Best things to do in San José with kids
Welcome to San José
Chances are San José wasn't the top destination on your list when you started planning your Costa Rica trip, but give this city a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised. It's true that Chepe – as San José is affectionately known – doesn't make a great first impression, with its unremarkable concrete structures and honking traffic, but it's well worth digging deeper to discover the city's charms.
Highlights in San José
Experience San José
Day tours
Lonely Planet Experience
Lonely Planet Experiences Private San Jose Tour: Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
Starting at$90
Book NowDay Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Starting at$141
Book NowDay Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Starting at$156
Book NowCruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Sarapiqui River Cruise and Zipline Canopy Tour from San Jose
Starting at$99
Book NowMulti-day adventures
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
- Park Café in San JoséEuropean
- Cocina Eclectica in San JoséInternational
- Maxi's By Ricky in San JoséCaribbean
- Olio in San JoséMediterranean
- Café de los Deseos in San JoséCafe
- La Esquina de Buenos Aires in San JoséArgentine
- alTapas Bar in San JoséTapas
- Bò in San JoséCatalan
- Al Mercat in San JoséGastronomy
- Saúl Bistro in San JoséMediterranean
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $24.99
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San José activities
$80Food & Drink
San Jose Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
Unmask the beauty of contemporary Costa...
Food & Drink
$90Food & Drink
Lonely Planet Experiences Private San Jose Tour: Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
Unmask the...
Food & Drink
$114Day Trips & Excursions
Costa Rica Day Trip from San Jose
Take advantage of your time in Costa Rica on this exciting full-day...
Day Trips & Excursions
$141Day Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Experience Costa Rica’s...
Day Trips & Excursions
$156Day Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Don’t miss out on one of...
Day Trips & Excursions
$99Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Sarapiqui River Cruise and Zipline Canopy Tour from San Jose
Admire scenic views as you...
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours