Welcome to Jacó, Costa Rica, a vibrant coastal town along the Pacific that’s gaining popularity for its sun, surf, and adventure. Located about 55 miles southwest of San Jose, Jacó is a popular locations for beach enthusiasts and outdoor seekers. With its easily accessible location, Jacó is a busy town. From great surfing waves to lush hikes through mountain landscapes, Jacó offers a adventure without straying too far from the beaten path.
In this blog post, we’ll show some things to do in and around Jacó. There’s lots of places to stay, nearby beaches and hikes to enjoy. Check out our Shop Page with some necessities for your trip.
The Main Strip
Jacó’s main strip is a very busy road that runs parallel along the beach. You’ll find it to be vibrant and varied, with restaurants serving both Costa Rican and international dishes. There’s plenty of quick/fast food options to fill up during your day at the beach. At night, you’ll find many sit down restaurants with varying price points.
If you need groceries, check out Mas x Menos. This supermarket is owned by Walmart and is essential a mini one. Grab all your essentials for the beach, or to cook dinner. It’s located right downtown.
I suggest carrying local currency while you’re vacationing in Costa Rica. Some street vendors and small shops don’t accept credit card. To pull out cash, I usually go to the national bank called ‘BN’, which is Banco Nacional. They have always been reliable and have very low fees to take cash out of a credit card. The BN in Jacó is on the main strip of the town as well.
While I’m travelling in Costa Rica, I use a secure sling backpack. I like the confidence of being able to lock my stuff in my pack, and the convenience of being able to pull the bag to the front. Check this one out on Amazon.
Where To Stay
Heading down to the southern stretch of Jacó Beach, you’ll discover a chill spot where the waves are more mellow, making it great for swimming and just soaking. It’s also better for young kids to jump in the ocean. There’s loads of places to stay at this end of the beach. You can find boutique hotels, family friendly developments with pools, and large houses. The south end of the beach is great for relaxing and walking into town for the excitement when you’d like.
If you’re a beginner looking for surfing lessons, the south end of Jacó is likely where you’ll start. The easier, rolling waves are great to learn how to get your footing and positioning on the board. If you have a accommodations in the south end of the beach, you can simply rent a surf board and you can practice as much as you’d like.
Pick up a pair of these awesome water shoes. I've been using them all over Costa Rica during my travels. They have vented soles so water drains right out the bottom! Great for going to the beach and walking through town, or exploring rivers.
The Crocodile Bridge
Just a short drive from Jacó, the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica is a fun and free place to stop and see these massive creatures. It’s on the highway from the San Jose Airport, before you arrive in Jacó. This bridge spans the Tarcoles River, which is a larger and murkier river than some others. Along the riverbanks you can spot crocodiles of lengths up to 15 feet. They bask in the sun, creating great opportunities for photos. It’s a unique opportunity to safely witness these cool creatures.
If you decide to stop for a bit longer at the bridge, you’ll find an assortment of dining options. I’ll often grab a locally sourced coffee and the cafe. You can also find a ‘POPS’, which is a ice cream shop that is present throughout all of Costa Rica.
Hike To El Miro
Situated right in Jacó, the El Miro hike is great workout, and a great way to see nature. Along the trail, you will often see animals like scarlet macaws, toucans and even monkeys. Be sure to bring a camera or phone that can zoom in, as they’re often in the dense brush high in the trees.
The trail is long, but not especially steep or difficult in terrain. Be sure to bring water along with you, enough for a couple hours of activity. Kids can easily complete to journey to the lookout at the top, it’ll just take a little longer. Grab a snack a Mas x Menos before heading out with them.
The highlight of the El Miro hike is the chance to explore an abandoned house at the top of the hill. This structure offers a unique vantage point, providing an excellent view of Jacó Beach and the surrounding area. There’s cool graffiti painted all over this abandoned house, some of which is very incredible art.
When I’m doing hikes like this, I prefer to bring hiking running shoes. I find that boots would be too heavy for the simple paths, but I still like some additional grip. Try these Saucony Trail Runners, available on Amazon.
Relax At Esterillos Oeste
Just a short drive from Jacó to the south you’ll find the beach town of Esterillos Oeste. It’s a laid-back coastal beach with its own unique charm. This beach town is easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for realxation away from Jacó. Esterillos Oeste known for its iconic landmark — the mermaid sculpture off shore in the tidepools. At low tide, you can walk right out to the statue for some great pictures. Tidepools are also great for little ones to swim in and try to spot tiny fish.
If you have a rental car, Esterillos Oeste is a great option to rent a place. This way, you can head into Jacó, or south to Quepos whenever you feel. You’ll be able to relax on a tranquil beach for most of your trip.
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FAQ For Visiting Jaco
1. Where is Jaco located?
Jaco is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, approximately 55 miles southwest of San Jose, in the Puntarenas province.
2. What is there to do on Jaco’s main strip?
Jaco’s main strip offers a variety of local and international restaurants, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring Costa Rican culture and cuisine.
3. Where should I stay in Jaco?
Options range from cozy beachfront spots to family-friendly rentals and boutique hotels, especially around the southern stretch of Jaco Beach, which is ideal for a laid-back experience.4. What surfing opportunities are available in Jaco?
The south end of Jaco Beach is perfect for beginners with its mellow waves, making it an excellent spot for taking surfing lessons and practicing.5. What can I see at the Crocodile Bridge?
Just a short drive from Jaco, the Crocodile Bridge spans the Tarcoles River, where you can safely view large crocodiles sunbathing along the riverbanks.6. What is the El Miro hike?
The El Miro hike in Jaco offers a well-marked trail suitable for all skill levels, featuring potential sightings of monkeys and toucans and ending at an abandoned house with panoramic views of Jaco Beach.7. What is special about Esterillos Oeste?
Esterillos Oeste is a laid-back beach town near Jaco, known for its relaxed vibes and the iconic mermaid sculpture on the shoreline, making it a great spot for a peaceful escape.
