Six destinations near San José

Are you looking for some sun and relaxation but don’t want to travel too far?

Sometimes all we need is to head somewhere close by for a one-day getaway: we can be home the same day, there’s no need to drive too much, and it’s friendlier on the wallet. Here are six options for that quick weekend getaway you’ve been needing.

Peñón de Guacalillo

If you’ve been on Costa Rican Instagram, you’ve surely seen a few (thousand) sunset photos from this spot, or people lounging on chairs and admiring the view. This lookout is a hit among Ticos and is a great place to spend some time with family or friends. If you still haven’t seen it for yourself, come on and enjoy the area.

Travel time: 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6apLUMpJFNtFSUp99

Playa Blanca, Puntarenas

This beach is near Punta Morales, in Puntarenas. The surf isn’t too strong here, and there’s parking just in front of the beach. There are also restaurant options if you’d like to have lunch nearby.

Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fgHSYbhXmPZXi5nYA

Playa Mantas, Puntarenas

This beach is right next to Playa Blanca in Punta Leona, and is one of the closest beaches to San José. It has gray sand and calm surf, along with trees that provide the perfect shade for relaxing, reading a good book, or having a picnic with friends.

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kALKrPynwJzYawuL7

Bajamar Caves

Bajamar is a hidden gem in the Garabito canton, near Peñón de Guacalillo. It’s located on the hill of the same name, Bajamar. These caves are only accessible at low tide, so you’ll have to get there early and be patient. Remember to follow local safety precautions and speak with locals to know what’s best. Vehicle access is not a problem during the dry season, but during the rainy season a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/D7UbUVQuo9caEjp27

Playa Biesanz

This beach is located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, with plenty of lodging options nearby along with a variety of restaurants. It’s a perfect place for spending a weekend with your family, since the waves are nice and calm, perfect for children to play in – but make sure not to let them out of your sight! The water is crystal-clear, not to mention the natural beauty of the surrounding park.

Travel time: 3 hours.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XUczoMhMGk669rj97

Playa Esterillos Oeste

This beach is another option to keep in mind if you’re looking for a beach near San José. Also known as Sector la Sirena due to the statue of a mermaid (called a sirena in Spanish) sitting on the rocks looking at the sea. The cast bronze statue was made by Puriscal sculptor Albino Valverde. Esterillos offers a spacious beach with heavy waves, making it a destination for surfers. There is a nearby campground and there are plenty of tours, restaurants and accommodations in the area.