San Jose Parks

La Sabana Park
This park is a must see of San Jose. It was originally the city’s airport, but as the city grew, so did the need for a larger airport. Now the Costa Rican Art Museum is located in the airport terminal and the landing strip is home to the rest of the park. There are plenty of soccer fields, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts to please every active citizen. There are also loops of walking and running trails. And if you are brave at heart, there is a zip line. Don't feel like walking? No problem. You can rent a donkey or horse and get a ride around the park. This is a perfect place to spend a sunny day.

National Park
The National Park is located on the East side of San Jose in the center of some of the most important historic and governmental buildings in the country including the National Library. The large trees and a bronze ode to the Battle of Rivas provide shade and character to the park that is 200x100 meters. Lovers, politicians and college students can be found taking refuge in the shade of this majestic park, which resembles parks in cities with stronger colonial ties such as Buenos Aires.

Parque Espana is a small park filled with native tropical trees adjacent to the Parque Morazan. The petit park is strong on cultural arts and has played host to many an art festival and small concert. With the old Liquor Factory on one flank, now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, many artists and art fan alike can be found here working or searching for inspiration. At the northwest corner you can find a popular art venue called Ñ, where young artists sell their wares or perform for a small public.

Parque Morazan is a larger park just to the West of Parque Espana and its center piece is the large, pink Templo de Musica, which has played host to the National Orchestra, Political speeches and rock bands alike. Although the park becomes a meeting place for prostitutes and clients at night due to its proximity to the casino and night club scene, during the day it is alive with families and passersby. The Hotel del Rey, Sleep Inn and Aurola Holiday Inn all lay claim to its circumference.

• Inbio Park