Originally Posted by Varius

It would be in Jaco, as it's not too far from the city/airport and has a nightlife (as well as for other reasons). It's more of a surfer beach and is also minutes from Playa Hermosa (a famous surfing beach) and 30-45 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park (which has a beautiful white sand beach, monkeys, snakes, birds and whatever else you might be seeking).

It's also well located for cruises to some of the nearby Islands.