La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

The city's largest green space, a former airport turned sprawling park with lakes, trails and sports facilities. Visit to relax, jog or explore the Costa Rican Art Museum at its entrance.

Things to do

• Costa Rican Art Museum — Housed in the former airport terminal at the park's east entrance, this free museum showcases national painting and sculpture plus the golden Salón Dorado bas-relief.
• Jog or walk the loop trails — Tree-lined paved paths circle the park, making it San José's favorite spot for running, walking and cycling in the cool morning air.
• Relax by the lagoon — The central man-made lake is a calm place to sit, people-watch and spot ducks and turtles beneath the shade trees.
• National Stadium (Estadio Nacional) — The modern Chinese-built stadium at the park's northwest corner hosts football matches and concerts.
• Play or watch a pickup soccer game — Grassy fields and courts fill with locals playing fútbol, basketball and volleyball, especially on weekend afternoons.
• Sunday family picnic — Bring a blanket and join Costa Rican families who gather across the lawns to picnic, fly kites and let kids play.

Food to try

• Gallo pinto — Costa Rica's classic breakfast of rice and beans, often sold from morning food stalls and nearby sodas around the park.
• Casado — A hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and a choice of meat found at sodas along the park's edges.
• Pipa fría — Chilled fresh coconut water sipped straight from the green coconut, sold by vendors near the entrances.
• Granizado — Shaved ice topped with syrups, condensed milk and powdered milk, a nostalgic Tico treat from park carts.
• Empanadas and elote asado — Fried corn-dough turnovers and grilled corn on the cob are popular snacks from street vendors on weekends.

Local customs & good to know

• Go early to beat heat and rain — Locals exercise soon after sunrise, and afternoon showers are common in the rainy season, so mornings are best.
• Keep valuables close — The park is generally safe by day but pickpocketing can occur, so avoid displaying phones and cash in quiet areas.
• Avoid the park after dark — Once the sun sets the park empties out and is best not visited alone at night.
• Greet with 'pura vida' — This national phrase means hello, thanks and all-good, and Ticos appreciate a friendly greeting.

Nearby

• San José — 1 km
• Central Market — 2 km
• Jade Museum — 3 km
• National Theatre of Costa Rica — 3 km