I’m Nicholas Peterson, 40, and halfway through my first trip to Jaco Beach, I decided this place is going to be my new annual escape. I wanted somewhere easy to reach, warm year-round, and packed with things to do—but also genuinely welcoming and safe. Jaco checked every box. I stayed in a Central Jaco Airbnb Vacation Rental that kept me close to the beach, the main strip, and pickup points for day tours.

Four experiences sealed the deal: Surfing on Jaco Beach, browsing and relaxing at the Los Suenos Marina Shops, a night at Manglar Bar and Restaurant, and a stylish, late-night visit to Mynt Bar and Lounge. Surfing gave me the kind of full-body reset I’d been craving, Los Sueños showed off postcard-worthy views of rainforest meeting the water, Manglar gave me fresh seafood and a laid-back vibe, and Mynt delivered a polished lounge experience with music and energy that never felt over the top.

My days followed a comfortable template: long walks down Jaco Beach in the morning, lunch in town, and then either beach time or a quick trip to another nearby spot. I used taxis and Ubers to visit Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the marina, and rode buses down the coast toward Esterillos, Parrita, and Bejuco. It was all easy, safe, and inexpensive enough that transportation never felt like a barrier. Instead, it felt like an invitation to see more of Puntarenas Province.

The people made the difference between “good trip” and “I’m coming back every year.” Surf instructors and tour guides were patient, funny, and proud of where they live. Bartenders and servers remembered my name and recommended their favorite dishes and drinks. Even small interactions—buying snacks, asking for directions, chatting with someone on the bus—were warm and genuine. It never felt like I was just another tourist being processed through a system.

At night, Jaco turned into the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is. I visited a few casinos, tried different beach bars with live bands, and spent one perfect night moving from Manglar to Mynt and then strolling along the sand with the sound of waves in the dark. I always felt safe walking back to my rental, even late, with lights, music, and plenty of people still out around me.

Now that I’ve seen how Jaco combines ocean, rainforest, nightlife, food, and genuinely friendly people—with easy access to nearby gems like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio—it’s hard to imagine going anywhere else when I need to hit reset. Jaco Beach isn’t just a one-time trip for me anymore; it’s a tradition I’m excited to keep.