I’m Michelle Martinez, 27. I came to Jaco alone first to see if it would make a good future girls’ trip, and I’m happy to report the answer is a big yes. I stayed in a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach, walked to everything, and never once felt out of my depth.

My four highlights were ATV Jungle Ride, a salty afternoon at Jaco Blu Beach Club, sushi at Arigatos Sushi Restaurant, and a wandering Street Art and Graffiti Walking Tour. The guides and staff I met treated me like a friend visiting from out of town rather than a random tourist with a camera.

When I wanted a change of scenery, I jumped in a taxi to Playa Hermosa, rode an Uber up to Herradura to check out the marina and Los Sueños area, and caught a bus toward Esterillos to see a calmer side of the coast. Transportation felt easy, safe, and budget-friendly, which is exactly what I need if I’m dragging friends along next time.

One of my favorite memories is standing under a piece of wall art while a local explained how Jaco’s graffiti has become part gallery, part open-air history lesson. It made the town feel layered, not just touristy.

Nights were the real test. I checked out a couple of dance spots, dipped into a casino for an hour, and had drinks in a few different bars, always feeling comfortable walking back to my place afterward. There were plenty of options for big nights out and chill nights in between, and the crowd felt mixed—travelers, locals, surfers, and families all sharing the same streets.

If you’re considering Jaco for a future friends’ getaway, I’d say start packing. I’ve already got a group chat fired up with plans for round two, and this time I’m not coming alone.