Jacó travel guide

Central Pacific surf town closest to San José — 90 minutes by road. Wide black-sand beach for learning to surf, a lively nightlife strip, sport-fishing charters out of Los Sueños, and easy access to Carara National Park for scarlet macaws.

Overview

Costa Rica's most accessible beach town — surf, nightlife, and weekend energy 90 minutes from San José.

Jacó grew into the country's first true beach-resort town because of its drive time from the capital. The 4-km grey-sand beach has reliable waves for learners (advanced surfers head south to Playa Hermosa), and the high street stays busy after dark with casinos, bars, and open-air restaurants — unlike anywhere else on the coast.

Surf schools for first-timers; expert waves 5 km south at Playa Hermosa
Sportfishing for sailfish, marlin, and dorado, year-round
Carara National Park — scarlet macaws and the crocodile bridge on the road in
ATV and zip-line tours through the hills above town
Nightlife — clubs, casinos, and late dinners that other beach towns don't have

Best time to visit

December through April delivers reliable sun and the busiest weekend crowds from San José. May through November brings cleaner, larger surf, dramatic green hills, and afternoon showers — mornings stay clear and prices drop sharply.