Things To Do
Arenal Volano & La Fortuna
About a 2.5–3 hour drive from San José, La Fortuna is the charming town at the base of the Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural landmarks. It’s the perfect place to spend ~2 nights, combining adventure and relaxation in lush tropical surroundings. Activities: - Hike the 1968 Trail - Tabacón Hot Springs - La Fortuna Waterfall (go early to beat the crowds) - Horseback Riding: Look up Albertos Horses - Mistico Hanging Bridges Food and drinks: - Don Rufino - Anchio - La Forchetta - El Rancho en Amor Arenal - La Jaranita - Orgánico Fortuna
Nosara
Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s most beloved coastal towns, known for its surf culture, yoga retreats, and golden sunsets. It’s about a 5 hour drive from San José, or 2 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR) if you’re flying into Guanacaste. Alternatively, you can also take a short domestic flight (40min) from San Jose to the Nosara Airport, followed by a 10–15 minute drive to most hotels and beaches. Activities: - Best beach days at Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, San Juanillo, Playa Barrigona - Surf lessons at Playa Guiones - Yoga (Bodhi Tree) - Boat tour to Playa Rosada - Mat Pilates (Aleo Studio) Food and drinks: - La Luna - Coyol (great for sunset, requires reservation) - Perozah - Huacas Cantina - Catedral - Destiny (breakfast) - Sendero
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of Costa Rica’s most popular and easily accessible destinations, Manuel Antonio is just a 2.5–3 hour drive from San José. Known for its lush rainforest, white-sand beaches, and countless monkey sightings, it’s a favorite spot for adventure and relaxation alike. Activities: - Playa Biesanz - Manuel Antonio National Park - Parasailing on Playa Espadilla - Nauyaca Waterfalls (1hr drive) Food and drinks: - Marina Pez Vela, Z Gastro Bar - Emilio’s Café - El Avión - Arenas del Mar - La Luna (Gaia Hotel) - Ronny’s Place (great sunset views) - Makanda by the Sea
Monteverde
About a 2.5–3.5 hour drive from San José, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most magical destinations, famous for its misty cloud forests, hanging bridges, and rich biodiversity. It’s the perfect place to spend 2 nights, combining adventure, nature, and cozy mountain charm. Activities: - El Tigre Waterfalls (a must w/ multiple waterfalls, hanging bridges, and ziplining) - Selvatura Park - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Coffee or Chocolate Tours Food and drinks: - Hotel Belmar Restaurant & Brewery - San Lucas Tree Top Dining Experience ($$$) - Restaurante El Sapo (Hotel Senda) - Tramonti
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a laid-back surf town known for its bohemian charm. It’s a bit farther out, about a 6 hour drive from San José, so we recommend staying at least 3–4 nights to truly relax and enjoy it. For the most scenic and efficient trip, take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, the journey itself is part of the adventure. Alternatively, you can take a short domestic flight (40 min) from San José to Cobano Airport, which is 20min from the beach. Activities: - Surfing lessons at Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa or Playa Hermosa - Yoga Classes: sunrise or sunset yoga sessions at beachside studios like Pranamar or Nantipa - Montezuma Waterfall - Banana Beach or Blue Mist Beach Club - ATV Rides on the Beach - Florblanca Beach Food and drinks: - Katana - Somos Café - Manzú - El Carmen - The Bakery - Casa de Mar - Amicci - Pronto - Satori
San José
While the prettiest spots in Costa Rica are found outside the capital, we still have a few favorites to enjoy in and around San José. If you have a free day, here are a few great day-trip options from the city. All within 1 hour drive: - Volcán Poás - Hacienda Alsacia (Starbucks Coffee Farm) - Sarapiquà River Rafting - Volcán Irazú - The Retreat - Sala de Despecho Food: - Lofe (Italian, Rohrmoser) - El Novillo Alegre (Costa Rican, Escazú) - Sikwa (Upscale Costa Rican) - Isolina (Latin, Barrio Escalante) - Doma (Artesanal, Barrio Escalante) - Filippo (Pizza, Escazú) - Facci (Pizza, Escazú) - Insurgentes (Mexican, Escazú) - Silvestre (Upscale Costa Rican, Barrio Escalante) - Tres Perros (Mixed, Rohrmoser) - Jaguar Negro (Mexican, Escazú) - Bacchus (Italian, Santa Ana) - Shibuya (Nikkei, Santa Ana) Drinks: - Otro Bar (Barrio Escalante) - Cothnejo Fishy (Barrio Escalante) - Caffe Negroni (Escazú)