Birthdays at home usually mean dinner, a cake, and the same three bars. This year we wanted something different. I’m Isabella, 29, and my boyfriend Noah, 31, and I decided to celebrate my birthday in Costa Rica. We picked Jaco Beach because it looked like the perfect mix of laid-back and lively—beaches, rainforest, good food, and nightlife all in one place. We figured it would be fun. We didn’t realize it would end up being one of those trips we’ll keep talking about for years.

Our home for the week was a stylish Jaco Airbnb apartment just a few minutes from the beach. It had a bright living room, a cozy bedroom, and a small balcony where we watched the town wake up each morning. The building felt very safe, with gated entry and friendly neighbors who always said hello. Our host left a welcome basket and a note with “must-do” ideas: her favorite breakfast soda, a catamaran tour out of Herradura, and the best places to watch sunset along the beach.

Jaco has a way of welcoming you in quickly. On our first afternoon, we walked down to the shoreline and just kept going. The beach seemed to stretch forever, framed by mountains covered in rainforest. Surfers dotted the water, kids played near the waves, and couples—like us—wandered hand in hand along the waterline. Coming from Miami, we’re no strangers to beaches, but this felt different. Wilder. Greener. More raw and beautiful.

The centerpiece of my birthday was a catamaran day tour. We took a short taxi ride to nearby Herradura and boarded with a group of other travelers. As we sailed along the Puntarenas coastline, the views were ridiculous: cliffs, coves, and endless shades of blue and green. We stopped in a sheltered bay to snorkel, and the crew grilled lunch on board while music played in the background. At one point dolphins swam alongside the boat, and everyone crowded to the rails like kids. It was one of those simple, perfect days that felt like a gift in itself.

Another highlight was a late afternoon visit to Villa Caleta for sunset happy hour. We’d heard it was one of the best viewpoints in the area, and that turned out to be true. From up on the hill, you can see Jaco, Herradura, and stretches of coastline fading into the distance toward Esterillos and Parrita. The sky shifted through gold, pink, and orange as the sun slid into the Pacific. We clinked glasses and agreed that no birthday rooftop bar back in Miami could compete with this.

We also wanted a taste of the rainforest, so we booked a half-day trip to Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. Walking along the paths, surrounded by flowers, butterflies, and deep green foliage, felt like stepping into a painting. From certain viewpoints, we could see waterfalls tumbling through the forest and the ocean glimmering far below. Our guide pointed out birds and explained how the nearby communities, from Tarcoles to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, are connected by this rich, wild landscape.

Back in Jaco, the evenings were a whole different kind of fun. One night we dressed up and went to el Hicaco Restaurant for a more romantic dinner by the beach, sharing seafood while listening to the waves. Another night we tried Lemon Zest Restaurant and then wandered through Jaco Walk, picking up dessert and people-watching. When we were in the mood to party, we drifted between Monkey Bar, Jaco Vice Nightclub, and Jaco Blu Beach Club, dancing until we were sweaty and tired and completely happy. Everywhere we went, locals greeted us with smiles, and taxis and Ubers were easy to find when we were ready to head back to the apartment.

Despite the late nights, we always felt safe. The main areas of Jaco are well lit, and the town has a steady mix of tourists and Costa Ricans out enjoying themselves. We talked with people from all over—San José, the U.S., Europe, South America—and kept hearing the same thing: they felt welcome here. The locals we met were genuinely kind and seemed happy we’d chosen their town for our celebration.

Getting around was simple. We used taxis and Ubers for convenience, especially at night or when going to places like Herradura. Buses were an easy, cheap option for short trips, and one day we hopped on a bus heading toward Quepos just for the views through Hermosa, Bejuco, and Esterillos. The road winds between ocean and hills, and everywhere you look there’s another photo-worthy scene.

On our last night, we watched the sunset from the beach, sitting on the sand with our toes buried and the sound of the waves in our ears. The mountains were silhouettes against a sky streaked with color, and we both felt that bittersweet mix of gratitude and not wanting to leave. Jaco gave us more than just a birthday vacation; it gave us a shared memory of a place where the rainforest meets the sea, where taxis, buses, and friendly faces make everything easy, and where “pura vida” isn’t just a saying—it’s the way the whole town seems to breathe.