Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

A little planning makes a visit to Parque Metropolitano La Sabana relaxing, not rushed. Buses head straight to the park from most downtown neighborhoods, with light traffic on weekend mornings. While there are no entry fees or tickets, popular times—Saturday fun runs or festival days—can fill the walkways quickly. The park welcomes all ages, but some trails get muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes come in handy, and open spaces offer gentle gradients for strollers and wheelchairs. With a flexible schedule, even a short visit can turn into a memorable mini-adventure.

• Best time to visit: Dry season (December–April) or early mornings for cooler temperatures
• How to get there: Local buses (route: Sabana), taxis, rideshares, or a fifteen-minute walk from downtown San José
• Accessibility: Suitable for families; most paved paths are wheelchair-friendly, but some grassed areas can be uneven
• Average visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, longer if attending events or exploring the art museum inside the park

Every corner of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana packs a surprise—some grand, others quietly enchanting. San José locals come here to unwind under the shade, practice free yoga at sunrise, and watch kite flyers color the sky on breezy afternoons. The former national airport turned centerpiece, the grand Museo de Arte Costarricense, hosts both contemporary and historical exhibits. The artificial lake sparkles with paddleboats on weekends. Joggers loop the tree-lined circuit, while football fields and tennis courts fill with eager athletes. Meanwhile, locals chat at picnic tables near the Japanese garden, their laughter competing gently with calling parakeets.

• Key sights or features: Museo de Arte Costarricense (art museum in the old airport terminal), serene artificial lake, Japanese-inspired garden, wide open lawns, sports fields and stadium
• Unique experiences: Renting a paddleboat, joining a sunrise yoga class, watching impromptu soccer matches, stumbling onto live music or weekend art fairs
• Photo-worthy locations: Stately palm-lined avenues, old airport facade, lake reflections at sunset
• Cultural or historical facts: La Sabana served as San José’s international airport until 1955. Many locals still call the old terminal "El Hangar." The park often hosts national celebrations and parades.