I’m Henry Hughes, 38, and I booked Jaco Beach almost on a whim. I wanted somewhere warm with good reviews, easy logistics, and more to do than just sit by a hotel pool. What I got was a place I can easily see myself coming back to every year. I stayed in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that made it effortless to reach the beach, shops, and nightlife on foot.

Four experiences sealed the deal: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a spectacular Canyoning Tour with Waterfalls, a flavorful dinner at Tacobar Restaurant, and a fun mix of casinos and dance clubs in downtown Jaco. Surfing pushed me just far enough out of my comfort zone, canyoning turned the rainforest into an adventure park, and Tacobar’s fresh food became my midweek obsession.

During the days, I split my time between relaxing and exploring. I walked Jaco’s long beach morning and evening, and in between, I took buses and taxis around the region. Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina all gave me different angles on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, and a bus ride toward Quepos and Manuel Antonio showed off even more of the lush mountains and beach towns that dot the coastline. Every ride—whether by Uber, taxi, or bus—felt safe and straightforward.

The warmth of the people here made the biggest impression. A tour guide on the canyoning trip kept high-fiving everyone and calling us “family” by the end of the day. A woman working at a small shop in Jaco Walk recommended her favorite beaches and told me which bus to take to reach them. Even in quick encounters—like grabbing snacks at a convenience store—people were smiling, patient, and genuinely welcoming.

At night, Jaco delivered exactly what I wanted: options. I visited a couple of casinos for low-key gambling, tried out different bars with live music, and danced at a club one night with people from Costa Rica, the U.S., and Europe all packed on the same dance floor. Walking home late didn’t feel risky; the streets were lively but not out of control, and I always saw other travelers and locals heading in the same direction.

By the time I packed my bags, the trip no longer felt like a one-off. Jaco had gone from a “maybe I’ll try it” destination to a place I can see becoming a personal tradition—especially when winter at home gets old. With its beaches, green mountains, friendly locals, easy transportation, and access to places like Herradura, Tarcoles, and Manuel Antonio, Jaco checks every box I didn’t even know I had.