I’m Nicholas Long, 26, and I went to Jaco Beach for one reason: I wanted a week of pure fun somewhere with beaches, nightlife, and enough adventure to keep me moving. Jaco delivered on every point. I stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach that put me close to both the sand and the main strip.

Four experiences defined the trip for me: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a high-adrenaline ATV Jungle Ride, a seriously good burger at Ridiculous Burgers Restaurant, and an unforgettable night bouncing between clubs and wrapping up at Mynt Lounge Jaco. Surfing had me wiped out in the best way, the ATV tour took us through rivers and muddy forest tracks, and Mynt’s hookah and music made it feel like a proper vacation night.

Daytimes were all about mixing beach time with little missions. I watched surfers at Playa Hermosa, rode up to Herradura and Los Sueños to check out the marina and hills, and took buses along the coast toward Tarcoles and Esterillos just to see more of Costa Rica’s Pacific side. Transportation was way easier than I expected—Ubers, taxis, and buses were all safe and straightforward.

What surprised me was how friendly everyone was. A guy at a surf shop gave me tips on where to grab cheap, good food. A bartender recommended a crocodile tour near Tarcoles and told me which bus to look for. A woman at a small store in Jaco Walk asked where I was from and then told me I had to come back someday with friends.

At night, Jaco turned into exactly the kind of scene I’d been hoping for: beach clubs with DJs, dance floors full of people from all over the world, casinos with bright lights, and chill lounge spots like Mynt. I went out almost every night and always felt safe walking back to my apartment in the early hours, with other people still around and the sound of the ocean never too far away.

By the time I left, Jaco had set a new standard for what a fun, easy vacation looks like for me. It’s got that perfect blend of adventure, nightlife, beach life, and friendly locals—plus it’s a great base for exploring places like Herradura, Hermosa, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio. I’m already texting friends about planning a group trip back.