Jaco Beach, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Jaco Beach (Playa Jacó) is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns — and for good reason. Located just two hours from San José, it’s the closest beach town to the capital, making it a favorite for locals and international travelers alike.
 

Set on the Central Pacific Coast, Jaco offers a unique mix of surf culture, adventure tourism, tropical scenery, and electric nightlife. Whether you’re a backpacker, surfer, family traveler, or luxury seeker, Jaco Beach has something to offer.

🗺️ Where Is Jaco Beach?

Province: Puntarenas

Distance from San José: ~100 km (about 2 hours by car)

Closest Airports:

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – 90 minutes

Quepos La Managua Airport – 90 minutes

🚗 How to Get to Jaco Beach

By Car

From San José: Take Route 27 to Route 34 (Costanera Sur)

Scenic drive through mountains and coast

By Bus

Direct buses leave from San José’s Terminal 7-10

Company: Transportes Jaco

Duration: ~2.5 hours

By Shuttle or Tour Transfer

Many private shuttle companies operate daily services from major cities and airports

🏨 Where to Stay in Jaco Beach

🏖️ Beachfront & Luxury Resorts

Croc’s Resort & Casino – Full-service beachfront resort with a pool, spa, and casino

Hotel Club Del Mar – Secluded and peaceful with great ocean views

💰 Budget & Boutique Hotels

Room2Board Hostel & Surf School – Backpacker favorite with pool and great social vibe

Hotel Perico Azul – Cozy boutique style, walking distance to the beach

🛌 Family-Friendly Options

Best Western Jaco Beach Resort – All-inclusive, kid-friendly with direct beach access

🏄‍♂️ Top Things to Do in Jaco Beach

1. Surfing in Jaco

Jaco is famous for its surf-friendly waves, suitable for all levels.

Beginners: Take a lesson at Jaco’s southern end

Experienced surfers: Visit Hermosa Beach, just 10 minutes south – known for world-class breaks

🏄‍♀️ Tip: Rent boards or book lessons with local surf schools like Tortuga Surf School or Jaco Surf School.

2. Explore Jaco’s Nightlife

Jaco is Costa Rica’s nightlife capital with a vibrant after-dark scene.

Popular spots: Le Loft, Orange Pub, The Green Room, and ManCave

Beach bars and lounges with live music and DJs

Nightclubs open late on weekends

🎶 Expect a mix of Latin beats, reggae, EDM, and Top 40.

3. Take an ATV Jungle Adventure

Explore Jaco’s lush backcountry on a guided ATV tour.

Visit hidden waterfalls, remote villages, and mountain trails

Half-day and full-day options available

Great for adrenaline lovers and nature seekers

4. Ziplining & Canopy Tours

Fly through treetops in the nearby rainforest with zipline tours that offer panoramic ocean and jungle views.

Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica offers family-friendly zipline experiences

Look for monkeys, macaws, and sloths as you zip from platform to platform

5. Ride Horses on the Beach

Enjoy a scenic horseback ride along Playa Hermosa or through jungle trails.

Sunset rides are a popular romantic activity

Great for beginners and families

6. Day Trip to Manuel Antonio

Just 1.5 hours south of Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park offers rich wildlife and stunning beaches.

Spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds

Hike easy trails or relax on white-sand beaches

7. Visit Bijagual Waterfall

One of Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls, hidden in the hills above Jaco.

Guided hikes or horseback rides available

Serene pools and jungle scenery

🏖️ Beaches Near Jaco

🌊 Playa Jaco

Long, wide beach perfect for surfing, walking, and sunsets

Not ideal for swimming due to strong currents

🌴 Playa Hermosa

10 minutes south of Jaco

Excellent surf, fewer crowds, darker volcanic sand

🌅 Playa Herradura

Calm waters, ideal for swimming and families

Home to Los Sueños Resort and Marina

🍴 Where to Eat in Jaco Beach

🌮 Local Favorites

Soda Rustico – Delicious Costa Rican casados at budget prices

Isaga Bar y Restaurante – Local favorite for ceviche and traditional fare

🍕 International & Fusion

Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar – Gourmet burgers and craft cocktails

Green Room Café – Organic ingredients, live music, vegan options

🍩 Breakfast & Coffee

Café Bohío – Coffee, pastries, and smoothies

Panaderia Artesanal – Artisan bread and Costa Rican coffee

🌦️ Best Time to Visit Jaco Beach

Dry Season: December to April – Best weather, most sunshine

Green Season: May to November – Lush scenery, afternoon rain, fewer tourists

🌈 Jaco is a year-round destination, though surfers may prefer the consistent waves of the rainy season.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Browse local art galleries, surf shops, and souvenir stands

Find handmade jewelry, beachwear, coffee, and local crafts

Weekly farmers markets offer organic produce and artisan goods

🧳 What to Pack for Jaco Beach

Swimsuit and sandals

Light clothing for hot weather

Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen

Waterproof bag or phone pouch

Surf gear (or rent locally)

Lightweight rain jacket (for wet season)

🧭 Insider Tips for Visiting Jaco Beach

Stay alert at night and keep belongings secure – Jaco is lively but has typical tourist-town petty theft

Use local taxis or rideshare apps rather than renting a car if staying in town

Be respectful of local customs and communities, especially when partying

Hire certified guides for jungle tours and adventure sports

🌎 Responsible Travel in Jaco

Support eco-certified businesses

Use reusable water bottles and bags

Book with companies that support wildlife conservation

Say no to animal tourism involving captive wildlife

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Yoga in Jaco

Jaco is growing as a wellness destination with beachside yoga, massage, and meditation retreats.

Aurora Yoga Jaco – Drop-in yoga classes

Selina Jaco – Offers holistic events and sound healing

Tico Pod Art House – Creative space with wellness workshops

🌋 Combine Jaco with Nearby Destinations

🏞️ Manuel Antonio National Park

Jungle-meets-beach paradise with easy wildlife spotting

🌿 Carara National Park

Less visited but ecologically rich with crocodile sightings on the Tárcoles River

⛵ Los Sueños Marina

Luxury resort area in Herradura with golf, fine dining, and fishing tours

✅ Why Visit Jaco Beach?

Jaco Beach has something for everyone:

Surfers chasing waves

Digital nomads seeking community

Adventurers craving ziplines and ATVs

Partiers dancing until dawn

Families enjoying the sea and sand

It’s one of the most accessible, affordable, and fun-loving beach towns in all of Costa Rica.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Jaco Beach Right for You?

If you want nonstop action, beach vibes, nightlife, and adventure — all within a short distance of San José — Jaco Beach is your place. While it may not be the quietest or most pristine beach, it makes up for it with energy, convenience, and unforgettable memories.