I’m Dylan Brooks, 30, and I booked Jaco Beach as a “quick” escape from winter back home. Three days in, I was already looking up long-term stays. I stayed in a Modern Jaco Beach Vacation Apartment just a short walk from the sand and downtown. From the moment I stepped out and saw the ocean framed by green hills, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another beach trip.

The four things that really shaped the trip were Surfing on Jaco Beach, wandering the shops and cafés at Jaco Walk Open Air Shops, grabbing a heavy, delicious meal at Ridiculous Burgers Restaurant, and a night that took me through both Cocal Casino for Gambling and a couple of busy dance clubs. It was the perfect mix of learning something new, exploring a laid-back town, and seeing how Jaco lights up after dark.

Mornings usually meant coffee in hand and a walk along the shoreline, watching locals, tourists, and surf instructors share the same stretch of Jaco Beach. After that, I’d either head straight into the water with a board or hop in a taxi or Uber to explore nearby spots like Playa Hermosa and Herradura. One afternoon I took the bus further down the coast toward Esterillos to see more of Puntarenas Province. Transportation was simple and felt safe the entire time—taxis, Ubers, and buses were all easy to use, even with my basic Spanish.

The people in Jaco made everything better. My surf instructor celebrated every tiny win, including the first time I awkwardly stood up for more than three seconds. Shop owners at Jaco Walk were friendly and patient, never pushy, and more than happy to talk about the area. Everyone seemed genuinely happy that visitors were there, which made walking around town feel comfortable and welcoming.

At night, I leaned into Jaco’s nightlife. I hopped between beach bars with live music, packed dance clubs, and Cocal Casino, where I played a few low-stakes games and chatted with travelers from all over the world. Even walking back to my apartment late, I never felt unsafe—the streets were lit, there were always other people around, and the overall energy was fun rather than chaotic.

By the end of my “quick” trip, I was officially hooked on surfing, sunsets, and the whole Jaco lifestyle. With warm water, steady waves, green mountains, easy access to places like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio, and some of the friendliest people I’ve met traveling, Jaco Beach earned a permanent spot on my annual escape list.