I’m Anthony Perez, 44, and I usually spend December scraping ice off my windshield. This year, I traded that in for warm rain, palm trees, and the sound of waves in Jaco Beach. I stayed in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that put me within easy walking distance of the ocean, restaurants, and everything else I wanted to try.

Four experiences really stood out: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a wild and muddy ATV Jungle Ride, a great meal at Mono Verde Restaurant, and a stylish, laid-back night at Mynt Lounge Jaco. The surf crew helped me go from nervous beginner to at least standing on the board, the ATV guides turned the jungle into a playground, and the staff at both Mono Verde and Mynt treated me with the kind of relaxed hospitality that makes you feel like a local.

During the day, I bounced between beach time and small adventures. I took a taxi to Playa Hermosa to watch serious surfers, jumped up to Herradura to walk around the marina and nearby hills, and rode the bus toward Tarcoles and Esterillos to see more of the coast and river. Taxis and Ubers were simple to call, and buses were safe, affordable, and easy to figure out after the first ride.

The people of Costa Rica made everything feel easy and safe. A grocery store cashier recommended her favorite local snacks and insisted I try plantain chips. A bus driver tapped my shoulder when it was time to get off near a viewpoint he’d recommended. A guy on the beach spent ten minutes pointing out different mountain ranges around Jaco, proud to share his home.

At night, Jaco buzzed with life: music pouring out of bars, beach clubs lighting up the shoreline, casinos glowing against the dark hills. I went out dancing, tried my luck at the tables, and capped one night at Mynt, where the vibe was upscale but friendly. Walking back to my apartment late never felt sketchy—there were always other people around, and the streets were well-lit and relaxed.

By the time I flew home, I’d swapped winter boots for flip-flops and stress for something that felt a lot like optimism. Jaco turned December from something I endure into something I want to look forward to every year. I’m already planning my next “reset” down here.