We’re Logan Adams (35) and Rachel Parker (33), and Jaco Beach was our pick for a couples getaway that needed to check a lot of boxes: beaches, nightlife, day trips, and enough comfort that we could truly relax. Jaco exceeded all of our expectations. We stayed in a Central Jaco Airbnb Condo that let us walk almost everywhere and still feel like we had our own private escape.

Four experiences anchored the trip: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a breathtaking Isla Damas Mangrove Tour, a long dinner at Green Room Restaurant, and a night of dancing and people-watching at Jaco Blu Beach Club. Surfing together gave us shared victories and hilarious wipeouts. The mangrove tour near Quepos gave us a quiet, wildlife-filled counterpoint to Jaco’s energy, and Jaco Blu turned one of our nights into a full-on beachside party.

Our days started slow and sweet. We walked Jaco Beach with coffee in hand, watching waves roll in and surfers dotting the lineup. From there, we decided whether to stay close to town or go exploring. Taxis and Ubers took us to Playa Hermosa and Herradura in minutes, and buses made it simple to head farther toward Esterillos and Bejuco. Getting around felt safe and easy, which meant we got to focus on enjoying each other and the scenery instead of worrying about logistics.

The hospitality we encountered was next-level. Our surf instructors treated us like old friends by the second session, cheering when we finally rode waves side by side. Guides on the mangrove tour were patient, funny, and clearly proud of the ecosystems they were showing us. At restaurants, bars, and shops, staff always seemed genuinely happy we were there, offering suggestions and checking in with real warmth.

At night, Jaco gave us every version of “date night” we could ask for. Some evenings we kept it simple with a romantic dinner and a quiet walk along the beach under the stars. Other nights we leaned into the casinos, bars, and clubs, including a big evening at Jaco Blu where we danced until late and cooled off by the pool. Even walking back to our condo in the early hours felt safe; the streets were lit, active, and full of other couples and groups heading home.

By the end of the trip, we both agreed that Jaco had become “our place.” With its combination of beaches, mountains, rainforest, friendly locals, easy transportation, and access to nearby gems like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio, it felt like the Central Pacific was designed for couples who want a bit of everything. We’re already talking about making this a yearly tradition.