Sight guide · San José · Costa Rica
Visiting Parque La Sabana
The city's largest park occupies the site of the old international airport, with a lake, running paths, sports fields and plenty of space for picnics.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andres Alvarez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Parque La Sabana is a park in La Sabana, San José. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Park
- Area
- La Sabana
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, outdoors, kids and active
- Best months
- January–March
About Parque La Sabana
The city's largest park occupies the site of the old international airport, with a lake, running paths, sports fields and plenty of space for picnics. The former terminal building, now the Museo de Arte Costarricense, stands at its eastern end, and the National Stadium is on its north side.
Tip: Visit on a weekend morning, when local families, cyclists and runners fill the park.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: La Sabana, the city's big park, stadium and office towers.
Best time to visit Parque La Sabana
Parque La Sabana is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, busy crowds.
- January: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, busy crowds.
- March: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit San José has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Parque La Sabana is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Teatro Nacional and Museo Nacional de Costa Rica.
- No. 13 of the 15 sights in our San José things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in San José.
- A family favourite in San José with kids.
If you like Parque La Sabana
- Parque Morazán and Parque España — Barrio Amón, 30 minutes
Staying near Parque La Sabana
Stay in La Sabana ($$) to walk here: the city's big park, stadium and office towers. All areas to stay in San José.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Parque La Sabana?
Plan 1–2 hours.
+Is Parque La Sabana free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Parque La Sabana?
January–March for the most comfortable weather. Visit on a weekend morning, when local families, cyclists and runners fill the park.
+Do I need to book Parque La Sabana in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Parque La Sabana good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in San José. San José works for a day or two with children: the children's museum in a former prison, the Museo Nacional's butterfly garden, the Gold Museum's glittering animals and the open space of Parque La Sabana.