I’m Marcus, 35, from Atlanta, and I headed down to Jaco Beach, Costa Rica for a solo surf and adventure escape that turned into one of my favorite trips ever. I’d heard that Jaco was a great place for intermediate surfers, with consistent waves and a laid-back vibe, and it really hit that sweet spot between lively and relaxed. The combination of the Pacific Ocean, the backdrop of green mountains, and the easy access to nearby spots like Playa Hermosa and Herradura made every day feel like a new discovery.

For this trip, I booked a beachside Jaco Airbnb apartment perfect for surfers, and it was exactly what I needed. The apartment was clean, modern, and had a small balcony where I could hang my towel and watch the sunset after a long session in the water. The host was a longtime local who gave me tips about the best surf times, where to grab a casual casado, and which bars were better for chilling versus dancing. The building itself felt secure and quiet, and being in a residential-style Airbnb made it easy to feel like I was actually living in Jaco rather than just visiting.

Most mornings started early with surfing on Jaco Beach. The water was warm, the waves were fun, and there were always other surfers around, but it never felt overwhelmingly crowded. On one afternoon I took a break from surfing and joined a Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour on the Tarcoles River, which was wild in the best way. Seeing massive crocodiles up close and spotting birds along the mangroves gave me a totally different appreciation for Costa Rica’s wildlife. Another day I did an ATV jungle ride heading into the hills above Jaco and Hermosa, kicking up mud, splashing through streams, and stopping at viewpoints where you could see the coastline stretch for miles. I finished off the adventure side of the trip with a visit to Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, where I tried ziplining through the rainforest and felt like I was flying over a sea of green.

At night, Jaco’s nightlife kept me more than entertained. I wandered between different places depending on my mood. Some evenings I ended up at Jaco Blu Beach Club, enjoying drinks right by the sand and chatting with other travelers. Other nights I visited Monkey Bar and a couple of casinos, including Cocal Casino, for a bit of gambling and people-watching. I also stopped into Mynt Bar and Lounge one night, which had a more upscale, lounge-style atmosphere and great music that drew a fun crowd. Even though I was traveling alone, I always felt safe walking around town thanks to the friendly locals, good lighting, and the steady presence of other tourists and expats.

Transportation was a breeze. I used Uber when I wanted door-to-door convenience and hopped in taxis when I needed a quick ride back from Playa Hermosa after watching the pros surf. Buses run regularly along the coast between places like Jaco, Herradura, and Quepos, and they’re an easy, affordable option. The whole region, from Tarcoles down through Parrita and Esterillos, is ridiculously beautiful, with palm-fringed beaches and rainforest-covered hills meeting the sea. What stood out most was how welcoming everyone in Costa Rica was; people went out of their way to help with directions, give recommendations, and share a pura vida smile. If you’re looking for a destination that blends waves, nightlife, nature, and warm hospitality, Jaco Beach should be at the top of your list.