Nightlife in Santa Teresa
Jacó has the most active nightlife on Costa Rica's entire Pacific coast: a concentration of beach bars, live music venues, clubs, and late-night spots that draws both international travelers and weekend crowds from San José. This isn't refined cocktail culture; it's tropical party-town energy with reggaeton, surf-rock cover bands, beachfront bonfires, and the kind of late-night chaos that happens when you mix surf culture, tourism, and proximity to the capital. Peak season (December-April) sees the most energy, but Jacó keeps things running year-round.
Best Season
Year-round (busiest Dec-Apr)
Activity Type
Nightlife in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa's nightlife is exactly what you'd expect from a surf town: low-key, social, and built around the beach rather than clubs. Evenings start with sunset gatherings on the sand at Playa Carmen, then migrate to beachside bars with live music, acoustic sets, and craft cocktails. The scene runs through a handful of well-loved bars and restaurants that keep things going until midnight or 1am on busy nights, with occasional bonfire and DJ events on the beach during peak season. It's not Jacó. There are no late-night clubs, no bachelor-party chaos. Santa Teresa nightlife attracts people who want good conversation, cold beer, live music, and a natural end time when the stars are out.
Insider Tips
Local knowledge to make the most of your experience
Stick to the main strip (Avenida Pastor Díaz) and beachfront areas at night. Side streets and the southern end of town get sketchy after dark; don't walk around with valuables or wander drunk alone.
Taxis and Ubers are abundant and cheap ($3-5 for most rides within Jacó). Don't drive after drinking; DUI enforcement is strict, and Costa Rican jail is not where you want to spend your vacation.
Cover charges at clubs are typically $5-10 and often include a drink. Drink prices are tourist-level ($6-8 for cocktails, $3-4 for beer) but not egregious compared to U.S. beach towns.
Guides & Articles
In-depth articles to help you plan your nightlife experience
Nightlife Beyond Jacó: Los Sueños & Herradura Evening Scene
Discover the sophisticated evening scene in Los Sueños and Herradura — from marina sunset bars to casino nights, upscale dining, and romantic waterfro...
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Jacó Nightlife Guide: Where to Drink, Dance, and Explore After Dark
Guide to Jacó nightlife, the best bars, clubs, beach spots, safety tips, and insider advice for Costa Rica's Pacific party town....
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Santa Teresa Surf Guide: Breaks, Seasons & Everything You Need to Know
Surfing Santa Teresa: every break from Playa Carmen to Mal País, seasonal conditions, board rentals, and lesson costs....
Read Guide → Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at night in Jacó Costa Rica? +
Is Jacó Costa Rica safe at night? +
What nights are best for going out in Jacó? +
How much do drinks cost in Jacó nightlife? +
What is the legal drinking age in Costa Rica? +
Is there nightlife in Los Sueños or Herradura? +
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