Our Locations in the Mountain Pines of Arizona or the Beaches of Costa Rica
Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals gathers intimate escapes for those drawn to gentle rhythms and quiet beauty in the mountain pines or on the beaches. In Arizona, classic cabins invite slow mornings on wooden porches beneath tall pines. Each Costa Rican retreat is moments from the sands of Jacó and Herradura beaches—places where mornings begin with birdsong and afternoons linger by the sea. From Costa Rica’s lush Herradura gardens or sandy beaches in Jaco, to the tranquil pine forests of Pinetop-Lakeside. Across every property, thoughtful comforts and peaceful gathering spaces set the tone for unhurried days, whether you’re seeking ocean breezes on the beach or the hush of mountain air through the pines.
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Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals brings together tranquil corners of Pinetop, Arizona and the lush coast of Costa Rica, creating a tapestry of settings for those drawn to quiet beauty. Here, classic cabins sit beneath tall pines, and garden cabinas rest near the sea, each place shaped by its landscape and the gentle pace it inspires. Across every retreat, mornings arrive softly—through filtered light in the forest or birdsong by the shore—setting the tone for unhurried, restorative stays.
Thoughtful Support From Booking to Checkout
At Pines & Beaches, every stay is unique to you—tropical gardens in Herradura, vibrant surf and nights in Jaco Beach, or tranquil porches in Pinetop-Lakeside, and gathering spaces designed for ease. Our homes are near the sand or set among tall whispering pines, each one ready for unhurried days and restful nights. Let simple pleasures and attentive details welcome you, wherever you land.
Guest Stories
Travel Guides, Local Tips & Guest Stories
From hiking trails in Pinetop-Lakeside to the best beaches in Costa Rica, we write about the places our guests love and the things worth knowing before you arrive.
From the pine forests of Arizona to Costa Rica’s vibrant shores, our blog gathers stories and guides inspired by the landscapes our homes call home. Here you’ll find thoughtful notes on local trails, quiet beaches, and the gentle rhythms that shape every stay at Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals.
A Weekend in Pinetop-Lakeside: What to Do, Eat & See
By Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals · November 4, 2026
Two to Three days is enough to get a real feel for Pinetop-Lakeside, but more let you settle in and get relaxed. The town is small, the pace is slow, and most of what's worth doing is within a short drive of wherever you're staying. Here's how to spend a weekend well.
Friday Evening: Arrive and Settle In
Get in before dark if you can. The drive up from Phoenix or Tucson takes about three to four hours, and the last stretch through the White Mountains is better in daylight. Once you're in, walk the Woodland Lake loop before dinner — it's flat, it's a mile, and it shakes off the drive. For dinner, Pinetop has a handful of solid spots. Charlie Clark's Steakhouse has been around since 1938 and still draws a crowd for good reason. If you want something lighter, the local pizza places do well by the mountain crowd.
Saturday: Get Outside
Start early. The Mogollon Rim Trail is the main event — drive to the Rim Visitor Center and hike east for the cliff-edge views. Two to three hours out and back covers the best of it. Back in town by early afternoon, grab lunch and then head to Sunrise Park Resort. In summer, the Apache Alpine Coaster is worth the trip. In winter, it's one of Arizona's only ski mountains, with runs for every level.
Saturday evening is when the town comes alive a little. Check what's on at the local venues — summer weekends often have live music or a farmers' market. The White Mountain Nature Center is worth a stop if it's open.
Sunday: Slower Pace
Sleep in. Walk to coffee. If you didn't make it to the lake on Friday, Sunday morning is the best time — the water is still and the light is good. The Pinetop-Lakeside area has a few antique shops and local galleries worth browsing before you head out. If you want one more trail, the Blue Ridge Trail is quieter than the Rim and good for a shorter morning walk.
Leave by early afternoon to get back to Phoenix before dark. The drive is easy but long, and the mountain roads deserve daylight.
What to Pack
Layers, always. Even in July, mornings and evenings are cool at 7,000 feet. Sunscreen matters more at elevation than most people expect. Bring a reusable water bottle — the dry mountain air dehydrates faster than the desert does. And download your maps offline before you leave town, because cell signal on the trails is unreliable.
By Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals · November 4, 2026