I’m Isabella Murphy, 26, and I booked Jaco Beach with two things in mind: yoga and nightlife. I wanted to move my body in every possible way—stretching, surfing, hiking, and dancing. Jaco ended up being the perfect playground for that. I stayed in a Modern Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that had plenty of space to roll out my yoga mat and was still close to the beach and downtown.

Four experiences defined the trip: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a sweaty but gorgeous Miro Mountain Hike, a fun, music-filled night at Mynt Bar and Lounge, and a lingering dinner at Green Room Restaurant. Surfing tested my balance and gave me a whole new kind of workout. The Miro hike rewarded a steep climb with sweeping views over the town and Pacific. Mynt was where all the dressed-up, ready-to-go-out energy came together in one place.

My days had an easy flow. I’d start with yoga in the apartment or a quiet walk along Jaco Beach, then either head into the water with a board or go exploring. Taxis and Ubers took me to Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina, and buses made it simple to go farther along the Central Pacific—down toward Esterillos and Bejuco when I wanted more exploration. Every ride felt safe, and both drivers and guides were happy to share local tips and stories.

The people I met kept me smiling the whole week. Surf instructors were encouraging and funny, celebrating wipeouts as much as clean rides. My hiking guide shared stories about the local environment and pointed out views I might have walked right past. Staff at Green Room and other restaurants seemed truly happy that visitors were there, often asking how my day went and giving suggestions for what to do next—whether that was a quiet sunset or a big night out.

At night, Jaco shifted into something electric. Beach bars with live music, casinos, and clubs like Mynt and other downtown spots all seemed to come alive at once. I spent a couple of nights dancing until late, then walked home along busy, well-lit streets filled with other travelers and locals. I always felt safe, even at 1 or 2 a.m., and there was a sense of everyone looking out for each other in that easygoing Costa Rican way.

By the time I left, I felt like I’d gotten exactly what I was craving: a trip where I could treat my body well and still have a lot of fun. Jaco’s blend of beaches, mountains, rainforest, nightlife, and welcoming people makes it a place where you can flow from yoga mat to surfboard to hiking trail to dance floor without missing a beat. I’m already thinking about a longer stay next time.