Things To Do in Costa Rica
San José and Surroundings
For your stay in San José, we recommend the Hyatt, where we have a room block (Please see the “Hotel” section). Staying here ensures you remain close to all wedding events and can enjoy the amenities without additional travel. We will offer transportation from this hotel to and back from wedding events. For the days before or after the wedding weekend, the Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén is an excellent choice; it is Scott’s favorite for its elegant hacienda style and proximity to the airport. However, we recommend not staying at the Marriott the day before or day of the wedding, as it is a long drive from the festivities and we will not offer transportation to wedding events from there. Beyond accommodations, San José offers a wide variety of experiences—from restaurants and lively bars to shopping. For coffee lovers, we recommend a guided tour at Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks’ first and only company-operated coffee farm, where you will learn about the coffee making process.
Flamingo Beach
This beach is ideal if you’re looking to unwind by the sea, with calm waters and a selection of relaxing hotels throughout the town. From here, you can easily explore several beautiful nearby beaches, or take a short drive to Las Catalinas, a charming, walkable town known for its boutique shops, restaurants, and scenic coastal paths.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation, with highlights including hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall, soaking in hot springs such as Baldi Hot Springs, enjoying a spa day, walking across hanging bridges at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, taking part in adventure activities like zip-lining, canyoning, and horseback riding, and visiting sloth-watching trails to see these cute animals in their natural habitat.
Jaco Beach
Looking for adventure? Jacó offers an exciting mix of tours and activities—from zip-lining through the jungle at “Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park”, ATV rides, surfing, and horseback riding to world-class fishing. You can also enjoy a round of golf at Los Sueños Marina, or just unwind with a nice dinner there.
Manuel Antonio
Want to see Costa Rican monkeys up close (and maybe trying to steal your food)? Dream of spotting Allison’s favorite animals—the sloths? Then a visit to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is a must. After exploring the park’s trails and stunning beaches, enjoy a delicious meal with great ocean views at Bar y Restaurante El Avión. Manuel Antonio makes for a perfect day trip if you’re staying in Jacó Beach as it is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away.