Day Trip from San Jose: 6 Spots You Can’t Miss

Is It Worth Staying in San Jose, Costa Rica? If you’re planning your trip, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. The truth is, Costa Rica’s most breathtaking landscapes aren’t in the capital, but the good news is that you can take a day trip from San Jose to visit volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and even spot iconic wildlife like sloths and toucans. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of the best things to see near San Jose, from Poás Volcano to La Tortuga Island. Keep reading to discover the top day trips! 🌴☀️

1. La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Day Trip from San Jose

One of the best places for a day trip from San Jose, is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, located just 1.5 hours from the city. In addition to its jungle-lined trails, it also serves as a wildlife sanctuary. Here, you can see jaguars, pumas, monkeys, toucans, and sloths up close—rescued animals that, for various reasons, cannot be reintroduced into the wild. It’s an incredible experience to be so close to these species and learn more about them.

I recommend setting aside several hours for your visit, as there’s plenty to see and do. The park also has a café serving traditional Costa Rican food and a buffet—perfect for taking a break and recharging.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, but if you don’t have a rental car, the best option is to book a guided tour from San Jose with transportation included, as public transport to this area is very limited. In fact, when we were leaving, we met a couple who had arrived by bus, but by the time they wanted to return, no buses were available, and they had to find another way back. We didn’t have space in our car to help them, so hopefully, they made it back without issues. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to avoid any inconvenience.

2. Irazú Volcano: A Must-See Volcano Near San Jose

Irazú Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 3,432 meters, and on clear days, it offers stunning views—so clear that you can even see the ocean on both sides of the country! Located in the province of Cartago, it’s less than a 2-hour drive from San Jose, making it an ideal day trip from San Jose. The main crater, with its green lagoon, looks like something from another planet. But the best part is that the journey itself is an adventure: we spent much of the drive above the clouds, a truly unique experience.

You can easily get there by car or through a guided tour, but it’s best to leave early in the morning to avoid fog and enjoy the best views. It’s cold and windy at the top, so be sure to pack warm clothing. Check the real-time weather here before you go, as it changes quickly. Tickets must be booked online in advance, and you can find them on this page. If you’re looking for volcanoes near San Jose or wondering what to do near San Jose, Irazú Volcano is one of the best options for a day trip from San Jose.

3. Poás Volcano: A Stunning Volcano Near San Jose

Another highly recommended volcano to visit near Costa Rica’s capital is Poás Volcano, located just 1.5 hours by car from San Jose.

To get there, you can rent a car or take a tour from San Jose. It’s important to book your entrance online in advance, as access is regulated. The weather is similar to Irazú Volcano, so it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid fog.

Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater, as it’s much colder at the top than in the city. Before your visit to Poás Volcano, check the real-time weather to avoid any surprises. If you’re looking for volcanoes near San Jose, Poás is one of the best options for a day trip from San Jose.

4. Enjoy a Coffee at Starbucks in Hacienda Alsacia

You might be thinking: “You can visit Starbucks anywhere in the world, why would I waste time during my trip to Costa Rica to go to a Starbucks?” Well, this is no ordinary Starbucks. The Starbucks in Hacienda Alsacia, located in the mountains of Alajuela, is the only Starbucks Coffee Farm in the world open to the public.

Here, you can not only enjoy a coffee, but you can also see where it actually comes from. The 600-hectare farm is where Starbucks grows its own coffee, and the best part is that you can take a tour to learn about the entire process, from planting to the cup. The landscape is breathtaking: green mountains, coffee plantations, and a terrace with panoramic views.

If you’re a coffee lover, this place is a must-visit. Plus, the coffee served here is special, made from beans grown on the very same farm, so it’s an experience you can’t have at any other Starbucks in the world. Definitely worth it!

The Starbucks in Hacienda Alsacia is on the way to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, so it’s a great spot if you’re wondering what to see near San Jose. You can easily combine a trip to these places.

5. Isla Tortuga: A Paradise Near San Jose

If you’re looking for an amazing place near San José for a day trip, we highly recommend Isla Tortuga. It’s a paradise with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. To get there, you first need to head to Puntarenas, and then take a boat that will take you to the island in about 40 minutes. It’s easy to reach and definitely worth the trip. You can also opt for an organized tour to Isla Tortuga from San Jose.

The best part of the island is that you can go snorkeling and see a wide variety of fish and coral, or simply enjoy its peaceful beaches. Remember to bring your snorkeling gear, and if you don’t have one, you can buy it on Amazon to avoid high prices there. If you love the sun and the sea, this is the perfect place to relax.

6. Horseback Riding in the Mountains: One of the Best Activities Near San José

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Costa Rica, we highly recommend a horseback riding tour through the mountains near San José. We did it, and it was one of the best experiences of our lives. The landscapes of Costa Ricaare stunning, and being able to enjoy them while horseback riding is incredible. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience, the guides will teach you how to do it, and the horses are calm and easy to handle. For me, it was my first time riding a horse, and at first, I was a bit nervous, but then it became super relaxing, and I enjoyed it a lot.

It’s important to always listen to the guides and follow their instructions to stay safe. If you get the chance, do it at sunset. The sunsets in Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they make any experience even more magical.

Best Trips Near San José

In summary, there are endless activities near San José for all tastes. From visiting impressive volcanoes like Poás and Irazú to enjoying the beautiful beaches of Isla Tortuga. You can also explore gardens, go horseback riding, and discover local wildlife at places like the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. If you’re wondering what to do near San José, Costa Rica, these are some of the best day trips from San José to make the most of your time. Don’t miss them!

💡Travel tip: If you love collecting souvenirs, look out for unique items featuring Costa Rica’s flag—or even historical ones with the Central American flag, a nod to the country’s past when it was part of the Federal Republic of Central America.

💳 Money-saving tip: We always use our Revolut card when traveling to avoid high exchange fees and get the best currency conversion rates. It’s super convenient and has saved us a lot, especially in places where cash is needed!