We have taken our family several times to Jaco and love the area. We have put a few of our favorite places to visit and eat. Just click the company name or links that are bolded to learn more.
Jaco is central to it all, featuring fishing, surfing, golfing, beautiful beaches, and countless tours and activities. You can take an ATV trip through the jungle and explore the hidden waterfalls scattered throughout the region or zip line over the rainforest canopy for adrenaline coupled with the vibrant natural surroundings. It is easy to get to the States, just over one hour from San Jose. You don’t need a car because everything in town is accessible by bike and foot. Taxis are readily available, usually about $2 to get anywhere from your condo.
Activities in and around Jaco:
On your way from San Jose Airport to Jaco, stop at Puente del Rio Tarcoles, where you can walk across a bridge on a busy road to check out 20-30 live crocodiles. It’s free, but you will be pressured to buy some novelties!
For activities, you can set up with all kinds of different trips and adventures. (Trip Advisor)
A great day trip is to Rainmaker Park. A private nature park 45 minutes from Jaco. Check out the post of our visit here.
If you want to do any zip lining, we have gone here. It is close to Los Suenos & Jaco.
If crocodiles and birds are what you want to see, then you have to visit Jose’s Crocodile Tour. Check out our post from our visit here.
It is a great beach if you can make it to Playa Hermosa—there is a lot of surfing there and a few good restaurants.
We have also visited the National Park, Manual Antonio. It’s awesome and worth going. Just be sure to check out their website for hours of operation. Some days, they don’t open 🤪.
Los Sueños has a golf course, fishing, and great restaurants with a view.
We have rented our ATVs at AXR in downtown Jaco and headed out to the jungle—a great way to spend a day.
For the best surf lessons, you must use the Surfer Factory. Check out videos of our girls surfing during their lessons with Ohana and Surfer Factory.
Croc’s Casino is a great place to stay, eat and visit. Check them out.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Jaco are:
You must visit the Jaco Walk Shopping Center for the most selections and a fun environment. It is the home of 10+ restaurants and several retail stores.
Hotel Villa Caletas is great for having dinner and drinks while viewing a breathtaking sunset. About 10 minutes from Jaco. On their site, check out the amphitheater pics.
My favorite place to grab a good cup of coffee is at Bohio Coffee Roasters. Be sure to pick up some locally roasted beans for your trip home.
Are you looking for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast? Hands down, the best is Soda Jaco Rustico. It’s cheap and delicious.
Want good, wood-fired pizza? Be sure to visit the Pizza Bar or Pizza Pata.
Want homemade Craft Beer, Gourmet Pub Fare, or creative Garden Cocktails? Be sure to check out PuddleFish.
Clarita’s Beach Bar – This is where we go for breakfast. Right on the ocean.
Pachi’s Pan – Great dessert and pastry place
Lemon Zest Restaurant – Great place for dinner
Tsunami Sushi – Great sushi
Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar – Good dinner place
Amancio’s Pizza Pasta & Drinks – Great pasta and pizza
The GreenRoom is a good breakfast and lunch venue
There is also a good grocery store called Mas X Menos on the main street.
Croc’s Casino is a great place to eat.
Places to stay:
Bahia Azul. This is where we typically stay, and it is in a great location to Jaco
Croc’s Casino is a great place to stay. Check them out.
Diamante Del Sol is another, nice centrally located condo complex
