I’m Daniel Harris, 34. I grabbed a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach and let the town set the tempo—ocean first, everything else second.

Four things stuck: Paddle Boarded in Ocean, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park, Tico Pod Art house & Gifts Store, and a night cap at Mynt Lounge Jaco because the vibe fit the day. Every person I met seemed to share the same goal: make your week good.

Herradura, Playa Hermosa, a dip south to Bejuco—easy hops with taxis, Ubers, or the bus. I never felt rushed and always felt safe walking back.

A surfer pointed me toward a bakery that changed my breakfast plans for the rest of the trip.

Nightlife ran the spectrum: mellow beach bar to casino sparkle, then the warm walk home with ocean hush in the background.

Jaco gave me the version of vacation I’d hoped for—sun, small kindnesses, and a reason to come back soon.