People having fun at La Paz Park, San Jose
Big trees in La Sabana Park |
La Paz barbecue ranchs, San Jose |
The capital city of San Jose has a handful of different parks, but the two main hang-outs are La Sabana Metropolitan Park and Parque de la Paz Metropolitan Park. La Sabana Metropolitan Park is recognized as the "lungs of San Jose" by Costa Ricans, and the second, Parque de la Paz Metropolitan Park, offers a welcoming expanse of green space and city views.
Many Ticos and visitors alike flock to these parks for picnics, sports and other recreational activities. La Sabana and Parque del la Paz are perfect hang outs on the weekends, whether you're looking to kick around the soccer ball or enjoy a relaxing bite to eat.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park
Nestled in downtown San Jose, La Sabana claims the title as the biggest and most important urban park in the country, and more than 150,000 people visit the park each month! In 2001, it was even declared a National Architectural Heritage. The park is roughly 72 hectares and sits right next to the city's core districts. It encompasses prominent buildings - the national stadium and art museum - and features plenty of green space, a lake, running and skating tracks, several sports fields and a shooting range.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
La Sabana traces back to the end of the 18th century, when the parish priest of San Jose Manuel Antonio Chapui donated numerous plots of land in the Mata Redonda District to benefit Costa Ricans. Less than 50 years later, Costa Rica's first president, Juan Mora Fernandez, dedicated himself to preserving the green space's legacy. However, after its beloved vegetation grew for many years through the help of citizen-led planting campaigns, the government decided to build the country's first international important in its stead in 1930. For 44 years Sabana Airport operated until Juan Santamaria International Airport opened 17 kilometers away from the park.
The lungs of the city were once again filled with planted trees, shrubs, and grass. Ticos agree that La Sabana feeds oxygen into the heart of the city! La Sabana was inaugurated by the President of the Republic Daniel Oduber in 1977.
Today, the park stands a cultural and social meeting grounds, a rich part of Costa Rica's urban heritage.
Parque de la Paz Metropolitan Park
In Spanish, Parque de la Paz means "Peace Park" and that's exactly what it feels like when you're here. With gorgeous views of the city and rolling hills beyond, the park packs a whole bunch of spots to relax, enjoy the sunny day or or race around in the velodrome. It's located in the southern part of the city in Desamparados, and was created during the first presidency of Oscar Arias and Guido Saenz, who was the Minister of Culture and the same man responsible for Plaza de Cultura, the Art Museum and the refurbishment of the Theatro Melico Salazar. Originally, the lands were coffee plantations.
Like La Sabana, Parque de la Paz is a great place to bask in the outdoors. On the weekends, you'll find families picnicking and kids flying kites out in the sun. The park attracts some 50,000 visitors annually.
Things to do Nearby
Before you set out for a stroll in the park, swing by a POPS ice cream chain restaurant, only a few blocks from La Sabana. It serves up delicious ice cream cones - the cookies-and-cream is a winner. If you're more in the mood for a meal, check out Cafe Mundo, the Corner Pizzeria and Cafeteria or just wander east of the La Sabana to stumble on a variety of tasty restaurants.
People love to hang out and play a handful of fun activities in La Sabana and Parque de la Paz. Even before we had scientific data to prove it, Costa Ricans knew that being around green space brightens your day!
Beautiful tree seen from below in La Sabana
La Paz Park playground area
Kids enjoying La Sabana Park in San Jose
