La Sabana Park
Avenida de Las Américas, San Jose, Central Valley, 10101
Tree-shaded walking paths, sports fields, and family-friendly fun draw San José locals to the 178-acre (72-hectare) La Sabana Park, the city’s biggest urban green space. It’s a great place to get outdoors, with opportunities to enjoy a public pool, a skating rink, and children’s play areas—there’s even an onsite ice cream parlor.
The basics
La Sabana Park serves as a hub for active residents of San José, and it’s an included stop on many tours of the city’s highlights. On the park’s eastern edge is the Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense), a former airport now home to the country’s finest collection of works by national artists. Soccer games and concerts bring crowds to the National Stadium of Costa Rica at the park’s western edge.
Things to know before you go
Many areas at La Sabana Park are wheelchair- and stroller accessible.
Bring a picnic, as there are ample picnic tables and park benches.
La Sabana Park is great for families with kids.
How to get there
La Sabana Park is west of downtown San Jose; the eastern entrance to the park is roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Plaza de la Cultura. Tours that stop at La Sabana Park generally include transport, but it’s also possible to reach the park on your own by taxi, bus, or on foot. Public parking is available near the Costa Rican Art Museum.
When to get there
There are no opening hours at La Sabana Park, though it’s best to come during the day. The paths bustle with locals and visitors during the day, but at night some travelers report feeling unsafe. If you’re attending a soccer game or event at the National Stadium of Costa Rica, consider returning home in a red or yellow official taxi.
What to do with kids in San Jose
Families will find lots to explore in Costa Rica’s capital city, from kid-friendly museums to wildlife sanctuaries. Near the western edge of La Sabana Park is La Salle Natural Sciences Museum, featuring taxidermy, fossils, and dinosaur bones; the Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños) houses hands-on exhibits in a castle-like building; in the suburb of Escazu is the colorful Butterfly Kingdom; and amusement park rides await at Parque Diversiones.
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