I’m Jonathan Ramirez, 30, and this year I traded snow and ugly sweaters for sand and tank tops. I spent Christmas Eve week in Jaco Beach and honestly can’t imagine going back to the old version. My base was a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach, close enough to the water that I could hear the waves on quiet nights.

Four standout experiences made my trip feel like a story I’ll be telling for years: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a heart-pounding Savegre River White Water Rafting day, an incredible steak at Hartley Ranch Prime Steakhouse, and a sleek Christmas Eve stop at Mynt Lounge Jaco for cocktails and hookah. The rafting guides were pros, the surf crew kept things fun and low-pressure, and the restaurant and lounge staff made the whole week feel special.

During the day I explored Jaco and beyond—walking the beach, wandering Jaco Walk, heading to Playa Hermosa and Herradura by Uber, and riding the bus toward Quepos and Manuel Antonio just to see more of the coastline. Everywhere I went, the scenery was unreal: mountains covered in rainforest, bright green against the deep blue of the ocean, with little beach towns like Jaco and Herradura tucked between them. Taxis, Ubers, and buses all felt safe and easy to use, even late in the afternoon when I was coming back tired from a long day out.

The people made the holiday feel warm in more ways than one. A barista drew a Christmas tree in the foam of my cappuccino. A tour guide shared how Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas with family dinners and fireworks. A shop owner slipped a small candy into my bag and wished me “Feliz Navidad” with a huge smile. It didn’t feel like a tourist show—it felt authentic and kind.

Christmas Eve itself was magic. Music poured out of bars and beach clubs, people danced in the warm air, and casinos glowed along the strip. I bounced between a beachfront bar, a casino for a bit of gambling, and finally Mynt Lounge, where the atmosphere felt both festive and relaxed. Walking back to my apartment around midnight, I felt completely safe and completely grateful.

If you’re even thinking about spending the holidays somewhere different, Jaco Beach should be at the top of your list. Between the beach life, friendly locals, easy transportation, and nightlife that goes as late as you want it to, it’s hard to imagine a better Christmas trade-in than this one.