We’re George Baker & Angela Sanchez—27 and 29—and Jaco Beach felt like the right kind of reset. Our home base was a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach—quiet when we needed downtime, close to the water when we wanted surf and sunset. The first thing I noticed was the backdrop: palms, mountains, and that long, gray‑gold arc of sand where the Pacific keeps time.

I kept days simple and active. I started with El Novillo Alegre Jaco Restaurant, then fit in Los Suenos Marina Finishing. Midweek I added Los Suenos Marina Shops and wrapped up with el Hicaco Restaurant. It’s easy to pivot with the weather—mornings for the ocean, afternoons for shade, and the hour before sunset for photos.

I liked mixing beach time with short rides to nearby spots—Herradura’s marina, Playa Hermosa’s surf, and the shops around Jaco Walk. On another day I pushed farther: Tarcoles for the bridge overlook, Quepos and Manuel Antonio for emerald coves, or Parrita’s quiet backroads. It’s all close enough for relaxed day trips. Transport was easy—taxis and Ubers came fast, buses were straightforward, and drivers were patient about short stops.

Nights had their own current. I tried a club one evening, a beachfront bar the next, and wandered past casinos just to see the lights. People were warm in that Costa Rican way—easy smiles, quick tips, and a habit of checking that visitors felt welcome and safe. Downtown stayed lively but never restless; I always had a clear, well‑lit route back.

By the end, I had a rhythm—beach in the morning, an adventure or two, food at a place I hadn’t tried yet, and a slow walk home under warm streetlights. Jaco and the surrounding coast are as beautiful as the photos: jungle‑green ridges, long beaches, and sunsets that look staged. I left with a lighter step and a note in my phone that says, simply, “come back.”