I’m Daniel Cooper, 29, and I flew down to Jaco Beach with one simple goal: trade winter for waves. I booked a Central Jaco Airbnb Vacation Rental so I could walk to the beach in minutes and never worry about renting a car. Within a few hours of arriving, I knew I’d picked the right town.

Four experiences defined the trip for me: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a muddy and unforgettable ATV Jungle Ride, craft beers and food at Puddlefish Brewery Restaurant, and a late-night run through a local casino in downtown Jaco. Surfing gave me the kind of full-body exhaustion that feels amazing, the ATV tour took us through rivers and deep into the hills behind town, and Puddlefish became my “I earned this” stop after long, active days.

Most mornings started with coffee and a walk, watching the waves roll in with mountains and rainforest wrapping around Jaco. From there, I’d let the day unfold: a taxi ride to Playa Hermosa to watch seasoned surfers, an Uber up to Herradura and the Los Sueños marina to see boats and lush hills, or a bus ride down toward Esterillos and Bejuco to explore quieter stretches of beach. Every option—Uber, taxi, or bus—felt safe, straightforward, and inexpensive.

The locals really made the trip special. A surf shop employee talked me through different boards and then marked his favorite beach bars on my map. A guy at a small soda explained different Costa Rican dishes and checked back with a smile to make sure I liked what I ordered. Even basic interactions at grocery stores or bus stops came with patience and genuine friendliness.

At night, Jaco showed off its lively side. I bounced between beach bars with live music, a casino or two, and casual spots where travelers and locals swapped stories over cold drinks. Even when I stayed out late, I felt comfortable walking back to my Airbnb—streets were lit, there were always other people around, and the general vibe was more “festive” than “chaotic.”

By the time I flew home, my only regret was not booking more days. Jaco has exactly what I want in a winter escape: warm water, great surf, mountains covered in rainforest, easy access to nearby spots like Herradura and Tarcoles, and people who seem genuinely happy to share it all with visitors. I’ll be back—probably next winter, if not sooner.