I’m Andrew Bailey, 42, and I chose Jaco Beach not just as a destination, but as a launchpad to see more of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. I wanted a lively town with good food and nightlife that also made it easy to reach places like Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Jaco did that perfectly. I stayed in a Central Jaco Airbnb Condo that kept me near the beach and bus routes.

Four standout experiences: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a wildlife-filled day at Visited Manual Antonio National Park, an adventurous Isla Damas Mangrove Tour, and a relaxed evening at Green Room Restaurant. Surfing in front of Jaco’s long beach was a daily highlight, Manuel Antonio’s mix of beaches, monkeys, and lush jungle felt like a dream, and the mangrove tour gave me a close-up look at the ecosystems I’d only read about before.

My days followed a satisfying rhythm. Mornings often started on Jaco Beach, watching sunrise over the hills and feeling the warm water between my toes. On some days, I stayed local—surfing, swimming, and exploring town. On others, I took buses south along the coast toward Quepos and Manuel Antonio or joined tours that picked me up in Jaco and carried me to places like Isla Damas. Taxis and Ubers filled in the gaps for shorter hops to Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina. Everything felt safe and efficient, which made it easy to cover a lot of ground without stress.

The people I met along the way made each outing more than just sightseeing. Surf instructors and fellow surfers shared tips and stories on the beach. Guides in Manuel Antonio and on the mangrove tour took pride in pointing out wildlife—sloths, monkeys, birds, and more—and talking about how important it is to protect these environments. Restaurant and shop staff in Jaco were quick with smiles, recommendations, and friendly conversation, making me feel welcome even when I was clearly just passing through for a few days.

At night, Jaco gave me a soft landing after busy days. Some evenings I chose simple beach bars with live music and good views, where I could reflect on the day and watch the waves in the dark. Other nights I checked out casinos and busier bars along the main strip for a bit more excitement. Walking back to my condo, even late, I felt safe: the streets were active, well-lit, and filled with others enjoying the warm evening air.

By the end of my trip, Jaco had proven itself as both a worthy destination and an ideal base for exploring the Central Pacific. With beaches, mountains, rainforest, nightlife, friendly people, and easy access to places like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and beyond, it’s hard to think of a better hub. I’ll be back—and next time I’ll carve out even more days to launch new adventures from this same town.