In this picture you can see a lady selling local souvenirs. She has her stand in front of the main public beach in Manuel Antonio. This area is very crowded during the high season.
During the low season, or "winter", as locals call it, the area is more solitary. The low season goes from september through November. During the low season you will find not much night action. The rest of the year, Manuel Antonio is crowded with American tourists.
On the road that goes from Manuel Antonio to Quepos you will find some hotels, restaurants, bars and night clubs. It is here that the party is.