Top 10 Things to Do in and Near San Jose, Costa Rica
Updated: Mar 24, 2021
San Jose, Costa Rica is a great way to start your adventure in Costa Rica as the cultural and commercial center of Costa Rica.
Whether you dream of culture, history, foodie experiences, and nature, there is plenty for you to do in and near San Jose, Costa Rica.
For my first visit to Costa Rica in 2016, I visited Playa Del Cocos near Liberia for our transformational retreat. I knew I would be back to explore more of the beautiful country like San Jose, Costa Rica!
I continue to be in awe that I spent almost three months in Costa Rica in 2021! I spent my first month at Dragonfly Hideaway in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. I spent three weeks at Casa Balbi in Monteverde, Costa Rica. I spent about 2 weeks in and near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I finished my almost three months in and near San Jose, Costa Rica so I thought I would put together a Top 10 List too!
My Top 10 Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica, includes city walks, museum visits, nature experiences, and foodie favorites!
Pura Vida!
Shot at Hacienda La Chimba near San Jose, Costa Rica in Santa Ana.
Escazu near San Jose, Costa Rica Stays & Transportation
I arrived in Escazu, Costa Rica on March 2, 2021 with a stay booked at my Airbnb with Emilia until March 22, 2021.
While most travelers and tourists spend a few days in and near San Jose, Costa Rica, I am taking a slower pace as a digital nomad and global traveler. I decided when I left Atlanta, GA the end of 2020, I wanted a slower pace of travel for safety and sanity.
All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 12 Mini.
For transportation, I arrived here via taxi from near Manuel Antonio for ~$75. During my approximately three week stay, I spent approximately $110 in transportation with Ubers in and around the city. My weekly average being about $40.
In addition, I typically love to stay grounded 2-4 days, and then go for an adventure. Depending on your lifestyle, this may/may not be the best place for you to stay, I would recommend you align your adventures to minimize transportation costs.
If you are more than happy staying home many days or exploring nearby on the property, I don't think having a rental here makes sense if you stay a week to a month at all. If you compare what I invested in transportation for 3 weeks, a rental would definitely cost you more for the same time frame.
If you are coming in and near San Jose, Costa Rica for a short stay, I recommend you check out my One Day in Escazu and One Day in San Jose, Costa Rica guides as well!
Top 10 in and near San Jose, Costa Rica
You will find culture, history, nature, and foodie favorites, and adventures including city walks, cultural and colonial experiences like Hacienda La Chimba, and foodie favorites like Eclectic Kitchen.
I am sharing what I experienced, and what logistically makes sense for what is close by. This is something I keep in mind always to save time and money whether you are traveling with a car and paying for gas, or with taxi's/Uber's like I am.
In putting together the Top 10 in and near San Jose, Costa Rica, I considered how I would experience the place knowing what I know now, and to make it easy and efficient!
1 San Jose, Costa Rica Walking Tour: Bites and Sights
I learned about the San Jose, Costa Rica Walking Tour through Airbnb Experiences. Erick is relatable, engaging, and has incredible insight on Costa Rica.
You will experience more in three hours than you would in three days! From incredible bites like seafood, empanadas, and coffee to sights like National Theater, Church, and monuments, you will love it.
You may easily find it via Airbnb experiences in San Jose, Costa Rica, as well as in my One Day in San Jose, Costa Rica guide.
Whether you spend one day in San Jose, Costa Rica or longer, this is a MUST!
2 Eclectic Kitchen
Who doesn't love incredible food experiences? I know I do especially when it is an experience and healthy. Eclectic Kitchen combines the mystery of food by surprising you with dishes tapas style until you say stop in a beautiful home and garden at an incredible price.