I’m Logan King, 34, and I booked Jaco Beach after one too many late nights under fluorescent office lights. I wanted real sunlight, ocean air, and a town that didn’t shut down at 9 p.m. I found all of that and more. For the week, I stayed in a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach, just a short walk from the sand and the main strip.

My trip revolved around four big experiences: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a muddy and adrenaline-filled ATV Jungle Ride, a food coma–level dinner at Ridiculous Burgers Restaurant, and a night of music and games at Cocal Casino for Gambling. The surf instructors were funny and patient, the ATV guides turned the hills above Jaco into a playground, and the burger and casino combo made for the perfect “I’m officially on vacation” evening.

Daytimes were a balance of activity and doing absolutely nothing. Some mornings I walked the full length of Jaco Beach with coffee in hand, watching surfers against a backdrop of green mountains. Other days I grabbed taxis and buses to explore nearby spots like Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina. I even rode farther down toward Esterillos and Bejuco just to see more of the coastline. Transportation was easy and safe the whole time—Ubers, taxis, and buses all worked smoothly.

The people in Jaco made the trip feel extra special. A guy at a small surf shop circled his favorite stretches of beach on my map and recommended a crocodile safari near Tarcoles for next time. A woman at a bakery in town gave me an extra pastry “because you came a long way,” and we ended up chatting about life in Puntarenas versus San José.

At night, Jaco came alive in exactly the way I’d hoped: beach bars with live music, casinos glowing against the hills, dance clubs full of people from all over, and food stands that stayed open late. I checked out a couple of clubs, spent time at Cocal Casino, and wandered the main street more than once just soaking in the vibe. Even heading back to my apartment in the early hours felt safe—lots of people around, lights on, and an overall chill atmosphere.

By the time I flew back to my office life, I’d made a quiet promise to myself: every year, I’m giving at least one week back to Jaco Beach. The combination of surf, nightlife, friendly locals, and those lush green hills right next to the ocean is exactly the reset button I didn’t know I needed.