a full-time beach bum. But Samara is also a fabulous base for a tonne of awesome activities that’ll keep you entertained for days! 

Heading to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast instead? Check out my travel guide here.

Beach with palm trees in central america.

How Much Time Do You Need in Sámara?

In Sámara, it’s easy to do whatever it is you want. Feel like reading a book on the beach for a couple of days? No problem. Feel like packing a bunch of activities into your stay and keeping busy? That’s also cool!

Aside from surfing and being a beach bum, there isn’t much to do in Sámara itself so it’s a good idea to get a balance of beach time and adventure activities. I think 3 days in Sámara is ideal for most visitors, but if you like surfing you’ll want to stay there longer.

I personally could have stayed there for over a week without getting bored! Sprawled out on the beach, drinking out of a coconut, I almost cancelled my flights home to extend my trip!

Alas… Real life responsibilities won in the end, and I caught the bus back to San Jose promising to return one day…

How to Get to Sámara

There are a few options for getting to Sámara depending on how adventurous you are.

Obviously, if you’ve hired a car, you should drive to Sámara. It takes around 4 hours from the capital city of San Jose, or 2 hours from Tamarindo. I’m a big scaredy-cat when it comes to driving, though, so it was never something I considered!

The option I went for, and the easiest option by far, is by joining a Costa Rica guided tour that goes to Sámara. There are a few different tour providers in Costa Rica, but I opted for G Adventures and I highly recommend their tours.

I went on this one , which hits up all the highlights of Costa Rica (including Sámara) over 14-days, and I had the time of my life! Taking a tour was ideal for me, as it meant I didn’t have to think at all about logistics and how to get from A to B. Y ou can read my full review of the tour I went on here.

Your final option is to catch a bus to get to Sámara. From San Jose, the bus takes around 4 hours and costs around $8 one-way. There are also local buses from Sámara to popular nearby destinations such as Tamarindo.

places to stay in Samara Costa Rica

Things to Do in Sámara, Costa Rica

Going surfing.

Sámara is all about surf, and whether you’ve never set foot on a surfboard in your life or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll have the time of your life surfing here.

The guys over at C&C Surf School have unbeatable enthusiasm for teaching you how to surf and are full of helpful advice. A few people in my tour group took lessons here and had nothing but good things to say about them. Everybody managed to stand up on their first lesson, which is a huge achievement!

If you already know what you’re doing they have a wide range of surfboards to hire, although they don’t have too many more “advanced” boards. They also hire out rash vests. Be sure to hire a long sleeve one if you can to protect yourself from the sun!

Surfing here was unbelievable. I just couldn’t get enough. The waves were so clean and easy to ride along (especially compared to the windswept slop I surf back at home)! Sámara is the perfect place to learn how to surf.

That said, though, the surf is only pumping at certain times of the day. When I was there, it was first thing in the morning and around sunset. During the middle of the day, it was almost flat! That means you’ll have time to either lounge on the beach in between surf sessions, or fit in an activity.

Snorkelling

How better to explore Sámara’s surrounding area than by boat, stopping off to snorkel at all the best spots? 

I love snorkelling and always try to do it at least once per trip. There are quite a few snorkelling tours available in Sámara, so I recommend using Viator to check out your options.

This tour gets rave reviews! Taking in the gorgeous scenery at Barco Quebrado, Sámara and Carrillo, you’ll be able to snorkel to your heart’s content and get to know the area by its best and most beautiful asset – the ocean!

Stand up Paddleboarding

Even if you haven’t tried stand up paddleboarding before, taking a paddleboarding tour is one of the best things to do in Samara. Sámara beach itself can sometime be too ferocious for stand up paddleboarding, but joining a tour will enable you to visit the tranquil nearby waters of Carillo, which is much better suited to paddleboarding.

During a paddleboarding class, your guide will give you a quick introduction to paddleboarding and teach you how to balance on the board before you set off along the coast.

Horseback Riding

horseback riding in Samara Costa Rica

Fun fact: the first time I ever went horseback riding was in Costa Rica.

Ever since, I’ve made it my life mission to convince everybody else to go horseback riding in Costa Rica too. Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but the experience was just magic!

Luckily, you can go horseback riding in Sámara – and you can actually ride on the beach (goals)!

This tour takes you riding up a mountain through the jungle to reach amazing viewpoints, and allows you to see a part of Sámara not many others visit which isn’t accessible by vehicle. The final leg of the tour includes galloping along the beach.

I’m always super cautious before recommending animal activities as animal welfare is something I am passionate about. Fortunately, this tour company is consistently praised for the condition of their horses, and they pride themselves on never taking the horses on more than one tour per day. 

Meeting Turtles

Ever wanted to see turtles nesting and hatching on the beach?

Well, from Sámara, you can take a tour to see the baby turtles . From Sámara beach, a guided turtle tour will take you to either Corozalito, Camaronal or Ostional beach where you commence your turtle hunt.

The tour guides have a huge emphasis on the wellbeing of the turtles and give you a full safety briefing before you spot the turtles and, after that, you’ll be able to watch the turtles making their way into the ocean.

The peak turtle hatching time in the area is September and October, so, although you can still spot turtles outside of these months, there’s always a risk that you could miss them.

Mangrove Kayaking 

Kayaking on the beach

Sámara isn’t far away from the Ora River, a popular kayaking spot in Costa Rica. Paddling the quiet waters of the river on a guided kayak tour is the best way to explore the mangroves. As you paddle you’ll be able to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, as well as an easy way to explore the tropical rainforest. 

Sunset Booze Cruise

I skipped this tour in favour of extra time spent surfing, but judging by the state of the girls on my tour group who went on it when they returned to the hostel, I definitely missed out!

With alcohol, soft drinks and snacks all included in the price of the cruise, this is without doubt the most epic way to catch the sunset in Sámara. There’s an opportunity to snorkel and dolphin-spot on the journey before you settle in to witness the sunset over drinks. The cruise lasts around 3 hours.

The girls on my tour who went on this came back so drunk (in the best way possible). They all said they’d had an amazing time – and it sure looked like they did! Check out prices here .

Quad Biking

This was another tour that I skipped in order to go surfing in Sámara (I’m sensing a theme here…) but the people in my tour group who went quad biking couldn’t sing its praises loud enough!

The quad biking tour includes a safety briefing followed by pure adventure! You’ll get to take in the hills and jungle as you zoom through the rainforest. The tour finishes off at the beach, where you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel and wash away all the dirt from the journey.

Be sure to bring a bandana if you’re going quad biking! The wheels kick up dust and dirt like there’s no tomorrow, and breathing in a bunch of dust is something nobody wants.

Is Sámara Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, Sámara is safe, and I didn’t feel concerned for my safety at all whilst I was here – unlike in a few towns on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica where harassment was a problem.

I would have felt fine walking alone in the town centre at night by myself, but fortunately I didn’t have to, and I’d always prefer to go out with others after dark.

Obviously, like everywhere else in Costa Rica, stay sensible, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t go wandering around dark alleyways by yourself at night, and you’ll find that Sámara is a perfectly safe place to visit in Costa Rica.

Where to Stay in Sámara

There are great accommodation options in Sámara for all budgets, but especially if you’re travelling on a low to mid-range budget. Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Sámara.

Sunset on a beach in Central America

Hostels in Sámara

Sámara has quite a few hostels, but there are only a couple that have good ratings:

Matilori hostel – Surrounded by Mango trees and just 50 metres away from the beach, you can’t beat the location of this hugely popular hostel. It’s fairly small so it’s easy to get to know other people in the hostel, which is ideal if you’re a solo traveller looking to socialise. It also has all the facilities you’d need, including a kitchen to prepare your own food (and keep costs down) and reliable wifi if you need to get some work done or call home. 

One night in a 6-bed dorm costs around $15 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Las Mariposas – Just like Matilori hostel, Las Mariposas is just 50 metres away from the beach (Sámara really is all about beachside living!). This hostel is well known amongst travellers to Sámara for its social atmosphere, and it has a hammock area outdoors where you can chill in the evening and chat with other guests. It also offers free coffee in the morning.

One night in an 8-bed dorm costs around $14 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Things to do in Samara Costa Rica

Hotels in Sámara

If you’re travelling as a couple (or just prefer your own space and a few extra luxuries) staying at a hotel or guesthouse in Sámara is the ideal option for you. 

The Good Life Lodge – This is the perfect compromise between a hostel and a hotel – it has a communal kitchen, so you can cook your own food to save costs, but it has the little luxuries you wouldn’t find at a hostel. We’re talking about a hot tub, flat-screen TVs, welcome beers and the all-important AIR CONDITIONING! This place gets rave reviews, which you can check out here . 

Double rooms cost around $79 per night . Check availability for your dates here . 

Hotel Peace & Lodge – For one of the best places to stay in Sámara, check out Hotel Peace & Lodge. This place is one of Booking.com’s most popular stays in Sámara, and looking over the property’s pictures, I’m not surprised. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden and a bar, it isn’t short of facilities, and all the rooms are spacious. The price also includes breakfast!

Double rooms cost around $102 per night . Check availability for your dates here .

Best Restaurants in Sámara

Playa Samara, Samara beach in Costa Rica

Sámara is a small town, so you’re not going to be overwhelmed by choice of places to eat here. That said, there are enough great restaurants in town serving up both local and international cuisine, so you won’t be disappointed. Here are my top picks:

  • Samara Sushi – this sushi place is wildly popular and gets rave reviews. In fact, my Costa Rican tour guide said it was his favourite sushi ever! The decor is unique and makes the restaurant feel super laid back, and their 2 for 1 sushi special (which runs after 5pm) is always a hit. Unfortunately, though, it’s quite pricey.
  • Restaurante Sheriff Rustic – for an authentic Costa Rican soda (a local restaurant) you don’t need to look any further than Restaurante Sheriff Rustic. I ate here twice, and it was perfect! The prices were reasonable, the staff offer killer recommendations from the menu, and their ceviche cannot be beaten.
  • El Lagarto – Is this the best restaurant in Samara? I think so! And so do all the online reviewers! The specialty at El Lagarto is anything grilled, and boy, I didn’t think grilling could make anything taste this good! The restaurant is down a back street and a bit hard to find, but that only makes it more of a hidden gem.

Don’t forget to check out my post on traditional food and drinks to try in Costa Rica!

Things You Need to Bring to Sámara, Costa Rica

For Sámara, you’ll definitely need some mosquito repellent spray and bands , and a quick-dry travel towel for all those beach days you’ll have. Other than that, you won’t need anything special beyond what I covered in my Costa Rica packing list .

I do want to emphasise how important it is that you purchase travel insurance before you visit Sámara, though. 

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance before travelling to Costa Rica – and it makes me wince whenever I hear about it! Costa Rica is fairly safe, but being careful and visiting safe destinations doesn’t prevent plain old bad luck from happening!

Not only is travel insurance very affordable, but it can save you from all manner of nightmarish situations – whether that’s having your flights cancelled, accidentally damaging your laptop, or even getting injured on an activity! I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and would NEVER travel uninsured . 

Travel insurance is the kind of thing you often don’t think about until you need it. Don’t get caught short!

Pura vida Costa Rica

I hope this post has helped you to plan your visit to Sámara – you’re going to love it! With so many fun activities right on its doorstep, and that incredible beach, I can’t understand why Sámara isn’t swamped with visitors. I’m definitely happy it isn’t, though!

Don’t forget to head over to my other Costa Rica posts for more trip planning tips!

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Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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I’m so glad I came across your post. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit I’d never even heard of Samara. Now I can’t wait to go there.

Thanks Jenn! Samara is so lovely!

Thanks for this. How did you feel about the Hotel Villas Playa Samara. We are an active couple in our late 60’s and early 70’s who want to stay in an all inclusive but still take surfing lessons and do some excursions. Did you see this hotel and what did you think of it.

Hi Steve, I’m glad you found the post helpful! I unfortunately didn’t see Hotel Villas Playa Samara during my time in town, but given your interests I think you’ll have a fabulous time in Samara no matter where you stay! I hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Poetry Center

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K-12 Field Trips

The UA Poetry Center offers field trips for 4th-12th grade students, which focus on our current Brave Books theme, Zines and Zine Libraries . F ield trips are available on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM , and we're able to accommodate up to twenty students per trip. We have a cap of ten field trips per semester, so encourage interested teachers to apply early.

To request a field trip:

  •  Download the form at the bottom of this page
  •  Fill it out completely
  •  Email it to [email protected]

Preparing students for a visit to the Poetry Center is important. This tip sheet  will help you and your students get the most out of the experience. Note that we require field trips to be requested at least 4 weeks in advance, as well as 24 hours notice for cancellations.

For questions about K-12 field trips, contact Education Programs Coordinator Wren Goblirsch at [email protected].

Attachments: 

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A Complete Guide To The Hip Beach Town of Samara, Costa Rica

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If you are looking for an under the radar town to spend your time in Costa Rica in, do yourself a favour and visit Samara, Costa Rica. It is a hip beach town, the perfect size and there are so many things to do in Samara, Costa Rica that you can easily fill up your time.

I would consider Samara the little sister of Nosara. It is a bit smaller and still retains an authentic Costa Rican culture.

Samara is only 30 minutes from Nosara and it is a lot cheaper. It is also located in the Guanacaste province. It should definitely be added to your Costa Rica Travel plans.

Samara, Costa Rica crime rates are low making it super safe for families and solo travellers as well

CHECK OUT OTHER POSTS ON COSTA RICA:

  • Nosara Travel Guide:   The Complete Guide to staying in Nosara
  • Unique Hotel In Nicoya  : Add this jungle luxury hotel to your Costa Rica Itinerary
  • Things To Do In Playa Pelada Beach: The Best Beach in Nosara
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How To Get To Playa Samara Beach Costa Rica from Liberia

Samara Costa Rica

Samara Costa Rica is located in the province of Guanacaste in the Nicoya region. This little town can be reached by car in about 2.5 hours from Liberia International Airport. This is the easiest way to get there. The roads on this route are pretty paved and well maintained.

If you are coming from San Jose, Costa Rica the drive is about 4.5 hours.

Group or Private Shuttle

There are lots of shuttles that leave on the daily from Liberia Airport to the town of Samara. If you booked a shuttle with a group, the price per person on average is about $50-$60. If you book a private shuttle to Samara, you are looking at about $150 total. Prices are in USD!

Public Transportation

Travelling to Samara Costa Rica on a budget? Lots of people are and taking public transportation there is a great way to keep your Samara budget on track! There are buses twice daily from the Liberia Airport and you can see that schedule here. Routes from Liberia to Samara show 3 hours but expect some delays

How To Get To Samara Beach from Nosara?

Playa Samara

There is a long route from Nosara to Samara that is recommended if you do not have an SUV. This route is through Nicoya on Route 21. From Route 21, you will then take Route 150 right into the town of Samara. It is very straightforward.

The short route or short cut is through Route 160 which requires you to cross a river. The river is called Rio Buena Vista and during dry season, it is very shallow and easy to cross. One week when we crossed, there was almost no water.

During wet season, I would avoid the short cut from Nosara to Samara.

When to Visit Samara Costa Rica?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Playa Samara is between March-April. Crowds from the holiday season have tampered off a bit and you are still not in rainy season.

The town of Samara gets very busy during high season which runs from December to end of April with the absolute peak time being from December- February. I would avoid it at that time.

Rainy season is from May-November. While there is something special about rainy season in Costa Rica, it also can be very frustrating with flooding and difficulty getting around.

Samara, Costa Rica weather or Costa Rica weather in general can be unpredictable though so there are times when you expect rain and it could turn out to be beautiful!

Samara boasts an active expat community, comprised of mostly North Americans and Europeans.  Around 1,500 people make up Samara and its outskirts year round.  

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How Many Days Do You Need In Sámara beach?

Guide to Playa Samara

Some people quickly pass through Samara for a day or two and some people come to Playa Samara and never leave!! haha.

If you are staying in Nosara, you can easily do a day trip to Samara.

If you are doing a whole trip through the Nicoya peninsula, I would recommend 2-3 days to really take it all in!!

The Best Hotels in Samara

Playa Samara features a lot of price friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and Air Bnb options. Accommodations are much cheaper than in Nosara ( almost half the price) so that is worth considering when planning your Costa Rica Trip.

There are some great Samara, Costa Rica Air Bnb options as well!

If you are looking for hotels though, below are the best hotels in Samara based on each pricing level.

Hotel Azura-Top End Option

Places to Stay in Samara

Hotel Azura is a luxury all inclusive option that is a new spot in the area. It is on the south end of Samara beach and very secluded. The pool is the real eye show stopper of the resort and although Samara beach is beautiful it is very hard not to set up shop there.

Travelling with kids though? Unfortunately this hotel is Adult only!

Price Range: $400 +

Book a Hostel Stay with Hostel World HERE

Mid-range hotel in samara.

Things to do in Playa Samara

Villas Kalimba is a mid range hotel that has a great location, beautiful pool and bigger rooms. A lot of the rooms have mini kitchenettes which is great if you want to cook or store some items! Definitely recommend this place if you are travelling with kids!

Price Range: $200 +

Samara Palm Lodge-Budget Hotel Option in Samara

Budget Hotel Playa Samara

Samara Lodge is one of the most reasonable places to stay in Playa Samara and is rated one of the best overall places to stay by Trip Advisor.

Samara Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the beach so it’s quieter than some places directly on the beach. The rooms are simple but a great option for the price.

Price Range: $75 +

The Best Restaurants in Samara Costa Rica

You will not have a problem grabbing a bite to eat in Samara. There are plenty of restaurants along the beach and on the main strip. Another great thing about the Samara food scene is that you can find a mix of just about everything! Local Tico places, Fresh Vegetarian Options, Italian, American and they even have a Super Samara supermarket if you want to cook up something yourself.

Here are some of my favourite Samara restaurants!

Gusto Beach Restaurant- The Best Restaurant in Samara

Samara Costa Rica

Gusto Beach is the best beachfront restaurant in Samara. This Italian restaurant makes you feel like you have been transported to Italy! It has a killer Aperol Spritz list and really good pizzas

If Italian food isn’t your thing (Are you Ok?), they do have plenty of other options on the menu.

This place is great for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. The Dinner crowd/scene is a bit more rowdy while during the day it is very chill.

This place is a steakhouse and barbeque restaurant. It features a one of a kind wood burning grill which makes the dishes truly unique. It also has prime real estate on the beach! If you are looking for a nice dinner in Samara Beach, this restaurant is a nice option.

Prices are similar to Gusto Beach.

Bohemia Café

Restaurants in Samara Costa Rica

This cute little cafe in Playa Samara, just off the main street, is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch. It serves up juices, crepes, paninis, pastries and some unique coffees. If you are a digital nomad, you can sit here and work too on their outdoor patio.

Prices are very reasonable.

L’Authentique

Playa Samara

L’ Authentique  is home away from home. The ambiance, food, and service team welcome you as if you were long-lost family or friends returning after a long trip. Julien and Eva are the charming, ever jovial couple. They are attentive, efficient, and super friendly. 

This tapas restaurant with French inspired cuisine and wine is 10/10. It features imported cheeses, cured meats and unique sharing style dishes. They also have the most amazing French bread. The ambience is also something special.

TIP: Get the Tapas platter. Best bang for your buck!

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Marea Surf Shop Cafe

Located on the main strip, this place is all sorts of cool. It is not only a cafe but it is also a surf shop with some nice gear. We both picked up a Marea branded tshirt and felt like we were cool Costa Rican Tico surfers haha.

Samara Costa Rica

They serve up coffees, smoothie, pastries and ACAI BOWLS! Yum. Naturally I got one of those and it was very, very yummy.

Malehu Coffee

Playa Samara Coffee

One of the newer places in town, Malehu Coffee has delicious coffee in a modern and chic setting. This is located just off the main strip. It is open bright and early at 7AM which was nice for us since the kids were up really early!

First class spot all the way! The pastries are fancy and so are the lattes and it was a nice change of pace from some casual breakfasts we were having. Very good! They have Italian and European coffee and also Costa Rican coffee.

Microbar- The Best Place For a Cocktail in Samara

This little bar in Samara was very cute and had craft beers, speciality cocktails and happy hour specials. It is just a tiny little space but has big personality. We loved the decor inside and as the sun went down, the place really got busy. There isn’t a ton of nightlife in Samara so Microbar is a great place to meet friends for drinks

Microbar Playa Samra

Some other Amazing Restaurants in Samara worth checking out:

  • Falafel Cafe – Mediterranean Food
  • La Dolce Vita- Another Italian Spot. Kind of similar to Gusto Beach. More lounge-y!
  • La Aldrea- Amazing smoothies and juices!
  • Casa Esmeralda- The best place for fresh seafood! Loved the Calamari
  • Luv Burger- With a spot in Nosara and now Samara, this is a great spot for a Veggie burger…and a vibe!
  • Roots Bakery- fresh pastries and great coffee!

The Best Things To Do in Playa Samara

There are lots of things to do in Samara, Costa Rica but you can also just sit at the beach and lounge the entire time. We did a bit of both and loved the balance of it all. Here are some of our favourite things that we got up to in Playa Samara.

Werner Sauter Biological Reserve

Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. You can see a range of animals like birds, monkeys and other types of wildlife!

The Macau reserve is close by so don’t be surprised to find some flying around here too!

There are also hiking trails within and there is a rewarding look out point of the town and beaches!

You can do this with a guide or with a tour or you can do it on your own! Doing it with a guide is about $60 per person.

Visit Nearby Beaches

Samara Costa Rica

While Playa Samara is a beautiful and fun beach, if you are staying in town for a few days you should definitely check out some of the neighbouring beaches.

Playa Carillo and Playa Barrigona are about 10-15PM away and are two of the most beautiful beaches in not only the Nicoya but in all of Costa Rica. They are comparable with the beaches on the pacific coast or dare I say Central America in general. Seriously stunning shorelines.

Playa Samara is sandwiched between the two so get in an ATV or car and do a little day trip to either!

You can also go further south down to Santa Teresa!

Visit A Waterfall

 La Roca Waterfall is only about 15-20 minutes away from Samara and is definitely worth checking out if you are in town for a few days. There isn’t a ton of waterfalls in the Nicoya area so it’s a great option to get your Costa Rica waterfall fix. It’s about 20 minutes to get to the waterfall itself and is an easy hike.

Keep in mind this is not like the waterfalls near Manuel Antonio

Take Surf Lessons in Playa Samara

Things to do in Samara Costa RIca

Taking Surfing lessons in the Nicoya area of Costa Rica is a rite of passage and pretty much something that should be mandatory! It really gives you a true feel of what life is like in these areas.

Tico’s Surf School is a great option to book a lesson. Playa Samara is also a great beach to learn to surf as the waves are very small compared to Nosara.

Snorkle at Isla Chorro

Not far from Samara, is the little island called Isla Chorro. There are local boats that can bring you out there to snorkel or you can rent a kayak if you really feel adventurous! You can see some beautiful fish ….and some times there is even dolphin spotting’s!

Helpful Hints for your Visit to Samara Costa Rica

poetry field trips

  • Samara, Costa Rica has a big expat scene so expect to see a lot of international travellers
  • There is a supermarket there if you need groceries. The town of Nicoya is about 25 minutes away if you need to hit a bigger box store
  • Most places accept Credit Cards
  • There are no public bathrooms on the beach

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Playa Samara, Costa Rica

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The Nosara vibe is totally different to Samara… which is also larger and more diverse in a number of ways… Nosara being more of a “trust-fund hippy set” from its surf destination inception… Sámara is not Nosara’s lil’ sis’.

At the risk of being ‘nit-picky’, Luv Burger was established in Sámara before heading to Nosara.

As with many Guanacaste beach havens, over-development and commercialization is frequently to the detriment of Tico’s and the road/traffic/transport, water supply/waste management, internet and communications infrastructure simply can’t keep up… put simply its all getting to big and too busy too fast… sorry, but the plethora of blogs posted by short-term transient nomads is not help the communities and neighbouring pueblos & barrios.

Sámara does have ‘quiet days’ even through the December to February’peak’ – something to be grateful for as the once ‘dreamy somnambulant paee’ takes us back to times of real ‘pura vida’ – that being, grateful for each naturally abundant day or night.

Bendiciones y Saludos

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Agree absolutely.

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  1. Field trip Poems

    Poems about Field trip at the world's largest poetry site. Ranked poetry on Field trip, by famous & modern poets. Learn how to write a poem about Field trip and share it! Login Register Help . Poems Write Groups. All groups; Free writing courses; Famous poetry classics;

  2. Field Trip Poems

    Field Trip Poems - Examples of all types of poems about field trip to share and read. This list of new poems is composed of the works of modern poets of PoetrySoup. Read short, long, best, and famous examples for field trip.

  3. Free Class Trips

    Kindergarten through High School: We invite your students to participate in customized poetry writing and reading activities facilitated by our education team. Poets House staff members work with teachers to tailor field trips that excite and inspire, introducing their classes to the riches of the library and inviting them to make it their own.

  4. Field Trips

    We host literary Field Trips on weekday mornings from 9:00 or 9:30 am to 12:00 or 12:30 pm at our writing center at 225 Commercial St. #201, Portland, ME 04101. Our center has a maximum capacity of 25 students, and 4 teachers/chaperones. Students and teachers should bring their own snacks or lunches and beverages.

  5. Tours/Field Trips

    The Poetry Center's special collections library is a great place for an interactive, educational, and fun field trip that can that encourage a lifelong love of writing and literature. We offer creative, hands-on field trip curricula for groups of K-12 students, university students, and community members. Our staff can create a customized field trip that fits the needs,

  6. Short Field Trip Poems

    Short Field Trip Poems. Below are examples of the most popular short poems about Field Trip by PoetrySoup poets. Search short poems about Field Trip by length and keyword. The Field Trip. The children went on a field trip On a farm much fun was incurred Back in class, the teacher stated, "Please tell me some sounds that you heard" One said ...

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    A 'F' Story Final year of college Final term Field trip Fire camp night Farewell party Friends forever departing Foolish temptations Fierce desires Future foggy Furious flames, Frequent eyeing Found a seclusion Frozen ice break Furry feeling Fantastic union Frosty foreheads Fear...

  8. FOR TEACHERS

    Poetry in America is a TV series and educational initiative that brings poetry into classrooms and living rooms around the world. Created by Elisa New, Poetry in America draws students of all ages into conversations about poetry. ... and field trips around the nation. We offer these courses on a rotating basis. There is no prerequisite for ...

  9. Literary Field Trips

    Next, we got back on the quiet road for a short stretch through hills and farmland to Amherst and the Emily Dickinson Museum. It was a gorgeous day, and we thoroughly enjoyed it with a picnic among the trees and stumps outside her window. I brought along a volume of her collected poems, and we took turns opening to random pages and reading ...

  10. Field Trip by Corey Van Landingham

    Corey Van Landingham, a finalist in Narrative's Fifth and Ninth Annual Poetry Contests, is the author of Antidote. She has also had work included in Best American Poems, 2014. Born in Ashland, Oregon, she received an MFA from Purdue University and was a Wallace Stegner Fellow in poetry. She lives in Cheviot, Ohio.

  11. Field Trip: Longfellow Poetry Workshop

    Create your own poem challenge, shareout (45 minutes) Parts 1 and 3 take place outdoors (weather permitting) on the Longfellow House lawn. In the event of inclement weather, these will move inside the Carriage House. How to Book Your Field Trip. Please reserve your free field trip online using MS Bookings.

  12. University Field Trips

    Instructors may bring undergraduate and graduate classes to the Poetry Center for a self-guided visit or a field trip led by the Poetry Center's library staff. All class visits (including self-guided visits) are by reservation only. Field trips frequently incorporate a building tour and a writing activity; library staff work with instructors in advance to provide activities

  13. Poetry Center Field Trips for 4th-12th Grade Students!

    Did you know that the UA Poetry Center offers free, hour-and-a-half long field trips for 4th-12th grade students? They're available on Fridays, between 9 am and 2 pm, and we're able to accommodate up to twenty students and chaperones per trip. The field trips include an interactive tour and a writing activity, and are currently focused on our Brave Books theme, Zines and Zine Libraries. Learn ...

  14. 41 Exciting Project-Based Learning Field Trip Ideas

    August 14, 2023 // by Lauren Du Plessis. Discover a world beyond your classroom with 41 vibrant project-based learning field trip ideas. As teachers, we continually seek new ways to engage and inspire our young learners. For this reason, we've curated a list of unique educational destinations- each offering a wealth of hands-on learning ...

  15. Field Trips at 826 MSP

    Field Trips at 826 MSP. 826 MSP offers 2 FREE field trip experiences for teachers and students: Storytelling & Bookmaking Field Trips for 3rd and 4th grade classes and Poetry Field Trips for 1st and 2nd grade classes. 826 MSP field trips are always free.Due to the high demand for our field trips, 826 MSP gives priority to schools in the 7-county Twin Cities Metro Area that have a Free or ...

  16. Literature and Poetry

    Literature and Poetry. January 10, 2019 fieldtrips Field Trips. A history of literature and poetry. ← Desert Field Trips Dinosaurs Field Trip →.

  17. Awesome Field Trip Ideas for Students of All Ages

    They provide entertaining and educational talking points for classes of all ages and are already created to appeal to younger and older students alike. Check out these kinds of museums. Art museums. Science museums (don't skip the planetarium!) Maritime museums. Archaeology museums. Historic house/building museums. Cemetery or gravesite museums.

  18. Open Trip Komodo

    The Social Happening on Samara I. Join our Open trip! Exploring Komodo National Park can also be done in an affordable and sociable way. It's about making new friends, create memories and learning new things together. Our shared trip or open trip allows you to have the opportunity to share a wonderful island hopping experience, even if you ...

  19. Sámara: A Travel Guide to Costa Rica's Coolest Beach Town

    Sámara isn't far away from the Ora River, a popular kayaking spot in Costa Rica. Paddling the quiet waters of the river on a guided kayak tour is the best way to explore the mangroves. As you paddle you'll be able to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, as well as an easy way to explore the tropical rainforest.

  20. Field Trips

    1508 East Helen Street (at Vine Avenue) Tucson, AZ 85721-0150 • MAP IT PHONE 520-626-3765 | [email protected]. Part of the College of Humanities. STAFF LOGIN

  21. Samara Trails are Great Way to Explore the Tropical Dry Forest

    DAY TRIPS. Arenal Day Trips; Monteverde Day Trips; Guanacaste Day Trips; Samara Full Days; TRANSFERS. CONTACT. More +506 2656-0920 +506 8952-1000. [email protected] ... effectively protecting its natural resources for future generations to explore and enjoy through activities such as field camping, birdwatching, and nature study. ...

  22. K-12 Field Trips

    The UA Poetry Center offers field trips for 4th-12th grade students, which focus on our current Brave Books theme, Zines and Zine Libraries. Field trips are available on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and we're able to accommodate up to twenty students per trip. We have a cap of ten field trips per semester, so encourage interested teachers to apply early.

  23. A Complete Guide To The Hip Beach Town of Samara, Costa Rica

    Samara Lodge is one of the most reasonable places to stay in Playa Samara and is rated one of the best overall places to stay by Trip Advisor. Samara Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the beach so it's quieter than some places directly on the beach. The rooms are simple but a great option for the price. Price Range: $75 +.