What to do in Jacó Beach

Perks of Jaco: the best place to start your Costa Rica Adventure

In preparation for photography class, I just downed a peanut butter and banana smoothie from Milk in town. This week I’ll be taking a break from surfing because I’ve got a sinus infection. What a shock this fun sport could give you such a bad pressure headache. It is what it is – life goes on. As an upside, I’ve been tagging along on photography class excursions to nearby locations like Orotina and a fishing village. Here are some of my pictures:

 

Jaco is a small surf town 1.5hrs away from San Jose with a population of approximately 10000. Laid back surfers, retirees, and local Ticos fill the small city. Whether you are looking for an adventure, a party, or a more relaxed style to your vacation – Jacó ticks all the boxes. 

If you are visiting Jaco, there are many things to do and places to eat in town. I spend most of my day at School of the World in my classes but I’ve captured my favourite places here.

Places to go:

Jaco Beach 

Jaco is a small town on the pacific coast close to San Jose that attracts surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers. At School of the World, we surf at Jaco Beach, which has been awarded a blue flag for its cleanliness. Enjoy some day trips (ATVing, crocodile tours, and ziplining are a few options) and explore the beach.

Playa Hermosa

Jaco has a neighboring beach, Playa Hermosa, that is only 10 minutes by taxi away. Saturday afternoons, beginning at 4pm, the Backyard Bar hosts the local surf competition. Come have fun watching the talented guys catch waves while drinking a beer and listening to our DJ spin everything from the 70s to today’s music.

Manuel Antonio Park

I’m headed to Manuel Antonio Park on Thursday to hang with Diana and her family so more to come the nearby national park – Manuel Antonio ! I’m hoping to see some monkeys and sloths. 

Love Shop

When my surfing friend came back from her surfing class with a beautiful handmade rash guard, I thought I need one! I headed to love shop and ordered a custom rash guard with their custom textile Palm tree print for $72 USD. 

Places to Eat: 

Fruiteria 

Fresh fruits and vegetables galore! They have awesome fresh juices and smoothies for only 1500 colones ($2.50 USD). My favourite one is with pineapple, spinach and ginger. 

Soda Garabito 

     
When in Costa Rica and you want to experience eating locally, you have to eat at a soda. I frequented Soda Garabito that has delicious local food including fried plantains, rice and beans, chicken and fish for 3000 colones ($5 USD) 

Milk

Smoothies, acai bowls, and sandwiches located right on the main drag. I ordered a filling peanut butter and banana smoothie that kept me energized my entire afternoon in the hot sun. 

Cafe Nameste

When I’m craving Indian, I head to Namaste. My favourite dish for lunch is the falafel wrap and for dinner the biryani. This small restaurant on Calle Bohío has fresh ingredients to create flavourful Indian dishes for every meal. 

Green Room

The owners of Green Room work with local organic farms to create creative fusion dishes. There is live music every night and craft beer on tap!