I’m Patrick Morris, 43, and I booked Jaco Beach as a quick break between projects at work. I figured I’d get some sun, maybe try surfing, and come home ready to grind again. What I didn’t expect was to find a place that I’d want to come back to over and over. I stayed in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that made it easy to walk everywhere I needed to go.

Four experiences defined my week: Surfing on Jaco Beach, an eye-opening Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour, a hearty meal at Tico Burguesas Restaurant, and a night wandering between beach bars and a casino in downtown Jaco. Surfing gave me a new challenge, the crocodile tour put me face-to-face with Costa Rica’s wild side near Tarcoles, and the restaurant and nightlife showed off how relaxed and friendly this town can be.

Most days followed a simple pattern: beach, explore, repeat. I’d grab coffee, walk Jaco Beach, then jump in a taxi or Uber to check out Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina. One day I rode the bus farther down the coast toward Esterillos and Bejuco just to see more of the shoreline. I never once felt unsafe using taxis, Ubers, or buses, and it was all simple enough that I didn’t have to overthink logistics.

The people are a huge part of why Jaco is now on my favorites list. A surf shop employee gave me honest advice about which board to rent and then circled three of his favorite local spots on a map. Our crocodile tour guide mixed jokes with facts and made sure everyone had a good time. Even small interactions—like grabbing snacks at a corner store—came with smiles and easy conversation.

At night, Jaco gave me choices: some evenings were mellow with a drink and live music by the beach; other nights I dipped into a casino, played a few hands, and just soaked in the atmosphere. Walking back to my apartment, even late, felt comfortable and safe, with other travelers and locals heading the same way and the sound of the ocean never far off.

What was supposed to be a quick reset turned into something bigger. Jaco Beach showed me that I don’t have to choose between fun, relaxation, and a sense of safety—I can have all three in the same place. Next time, I won’t make the mistake of booking only one week.