Santa Ana

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National Museum of Costa Rica
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Museum of Costa Rica

6.1
5.0/5
6 reviews
National Museum of Costa Rica is located in the heart of San Jose, next to Plaza de la Democracia. The yellow fortress-like building is a piece of history in itself: the outer walls still bear bullet marks from the 1948 civil war. On December 1 of that same year, José Figueres Ferrer famously swung a sledgehammer against the western wall of the barracks to announce the abolition of the army. Later, the barracks were officially converted into a museum, transforming from a military fortress into a cultural space. The visit begins at the butterfly garden near the entrance. The central courtyard displays several Diquis stone spheres; these perfectly round prehistoric stone spheres are highly recognizable artifacts of Costa Rica, and their discovery sites were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2014. The museum's exhibitions follow a chronological timeline: the Pre-Columbian hall uses hundreds of artifacts, such as pottery, jade carvings, and grinding stones, to tell the story of the life and beliefs of the inhabitants before the arrival of the Spanish; the Gold Hall displays animal-shaped gold ornaments and miniature shaman figures; the Colonial and Republican History halls use old photographs and artifacts to show how coffee, bananas, and the railway changed the country; in the exhibition area converted from old prison cells, graffiti carved by prisoners in the 1930s and 1940s still remains on the walls. After viewing the exhibitions, you might want to head to the second-floor terrace and the central courtyard to overlook downtown San Jose.San Jose · 12.3km from Santa Ana
National Theater of Costa Rica
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

5.9
4.9/5
8 reviews
National Theater of Costa Rica is a Neoclassical-style theater. Its opening performance was Gounod's opera "Faust". Construction funds mainly came from taxes levied on coffee exports at the time, and this theater, born from the coffee trade, embodies the memories of Costa Rica's golden age of coffee. The theater has an elegant exterior, with statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Beethoven standing on the main facade, while the three sculptures on the roof symbolize dance, music, and fame, respectively. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior: marble staircases with gold decorations, crystal chandeliers, exquisite sculptures, and 19th-century-style furniture can be found throughout the halls, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,140 seats. The ceiling mural "Allegory of Coffee and Bananas" was painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa and depicts the scene of coffee and banana cultivation and export at that time. This painting was once printed on the Costa Rican 5-colón banknote. The theater remains an active performance venue today, with groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra performing here year-round. The theater is located right next to the Plaza de la Cultura, and downtown attractions such as theGold Museumare within walking distance.San Jose · 11.7km from Santa Ana
Parque Diversiones

Parque Diversiones

4.2
Parque Diversiones is a theme park in San Jose and one of the largest entertainment and leisure venues in the country. It is located near the city center, covers a large area, and offers a wide variety of entertainment facilities and activities, suitable for visitors of all ages.San Jose · 6.9km from Santa Ana
La Sabana Metropolitan Park

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

4.2
5.0/5
1 reviews
La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and is known as the green lung of San Jose. The park features trails suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling, and offers a pleasant environment shaded by trees. There is also a large artificial lake in the park where visitors can picnic or relax by the water. For sports enthusiasts, the park provides soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts, where friendly matches often take place. On weekends, the park often hosts cultural events and markets, showcasing local handicrafts and food, which adds to the enjoyment of the visit. In addition, the park has a children's play area, making it suitable for families. Whether for a morning workout or an afternoon stroll, this is an ideal destination. The park's convenient location and rich activities make it an indispensable part of city life, attracting all kinds of people to experience it. It is not only a paradise for sports enthusiasts but also a haven for culture lovers, attracting countless visitors throughout the year.San Jose · 8.8km from Santa Ana
Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph of Costa Rica

Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph of Costa Rica

4.2
The Cathedral of San Jose is a religious building with a long history and great cultural significance. This church combines neoclassical and baroque styles, and its appearance is solemn and elegant. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated, and the stained glass windows and exquisite wood carvings attract many tourists and believers to visit. As one of the landmarks in downtown San Jose, the Cathedral of San Jose is not only the center of religious activities, but also a window to understand local history and culture. Visitors can feel the tranquil atmosphere here and appreciate the details and works of art of the architecture. The church regularly holds masses and concerts, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the local religious culture. The Cathedral of San Jose is strategically located, with many bus lines passing by, making it convenient for tourists to arrive. There are also many cafes and restaurants nearby, where tourists can enjoy local cuisine after the visit. Whether you are an architecture lover or a cultural explorer, the Cathedral of San Jose is a place worth visiting, adding rich cultural connotations to the journey.San Jose · 11.6km from Santa Ana
Plaza de la Cultura

Plaza de la Cultura

4.2
Plaza de la Cultura is the shining cultural heart of the city of San Jose, holding an irreplaceable role in the local cultural fabric and residents' lives. It occupies a prime location in San Jose's lively city center, surrounded by many landmark buildings that lend it a distinctive charm. With deep historical roots, it has been the city's focal point for cultural events and social life since it was built, witnessing countless important moments and carrying the collective memory of the people of Costa Rica. Stepping into the plaza, the open space feels immediately uplifting. The ground is paved with carefully laid stone, and walking across it you can feel the weight of history. The surrounding amenities are well developed. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops line the plaza's perimeter. Plaza de la Cultura serves as a window through which people can gain a deeper appreciation of Costa Rica's history, artistic appeal, and local customs.San Jose · 11.7km from Santa Ana
Central Avenue

Central Avenue

4.4
Central Avenue is a vibrant area in the capital, San Jose, that attracts both tourists and locals. The avenue is lined with various shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal place to experience city life. Street performers and vendors here add to the rich local atmosphere, where visitors can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs. Central Avenue is also a great place for cultural exploration, with several museums and historical buildings along the way, such as the National Theater of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica. Visitors can stop at these locations to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and art. This avenue is easily accessible and perfect for exploring on foot. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes. The cafes on Central Avenue serve authentic Costa Rican coffee, making them great places to rest and savor local flavors.San Jose · 12.9km from Santa Ana
Costa Rica National Stadium

Costa Rica National Stadium

3.9
National Stadium Of Costa Rica is located in La Sabana Park and is a multi-purpose stadium.San Jose · 8.4km from Santa Ana
Parque Viva

Parque Viva

3.5
The core facility at Parque Viva is the Coca-Cola Amphitheater, which can accommodate approx. 16,000–20,000 people. Another major highlight of Parque Viva is the Circuit Go Rigo Go racetrack, formerly known as the Autódromo La Guácima circuit, built in 1972. The track is approx. 2.0 km long and features 9 turns. It hosts high-level events year-round, such as the Three Hours of Costa Rica endurance race, and is also an important venue for cycling challenges. The Giro de Rigo cycling race, initiated by renowned Colombian cyclist Rigoberto Urán, connects the track with surrounding mountain roads to form 60 km and 120 km challenge routes. Whether you are speeding around the track in a race car or participating in a cycling challenge, this place offers an unforgettable experience for every speed enthusiast.Guacima · 8.3km from Santa Ana
Heredia Nicolás Ulloa Central Park

Heredia Nicolás Ulloa Central Park

3.5
Heredia · 10.3km from Santa Ana

Experiences you can't miss in Santa Ana

Featured Cultural experiences in Santa Ana

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Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour
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4.9/5
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Duration: 90 mins
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Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna
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Punta Arenas Audio Tour: City Wonders
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Duration: 45 mins
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Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica
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5.0/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
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San José Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Vista Los Sueños: Cacao Plantation & Chocolate Tasting
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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San José by Night: Food, Drinks & Local Culture Tour
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Featured Food & drink in Santa Ana

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San José: Hacienda La Chimba Coffee Experience Tour
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Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Farm to Table Cooking Class
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4.8/5
· 156 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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From£33.72
La Fortuna: Relax Termalitas Hot Springs Entry with Meal
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San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets
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4.9/5
· 912 reviews
Duration: 210 mins
Free cancellation
97.6% of travelers recommend
From£27.72
Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10 hrs
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San Jose City Tour and central Market with local food
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Duration: 150 mins
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Santa Ana

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San Jose: Mantra Trail Hike Entry Ticket
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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San José: Zipline La Chimba Adventure
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Duration: 1 hr
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Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Entry Ticket
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio
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4.9/5
· 226 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica
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4.9/5
· 954 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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7-Cable Zipline Adventure: Fly Over La Fortuna Waterfall
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4.8/5
· 142 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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Rafting Pacuare River One Day from Turrialba
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4.9/5
· 181 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges Guided Tour at Mistico Park
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4.7/5
· 240 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Featured Spa & wellness in Santa Ana

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From 1 person for Arenal volcano and hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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From£75.24
Costa Rica: Baldi Hot Springs Day Pass with Optional Meals
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4.6/5
· 57 reviews
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93% of travelers recommend
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La Fortuna: Ecotermales Rainforest Hot Spring Day Pass
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4.8/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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From£57.53£60.56

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What travellers say about Santa Ana

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099***5014 August 2022
5.0
The overall environment is good, the facilities are complete, and it also meets the epidemic prevention standards. It's good

National Museum of Costa Rica

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 December 2025
5.0
Stepping into the marble hall of the Costa Rica National Theatre, I was immediately struck by the mural "A Harvest of Coffee and Bananas" on the ceiling—the smiles of the peasant women carrying fruit baskets on their heads made even the gilded crystal chandeliers seem humble. I discreetly touched the cracks in the red velvet seats; the pine frame from 1877 had been deliberately preserved during the renovation. During intermission, I slipped onto the terrace to watch a street performer dance reggae under the theatre's archway, his radio static clashing with the Mozart melodies drifting from inside the hall, echoing between the colonial-era columns. Most unforgettable was discovering a secret hidden in the orchestra pit floor: the conductor had each musician carve their initials, and a century later, those letters remained clear under the lights, like lingering echoes yet to be played.

National Theater of Costa Rica

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Gavin-Beijing8 February 2020
5.0
A beautiful and practical national park, next to the National Stadium built with Chinese aid, many people exercise in Savannah Park every day, playing football, running, playing tennis, roller skating, etc. Once I saw a group of people practicing acrobatics here. It is even more lively on weekends. Many people drive to the park for leisure, and all the catering vendors are out. The park is crowded and lively! There is a pond in the park with hundreds of red-billed ducks. There were only more than 20 six months ago. The environment is good and the animals reproduce quickly! The most interesting thing in the park is the squirrels. Living nearby, I have the opportunity to feed the squirrels and have the honor of seeing the various expressions and demeanors of the squirrels! If the ecology in Chinese parks is also so good, it would be great!!!

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santa Ana?

Don't miss these attractions in Santa Ana: National Museum of Costa Rica, National Theater of Costa Rica, and Parque Diversiones. If you like Cultural experiences, try Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try San José: Hacienda La Chimba Coffee Experience Tour.

You can give San José: Hacienda La Chimba Coffee Experience Tour and Costa Rica San Jose Poas volcano coffee plantation and La Paz waterfall 1-day tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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