Things to do in San Rafael

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Garrett Britton
Photo by Garrett Britton
Photo by Garrett Britton
Photo by Garrett Britton
Photo by Ana Laura
Photo by Ana Laura

Most popular activities in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 153 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,104 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 43 activities
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Activity duration is 14 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥29,388 per adult
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and DinnerOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 38 activities
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥30,476 per adult
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot SpringOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 19 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,104 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 16 activities
San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,619 per adult
San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail ClassOpens in new tab

What to do in San Rafael

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

San Jose showing mountains and forests

Central Park

4/5(115 reviews)

You can find out about the history of San José with a visit to Central Park. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Central Park
Autódromo

Parque Viva

4/5(3 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Parque Viva during your trip to Guacima. Take in the festivals while you're in the area.

Parque Viva
National Theater

National Theater

4.5/5(313 reviews)

You can get tickets for a performance at National Theater during your trip to San José. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

National Theater
Costa Rican typical country side sandals

Mercado Central

4/5(104 reviews)

During your trip to San José, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mercado Central. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this vibrant area, or seek out the local tours.

Mercado Central
Coffee tour

Hacienda Alsacia

Enjoy an outing to Hacienda Alsacia during your stay in San Isidro.

Hacienda Alsacia
The latest war facility in Costa Rica, ironically where the army wa abolished in 1948. #sky #clouds

National Museum of Costa Rica

4.5/5(148 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at National Museum of Costa Rica in San José. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

National Museum of Costa Rica

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

4.5/5(287 reviews)

During your visit to San Rafael, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Multiplaza Mall Escazu. Amble around the area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

National Stadium of Costa Rica

4.5/5(268 reviews)

Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

Sabana Park

4/5(185 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Sabana Park, a lovely green space in San José. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its fascinating museums.

Sabana Park

Popular day trips from San Rafael

San José

San José

Photo by Sha

Escazu

Photo by Kenneth Paige

Santa Ana

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
Famous for its shopping and dining, discovering fun things to do in San Rafael is a breeze. Don't forget to add Refugio Animal de Costa Rica to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in San Rafael?
After you've visited top attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in San Rafael.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Rafael?
Spend the day at Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and experience why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near San Rafael.
Is three days enough to stay in San Rafael?
With a three-day trip to San Rafael, you'll easily be able to discover the area's many great attractions, such as Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle.
Is San Rafael a walkable neighborhood?
It all depends on what you want to do in and around San Rafael. Several key sights, such as Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle are accessible on foot. Up for a stroll through some other nearby neighborhoods? Uruca is 3 kilometers from San Rafael, while Mata Redonda is 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San Rafael with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in San Rafael with kids.

What to do in San Rafael for adults?
Multipark is one of the main things to do in San Rafael. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Rafael?
You won't have to search high and low for free things to do in San Rafael. Simply ask a local tour guide and they'll share tips for attractions and places you can enjoy at no charge. A good free option to check out is Sabana Park.