I’m Patrick Adams, 42. I booked Jaco Beach on a bit of a whim after a friend told me, “You need salt water and sunsets, not another weekend at home.” I ended up in a comfortable Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment and within an hour of arriving, I was standing in the warm Pacific wondering why I hadn’t come sooner.

The four experiences that really defined the trip were Surfing on Jaco Beach, a memorable Savegre River White Water Rafting day, dinner at Mono Verde Restaurant, and a fun night out at Cocal Casino for Gambling. The guides on the rafting trip were professional and hilarious, the surf crew kept things light and encouraging, and the restaurant and casino staff were all friendly and welcoming.

When I wasn’t chasing adventures, I spent long stretches just walking the shoreline, exploring Jaco Walk, and hopping out to Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and down toward Esterillos to see more of the beautiful Pacific coast. Taxis and Ubers made it easy to adjust plans on the fly, and the buses were simple, safe, and a great way to see more of everyday Costa Rica between stops.

The people made the whole trip feel grounded. A grocery store clerk helped me find the best local coffee to bring back as gifts, a bus driver pointed out where Tarcoles and its famous crocodile bridge were, and a stranger on the beach told me about his favorite hike near Herradura. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to share their country with me.

At night, Jaco transformed into exactly the kind of city I like: music everywhere, excited chatter on the sidewalks, casinos and bars lit up but not overwhelming, and a nice mix of locals and travelers just enjoying the warm air. I went out dancing, tried my luck at Cocal, and always felt completely safe walking back to my apartment afterward.

By the time I left, I felt like Jaco had taken a layer of stress off my shoulders and replaced it with something much better—sun, salt, rainforest greens, and the sound of waves. It was exactly what I needed, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a place that’s easy, beautiful, and full of genuinely kind people.