Jacó is Costa Rica's most accessible Pacific beach town, about 100 kilometres southwest of San José on the central Pacific coast. The drive takes around 90 minutes, which makes it the default weekend escape for the capital and a popular first stop for international visitors who want sand without a long journey.
The beach itself is long, wide, and grey-black volcanic sand — it's a working surf beach more than a resort one. The waves can be strong and swimming requires caution, but consistent surf makes it a good spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The town behind the beach is lively and a bit rough around the edges: surf shops, sodas, bars, and tourist restaurants line the main drag.
Jacó is also a convenient base for the surrounding area. Crocodile-watching boat tours operate on the nearby Tárcoles River, where American crocodiles congregate in extraordinary numbers beneath the bridge. The rainforest of Carara National Park is just to the north. Further south, the calmer waters of Playa Hermosa (not to be confused with the Guanacaste beach of the same name) attract serious surfers for its powerful waves.