I’m Allison Green, 34, and since getting back from Jaco Beach, I’ve turned into that friend who won’t stop telling everyone to go. I wanted a place with real beach town energy, easy day trips, and nightlife that felt fun but still safe. Jaco checked every single box. I stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach that made it easy to walk or grab a quick ride to anywhere I wanted to go.

Four experiences stand out when I think about the trip: Took a Surfing Lesson at the Jaco Surf School, a colorful Street Art and Graffiti Walking Tour, dinner at Graffiti Restaurant, and a night split between beach bars and a lively casino. Surfing got me laughing and cheering with total strangers, the street art tour showed me Jaco’s creative side, and Graffiti ended up being one of my favorite meals I’ve had anywhere, not just in Costa Rica.

Days were flexible and full of choices. Some mornings I sat on the beach with coffee and did absolutely nothing. Other days I took taxis and Ubers to Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina, or hopped on buses to explore farther along the coast toward Esterillos, Parrita, and Bejuco. Getting around was surprisingly simple and felt safe the whole time, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the ride.

The friendliness of the people sealed the deal. A woman at a café in Jaco Walk asked about my plans every morning and always had a new suggestion. My surf instructor made sure everyone felt included, no matter their skill level. A shop owner joked that I should move to Jaco because I smiled every time I walked past his store—and honestly, I thought about it.

At night, Jaco had exactly the kind of energy I love: busy but not overwhelming, social but not pushy. I tried different combinations—beach bars with live bands, casinos with a mix of locals and visitors, and casual spots where people just hung out and talked. Walking back to my apartment late, I never felt unsafe; the streets stayed lit and active, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming.

Now when friends ask where they should go for a beach trip with “a little bit of everything,” Jaco Beach is my automatic answer. Warm water, green hills, easy access to places like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio, and a town that genuinely seems happy to have you there—it’s hard to beat. I’m already working Jaco into my future travel plans, and I’ve got a feeling I’m not the only one who will.