As far as distractions in the vicinity of the port area go, there are a number of options. Shopping is extremely popular with tourists, since the exchange rate is very favorable. If you are looking for carved wood and local handicrafts, there is a beautiful, picturesque market on the waterfront, to the left from the dock.
It stretches along the side of the rather unremarkable beach for about half a mile. Colourful, tropical-style Costa Rican dishes are also available, among other finds and curiosities. Across the street from the market area, on the waterfront, you can find some local restaurants and bars.
While the aspect of most of them is, again, not very promising, I have heard people who came out of them very satisfied with the quality of the food, specially their seafood dishes.
The beach by the market is, as I said, not specially inviting. There is just one more stop to recommend before leaving the port area. If you walk along the main street instead of turning left towards the market, you will find the main shopping district.
For instance, you can get a beautiful sarong for only a couple of dollars. The main street might smell bad and look dirty, but it is fundamentally alive. One of the main attractions of the country is not absent in Puntarenas, namely, the rainforest experience. Zip line excursions are a local favorite. Catering for both children and adults, these very unique excursions are extremely safe.
