San José is Costa Rica's capital city and is home to some of the country's most important monuments. Costa Rica is best known for its scenery and natural attractions, but take some time to get to know its contemporary urban culture. Take part in day-to-day pastimes at a busy outdoor market, and a casual game of soccer at the Metropolitan Park on the west side of town. More unusual sights include the Museum of Costa Rican Art, which is in a building that used to serve as an air traffic control tower. In the heart of downtown, you'll see architectural points of interest like the National Museum and the National Theater. Take a city tour for an introduction to the history and culture of Costa Rica. Sip some local brews at the trendy microbreweries in the Escalante neighborhood. Culinary tours will also take you to outdoor markets and cafes where you can try locally grown coffee. Take a bus tour to see lots of the city's highlights in one swoop. These types of tours come with on-board drinks and entertainment. Travelers typically begin and end their trips in San José. You might want to splash out on elegant downtown accommodations, or opt for convenience in a time-saving airport hotel.

Traveler's dilemma: You want to explore Costa Rica's outdoor adventures you've heard so much about, but you were also hoping to head to the beach, and you really don't like to be away from the convenience cities offer. What's a traveler to do? Head to Jaco, Costa Rica! This beach town has it all! First of all you'll be able to enjoy 2.5 mile (4 km) of sandy beach, and the water's are friendly too — they're great for snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, and surfing! Talk about multi-tasking. Jaco is the closest beach outside of the capital city of San José, it's full of amenities. Get everything you need when you explore the city center on foot — restaurants, cafés, shops. You can even head to the local markets to purchase fresh produce if you chose accommodations with a private kitchen. When you want to remind yourself that you're on vacation, it's easy to enjoy a day trip adventure that you wouldn't find back home. Go on a floating safari tour, explore waterfalls, or take a horseback ride through the jungle. When you're done, you can head back to your luxury condo or beachside hotel to prep for an evening of exploring the city's nightlife, which is legendary!

Visit the neighborhood of Escazú to experience the new Costa Rica, right outside the aging infrastructure of San José. One of the main attractions here is the sweeping view of the valley below. Go to the Tiquicia Viewpoint to see San José at a distance — it's especially beautiful lit up at night. Escazu has emerged as a hot destination for expats attracted to the city and it's conveniences such as upscale shopping, movie theaters, fantastic restaurants and more wealth density than anywhere else in Costa Rica. After a week in the rainforest or relaxing on the beach a drive through Escazu will give you the starkest possible contrast during your visit to Costa Rica. Arriving or departing from SJO? If you want to make a night of high end dining and bar hopping then staying at a hotel in Escazu might be the best option. If you want to spend multiple days in this urban hub for its nightlife and dining but still do day tours to different ecosystems? No problem go rafting, take a chocolate tour, learn about the emerging craft beer scene.