I’m Brandon Ward, 45, and I came to Jaco Beach because winter at home feels longer every year. I wanted somewhere I could come back to again and again—simple flights, warm water, and a town that feels good to be in. After this trip, I’m pretty sure Jaco just became my new winter habit. I stayed in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that was an easy walk to everything.

Four experiences are going to stick with me: relaxed Surfing on Jaco Beach, an entertaining Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour, a great steak at El Novillo Alegre Jaco Restaurant, and a fun night of cards and people-watching at Cocal Casino for Gambling. The surf instructors kept things easygoing, the crocodile tour guides were full of stories, and the restaurant and casino staff were all welcoming and friendly.

My days fell into a comfortable rhythm: morning walks along the beach, a few hours reading under the shade of a palm tree, and then small adventures. I visited Playa Hermosa to watch surfers carve perfect lines, took a quick ride up to Herradura and Los Sueños to stroll the marina, and rode buses down toward Parrita and Esterillos to explore more of the Pacific coastline. Transportation—whether by Uber, taxi, or bus—always felt safe and straightforward.

The people in Jaco and the surrounding region made it even easier to picture this as a regular tradition. A grocery store clerk gave me tips on which local coffee to bring home, a tour guide recommended his favorite beaches near Bejuco, and a bartender downtown asked when I’d be back like it was already a sure thing. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to have visitors around, not just for the business, but because they enjoy sharing their home.

At night, I picked and chose my scene: some evenings it was a beach bar with live music, others it was a casino with the buzz of slot machines and table games, and one night I walked the entire main strip just listening to music spill out of doorways. Even when I stayed out late, I felt safe walking back to my apartment; the streets were lit, there were always people around, and the general tone was relaxed and friendly.

By the time I boarded my flight home, I’d already looked up future dates and rough prices for coming back. Jaco has everything I want in a winter escape—beautiful beaches, lush green hills, friendly people, good food, easy day trips to places like Herradura, Hermosa, Tarcoles, and Manuel Antonio, and nightlife that goes as hard or as gentle as you want it to. I’ve officially found my spot.