Experience Legendary Nightlife in Jaco, Costa Rica!
When you hear about party towns in Costa Rica, you're likely hearing about Jaco. Jaco is popular with locals and tourists alike because of its expansive nightlife scene.
Just about every type of restaurant, bar, club, and music you could be into will be found somewhere in Jaco, known as the “touristy party town” of Costa Rica.
Jaco doesn't have the most beautiful beach, but it's palm-fringed and has a stunning jungle backdrop perfect for those Instagram moments.
In Jaco, there's no end to the nightlife; restaurants and bars line the main street and the side roads to the beach, competing for space and customers. The service industry is well developed, and you’ll find waiters and hostesses to be friendly and polite. Souvenir shops and artists selling their crafts on the street are everywhere, as are surf shops.
Jaco beach is an excellent place for learning to surf. The shallow slope of the bay and the direction it faces offer more mellow waves than some of the surrounding surf spots.
If you already know your way around a board, you can go to more advanced surf spots nearby. Hermosa and the beaches of Esterillos are not far away.
Is Jaco a Party Town?
The town is popular with ex-pats, fishing groups, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. There are groups of students and party-goers seeking a spring-break-like experience throughout the year. While it’s not exactly Vegas, what happens in Jaco tends to stay in Jaco.
Families are welcome in Jaco and they'll find plenty to do during the day. That said, it's worth noting that Jaco deserves its reputation for its more nocturnal activities. You won’t want to be out after dinner time in Jaco with the kids.
But there's plenty to keep you busy at the best hotels and the nightlife shouldn't put you off Jaco as a vacation destination.
Jaco has excellent amenities, restaurants, and easy access to tours, national parks, and day trips. The roads around Jaco tend to be of decent quality, so getting around is easy.
What Are the Best Hotels on Jaco Beach?
Looking for the best hotel in Jaco Costa Rica? Our favorite Jaco beach hotels are Crocs and Club del Mar. Our other two hotels in the area, The Los Sueños Resort and Villa Caletas, are just outside Jaco, in Herradura.
Club del Mar
Club del Mar is a Jaco beachfront hotel. This budget-friendly hotel is an absolute favorite, featuring a spa, a restaurant, and beautiful gardens.
It’s in a quiet area at the southern end of Jaco Beach, a perfect location for families. There’s an on-site surf instructor for all ages and levels.
Club del Mar is under two hours from the San Jose international airport and a ten-minute walk from downtown Jaco, where the shops and restaurants are.
It's an easy walk or quick taxi ride to all the action, yet located in a much quieter neighborhood. With just ten rooms there’s plenty of personalized attention.
Many guests like to go fishing and bring their catch to the cook to prepare it on the spot. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!
Los Sueños Golf Resort and Marina
The Los Sueños Resort and Marina features rentals, a hotel, and resort amenities.
There are many accommodation types to choose from. Some families prefer connected rooms while some other guests like the adults-only section.
Regardless of your accommodations, you'll enjoy access to the whole of the resort and marina. Whether you crave a tropical cocktail at sunset, a quick bite between activities, or fine dining at its best, there’s no need to leave the property.
You can choose from many types of cuisine, including Mediterranean, Costa Rican, seafood and steak, and tacos. There’s a 24/7 coffee house and options for poolside dining.
Enjoy ceviche at Bar Ocho, grab-and-go pastries at Casa del Café, or a steak from 18 & Green, which overlooks the golf course.
There’s also the option of having a private chef come to you or ordering room service. Your concierge can take care of that and anything else you may need.
There are jacuzzis, barbecue areas, volleyball, tennis courts, a sauna, mini-golf, a solarium, jogging trails, a gym with complimentary fitness classes, and a world-class championship golf course.
Designed by Ted Robinson, the La Iguana Golf Course offers a challenging layout amid tropical beauty. The club provides equipment rentals and lessons, and there's a driving range and putting green.
The on-site marina is well known for its annual fishing tournaments. Boat tours leave from there daily. We’re talking sport fishing charters, sailboats, speedboats, and catamaran cruises.
Then there’s the two-acre beach club. It features a gorgeous man-made and well-maintained beach, sun loungers, palm umbrellas, and a pool with a swim-up bar.
The on-site spa provides a sense of balance in its treatments and services. As a result, guests leave entirely revitalized and rejuvenated. What could be better than the Los Sueños lifestyle?
Los Sueños is resort living at its finest. There are beautiful gardens, newly renovated pools, and glimpses of paradise all over. A stay there is a unique Costa Rican beachfront experience.
Villa Caletas
A little further on from Los Sueños is the high-end Villa Caletas.
Situated 1,150 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this luxury hotel features world-class luxury hotel and some of the most incredible views in the country. You will also have exclusive access to a private beach.
There’s plenty to do on-site, with a spa, three pools, nature trails, gallery, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
So there you have our favorite hotels in Jaco, Costa Rica, from the best beachfront boutique hotels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts and everything in between. If you would like more details, please send us an email or call, and we would be more than happy to help.
Jaco Beach FAQs
Is Jaco, Costa Rica worth it?
It's a fantastic place to stay, especially for those who like surfing, sport fishing, golf, and busy beach towns with lots of shops and restaurants.
What is Jaco, Costa Rica known for?
Jaco is known as the Las Vegas of Costa Rica. It’s a place where you find anything you’re looking for at night, and what happens there stays there.
How long should I stay in Jaco?
People like to stay once they get to Jaco. It’s not usually combined with other locations. You can easily spend the whole week there, as there’s so much to see and do, and it’s got a laid-back vibe.
You want to take your time, lounge on the different beaches and enjoy activities like surfing, sport fishing, golf, and zip lining.
Does Jaco have lovely beaches?
While Jaco beach itself is not the most beautiful, it's good for surfing and surf lessons. Both kid and pet-friendly, Jaco is a great place to enjoy the ocean and the great warm weather.
Plus, there are so many other beaches just minutes away that are stunningly beautiful.
Is it safe to swim at Jaco Beach?
Yes, it is safe to swim at Jaco Beach, though it can get choppy at times. Jaco is a popular destination for many surfers in Costa Rica, and both swimmers and surfers should be aware of the potential for large waves and hidden rip tides, which can be dangerous to those who are unprepared.
Is Jaco, Costa Rica expensive?
Jaco has average, medium, and high-end accommodation options, easily adjusting to most budgets. Given Jaco's popularity with tourists and its well-known nightlife scene, some restaurants or services might be more expensive than in other parts of the country.