I’m Hannah Long, 26, and I booked Jaco Beach after realizing my life had been reduced to screens, meetings, and takeout. I needed a place where my biggest decision for the day could be “beach or adventure?” I stayed in a bright, modern Stylish Ocean-View Airbnb in Jaco that became my dream home base—close to the sand, restaurants, and the heart of town.

Four experiences really defined my stay: Took a Surfing Lesson at the Jaco Surf School, a magical Villa Caleta Sunset Happy Hour, wandering and shopping at Jaco Walk Open Air Shops, and dessert runs to Moyo Frozen Yogurt in Jaco Walk. Surf school was pure joy, Villa Caleta made me feel like I was watching the sun set over the entire Pacific, and Jaco Walk became my go-to spot whenever I wanted to people-watch, shop, or snack.

Most days followed an easy rhythm: morning walks on Jaco Beach, afternoons exploring, and evenings deciding how much nightlife I had energy for. I used taxis and Ubers to bounce between Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina. One day I rode the bus down the coast toward Esterillos just to see more of the Central Pacific coastline. Taxis, Ubers, and buses were all simple and felt safe, even as a solo female traveler.

The people were exactly the kind of warm I needed. My surf instructors cheered every time I stood up, even if it was for half a second. A woman working at a boutique in Jaco Walk helped me pick out a small piece of local jewelry “to remember Jaco when you’re back at your desk.” A bartender at Villa Caleta told me about his favorite spots in Hermosa and Herradura and encouraged me to see more of Puntarenas while I was there.

At night, Jaco felt alive but not overwhelming. Some evenings I stuck to beach bars with live music and simple food, just watching the waves and listening to people laugh around me. Other nights I checked out a casino and a dance club or two, always surrounded by a mix of locals and travelers. Walking home to my apartment—even late—felt safe and comfortable, with plenty of people still out enjoying the warm night.

By the end of the week, my shoulders had dropped, my mind felt quieter, and my to-do list back home seemed a lot less intimidating. Jaco, with its beaches, mountains, rainforest, friendly people, and easy access to places like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio, showed me exactly what it looks like to live a little more “pura vida.” And I plan to keep that lesson with me long after the tan fades.