Dining

Gift shops, restaurants, and bars line Jacó's main street, Pastor Diaz Avenue. Culinary options range from fast food served up in chains such as Quiznos and KFC, to authentic Costa Rican cuisine offered in venues such as the family-run Restaurante Santimar (506.643.3605). For an inexpensive, filling meal, try the traditional casado, a set meal that comes with white rice, black beans, chicken or beef, and fried plantains. There's also plenty of straight-from-the-ocean seafood, including red snapper, mahi, and tuna.

Lodging

Accommodations run the gamut. At the north end of town, the upscale beachside Best Western Jacó (www.bestwesterncostarica.com; 506.643.1000) features spacious rooms with free wireless Internet, air-conditioning, and cable TV, with rooms starting at $120 a night. Further down the price scale is the well-regarded Cabinas La Cometa (506.643.3615), situated in the middle of town on the main street and offers clean rooms with showers and a ceiling fan, starting at around $25 a night. In between those price points are countless alternatives for every budget, and unless you are one of those people that must have everything booked in advance, it's easier to sort out lodging once you arrive. Just remember to always ask to see the room before handing over your credit card.

All prices in U.S. dollars