I’m Emma, 41, and my husband James, 44, and I decided our anniversary gift to each other this year wouldn’t be something that sits on a shelf—it would be a trip. We’d both been curious about Costa Rica for years, and when a friend mentioned Jaco Beach as a spot that blends romance with easy access to tours and nightlife, it felt like the right fit. We wanted the freedom of an apartment, the energy of a beach town, and the chance to explore rainforest and coastline without spending half the trip in transit.

We ended up booking a Jaco Airbnb apartment that felt instantly like “our place”. It had a separate bedroom, a bright living area, a small but functional kitchen, and a balcony where we could sit with a glass of wine and listen to the sounds of the town below. The building was secure and quiet at night, but still close enough that we could walk to the beach and most restaurants in under ten minutes. Our host greeted us with a big smile, fresh fruit, and a stack of tour brochures—but more importantly, she circled her personal favorites and gave us honest advice about which operators really took care of guests.

On our first morning, we walked down to the shoreline and simply strolled. The dark sand, the warm Pacific rolling in, and the hills thick with rainforest rising behind town created a backdrop that felt almost unreal. We took our time, stopping to watch surfers, families playing near the water, and couples like us soaking in the sun. Jaco’s beach has this lived-in, local feel that we both appreciated—it’s not polished to sterility, but it’s beautiful, vibrant, and full of life.

We built our days around a mix of adventure and slower moments. One standout was our visit to Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park for ziplining. Neither of us had done much ziplining before, and as we climbed to the first platform, I could feel my heart pounding. But once we stepped off, nerves turned to exhilaration. Flying over the canopy, with views of the mountains and glimpses of the ocean, felt surprisingly peaceful. By the time we reached the last line, we were already talking about doing it again someday.

Another day we headed south toward Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Our guide led us along forested trails where we spotted sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tiny colorful crabs scuttling near the roots of trees. The trail eventually opened up to a crescent of white sand with turquoise water that looked like a postcard come to life. We floated in the ocean, then lay under the shade of palm trees, listening to the mix of jungle sounds and soft waves. That combination of rainforest right up against the beach is something you really only find in places like this stretch of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

We also made time for a catamaran day tour, departing from nearby Herradura. Sailing along the coastline gave us a different perspective on the region. You can see how Jaco, Herradura, and the neighboring beaches all sit tucked between mountains and sea, with rainforest covering everything in between. We snorkeled in clear water, watched dolphins surface near the bow, and ate grilled lunch on deck. It felt celebratory and relaxed—the perfect way to mark another year together.

Evenings in Jaco became a gentle ritual. We’d shower off the salt and sand, then wander out in search of dinner. One night we chose Lemon Zest Restaurant and lingered over seafood and wine. Another night we went to Amara Costa Rica Cocina Mediterranea for a slightly different flavor profile, then walked down to the waterfront to watch the last glow of sunset. When we were in the mood for more energy, we let the music guide us—stopping for a drink near Jaco Walk, then drifting toward bars playing everything from salsa to modern reggaeton. We poked into Cocal Casino for gambling one night, enjoying a bit of roulette and the electric vibe of the gaming floor.

What impressed us was how safe we felt, even when we stayed out late. The main streets were well lit, and there always seemed to be other couples, groups of friends, and local families out and about. When we’d had enough for the night, we either walked back to our apartment or took a quick taxi. Drivers were professional and friendly, often offering little bits of local history or pointing out their favorite beaches near Esterillos and Parrita for a quieter day trip.

Transportation overall was easy. For longer excursions like Manuel Antonio, we used organized shuttles. For shorter trips, we mixed taxis and Ubers, and on one afternoon we hopped on a local bus just to see more of the everyday life along the route toward Tarcoles. Along the way, we passed small roadside restaurants, schools, and glimpses of the ocean and rivers that shape this region. It was a reminder that you don’t have to be in a remote jungle lodge to feel immersed in Costa Rica’s landscapes; in Jaco, the rainforest and the beach are literally just outside the front door.

As we flew back to Boston, we both agreed that choosing Jaco Beach for our anniversary was one of our better decisions. The town gave us a little bit of everything: beach walks at sunrise, rainforest adventures, romantic dinners, lively nights in bars and casinos, and quiet moments on our balcony listening to the sounds of a coastal town settling down. Most of all, it gave us the feeling of being welcomed, not just processed as tourists. For couples who want a destination that balances excitement and ease, Jaco and its surrounding areas are a beautiful, accessible, and genuinely warm place to celebrate love.