Parks of San Jose

San Jose's concrete jungle is accented by its diverse parks and distinguished green spaces. Some parks promise more vegetation than others, though all offer a place to rest and a bit of shade from the hot sun. In addition, most parks offer benches and seats for reading the newspaper, enjoying a book or simply enjoying the world around you.

Note: At night, some city parks may be dangerous or unsavory. Exercise caution at all times, and try to avoid walking alone at night.

Parque Central (Central Park)

Parque del Este (Eastern Park)

Located just one mile east of Sabanilla's El Cristo statue in eastern San Jose, this large park offers space for outdoor activities such as jogging, basketball, soccer, swimming, volleyball and camping. Miles of walking trails are the park's prize offering, and an urban canopy tour offers high-flying, adrenaline-filled fun for a very fair price.  

Braulio Carillo Park

Located adjacent to La Merced church, this small park contains the statue of former president Braulio Carillo, as well as a Gothic fountain. Palm trees and agaves surround the park. Buses to Alajuela originate from the park's southern edge, and the downtown San Juan de Dios hospital sits on the park's western side.

 Parque Espana (Spain Park)

Located adjacent to the Jade Museum and the impressive Escuela Metalica (Metallic School), this busy park is ideal for a quick rest. At sunset, birds descend on the park, creating a singing ruckus and food frenzy. Learn more about the Park of Spain

Parque Morazan (Morazan Park)

The Templo de Musica, regarded as the nation’s most acoustic structure, sits at the center of this small park. Be wary at night, as Morazan is also known as a home base for the city’s prostitutes.

Parque Nacional (National Park)

Lined with cobblestones and cool, concrete benches, the heart of this urban park is the National Monument. The large statue depicts the battle between Latin America and the invading Filibusters, who were driven out by the fierce Costa Rican underdogs.

Parque Metropolitanos La Sabana (La Sabana Park)

This sprawling park is home to soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a small lake, towering eucalyptus trees and many picnicking lovers. Be on the lookout for pickpockets at all times.

Cariari Country Club

The country club includes an 18-hole golf course. See Golfing

Amusement Parks:

Parque Nacional de Diversiones

Costa Rica’s only amusement park is located in La Uruca, one mile west of the Hospital Mexico. The 44.2 acre park offers over 80 different games and attractions, including heart-pounding amusement park rides and tamer arcade games. Young children are invited to take a ride on a real Costa Rican oxcart, glide through a replica of Tortuguero’s Canals, or try out the park's several rides geared toward their age group.

Children at heart will enjoy a travel back in time at Pueblo Antiguo, a small village adjacent to the amusement park. Authentic antique buildings surround the pueblo's central square, and historic replicas complete the experience. Back in the park, hop on the water slides, electric train, go-karts or miniature antique cars for a quiet day, or jump on the park's roller coaster, terrifying Cyclone or scenic freefall. All proceeds benefit the Costa Rican National Children's Hospital.