8 Best [Easy!] Day Trips from San José, Costa Rica

Vast forests and beautiful beaches stretching along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts make Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the Americas. But if you’re only here for a short time and want to make the most of being based in the capital city, taking day trips from San José can be one of the best ways to explore the country.

Looking for the best day trips from San José, Costa Rica, that pack the biggest travel punch? From stunning beaches to expansive natural reserves, these are our favorite excursions from San José that you should consider adding to your Costa Rica itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our disclosure policy.

Best Day Trips From San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best tropical destinations to visit in the entire world; though most visitors pass through San José on the way to the coast or the jungle, using the city as a base is a great way to explore a number of areas of the country. These are our top recommendations for excursions and day trips from San José:

• Best Day Trip from San José: Manuel Antonio National Park
• Easiest Day Trip from San José: La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Best Family-Friendly Day Trip from San José: Arenal Volcano National Park

Keep in mind that while kids of all ages will love learning about volcanoes at Arenal Volcano National Park, it can make for a bit of a long day trip if you aren’t planning on spending at least one night in the area. Instead, there are many different types of tours available from San José that would be great for kids, like a tour of a local chocolate factory or a lush rainforest hike with a guide. Read on for these details and more!

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

Best Day Trip from San José

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most visited park in Costa Rica – and for a good reason. This richly forested national park combines some of the country’s best beaches with its lushest jungles and wildlife for what feels like the perfect slice of some of the country’s best.

There are plenty of activities to choose from in Manuel Antonio National Park, including hiking, swimming, and surfing. If you’re more into being out on the water, Manuel Antonio offers kayaking tours that give you an up-close look at birds and marine life while taking in stunning views of surrounding islands. You can even book an easy day tour if you are looking for something more hands-off and with a guide.

Keep in mind that the drive is long – about three hours from the city! – so spending at least one night in the area will make for a much more comfortable trip. However, it’s unmissable even if you have to return to the city at the end of a long day.

2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Easiest Day Trip from San José

La Paz Waterfall Gardens may be our pick for the easiest day trip from San José, but that doesn’t mean it is anything less than spectacular. Located in La Paz, just over an hour north of San José, this natural wonder is the perfect destination for anyone who loves exploring beautiful outdoor spaces and seeing unique flora and fauna among the untouched jungle. It’s one of the most popular day trips from the capital.

In addition to the spectacular waterfalls, there are also well-maintained trails through the rainforest areas of La Paz, where visitors can get up close and personal with nature. Whether you’re traveling to Costa Rica with your family or hitting the trails on your own, La Paz Waterfall Gardens should definitely be on your list of must-visit places as a day trip from San José, Costa Rica.

3. Arenal Volcano National Park

Best Family-Friendly Day Trip from San José

Whether you’re a nature lover looking for some adventure or a traveler just looking for an excellent day trip from San José, Arenal Volcano National Park is the perfect destination for an excursion. With its network of hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, and the towering, nearly perfectly conical volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations to visit.

If you’re not up for a hike up the volcano (a must if you’re decently physically fit!), there are plenty of other activities on offer as well: boat tours around Lake Arenal, horseback riding through the rainforest, canopy tours through the treetops, horseback riding at La Fortuna Waterfall Gardens, and even zip-lining over the forest floor if you’re feeling brave. Or, choose an excursion to Arenal with a bit of everything!

Arenal Volcano National Park is one of our favorite family-friendly day trips from San José for its array of activities for kids of all ages. However, keep in mind that at 3 hours from San José, it makes for a long day. I’d recommend considering making it an overnight, especially if traveling with younger kids in tow.

4. Playa Herradura

Escape the city for the beach and head to Playa Herradura, located on the country’s Pacific Coast and one of the most easily accessible beaches from San José. Located just an hour outside of San José, this picturesque town and those around it make this the ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy some outdoor adventures.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Playa Herradura beyond just the beach, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. For some adrenaline-pumping fun, try bungee jumping off the suspension bridge, or try canyoning or zip-lining through the jungle.

Though Playa Herradura is relatively affordable, those on a budget will prefer neighboring Jacó, which offers plenty of options, including hostels with their own surf schools. Selina Jacó offers dorm-style rooms and private rooms with nice amenities for the price. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, check out Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort directly on Playa Herradura.

5. Monteverde Reserve and Cloud Forest

Monteverde Reserve and Cloud Forest is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Costa Rica, especially for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for a jungle escape. Nestled high in the mountains, Monteverde is a small town surrounded entirely by lush forests and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a stroll through nature, Monteverde has something perfect for all skill levels.

With numerous hiking trails leading deeper into the rainforest, visitors to Monteverde frequently come across all kinds of animals that live in this unique ecosystem, including sloths and monkeys. With the incredible diversity of plant life in Monteverde, you’ll experience a riot of bright colors wherever you look. Monteverde excursions are popular from San Jose, though the three-ish hour drive means many visitors prefer to spend at least one night locally.

6. Tortuguero National Park

Located on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is a sprawling protected area and one of the most important destinations for sea turtle lovers. This idyllic park is home to abundant local wildlife, ranging from hummingbirds and scarlet macaws to jaguars and green iguanas.

True to the park’s name, thousands of visitors visit Tortuguero National Park every year to witness these magnificent creatures as they lay their eggs on the beach. You may even get to see a baby turtle hatch if you’re lucky. 

Whether trekking through shady rainforests or climbing up and down hills and steep inclines, Tortuguero promises stunning views and plenty of opportunities to spot some of its most famous residents. If you want to cultivate your appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica’s untouched ecosystems, be sure to add Tortuguero National Park to your bucket list.

7. Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions in Costa Rica, thanks to its convenient location and stunning views of Poas Volcano Crater. Nestled in the mountains just a short drive from San José, Poas Volcano is a popular day trip destination for travelers looking to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and beauty of Costa Rica.

Featuring the largest geyser volcano crater in the world, Poas Volcano is renowned for its vivid blue lake, truly a sight to behold on clear days. While mistier conditions can make it harder to see during the rainy season, it’s impressive year-round.

Poas Volcano is an excellent choice for those on a budget due to its easy accessibility from the city, offering an unforgettable outdoor experience near the city that everyone can enjoy. Located around an hour from most parts of the city, Poas Volcano National Park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its dramatic landscape and explore this remarkable natural wonder up close.

8. Orosi Valley

Orosi Valley is a charming, rural community in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Renowned for its fertile soil and lush natural surroundings, Orosi Valley is home to some of the country’s best coffee and sugarcane. For those looking for an authentic travel experience, Orosi Valley offers a wonderful chance to delve into local culture, from exploring indigenous villages to getting up close with farmers.

If you’re looking for San José excursions that go beyond the tourist hotspots, Orosi Valley is definitely worth visiting. This idyllic valley boasts beautiful scenery and a diverse array of native plants and animals, and it’s home to Orosi Town, a beloved destination renowned for its stunning white church. 

Built in 1885 and designated as a national monument by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture in 2002, the white church in Orosi is a picturesque structure exemplifing Orosi Valley’s unique blend of colonial history and vibrant modern life. Whether you want to take in the stunning architecture or mingle with locals sampling local foods at a traditional buffet lunch, Orosi Valley is not to be missed.