San José Vacations

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Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San José
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La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or Casa Amarilla.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A cityscape with a prominent bridge, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

La Sabana

2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and a mountain in the background.

Hospital

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A historic building with arched windows and a balcony, surrounded by well-maintained hedges.

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Casa Amarilla and Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

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Things to do in San José

Shopping

For a great shopping experience in San José, visit Multiplaza Mall Escazu for a mix of entertainment and family vibes. Explore the Mercado Central for local goods and a bustling atmosphere. The Walk of Flowers Mall offers a vibrant city feel with various shopping options for everyone.

Recreation

The National Stadium of Costa Rica offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for a fun day out. The National Theater enchants visitors with its romantic ambiance and cultural performances. For tranquility, visit Las Cataratas de Los Chorros, where you can unwind amidst beautiful waterfalls and nature.

Adventure

At Cariari Bowling Center, enjoy a fun-filled bowling experience with friends and family. For thrill-seekers, Tropical Bungee offers an exhilarating bungee jumping experience that will get your adrenaline pumping. If you crave excitement, Colinas del Poas features a zipline ropes course set in beautiful outdoor surroundings.

Nightlife

In San José, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife at venues like Barrio Escalante, known for craft cocktails and trendy bars, or La California, where live music and dance clubs thrive. Don't miss the lively atmosphere at local casinos and late-night eateries that keep the energy high into the early hours.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in San José

San José offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, making it an ideal vacation spot. Explore urban parks, farms, and modern colleges that showcase the city's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or breathtaking scenery, San José has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the local attractions and experiences that showcase the unique charm of Costa Rica.

  • Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu: Experience breathtaking scenery as you explore this national park, home to Costa Rica's highest volcano. Enjoy outdoor adventures, from hiking trails to stunning panoramic views of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on clear days.
  • University of Costa Rica: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city vibes of this modern university, known for its beautiful campus and rich academic atmosphere. Stroll through its gardens and enjoy the lively energy of students and faculty.
  • Museum of Costa Rican Art: Discover the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica at this art museum, featuring a diverse collection of local and international artworks. Experience the artistic spirit of the nation through rotating exhibits and engaging events.

Best time to go to San José

The best time to visit San José is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March67.8°F (19.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May68.7°F (20.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
June68.0°F (20.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July67.3°F (19.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November65.5°F (18.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to San José

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to San José.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically May and September to October) for more affordable package holidays to San José.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

San José Hotel Deals

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Radial Francisco J. Orlich Rio Segundo Alajuela
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
¥14,795
¥16,718 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

Autopista Grl. Canas, Cruce San Antonio La Asunción
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
¥15,785
¥17,837 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Pan American Highway La Asunción Heredia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
¥17,239
¥19,480 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose
See all 1,363 properties in San José
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular San José attractions

A cityscape with a stadium, residential areas, and mountains in the background.

Sabana Park

8.8/10 (1,549 reviews)
This urban oasis serves as San José's green lungs with tree-lined paths and an artificial lake. Explore the Costa Rican Art Museum within the park or join locals for weekend sports on the expansive fields.
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A cityscape with a prominent stadium, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

8.8/10 (1,847 reviews)
Costa Rica's premier sporting venue sits majestically in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Experience the nation's passion for football during a match or enjoy concerts in this modern 2011 stadium.
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An aerial view of a complex highway interchange with multiple ramps and junctions.
Photo by Garrett Britton

Parque Viva

8.0/10 (6 reviews)
Parque Viva combines a world-class amphitheater, convention center, and racetrack in one versatile complex. Experience premier concerts with excellent acoustics or exciting motorsport events in this Central American hub.
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A public square with a fountain, steps, and modern buildings in the background.

Central Park

8.8/10 (1,177 reviews)
San José's Parque Central offers a historic plaza experience with its iconic 1944 concrete-arched bandstand. Relax under palm trees while exploring nearby cultural landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral.
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Multiplaza Mall Escazu

9.0/10 (1,325 reviews)
Costa Rica's largest and most luxurious shopping center offers international brands in a modern setting. Enjoy upscale dining options and catch the latest films at the state-of-the-art movie theater.
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Avenida Escazú Shopping Center

9.2/10 (410 reviews)
Avenida Escazú combines upscale shopping with green spaces in a modern lifestyle center. Stroll through pedestrian walkways adorned with art installations while exploring high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
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Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu

9.0/10 (222 reviews)
Explore Costa Rica's highest active volcano featuring a vivid green crater lake. Stroll brief trails to scenic overlooks where, on clear mornings, both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are visible.
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Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center

9.0/10 (178 reviews)
Terrazas Lindora blends creative architecture with upscale shopping in an elegant open-air setting. Enjoy Costa Rica's only fully VIP cinema experience after browsing international brands and local boutiques.
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What to do in San José

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

¥4,748
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

¥10,087
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

¥21,547
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ
See all activities in San José

Frequently asked questions

How much does a San José vacation package cost?
You can snap up a vacation package to this top destination on Expedia. But how much your vacation to San José costs will depend on the season, length of stay and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to San José?
If you're looking to score a cheap San José vacation package, consider planning a trip in September, October and November. You'll usually find lower rates on flights and hotels during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for San José?
San José vacations come in many shapes and sizes, but to really get a feel for this destination, we think 2 days is about right. This will mean you can fit in top attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Melico Salazar Theatre along with underrated gems. Don't forget to explore neighborhoods such as Carmen and San Rafael either. If you're smart with your time, you can even schedule a day trip or two from San José too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to San José?
During your San José vacation, you can look forward to experiencing some excellent history and dining. Leave enough time in your itinerary to check out major attractions like Sabana Park and San Pedro Mall.
How to find the best San José package deals?
Finding a cheap San José package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can personalize your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveler experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most pocket-friendly San José package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a San José vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you considerable savings when compared to booking accommodations and flights separately. Better still, you can tailor your San José trip to fit your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to San José?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment San José trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can find amazing deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to San José?
  1. Choose when to go: Check your schedule and pack your bags. Your favorite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to San José.
  2. Set a budget: Factor in expenses like transportation, flights and meals when working out how much to set aside for your trip to San José. Then, select a property that matches your budget, whether that's an economical option or a high-end getaway.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about San José, you can figure out the ideal length of your vacation. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a tailored San José vacation package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.