The area around Costa Rica's capital is rich with cultural history and natural wonder. To discover some key attractions in San Jose and beyond, read on.
This sprawling low-rise metropolitan area has close to one million residents and serves as the hub of Costa Rica. Although it may not be the most picturesque of this country's many lush and naturally beautiful destinations, it is nonetheless, the city that most visitors will fly into. Families will find there's a lot to do there, even if they've just got a night "on the way in" and "on the way out" of the country.
Getting into Town and Around
The international airport of San José is small but quite modern. As you leave the airport building you will find the taxi stands right out front. If renting a car you may have to look for your car rental company outside the airport building. In cases where the car rental company location is off-site, the car rental agent will come looking for you. The crowd can get very thick right outside the airport building and it may be difficult for the rental agent to find you immediately upon your arrival. Usually within ten minutes of arrival everybody gets connected.
The main highway into town has been rebuilt, consequently the ride to downtown take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes but there's always some new building or maintenance projects underway.
At first glance, San José does not appear to be your typical Central American city. It has no colonial districts and the North American fast food chain restaurants proliferate throughout the capital. With closer observation you begin to uncover the city's Costa Rican character.
Fast Facts
There are a number of very good restaurants, many of which serve typical "tico" (Costan Rican) food. The climate, like much of Costa Rica, is often spring-like, and the people, typical of Central America, are very friendly and helpful.
The center of town is laid out in a grid system with avenidas (avenues) running north and south and calles (streets) running east and west. Calle Central is the dividing point. Avenidas south of Calle Central are even numbered; those north are odd numbered. In similar fashion, calles west of Calle Central are even numbered; those east are odd numbered. Directions are given using this system as well as using local landmarks.
City Attractions
Most travelers use San José as a base to explore other more environment-focused regions throughout the country. If your itinerary permits some sightseeing time in San José, there are many excellent museums in the city. The three prominent ones are:
Museo de Jade (Moo say oh dey HAH Dey): This the most famous museum in Costa Rica and contains the world's largest collection of American jade. It is located on the ground floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros on Avenida 7 between Calles 9 and 11. (506/287-6034 or 506/223-5800 Ext. 2584).
Museo Nacional: The exhibit is a mixture of archeology, colonial and natural history, and art. Located on Calle 17, between Avenidas Central and 2, it is open daily except Monday. There is a small admission fee. (506/257-1433)
Museo de Oro Precolombino: As the name implies the museum displays pre-Columbian art, especially gold. It is located on Calle 5, between Avenidas Central and 2. Security is tight; you will be required to leave your bags at the door. There is a small admissions fee. For tickets call (506/243-4216) and for more information (506/243-4202).
Outside of San José
Heading northwest from San José there are a series of delightful small towns around San José and in the mountains. The highlands of Costa Rica are among the greenest places on earth, especially during or after the rainy season. Bring plenty of film on your drive. One such day trip would be Barva and Poás Volcano.
Another day trip could be Sarchí and Zarcero and possibly Alajuela. It is best to head to the furthermost point first, such as Poás or Zarcero, and then do your sightseeing on the way back. This gives you a better gauge on your time and you are less likely to find yourself driving down the mountains after dark, which you don't want to do. Decision points on mountain roads are not always marked. Ask directions if you are not sure. On our first trip to Costa Rica we ended up in Poás when we meant to go to Zarcero. But at least we knew which turnoff to take on the next day's excursion.
Barva: Just a few miles outside of San José, this entire town is considered to be a national historic monument. It is pleasant to spend an hour or two strolling around and enjoying the colonial buildings. Coffee plantation tours are available right outside of town.
Alajuela: About 10 miles outside of San José, this small town is famous for being the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica. Back in 1856, an audacious American named William Walker, marched through Nicaragua with the intent to conquer all of Central America, make the entire region a slave territory, and use the labor to build a canal across the isthmus. Costa Rica had no army at the time but a small militia was gathered up which forced the incoming Walker into a wood fort. Juan Santamaría, a teen-aged drummer in the militia, volunteered to torch the fort. Walker was forced to flee Costa Rica, but Santamaría died in the fire. The young national hero is commemorated by a museum and a park in the town of his birth.
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás: The park is about 20 miles north of Alajuela and offers a ranger station, visitor center, coffee shop, and snack bar. Poás is an active volcano and you are able to peer down into its crater, assuming the view is not obscured by volcanic steam clouds. Nearby are some short nature trails. There is some interesting flora to observe as well as numerous species of birds, especially hummingbirds. The park is open daily.
Sarchí: A little over halfway between San José and Zarcero, this little town is the major craft center of Costa Rica. The drive up here is lovely, it is interesting to observe the artisans at work, and it is a favorite place for shoppers. There is no pressure to buy and the prices are the best you will find anywhere. Here you can watch the famous wooden oxen carts (carretas) being carved and painted in bright colors. You can buy ox carts of any size and color from miniature souvenir carts to larger ones used as indoor tables, bars, and sideboards. The larger ones can be taken apart for transport. Also available for transport are the beautiful carved wooden and leather rocking chairs. The vendors will box any of these items for you and they can be checked with your luggage when you fly home. Costa Rica is famous for its carvings using the local natural woods. You will find beautiful wooden jewelry here as well as the unusual wooden carving boards, another popular gift item. If you plan on buying any bulky items, you can store them at your San José hotel until the end of your trip or plan your itinerary so that you shop in Sarchí on the last day.
Zarcero: This mountain town, located about 15 miles north of Sarchí, is famous for its cheeses, peach preserves and its huge garden of beautifully sculpted shrubs depicting birds and animals. The town sits at over 6000 feet so bring a sweater as it can be cool unless it is a sunny day.
Heading northeast and east of San José are several other attractions:
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo: Thanks to its various life zones, this park contains a tremendous array of plant and bird life. You can hop out of your car for a brief stop as you travel through each altitudinal zone or linger over a longer hike. One possibility is to hike Barva Volcano which takes about five hours round trip. The fabled elusive quetzal, Central America's "flagship" bird, resides here. We are told by our Costa Rican friends that once you have viewed a quetzal, you will fall in love with its beauty. Its feathers shimmer and change color as they catch the reflection of light.
Rain Forest Aerial Tram: This unique tram is an ecotourism and reserch facility of Central America. The tram is located on the San José-Limón Road, on the right, just as you exit Braulio Carrillo National Park. Each of the trams takes five passengers and a naturalist guide and glides silently through the rain forest canopy on a 90-minute roundtrip ride. The ride includes a pre-briefing and use of trails before and after the ride. The cost is expensive but worth it – about $50 per person with discounts available for students and children. (506/257-5961)
Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú: Located east of San José, Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. A paved road takes you to the summit at 11,300 feet, where you will find a small information center. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and lots of warm clothing. There is a great view at the top though it is often clouded over.
For more information on Costa Rica's destination visit www.govisitcostarica.com or call 858/581-9209.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.