Jacó.

As the closest major beach town to San José, Jacó is Costa Rica’s most accessible coastal playground. Its signature four-kilometer stretch of dark sand is famous for approachable, sand-bottom surf breaks that are ideal for beginners, while seasoned riders head just down the road to the powerful swells of Playa Hermosa. Unlike Costa Rica’s more remote, sleepier surf outposts, Jacó feels like a bustling pocket city. Its compact main drag runs right along the coast, packed with surf shops, lively bars, high-rise condos, and a diverse dining scene. It serves as a highly efficient base camp for adventure: within minutes, you can transition from the beach to ATV trails, zipline canopy tours, or birdwatching in the nearby Carara National Park. It is energetic, convenient, and incredibly easy to navigate.