cresson prison haunted tour

An Overnight Ghost Tour Of The Abandoned Cresson Sanatorium In Pennsylvania Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

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If you’re someone with an appreciation for the paranormal, there’s one ghost-hunting event in Pennsylvania that belongs on your radar. Ghost Hunts USA is offering an exclusive overnight tour of one of the state’s most terrifying landmarks: the Cresson Former Sanatorium and State Prison. Guided by a team of ghost-hunting pros, the tour will take you to some of the most chilling corners of this building. And chances are you will encounter something unexpected, if not downright terrifying! This one is only for the boldest of explorers, the halls of the Cresson Sanatorium are haunted by the tortured souls that were kept there, and they’re not afraid to make themselves known.

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Do you think you would brave an overnight tour at the haunted Cresson Sanatorium? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! We love to hear firsthand accounts of these unique experiences from our readers, especially when it comes to the paranormal. Have you ever encountered a ghost?

If you’re ready to reserve a spot on this exclusive paranormal investigation, be sure to visit the official Ghost Hunts USA website . You can also follow Ghost Hunts USA on Facebook for updates and more.

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Haunted places in pennsylvania.

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Cresson State Sanatorium Ghost Hunt Ticket

• Ghost Hunting Equipment to privately explore
• Entry/Admission - Cresson
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• PatrickDorn 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Plenty of room to roam I really enjoyed the Holy Cross Abbey/Monastery event. There were about two dozen of us, broken into two groups. The two guides provided plentiful equipment, both low-tech and high-tech versions. Several people had remarkable experiences. The architecture and size of the abbey gave us plenty of room to roam, and the caretaker even opened the gymnasium and a former dormitory for us, which added to the adventure. One person has taken this ghost tour a dozen times! Read more Written April 26, 2023
• G8263TMroberts 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great group to work with Everything was great! Staff is very friendly and I am working on booking my next ghost hunt with GH USA! Read more Written March 19, 2023
• G8278JQkaties 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Constantly Cancelled. Where to start? I was so excited about this company and all the variety of places they offered to investigate. I planned a trip around attending two nights at the Conjuring House. I bought plane tickets, paid for a hotel etc. The first night, they sent me an email and cancelled it. I was bummed out but was able to rearrange my schedule and still attend a second date within the week so it was fine. Then they had a nice Black Friday sale and really wanted to escape to St. Augustine in Florida and they offered the lighthouse hunt. I bought two tickets and planned my vacation around the two hunts, again, bought plane tickets and hotel. ONE week prior, they send me an email saying both dates were cancelled. They waited days to refund my money and this really made me upset. They tried to smooth it over by offering 20 percent off my next hunt. At this point I had lost faith in the company but still was going to give them another shot, but just was going to plan to go closer to home. There was one that was 2.5 hours away from me. I booked two nights and planned to stay in a hotel. I get there and can't find anyone on site so went to check my email for a phone number. There I see an email where they cancelled AGAIN.....this time less then 12 hours in advance. I was fuming mad. I drove back home. This company cancels about 60 percent of the time, from my experience, and are money hungry. They don't care about plans you make, money you spent to attend or travel to the event, and they will not apologize for the cancellation. They did refund my money but it's terrible how they run their company and how they have no regard for their customers. I do not recommend them. Read more Written February 22, 2023
• matthewmH7325TG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top Tier Investigative Group This experience was incredible. This is a top-notch investigative group. We have investigated with other groups but this by FAR was the best team. They were fun and very informative with interesting techniques. Read more Written January 30, 2023
• Pokeywcu04 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Horrible experience Honestly, after my 2 experiences with this company I would give them ZERO stars if I could. On my first experience ( Fairfield County Infirmary), it was over crowded and just not enjoyable. Even the employees themselves told us the event was overbooked and they were sorry. I said ok well let me give them a second try. I just went to Brushy Mountain State Petitionary. This was the most disorganized event I have ever been to. The workers didnt know anything about anything there, no history, no facts, not even what cell Earl Ray James was in. The answer I got to that was uuummmm...I dont know. We were divided into 3 groups and for the first 4 hrs of the night did group investigations. Between those we had a break for 30-45 mins between each (were supposed to be only 15 mins). It was so horrible I had to actually walk up to the workers and ask for them to get the next investigation started due to we've been standing around for 40 mins (but one of them had to get their smoke breaks in. Many serious people there were getting angry. When we were finally given time to do on your own investigating (only 2 hrs) there is so many people there you cant do anything. And the people they let in are not serious and are there for the fun (smelled alcohol on a few of them). All this company wants is money, and have no interest in the history nor the scientific investigation of the paranormal. Honestly, I've been debating asking for my $200 back since most of the night was spent in a cold gym with no chairs or tables standing around so they could get smoke breaks in. My recommendation to you is to NOT do anything through this company, you will be surly disappointed Read more Written December 7, 2022
• nathangK7463VP 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t Waste Your Time or Money My father and I planned a trip awhile back with Ghost Hunts USA for the Indiana State Sanatorium hunt on December 2, 2022. My dad took time off work to fly all the way out from Utah to Michigan, we purchased an expensive ticket, booked a hotel, and we were going to commute down to Indiana. We invested a LOT of time and money on this trip, only to have Ghost Hunts USA cancel the hunt just two days before, giving us VERY SHORT notice to cancel our flight and hotels to get potential refunds. They screwed us financially by canceling our event, and all they were willing to do was refund our tickets. This is shameless behavior and we are highly disappointed in Ghost Hunts USA. Read more Written December 5, 2022
• William0814 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Missouri State Penitentiary Way over booked we had 200 people and even when we split into groups was 25-30 people per group. They had little to no background knowledge about site. Some leads were rude and talk to customers like a child. Need to keep experienced hunters and newbies separate. They encourage you to bring your own equipment I toted it around all night every time I tried to use something I was told not asked TOLD to put it away. Way way overpriced for the experience we received. Sit you in a dark space and suggest what you should see. WORST investigation I ever went on and wasn’t even close to being worth the ticket price. Had a better experience investigating at the hotel I stayed at got just as much activity there. Treated you like a heard of cattle they were only interested in getting you in and out and taking your money Read more Written November 21, 2022
• Nomad786545 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Glore psychiatric hospital I have done two different ghost hunts, the latest was Glore psychiatric hospital. I had a great time on both hunts. I really enjoyed the person/people that put on the hunts, they were always willing to talk and give suggestions to improve your personal experience. Read more Written November 20, 2022
• W3130HXandreag 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Missouri State Penitentiary This was my second tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary with Ghost Hunts USA. I was very let down. The group leaders provided very little energy, had little to NO info on the history of the institution and did not take us deep into the facility like they did the first time. Seemed a bit unorganized as well. I love this tour, and will give it another try, hopefully the leaders will get some experience under their belts as most were quiet, and had only been with Ghost Hunts USA for a year. Also I bought 4 tickets and due to a family emergency, could only use 3. They were absolutely non responsive to emails asking for a refund of that 1 ticket. Read more Written November 20, 2022
• alisoncase066 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Way too crowded, staff had no knowledge of location Went to a Ghost Hunt at Indiana State Sanitorium. There were WAY too many people at the hunt. For the amount of money you pay I would hope they would limit participation at least a little. You can't really have a good experience or capture any evidence if there are 90 people at a location at a time. On top of that, the staff knew nothing about the location. We asked about the history and we were literally told "we don't really know much about that". It seems pretty insincere to lead a ghost hunt when you don't even know anything about the location! They also used a spirit box app on an ipad that is a known scam (and fine you can say all ghost hunting equipment is a scam but this one literally is just an app with words and spooky noises on it). Definitely a waste of money. Visit the sites on your own and talk to the people who actually work there. Read more Written November 16, 2022
• LarkTravels2015 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Go fo the free roam I participated in the USS North Carolina Ghost Hunt on Halloween weekend. The best part was the free roam around the ship which started after midnight and lasted until about 3:00 am. The first part began at 7:30 and consisted of an orientation, then three blocks of guided tours. Each block was about an hour visiting two different places on the ship with a guide and paranormal investigative equipment. This first portion seemed poorly executed and disorganized in general. If it weren't for the free roam, the whole experience would have been a disappointment. For example, after we visited one part of the ship, we were told to meet the next guide, but we waited in a ladder well for several minutes and the guide never came to find us. As a result we roamed around looking for her, We lost a bunch of time doing that. She should have met us at the ladder well instead of us having to track her down. The guides should know the ship is confusing and not make the customers come looking for them. This portion of the tour in general needs to be tightened up. There were breaks between each block, where participants came back to the main meeting area for the bathroom, drinks, and snacks. snacks were basically vending machine quality. Definitely bring your OWN snacks if you want something nutritious. I was extremely disappointed in the amount of people allowed on the tour. It was very crowded and for $140 a person, I would expect a more intimate experience and not be overrun with other tourists. As I said the free roam was the best. We were finally able to get away from others and have some time to ourselves in the creepiest part of the ship. Read more Written November 14, 2022
• hotdog689 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles scam This company canceled and I am out hotel, gas and 789 bucks for tickets and this has been over a year now and no one will return my calls are given me a refund? Read more Written November 11, 2022
• V7196ZNlisaw 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles First Legit Ghost Tour First legit ghost tour at MOStatePen. Group was way too big considering cost, at least 150+. “F” bomb guide was excessive, but overall we enjoyed the experience and would do it again. Breaking into 6 smaller groups helped and did allow guides to provide a more personal experience. Going on our own was the best part. It was frustrating when a group walked right through our solo session while we were getting activity. I would recommend skipping breaks and let people snack/use the facilities on their own. Take lots of random pics, I caught a figure and did not see it at the time. I circled it in the pic attached. I’ll try it again, but honestly won’t do a third if the groups are always that big. Read more Written November 7, 2022
• daniellebM7703ER 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not worth it The staff did not an in depth knowledge of the location. They appeared to be going through the motions. The groups were extremely large making any actual investigation impossible. There was no psychic medium available. I would not take a tour with them again. Read more Written November 7, 2022
• H6509IIjanett 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointed We drove 2 1/2 hours to the Mo. State Penitentiary overnight ghost tour. We Sat around for the first 30 minutes. When someone finally started talking it was a foul talking man who enjoyed saying the F word ALOT! We were separated into groups and taken to different areas where we would try to get the spirits to speak with us. This was fine but it would have been nice to have heard some of the history. Maybe talked about some of the inmates that were there but there was nothing like that. We were left to free roam the buildings for the last three remaining hours. I felt some of this time could have been filled with stories about the history or about how it was haunted. We left two hours early, very disappointed. Read more Written November 6, 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cresson State Sanatorium Ghost Hunt Ticket provided by Ghost Hunts USA

• Haunted Places
• Collections

Cresson Sanatorium

This former prison, mental hospital, and sanatorium is haunted by every chapter of its history

Paranormal Activity at Cresson Sanatorium

• Motion sensors are activated in the tunnels
• Unexplained bangs and knocks are heard in the tunnels
• Phantom footsteps have been heard in Building F
• Unexplained sounds have been recorded in Building E
• Apparitions and shadow figures are often reported throughout the complex
• Sounds of slamming doors have been heard
• Many potential EVPs have been captured by past investigators

The Dark History of Cresson Sanatorium

Tucked into the woods just outside of Cresson, Pennsylvania, is a complex of long Tudor style buildings and sprawling modern prison blocks that look about as eclectic as its storied past.

Over the years, Cresson Sanatorium served as a tuberculosis hospital, a mental hospital, and a state prison. And, ghost stories suggest the old complex is haunted by spirits from each of its different lives.

Tales of apparitions lurking through the halls and ghostly sounds echoing through the tunnels have helped make Cresson Sanatorium one of Pennsylvania’s most well-known haunted places.

And there may be more hauntings yet to be discovered there…

Timeline of Cresson Sanatorium's History

Swipe or use timeline points to see Cresson Sanatorium through the years

Cresson Sanatorium began as a tuberculosis hospital following a land donation by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie in 1910. In the years before modern medicine, tuberculosis ravaged the world and treatments were few. The most common treatments were fresh air and sun, which the land for Cresson Sanatorium had in abundance.

The complex was completed in 1913 and started work as a long-term care facility. It soon gained a nickname amongst patients and staff: ‘the San.’

Cresson Sanatorium operated for over four decades as a tuberculosis hospital and treatment center. But, by 1956, rapid advancements in medicine and treatment, including the development of curative streptomycin, made tuberculosis fully treatable. For countless people impacted by the disease, this was a miracle. For massive hospital systems like Cresson, however, these developments spelled doom.

For these reasons, Cresson Sanatorium was integrated into Lawrence Flick State Hospital in 1956.

The Lawrence F. Flick State Hospital, operated by the Department of Public Welfare, changed the name Cresson Sanatorium to Allegheny State School and Hospital. This reflected a broader reach and coverage throughout the Allegheny region of the country.

During this time, the hospital also expanded its care to include patients with intellectual disabilities. But, despite these changes, further development would soon consume the property.

The Allegheny State School and Hospital was renamed yet again to the Cresson Center in 1970. Despite the name change, little else was altered around the swiftly aging campus. Cresson Center ceased operations twelve years later in December 1982.

Though threatened with total abandonment, the Cresson property soon got a new lease on life. Ownership of the property was transferred to the Department of Corrections in 1983, who would go on to convert the facility into a prison.

In 1987, the state reopened the property as State Correctional Institution – Cresson, a medium security state prison. The complex was expanded during this time to accommodate a full prison. This included new cell blocks and a tall, razor-wire fence, costing over $20 million.

The now expansive complex continued to operate as a prison for over 25 years until closing down in the early 2010s due to the complex’s age and its maintenance costs.

After being officially closed in 2013, the property was acquired in the late 2010s by the company Hydroponic Life. The company opened some areas of the abandoned complex for tours. Since then, tourists have gotten their first opportunities to explore the complex for themselves.

Many visitors have left their tours with ghost stories to share, as reports of paranormal encounters have mounted and ghost tours have become more common. But just who is haunting the halls of Cresson Sanatorium?

Disembodied Noises in Haunted Tunnels Beneath Cresson Sanatorium

A reported haunted hotspot in Cresson Sanatorium is the tunnel system beneath the complex. Since being opened to the public, the tunnels have become known for strange sounds echoing through the darkness.

These sounds range from unexplained bangs and knocks to distant voices. Investigators have also noted that motion sensors will be triggered by unseen forces when placed in the tunnels.

Cresson Sanatorium’s Haunted Campus

But the tunnels aren’t the only place to find unexplained noises around the sanatorium. In Building F, the sounds of phantom footsteps have been heard and even recorded. In Building E, mysterious sounds have similarly been reported. Previous investigators recorded unexplained knocks and mysterious tapping sounds throughout Building E.

Disembodied voices and moans are also said to be common in the complex. And sounds of slamming doors have also been heard in many buildings.

Some suggest they slam in response to certain questions from investigators.

Shadow Figures Witnessed in Pennsylvania’s Haunted Cresson Sanatorium

Though it has its share of hotspots, the entire campus is said to be haunted. Visitors often feel like they’re being watched while touring the grounds. Others say they feel like a ghostly entity is following them as they go through certain buildings.

And while these phantoms are often invisible, plenty of people have had encounters with shadowy figures around Cresson Sanatorium. Both moving shadows and stationary apparitions have been spotted through the complex.

Paranormal Evidence from Cresson Sanatorium

New paranormal reports continue to materialize throughout the property as more people and investigators tour the complex. Along with reports of personal experiences at Cresson Sanatorium, plenty of people have collected EVP recordings of reported paranormal voices.

Others still have supposedly captured intelligent responses via ITC (Instrumental Transcommunication) devices like the Spirit Box and Ovilus.

Explore the grounds of Cresson Sanatorium yourself

Start planning your paranormal investigation at Cresson Sanatorium using this interactive map of the campus

Paranormal Investigation and Tours at Cresson Sanatorium

Though only open to the public for the past few years, Cresson Sanatorium has already built up a substantial reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s eeriest, spookiest places. And it only seems to get more popular as more ghost stories creep out of the woods and more visitors are drawn in by the complex’s eerie allure.

Appearances on popular paranormal programs like Travel Channel’s Destination Fear and YouTube’s Paranormal Quest have only further driven the location’s popularity. So, while you might find haunted hospitals, haunted asylums, and haunted prisons elsewhere, you’ll only find one place that’s all three: Cresson Sanatorium.

Haunted places we think you’ll want to see

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We need your help! Save the legacy of CSP! #WeAreCresson 

Cresson Sanatorium & Prison

Hello Cresson Friends & Family,

The Cresson Sanatorium & Prison Team would like to thank all of you for your continued and ongoing support as we continue our fight to regain our beloved property.

In November the legal system granted us the ability to file a crucial appeal allowing us to be heard for the first time since the land dispute began with the Property Owners Ben Cobelentz & Carl Weaver. Our legal team filed this appeal on our behalf on January the 4th and we patiently await our day in court.

We ask that you continue to check in on our website and social sites for updates. With that, in anticipation of a major victory we have decided to focus our full efforts on creating a better and more focused experience for our guests upon return to the property.

We ask you show your support by sharing this post to friends.

Merchandise Shop Now Open

Check out our newly updated

Cresson Merch Store.  

Self-Guided Exploration

Explore this expansive abandoned site at your own pace. Unlocking 108 years of history spread out over 30 acres and 20 buildings. 

Guided Paranormal Tours

Join our Paranormal Experts as they guide you on this 2-hour

 daytime tour of our most active buildings.

Overnight Tours are also available!

Guided Historic Tours

Follow along with our Historians on this one of our guided tour to see the site's most popular buildings and learn the history from Carnegie to the it's closure as a State Prison. 

Rapture of Infection

This year "Rapture of Infection" Takes Halloween to a whole new level.

In Cresson Pennsylvania there's a New Haunted Prison in town.

The End has come Upon us, fractions have rose up. After the nuclear winter had started, migrants came from all over to "ROI". Here the military has gained command of the out-world, pushing everyone toward the Containment Facility known to all as The Rapture of Infection "ROI". Inside "ROI", you are free to live and be who and what you are, but beware of the infected horrible mutation brought on by the fallout. These plagues to the earth are just as free as you but they are vicious creatures that no longer have a soul and only longs to feed. Living in "ROI" as well, is Dr. Samuel Headmen, not your average doctor and scientist but he does try and bring hope to the followers of the Guild. A cult-like tribe of assassins will murder the infected and others who seek to steal the secrets of the new world. In the bowels of this Haven lives the Rat King. A self proclaimed aristocrat with the love of the divine and beauty of his world where his play dolls roam taking piece of the oncomers. They like to put together the perfect wonder in the world. As if you think the company of the Rat King was not enough Beware of the puppet master himself, Paul Von Heuber. In the old world, he was a famous artist but could never get the work of art that made him glee with joy. He lives far in the deepest parts of the "Center", building his creations. Paul and A living breathing army of in-humannoid paper mache people would just Love if you joined. You may wonder, "Will I ever find a place in this world of infected mad men and inhumane beings, trying to kill me at every turn?" Well my friend, dig your feet in because you will never leave "ROI".

Are you ready to come to "ROI" to see what we have in store for you?

Are you brave enough to experience "ROI".

Contact & Connect

814-329-1563  |  [email protected]

Exploring the Abandoned SCI Cresson Prison in Cambria County

I’m always on the lookout for abandoned places in Pennsylvania that I can legally explore. So, when I heard that the former SCI Cresson Prison near Altoona was open for visits, I knew I needed to check it out as soon as I could.

After a 100-year history, SCI Cresson was closed in 2013, and since then, has been left largely abandoned. However, in recent years, Big House Produce has begun converting the site into a hydroponic farm for a variety of crops.

Note: This site is currently closed as a legal fight regarding ownership works its way through the courts. Once this is resolved, I will update this article with the necessary information about visiting. Until then, take some time to read about its history and see photos of the grounds.

They also have started opening the site up for self-guided tours to people interested in urbex, photography, and the site’s history, as well as for other events such as ghost hunts. Information can be found further down in this article on how to legally visit this abandoned prison, but know that visitors are allowed with permission and prices are reasonable, so please don’t trespass on this site.

With that PSA out of the way, read on to discover the incredible history of this site and learn how you can visit it legally and what you can see.

The History of SCI Cresson and the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium

The future site of SCI Cresson began life as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium.

The land where the sanatorium would sit was donated by steel-tycoon Andrew Carnegie in 1911, and, in 1913, the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium was opened atop a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains , though construction wouldn’t be completed until 1916.

The sanatorium’s buildings were lavishly designed with European touches including a Tudor Revival design, gargoyles atop the tower, and Scottish crests carved into the sandstone structure, a nod to Carnegie.

At the facility, cutting-edge treatments were used to treat those with this contagious disease. Unfortunately, little seems to be known today about how many people came through the facility and what life was like for them, but given the grand nature of the buildings, it must have been, relatively speaking, a pleasant place to get your treatment.

As medical treatments for tuberculosis patients improved over the years, the need for the sanatorium began to wain. In 1956, the facility was incorporated into the Lawrence F. Flick State Hospital. This hospital, which was also known as the Allegheny State Hospital, was designed to care for those with mental health issues, including mental retardation.

This mental hospital was open until December 1982 when the state decided to turn the site into a prison.

Over the next few years, buildings were torn down and others were built in their place to turn the site into a modern and state-of-the-art prison. Some of the existing buildings were also retrofitted with cells and other prison necessities.

In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. The prison was a medium-security facility and housed exclusively male prisoners.

It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility.

After sitting vacant for several years, the site was purchased with the goal of turning it into a hydroponic farm.

Today, several of the buildings, primarily the newer prison blocks, are currently growing a variety of crops indoors, but much of the historic prison sits abandoned and awaiting restoration.

What You Can See at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

What’s amazing about this huge site is that nearly all of it is open for exploration. In fact, when entering the site, I was told that if I could find an open door, I could go in and explore as much as I wanted.

This allowed me the chance to explore a variety of both historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century and modern cell blocks that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern prison.

It’s worth knowing that this is a huge site (I spent four hours there and could have easily spent more time). And, save a few of the modern structures, the buildings are in very rough shape. There are filled with mold, peeling paint, and animal scat, just to name a few hazards.

This site is very unlike what you’d see at the other famous abandoned prison in Pennsylvania, Eastern State Penitentiary . In fact, I’d say that only Yellow Dog Village can compare to the condition of this site as far as legally accessible abandoned buildings in PA go.

I definitely would bring a mask with you to deal with the likely unsafe air quality in the buildings (Which is kind of ironic since this facility was started as a sanatorium because of the clean mountain air here).

I would also recommend bringing a flashlight with you as some of the space, particularly in the basements, is pitch black and there appear to be no electric lights in any of the open buildings. On a related note, a tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a lot of photography during your visit.

During my exploration, I was able to, I believe, enter into every unlocked building, and each structure had interesting spaces to explore, though some obviously were more interesting than others.

For future events, I’ve been told that they will be providing a map of the site, which should help with finding your way around the facility and finding the buildings that you most want to visit.

The historic Cresson Sanatorium building is located on the north end of the campus and is one of the can’t miss buildings. While some of the auxiliary wings were torn down when converting the site into a prison, much of the structure still stands today.

Inside the main lobby, there is incredible woodwork that can be found before branching off into the rest of this three-story building.

The main floor is primarily comprised of jail cells that may have held some of the lower-level prisoners at the facility. On the second floor, you’ll find offices for workers at the prison.

Meanwhile, the basement is in quite rough shape, with very little light and peeling paint. However, in the back of the building, there is a very cool indoor basketball court that I was excited to stumble across.

While it’s not as large as the basketball court in the main gym, it’s still in pretty good shape and still had the baskets hanging at either end of the court.

If you exit the basketball court through the exterior door, you’ll find yourself along the northern fence line of the prison and next to the old automotive shop.

This space was designed for prisoners to learn automotive skills, which is clear from the two very cool murals on the exterior of the space.

When I visited, I was able to head into the garages, which were interesting to see, but the main feature here is the exterior murals.

Moving around to the other end of the complex another interesting building is the second large Tudor style building. From the exterior, you can see that this is actually four separate buildings connected together by long above-ground passageways.

This building contained a huge number of interesting sights spread between its multiple levels including a large kitchen space (with some of the large appliances still installed), a laundry space, offices, a classroom with furniture, and many more hidden gems.

In the far left building white building (if looking at the front of the complex), you’ll find the prison’s medical facility, which might be the most interesting space here.

I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore.

Between these two Tudor Revival buildings, make sure to find Grace Chapel. It’s steeple rises above many of the buildings, so it’s fairly easy to find from many areas throughout the prison grounds

This historic church predates the prison and was built in 1914 during the earliest stages of the sanatorium.

While it has been damaged a bit over the years, it’s still a beautiful spot to check out, and there are even some prison signs still hanging on the wall that are nearly a decade old and very interesting to read.

In addition to SCI Cresson’s historic buildings, the site is also home to several modern cell blocks. While several of these are off-limits to visitors because they are being used for the hydroponic farm, there were, at the time of my visit at least one that you could enter.

Despite being the newest structures on the site, I found them to be among the most interesting to see as they looked, at least on the surface, like they had just been abandoned and prisoners (or a film crew) could come in at any second.

Of course, this also gave it a bit of an eerie and forbidden feeling.

Walking the two levels of the cell block gave me a chance to peer into the tiny cells and get a bit of an idea of what life is like for prisoners currently serving time in a Pennsylvania state prison.

In between the two connected cell blocks of the building, you’ll find the correctional officer’s control room, which, quite surprisingly, still had some equipment and signage.

While this space was in a bit rougher condition than the cell blocks, it was still interesting to stand inside and imagine what it was like for those that worked here less than a decade prior to my visit.

Another building to search out is the prison’s gymnasium.

In this space, you’ll find a large basketball court that still retains some of the paint on the floor, though, sadly, no basketball hoops.

Around the walls of the building, there are large paintings depicting various sports. I was shocked to see these paintings still looked in pristine condition and really enjoyed spending a few minutes looking at each one.

In a side room, weight equipment can still be found in several spots. In fact, much of the equipment looked like you could just dust it off and start working out.

In truth, I could keep going on and on discussing the many cool things I found while exploring the abandoned SCI Cresson. In fact, I didn’t even talk about the other historic buildings and the many exterior sights. 

There really is just so much to see at this abandoned prison, and I’m grateful that owners have decided to open it up for the public to explore so that you can find your own hidden surprises, of which there are many more that aren’t included here.

How to Visit SCI Cresson

As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners.

Since the spring of 2021, they have held events where photographers and history lovers can visit the prison and explore the site on their own. This freedom gives you the chance to enter nearly all of the structures and to find the spots that interest you the most.

Open house dates for the prison are announced on the Facebook page for the site and all events are listed on their website .

Even more impressive, visits to the abandoned prison in Cresson are only $10 per hour of exploration (at the time of publication), which is very inexpensive.

If you are looking for something a bit different, Big House Produce has also started hosting other types of events such as ghost hunts and airsoft military-style games in the facility. While I’ve only visited for the self-guided tours, this seems like a great location for both.

Finally, if you’d like to help restore the site, they also have volunteer days periodically. On these days, volunteers work for a few hours and then are given a few hours to explore the site at no cost.

Given the inexpensive cost of visiting and the different event types, there’s a bit of something for anyone that loves historic and abandoned sites, and I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t one of the coolest places I’ve explored in a long time.

Note that the entire prison is surrounded by barbed wire fencing and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Please only visit with permission.

Looking for even more places to visit? Check out the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike , the best things to do in Altoona , the Allegheny Portage Railroad , and the historic Horseshoe Curve .

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More nearby places worth exploring

Visiting the Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford, PA

How to Get to the Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument in Bedford County, PA

How to Get to Cabbage Creek Falls in Roaring Spring’s Shawnee Park

Visiting the Abandoned PA Turnpike near Breezewood, Pennsylvania

Find more things to do in the alleghenies region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

7 thoughts on “Exploring the Abandoned SCI Cresson Prison in Cambria County”

I am retired from Rockview Prison. I am sure it will be a tourist site one day, too. I’d love to be a guide there. Experienced some spirit-oriented episodes there. Thank you for publishing this article and telling of your experience. One place we happened upon was in West Virginia. Moundsville State Prison. Closed for years. But, just happened to be hosting Mock-Riot training years back. We just happened to have our Rockview Jackets and were allowed in. Turned out Rockview had the CERT team there. Ran into fellow officers. We were permitted to tour the place all alone. Was an awesome experience. BUT…two weeks later, we are watching Ghost Hunters on TV. Their episode was ….wait for it…Moundsville State Prison. Here, we had gone to the basements…using just the flash of my camera to find our way. Only to find out, that is where caretakers had faced ghostly spirits. Well, it turned out to be the only overnight in a haunted facility that this ghost hunting team DID NOT COMPLETE…lol…they ran out the front gate. Most folks would be scared to do it again…but we yearn for another visit.

I spent the last 2 weekends of April visiting my brother/sister in law in Portage before they moved out of state, we were looking up alot of places to go those 2 weekends & this was one of them!!! Not knowing it was open for tours, we didn’t go!! Im going in Aug (July was already sold out) & have shared this article with them (as sister in law was from that area & her grandmother had worked for the Sanatorium). I can’t wait to explore this place!!!!

Hope you have fun! It’s a really interesting place to explore.

Great article. Looking to check it out. Thanks

We’re taking our second trip this weekend! Such a neat place to explore.

The Cambria County Historical Society has some good info on the Sanitorium including first hand stories of people that were patients there. By the sounds of it the place was NOT a nice place to be.

Thats very interesting story and you mention Rockview.. I am very well acquainted with George Gummo Sr, a former Rockview Gaurd..

Hi Jim, Great Read , Thank you for sharing, Very informative Margaret

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Experience the Natural Beauty of Samara

In 2023, Samara was reopened to the public following a year-long, $2 million restoration that addressed structural and mechanical challenges. Since then, tours have been offered on a regular basis for the first time ever, rather than by appointment, from early spring until late autumn. 

During your guided tour of Samara, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for affordable, middle-class housing, which he called Usonian. 
• Explore the personal connection Dr. John and Catherine Christian had with Wright over the five-year design process for the house. 
• Discover the many design elements Wright used to unite interior and exterior spaces and other hallmarks of the Usonian style. 
• Visit multiple areas of the house, including the living room, dining room, kitchen (which Wright called the workspace), master bedroom and bath, and guest bedroom and bath. Visitors may also walk the wooded lot to explore the property’s exterior. 

Tour Schedule

In 2024, Samara will open for tours for Purdue students and families starting on Wednesday, April 10, and for the general public starting on Wednesday, April 17. The tour season will run until Sunday, November 24, 2024.  

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday unless the house is closed for private events with a morning tour at 10 a.m. EDT and an afternoon tour at 3 p.m. EDT. On select days additional tours may be offered starting at 12:30 p.m. EDT. 

Purchase tickets below or by using Eventbrite. Organizations and school groups are encouraged to contact our office by calling 765-409-5522 to schedule a custom tour. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the site .

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?  Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot welcome walk-in guests. You can make reservations at using the form above or at Eventbrite. Private groups may call 765-409-5522.  Do I need to print out my tickets?  No. We will have a list of ticket purchases, so you do not need to print your tickets.    How many people can be on a tour?  Each tour can accommodate up to 15 people. Private groups may call 765-409-5522 to accommodate larger group sizes.     Does Samara have a visitors’ center?  No. We will meet outside the house. Feel free to enjoy the gardens before the tour.    When and where do I check-in?  Check-in starts 20 min before your scheduled tour time. At the top of the brick driveway, look for a “Welcome” sign under the carport area. We will take your name through our check-in window.     Can I drive on the driveway?  No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.    Does Samara have a gift shop?  No. However, if you would like to support Samara further, shop at The Frank Lloyd Wright Store . As an affiliate of the Frank Lloyd Wright Store, Samara receives support through items bought on their website. Please use coupon code “samara”. Additionally, we appreciate donations to enhance our education and preservation programs.   What should I do if I’m late?  Please call our office at 765-409-5522 before your scheduled tour time. Tours will start promptly at the time indicated (Eastern Daylight Time) on your ticket. Do not attempt to open any of our historic doors or windows!    Where is Samara?  Look for a brick driveway at the dead-end of Woodland Avenue in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our teal-colored mailbox and gate are labeled 1301.    Can I see Samara from the road?  No. The house is hidden from street view by lush greenery. (Our neighbor’s house is completely visible to the road and has architectural elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is not Samara)    What time zone is Samara located within?  Eastern Daylight Time 

Tour Expectations 

Are we allowed to use the furniture?  Yes, but only in the living room. If you need accommodation for a seat in other rooms, please alert your guide prior to the tour.    Can we open the cabinets or handle artifacts?  Yes, but ask first! Please ask your tour guide before handling the cabinets or artifacts. We will facilitate and/or advise based on the best manner to preserve the historic site.     Is photography allowed?  Yes. Photography outside and inside the house is encouraged for personal, non-commercial use only. Tripods and drones are prohibited on regular tours. Photographers may schedule an appointment.     Are food and drinks allowed inside the house?  No. Please leave food and drinks outside or in your vehicle. Only water bottles may be permitted inside.    Are backpacks, purses, or bags allowed inside the house?  No. Please leave your personal belongings in your vehicle. The house has narrow hallways and small rooms that may be easily scratched by bags.    Is smoking or vaping allowed?  No. Smoking or vaping on the property is strictly prohibited.    What if it is raining?  When it’s raining, we adapt tours to cover indoor areas only. If you would like to tour the grounds on your own, please bring an umbrella. 

Accommodations & Amenities 

Are restrooms available in Samara?  No. We ask that you use a restroom before your visit to the property.    Does Samara have on-site parking?  No. However, public parking is available nearby along both sides of Woodland Avenue.    Can I drive on the driveway?  No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.    Are pets allowed on the tour?  Certified service pets are always welcome. Please notify us ahead of your visit by calling 765-409-5522. Other pets are not permitted on tours. Also, please note that our property has limited shade, and pets should not be left in vehicles while guests are attending tours.    Is Samara wheelchair accessible?  No. We are working to make the house accessible, but currently there are three steps required to enter the house. If you have questions about accommodation and access, contact us at [email protected] or 765-409-5522.    Are there many stairs during the tour?  No. Three stairsteps are required to enter the house. Inside, there are two areas with three stairsteps. If you need accommodation for a more accessible route inside, please alert your guide prior to the tour.    Are tours available in different languages?  No. Currently, tours are only offered in English. However, please refer to our blog for more information about the historic site. 

Refund & Transfer Policy  

• Refund requests must be received at least 7 days before the tour date. Because tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, you will receive a partial refund as Eventbrite no longer refunds its fees.   
• Transfer requests must be received at least 3 days before the tour date. Depending on availability, tickets may be transferred to a new date and time. There is no fee for ticket transfers.   
• In the rare event that Samara must cancel a tour (e.g., natural disaster, medical emergency, or visitor safety is compromised), guests will be notified and offered a full refund. 

[email protected]

Sunset Catamaran Excursion

• Credit Cards Accepted

Suitable for seniors and people with limited mobility

*note: you need to wade into the water above the knee to get to the catamaran

This is a perfect way to see the spectacular sunsets of Samara. Rent the catamaran with a captain for the beginning of your romantic evening. Want to pop “the” question? Last evening in town? Or just gather up a few friends, take some incredible photos and see the beach and bay from another perspective.

Want a memorable way to mark your special occasion? Would you like champagne, wine or beer? Sodas? Snacks or Appetizers? Flowers, Music? Just ask, we can make it happen. Whatever you need to make this 3-hour sunset tour special.

Speak with us at the Samara Info Center to customize your voyage, special packages available.

• Private and group tours • Great views of the sunset • Use your imagination • Food can be arranged • Personalize your cruise

Let us know if you would like a peaceful boat ride or if you are looking for a booze cruise party boat.

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Home » Destinations » Nicoya Peninsula » Samara » 8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Samara is the perfect destination to experience the  pura vida  in Costa Rica. This laid-back beach town is ideal for a relaxed getaway with friends or family, and it feels like a super safe place to visit in Costa Rica . 

We’ve found this small town is definitely less touristy than other parts of the Guanacaste province . Luckily, there’s still tons to do here, thanks to all of the amazing nature and wildlife around. You can swim with dolphins, go kayaking through mangroves, or ride horses along the beautiful beach – the choice is yours! 

There are many fun activities in Samara , but we think that some are best done as part of a tour. Sometimes this is for safety and practical reasons, like if you’re heading out on a boat or ATV. Other times, it’s simply because your guide can take you to secret wildlife hotspots you would never find on your own. 

So if you want to see the top highlights along with some hidden gems, we’ve got you covered! During our time in Costa Rica, we’ve tried many tours here and found the 8 best tours in Samara. Read on so you can start planning all of the amazing activities you want to experience here! 

Our Top Picks for Tours in Samara

If you don’t have time to read through all the choices and just want to book now, these are our top choices for tours in Samara!

Best bucket list-worthy tour: When we arrived in Costa Rica, seeing turtles was something we really wanted to do. Luckily, Samara is a great place for this! On this 3.5-hour turtle watching tour , you’ll see turtles nesting or even baby turtles hatching on the beach! It’s an evening tour and the local guides choose which beach to go to depending on where the turtles are. It’s only $57 USD including transportation and can be booked online year-round , although September/October are prime months.

Best combo tour: Don’t just stay on land, get out on the water in Samara! This 3-hour tour takes you to the best places to see dolphins! You’ll watch them play in the waves and also have a chance to spot turtles, stingrays, and whales. Then, it’s off to a prime snorkeling spot at Isla Chora to get up close with some of the amazing marine life. It’s really a 2-in-1 experience and at $58 USD is really affordable to book online too.

Why book a tour in Samara?

One of the best reasons to book a tour in Costa Rica – and more specifically, Samara – is that you get to see so much more wildlife that way. Some creatures are difficult to spot, but guides are so helpful for this. Plus, you find out so much more about what you’re seeing. In a country as biodiverse as Costa Rica, you come away from pretty much every tour having learned something fascinating. 

Another reason to do a tour in Samara is that you can’t access all of the best activities here on foot, so having transportation taken care of is really nice. Some tourists rent scooters to get around, but understandably not everyone is comfortable with that.

We also found that the tours we did in Samara took us to places we wouldn’t have found on our own. For example, we discovered some amazing snorkel spots in Costa Rica that we wouldn’t have been able to get to otherwise.

Samara is pretty safe overall. But if it’s your first time in Costa Rica, you might feel more comfortable taking a tour. You’ll be with a local guide who ensures your safety throughout and makes sure you don’t venture off anywhere you shouldn’t. 

Last but not least, we also found tours in Samara to be really good value for money! Most of the tours on this list cost less than $60 USD, so you really can’t go wrong. 

What are the best tours in Samara, Costa Rica?

1. dolphin and snorkeling trip at isla chora national wildlife refuge.

One of the (many) amazing things about Costa Rica is that you can see dolphins all along its Pacific Coast. Samara is a fantastic place to go dolphin watching and it’s a really affordable activity here! 

To access the best places for dolphin watching, I recommend taking this 3-hour tour . They pick you up around 8 am and head directly on a dolphin cruise. It’s such a beautiful way to start your morning and it’s hard not to smile when you see these playful creatures!

When we went, we loved watching the dolphins play in the waves, and we also saw turtles and stingrays. If you book this cruise between August and October, or December and April, you might spot some whales , too! 

After the dolphin cruise, you’ll sail to Isla Chora , which is famed for its amazing snorkeling. We went snorkeling here and saw lots of marine life, including a turtle, pufferfish, and lots of pretty reef fish. 

At $58 USD, we think that this tour is amazing value. You essentially get two tours in one! It’s also a great tour to do if you don’t have a lot of time in Samara but still want to experience its fantastic marine life. Snacks, snorkel equipment, and all transport are all included. There’s a maximum of 20 travelers, so it’s not too crowded, either!

If dolphin watching is at the top of your agenda, you’ll want to take this tour! You can pick your date and book it right here .

Related Read: If you love surfing, read all about the nearby town of Santa Teresa ! It provides that laid-back surfer lifestyle with cheap rentals and good waves year-round.

2. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding is a super popular thing to do in Samara. Riding along the beach is just the perfect setting whether you’re honeymooning in Costa Rica or just looking for a unique activity. 

We recommend  this 2.5-hour horseback tour as the guides are great at encouraging you and showing you what to do if you’re a beginner. Rest assured, you don’t need any horse riding experience to enjoy this tour!

You’ll ride through the jungle in a small group of no more than eight and your guide will point out lots of flora and fauna along the way. You’ll almost certainly see monkeys scampering around! Your trusty steed will take you up a mountain to an amazing viewpoint where you can soak in the beauty of Samara’s wild landscape.

Then, you ride to a gorgeous beach where you can gallop along the shore and end your tour on a high. Riding horses along a stunning, deserted beach is something you only see in movies, and this is a rare opportunity to actually experience it in real life.

This tour is offered Mondays through Saturdays at 8 am and 3 pm. If you do the tour later in the afternoon, you will ride along the beach at sunset, which is such an amazing experience – we recommend doing this if you can!

The experience costs $55 USD per person, and there’s a minimum of two people per booking. The price includes hotel pickup and dropoff, and some photos and videos of the experience. It’s a fantastic price, but we’ve actually seen this tour offered for even cheaper. So, don’t hesitate to check prices for your dates online here !

3. Turtle Nesting Tour

If you’re anything like us, seeing turtles in Costa Rica is high on your list of things to do in the country . But on this 3.5-hour tour , you not only see turtles, you get to watch them nesting and hatching on the beach! 

This really is the kind of experience that’s best done with a guide. They’ll know all of the hotspots for turtle activity and can teach you all about their life cycles. Plus, you may even see baby turtles crawling towards the sea like we did!

This tour will pick you up around 7 pm and take you to Corozalito or Camaronal Beach , depending on the conditions that day. However, if there’s an arribada happening in Ostional Beach (which is 1.5 hours from Samara), your tour will take you there for no extra cost. An arribada is a natural phenomenon when hundreds of turtles come ashore at once to lay their eggs. It’s an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime thing to see and a big pro of this tour as far as we’re concerned!

This turtle tour costs $57 USD per person, including your roundtrip transport and guide, as well as water, juice, and snacks along the way. The very best months to book are September and October, as this is prime turtle time in Samara. However, you can do it year-round, so don’t worry too much if you’re not here during these specific months. 

If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss this awesome opportunity! I recommend booking well in advance to secure your dates .

Related Read: Samara is just one of the many epic places in the area – so check out our complete guide on the Nicoya Peninsula (including the best things to do) .

4. Mangrove Kayaking Tour

Costa Rica isn’t all beaches and rainforests! Mangroves are a super interesting ecosystem, and they just so happen to be really fun to kayak through.

This guided tour  takes you down the Ora River, where you’ll kayak through the mangroves. To get an idea of what this looks like, just check out my photo above! Believe me, you’ll feel like an intrepid explorer as you spot monkeys, iguanas, and beautiful birds as you go. 

You’ll also learn a lot about mangroves from your guide. Did you know that they’re basically environmental heroes and absorb 5-6 times as much CO2 as rainforests? We definitely didn’t before taking this tour!

Plus, kayaking along the Ora River is easy, thanks to the calm water. You don’t need to be a paddling pro with super strength to enjoy this tour. As such, it makes for a great family-friendly activity as well.

The kayaking tour costs $66 USD per adult and $47 USD per child (ages 4-10). It lasts for around 3 hours, and there’s a refreshment and fruit break midway through at a beach (where you might even spot turtles nesting if you’re lucky!). The tour covers all your kayaking equipment, including lifevests and roundtrip transportation from your Samara accommodation .

This is such a relaxing, gorgeous day outdoors that you can book directly through Viator .

5. Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island

We absolutely loved  this kayaking tour to Chora Island ! We kayaked from Samara to Chora Island , which took about 30 minutes and was actually quite challenging. This was partly because the sea was choppy in sections but also because the sun was so hot. But honestly, it was all part of the adventure – and arriving at this stunning, secluded beach was a reward in itself!

Once we made it to Chora Island, we got to relax on the beach and cool off in the water. Chora Island is a pristine place, and you’ll probably have the whole beach to yourselves! Honestly, we were so happy to go ashore on this tour. 

The snorkeling was the best part for us, though. The water was super clear, and we got to see turtles, puffer fish, and lots of other tropical fish. Plus, our guide was really helpful and knew tons about the marine life around the island. 

This is a fantastic tour for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and we highly recommend it. It costs $48 USD including all equipment, hotel pickup and drop off, as well as some snacks on the beach. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in Samara, and we would definitely do it again!

To experience this adventure for yourself, book this kayaking and snorkeling tour here !

Related Read: Do you enjoy seeing marine life up close? Then check out the best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica .

6. Sunset and Wildlife ATV Tour

Samara has gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery, and you can explore it on this Sunset Quad Ride . Not only do you get to enjoy lots of natural beauty, but you also get a thrilling ATV experience! 

You start in the mid-afternoon, and you quite literally get off the beaten track by exploring backroads and dirt trails. When we went, we saw a wild side of Samara that most people don’t experience. As you drive through the trees, keep an eye out for wildlife before reaching a breathtaking mountaintop viewpoint.

You’ll also drive to Barrigona Beach , which is one of the best beaches in Samara. It’s about 10 kilometers (6 miles) out of town, and you need an ATV or a 4WD to get down there. For this reason, it’s always super quiet, and the chances are you’ll be the only people there! This is one of the many reasons we love this tour !

You’ll have time to swim here if you want to, although there is a large swell, so you might just prefer to chill on the white sand instead. The tour ends with a visit to a quiet sunset spot where you’ll have epic views of the vivid sunset over the ocean. Talk about ending on a high!

You’ll need to present your passport and a valid driver’s license to participate in this tour (since you actually drive on the roads). It runs year-round, including during the rainy season. However, we actually love ATV rides at this time of year because, believe it or not, the mud makes it even more fun. Regardless of when you visit Costa Rica , this tour delivers!

Kids as young as 5 can participate, and there are double and single ATVs available. A single ATV costs $124 USD per person, while a double costs $162 USD. Book this ATV adventure to experience it all … jungles, mountains, beaches, and an unforgettable sunset.

7. Safari and Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour

This horseback safari is an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of the Guanacaste province . You start with a boat ride, during which your captain will give you an introduction to the area’s unique flora and fauna. 

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll meet your horse and guide and head off to explore the jungle. You’ll see monkeys, birds, reptiles, and maybe even some crocodiles – but don’t worry, it’s from a safe distance on horseback!

There are also several river crossings along the way, which are fun to navigate. Then, you end up on Buenavista Beach . You get to ride along the beach and paddle in the waves, which really is an amazing, bucket list-worthy experience (unless you’re allergic to horses like Bailey!).

You head back to the meeting point via an easy ride through some fields, which are home to wild horses and cows. The whole thing lasts about 2.5 hours which feels like the perfect amount to traverse this terrain on horseback.

Overall, this tour is a lot of fun, and the trails are nice and easy. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden before! The guides are also really friendly and will even fetch you fresh coconuts from the trees if you get thirsty. 

The experience costs $59 USD, and kids as young as 5 can participate (as long as they’re accompanied by an adult). There’s a maximum of 5 travelers per group, so it’s a really nice, small group. Hotel pickup and drop off aren’t included for this tour, but the meeting point is easy to get to via a scooter or local taxi.

Those who love riding horses (or want an easy introduction!) won’t want to miss this tour. Check availability and reserve your dates online here !

8. Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike

The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is one of the best places to see wildlife in Samara. It’s a private reserve with gorgeous mountain trails that give you epic views over the town’s beautiful beaches. 

This small group tour  will pick you up from town and take you to the park, where you’ll begin a 2.5-hour guided hike through the reserve. The hiking is fairly easy and as you go, your guide will teach you all about the tropical dry forest and why it’s such an important ecosystem for Costa Rica’s wildlife .

On our visit, we discovered why this type of forest is so threatened, and we gained an even deeper appreciation for its beauty. We also saw loads of incredible native animals, including parrots, monkeys, butterflies, deer, and iguanas. 

On this guided tour , you’ll also pass through an organic mango plantation. If you’re hungry, you can help yourself to the fresh mangoes. I mean, talk about a rewarding hike! 

There are two options for the hike – a morning tour at 6:30 am for $47 USD and an afternoon tour at 2:30 pm for $42 USD. For both options, there’s a maximum of 10 people per group. We love that it’s a nice, small tour because you get more personalized attention and can ask questions about what you’re seeing. To secure your preferred time and date, we recommend booking this tour in advance .

Related Read: Do you love to travel but want to limit your environmental impact? Read about the best ecolodges in Costa Rica (with options for all budgets!).

Where to Stay in Sámara, Costa Rica

Sámara is one of those towns with a huge variety of places to stay. From budget backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, there are great accommodations in Sámara for all budgets. To help you narrow it down, we’ve included our favorites below.

Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa – $$$

For luxury travelers or families, I love   Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa . This place is spectacular and offers a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, and restaurant. On top of that, it’s located right just over a mile from the beach. From standard double rooms, to family suites to suites with a whirlpool there is an option for couples and groups alike.

Guests seem to love the property’s landscapes and service the most! Prices start at $247 USD which is amazing for a high-end option – so check prices and reserve a luxury room or suite here !

Mid-range – $$

Hotel entre dos aguas – $$.

If you consider yourself a mid-range traveler, then I have a great choice for you that caters to couples.  Hotel Entre Dos Aguas  is a rustic hotel with simple amenities on a beautiful property. Perfect for those who want a true Costa Rican stay. 

All of the rooms have private showers, and some of the rooms have a terrace. You can check availability and book online  here on Booking.com .

Las Mariposas – $

If you’re on a budget, there are lots of options, but not many of them are good.  Las Mariposas  is my top choice, with its location close to the beach. The hostel has a great atmosphere for meeting other travelers and is suited to the social backpacker. They offer a shared kitchen and common spaces, hammocks to relax on the patio, billiards, and karaoke.

A bed in a shared dorm runs about $12 USD, while private rooms start at $30 USD. You can  book this place on Hostelworld  or  Booking.com . 

For more info, read our detailed guide about deciding  where to stay in Samara with the best hotels and areas !

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Samara is the perfect beach town to relax and bask in gorgeous natural scenery. This place is more off-the-beaten-path than other tourist destinations, which is why we recommend tours here! Whether you choose to ride horses, drive ATVs, or kayak through mangroves, you’ll have an incredible time.

If you found this article helpful, read our other blogs about Costa Rica . We’ve traveled all over this country, and we even lived here for a while. We love sharing what we’ve learned so you can have an amazing trip as well.

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