My name is Jacob, I’m 29 and live in Chicago, and Jaco Beach had been on my “someday” list for a long time. I’d see photos of its long dark-sand shoreline and that backdrop of green mountains, then go back to my commute on the L and tell myself I’d get there eventually. This year, two of my friends and I finally stopped talking about it and actually booked a long weekend. We only had four full days in Costa Rica, but Jaco made those days feel huge in the best way.

We skipped hotels and rented a Jaco Beach Airbnb apartment with quick access to the sand and nightlife. It had exactly what three guys in their late twenties needed: separate sleeping spaces, strong A/C, fast Wi-Fi, and a little balcony where we could drink coffee in the morning and beer at night. The building was gated and felt secure, and there were a mix of locals and travelers coming and going. Our host messaged us a Google map full of pins for surf rentals, cheap sodas, and his favorite late-night taco stand. That alone probably saved us a ton of time.

We landed in San José in the afternoon, grabbed a shuttle, and watched the scenery flip from city to mountains to coastline as we dropped into the Puntarenas region. By the time we rolled into Jaco, the sky was turning orange and the air felt like walking into a warm hug. We threw our bags in the apartment and went straight to the beach. Even before we did anything “big,” just standing with our feet in the Pacific while the mountains framed the bay felt like hitting a reset button on life.

The first full morning was for surfing. We rented boards right on Jaco Beach and paddled out into water that felt like a heated pool compared to Lake Michigan. The waves weren’t huge, but they were perfect for us—enough power to be fun, not so much that we spent the entire session getting pounded. Between sets, we’d sit on our boards and look back at town: palm trees, low-rise buildings, hills covered in rainforest. It’s a different kind of skyline than I’m used to, and a much better one.

We didn’t try to cram every possible tour into the trip, but we chose a few standouts. One afternoon we went on a waterfall tour to Bijagual. The hike dipped us into real rainforest, full of dripping leaves, bird calls, and that humid, earthy smell you just can’t fake. Jumping into the cool pool at the base of the falls was one of those “this is what vacations are supposed to feel like” moments. Another morning we decided to keep it low-key and wandered Jaco Walk open-air shops, picking up coffee beans and local art at Tico Pod Art House & Gifts before heading back to the beach for a lazy afternoon.

Nights in Jaco were their own adventure. We’d usually start with dinner somewhere like Graffiti Restaurant or Puddlefish Brewery Restaurant, filling up on craft beer and creative food. After that, the only plan was to let the town pull us along. One night we drifted between a few bars and ended up at Cocal Casino for gambling, playing low-stakes blackjack and people-watching while reggaeton thumped in the background. On another night, we made our way to Mynt Bar and Lounge. The place had a more polished vibe—good cocktails, a dressed-up crowd, and music that made it impossible to stand still. At some point we realized we’d danced our way through multiple spots, from Monkey Bar to Jaco Vice Nightclub, just following the music and the flow of people.

Despite the late nights, we never felt unsafe walking around. The main streets are well lit, taxis and Ubers are constantly passing by, and there’s a steady mix of tourists and locals enjoying the night. When we were too tired to walk back to our Airbnb, we’d call a ride and be home in minutes. Drivers were friendly, prices were reasonable, and even the short rides turned into mini tours as they pointed out neighboring areas like Herradura, Tarcoles, and Playa Hermosa.

Transportation in general was easy. One morning we hopped on a bus down to Playa Hermosa just to watch serious surfers tackle heavier waves. Another day we took a quick taxi to Herradura to check out Los Sueños Marina and talk about someday coming back for a deep sea fishing trip. Buses, taxis, and Ubers all worked together to make the Jaco region feel small and accessible, even though there’s a surprising amount packed into this coastal stretch—from the mangroves near Isla Damas to the hills rising above Esterillos and Parrita.

What really stuck with me, though, wasn’t just the beach or the nightlife. It was the way people treated us. Locals were patient with our broken Spanish, quick to recommend their favorite soda or hidden viewpoint, and genuinely happy we were there. Everywhere we went—from small corner stores to busy clubs—we were met with smiles and that “pura vida” attitude you hear about but don’t fully understand until you experience it.

Going back to Chicago, we joked that it felt like we’d been gone way longer than a long weekend. In just a few days, we surfed, swam under waterfalls, danced in clubs, tried our luck in casinos, and soaked up more sun than we probably deserved. Jaco has this unique mix of beach town energy, rainforest beauty, and warm, welcoming people. If you and your friends are craving a fast-but-full escape, this little slice of Costa Rica hits way above its weight.