The Pacific coast of Costa Rica has many great beach towns. But few areas give you as much variety in one small region as Jaco and Herradura. Just two hours from San Jose, this stretch of coast has world-class surfing and luxury marinas. You also get lively nightlife and quiet beach walks. You can surf in the morning, explore a fancy resort area in the afternoon, and party at night all in the same weekend.

This three-day trip guide shows you the best of what this area has to give. You’ll start with Jaco’s famous surf breaks and busy town center. Then you’ll head to the more upscale Herradura with its impressive Los Sueños marina. The trip ends back in Jaco for some of Costa Rica’s best nightlife and entertainment. Each day builds on the last, giving you a full taste of Pacific coast life.

Planning Your Pacific Coast Trip

The Jaco and Herradura area works well for different types of travelers because it’s easy to reach from San Jose. Unlike some beach spots that need internal flights or long drives on rough roads, this Pacific coast region connects to the capital via good highways. You’ll spend about 2 hours driving from the airport to your hotel. This makes it perfect for weekend trips or as your first stop on a longer Costa Rica adventure.

The region’s popularity means you have many ways to get around once you arrive. Having your own car gives you the most freedom to explore both towns and nearby attractions at your own pace. But even travelers without cars can enjoy both Jaco and Herradura using local buses, taxis, and organized tours.

When you arrive at the airport in San Jose, you’ll head towards the east coast. This trip is along well paved roads and will take about 2 hours.

Getting There from San Jose Airport

Rental cars provide the best way to explore this region fully. Popular local companies like Adobe Rent A Car and Vamos often give better rates and service than international chains. These Costa Rican companies know the local roads well. They provide helpful driving tips for the area. You can pick up your car right at Juan Santamaria Airport and be on the beach in under 3 hours.

The drive from San Jose airport follows well maintained highways for most of the trip. You’ll cross the famous Crocodile Bridge about halfway through. This is a popular stop where you can often spot crocodiles in the river below. The final hour takes you along Highway 34 south. You’ll see several scenic viewpoints and have the option to stop in Playa Herradura before continuing to Jaco.

If you prefer not to drive, direct buses run from San Jose to Jaco several times daily for about $8 per person. The trip takes around 3 hours and buses are comfortable with air conditioning. Many hotels also arrange airport transfers. These typically cost $80-120 for up to 4 people, which can be cheaper than taxis for groups.

Best Time to Visit Jaco and Herradura

Dry season from December through April brings the most reliable weather. But it also brings the highest prices and biggest crowds. During these months, you’ll get sunny days perfect for beach activities. You’ll also get clear conditions for drone photography and marina visits. However, hotel rates can double compared to green season. Popular restaurants often require reservations too.

Green season from May through November means afternoon rain showers. But it also means much lower prices and fewer tourists. Morning activities like surfing, beach walks, and sightseeing work perfectly even during rainy season. Storms typically arrive after 2 PM. The landscape will be more lush and green, with lots of wildlife to see.

For the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices, consider visiting during November or early December. You’ll catch the end of green season pricing while weather starts becoming more predictable. Plus, this timing puts you ahead of the holiday crowds but after the heaviest rains of October.

Day 1: Exploring Jaco Beach

Your first day in Jaco gives you a perfect introduction to this famous beach town. Start early at the south end of the beach where surfing conditions work best for beginners. This area has gentler waves and fewer rocks. It’s ideal for your first Costa Rican surf session or just relaxing on the sand.

After morning beach time, head into central Jaco to explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and local culture. The afternoon lets you walk through the main strip and grab lunch at a local restaurant. This schedule also helps you avoid the strongest midday sun while experiencing both sides of Jaco’s personality.

Morning at South Jaco: Surfing and Beach Time

Start your day early at the south end of Jaco Beach. The waves break more gently here than the powerful surf in the center of town. This area attracts surf schools and beginners because the conditions stay manageable throughout the day. Even if you don’t surf, this section of beach has the widest sandy areas and fewer rocks. It’s perfect for walking, swimming, or just lounging.

The south end also has several surf schools where you can rent boards or take lessons for about $50-75 per person. Jaco Surf School and other local operators set up right on the beach each morning. They bring beginner-friendly equipment. If surfing isn’t your thing, this area still gives you the classic Costa Rican beach experience. You’ll find palm trees, sand, and perfect spots for photos.

Bring water shoes for walking on the beach here. Some sections have rocky areas and small tide pools to explore. The morning hours before 10 AM work best. You get good waves, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here swimming, walking, and watching surfers before heading into town.

Afternoon in Central Jaco: Town Walk and Dining

Central Jaco comes alive in the afternoon as surfers finish their morning sessions. Families start exploring the town too. The main strip runs parallel to the beach and has most of the shops, restaurants, and services you’ll need. Walking from one end to the other takes about 20 minutes. This makes it easy to explore on foot.

For lunch, try one of the local “sodas” or the popular Pollolandia. You can get grilled chicken for about $4. Or splurge at Pizza Pata for what many consider the best pizza in the area. The town has everything from budget meals under $5 to upscale dining at $20+ per person. Most restaurants stay open all day. Arriving between 12-2 PM means you’ll beat the dinner rush.

The central area also has several supermarkets like Mas x Menos. You can stock up on snacks, drinks, and sunscreen at much better prices than beach vendors. Internet cafes, ATMs, and small shops line the main street. They sell everything from souvenirs to swimwear. This afternoon exploration helps you get your bearings for the next two days while staying out of the intense midday beach sun.

View from the drone of the downtown area of Jaco. This is where you’ll find most of the restaurants and nightlife.

Day 2: Herradura and Los Sueños Adventure

Day two takes you just five minutes down the coast to Playa Herradura and the impressive Los Sueños Resort area. This day shifts from Jaco’s party atmosphere to a more upscale beach experience. You’ll see one of Central America’s largest marinas and enjoy a calmer beach setting. It’s perfect for families or those wanting a break from Jaco’s energy.

The beauty of staying in this region is how close everything is to each other. You can drive from your Jaco hotel to Herradura in under 10 minutes. This makes it easy to experience both the laid back luxury of Los Sueños and return to Jaco for dinner and nightlife. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks since beach vendors are less common here than in Jaco.

Playa Herradura: Beach Day and Marina Views

Playa Herradura curves in a perfect horseshoe shape. This creates calmer waters than the open Pacific swells at Jaco. The beach stretches for nearly a kilometer with dark volcanic sand and plenty of space to spread out. Unlike Jaco’s busy beach scene, Herradura feels more relaxed with fewer vendors and a quieter atmosphere.

From the beach, you get great views of the Los Sueños marina and the mountains behind it. The northern end of the beach connects to the resort area. The southern end stays more natural. This variety lets you choose between a developed beach experience or a quieter natural setting depending on your mood.

Los Sueños Resort Area: What You Can Access for Free

Even if you’re not staying at the luxury Los Sueños Resort, you can still enjoy many of its impressive features for free. The marina area is open to the public and gives you a chance to see million-dollar yachts and sportfishing boats up close. Walking through the marina takes about 20 minutes and provides great photo opportunities.

The marina has several restaurants and bars where you can buy drinks or meals while enjoying the upscale atmosphere. Prices are higher than Jaco, but you’re paying for the setting and service. A beer might cost $5-6 instead of $2-3 in Jaco. But the views and ambiance make it worthwhile for a special lunch or afternoon drink.

You can also access some of the resort’s beaches and walking paths without paying resort fees. The area has been beautifully landscaped with tropical plants and maintained walkways. While you can’t use the resort pools or facilities, the public areas give you a taste of luxury Costa Rican resort life. The contrast between this polished environment and Jaco’s rough-around-the-edges charm shows you two very different sides of Costa Rican beach culture.

Day 3: Central Jaco and Nightlife

Your final day focuses on the heart of Jaco – the central beach area where most of the action happens. This part of town has the most surf schools, the busiest beach scene, and the liveliest atmosphere. During the day you’ll experience Jaco’s main beach culture. Then stick around for the evening to see why this town has Costa Rica’s most famous nightlife scene.

Central Jaco differs from the gentler south end you visited on day one. Here the waves are bigger, the beach is busier, and the energy is higher. This area attracts serious surfers and party-goers from around the world. Plan to spend your morning on the beach and your evening exploring the bars and restaurants that make Jaco famous after dark.

Popular bar in Jaco – The Orange Pub. The downtown sector has lots of options to choose from.

Central Jaco Beach: Surf Schools and Ocean Action

Central Jaco Beach stretches right in front of the main town area with direct ocean access and consistent waves year-round. Unlike other beaches with tide pools or rock formations, this is a straightforward sandy beach that drops into powerful Pacific swells. The waves here are bigger and more challenging than the south end. This makes it perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers.

You’ll find the highest concentration of surf schools along this stretch. Operations like Jaco Surf School, Tortuga Surf School, and several others set up every morning. Lessons typically cost $60-80 and include board rental and instruction. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the action from the beach provides great entertainment. The waves can get quite large, especially during high tide. This creates an impressive show of power.

The beach here is wide and sandy with no rocks or tide pools to explore. What you get instead is the classic Costa Rican surf beach experience. You get consistent waves, volcanic sand, and an energetic atmosphere. Beach vendors sell everything from cold drinks to grilled corn. You’ll often see pickup volleyball or soccer games happening on the sand. The straight beach-to-ocean setup makes it easy to walk along the shore. But be careful of the stronger waves if you decide to swim.

Jaco After Dark: Restaurants, Bars and Entertainment

Jaco’s nightlife scene is legendary throughout Costa Rica. Something happens every night of the week. The main strip comes alive after 8 PM with restaurants, bars, and clubs attracting both locals and tourists. Start your evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants. Try Pizza Pà for casual dining or upscale options for special occasions.

The bar scene centers around the main strip with venues like Orange Pub, Ecstasy, and Rolling Thunder Saloon providing different vibes. Most bars stay open until 2 AM or later. They have live music, DJ sets, and dancing throughout the week. Cover charges are usually minimal at $5-10. Drinks cost about $3-5 for beer or $6-8 for cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it easy to meet other travelers.

Jaco’s nightlife attracts a diverse crowd, from backpackers to luxury resort guests. This creates an interesting mix of people and energy levels. The town has developed a reputation as Costa Rica’s party capital. So expect things to get lively, especially on weekends. Many visitors end their Costa Rica trips in Jaco specifically for the nightlife scene. If you’re not into the party atmosphere, stick to the restaurant scene. It has plenty of great dining options in a more relaxed setting.

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