Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is the largest urban park in San José, about 72 hectares on the west side of the city. It was once the city's airport, and the old terminal is now the Costa Rican Art Museum. Paved paths run under eucalyptus and other trees, past a small lake and the curved National Stadium. The grounds have a running track, a skate rink and courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball. Vendors along the lake path sell food, kites and toys. Sunday morning is the liveliest time, with families, dog walkers and free open-air exercise classes.
From airport to park
La Sabana was Costa Rica's first international airport, in use from 1940. The terminal was designed by the architect José María Barrantes Monge in 1937. The building opened as an art museum in April 1978, and a sculpture garden was added in 2003.
The Costa Rican Art Museum, the Museo de Arte Costarricense, sits just south of the Cortés statue. It holds a collection that runs from colonial times to the present. The former control tower and terminal are whitewashed and easy to spot from the park paths.
What is inside the park
The park covers roughly 72 hectares, or 178 acres, and the sports facilities are spread across it. They include the National Stadium, an Olympic swimming pool, athletics tracks, several soccer fields, and courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball. There is also a baseball field and a skating area. The round National Gymnasium stands at the southeast corner and hosts sporting events and the occasional concert.
The paved paths are lined with eucalyptus, and native trees planted to bring in birds. Look closely and you may see the orange and purple stripes on the rainbow eucalyptus bark. A path circles the small lake, and vendors along it sell food, kites and toys. Paddleboats are available on the water. Elsewhere you will find a bamboo grove and an island, a monument set back from the street, and a San José sign that is popular for photographs.
For children there is a playground with slides and swings. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided for family meals.
Sunday mornings and quieter hours
Families come for Sunday picnics, and the park fills with people walking dogs, playing sports and flying kites. Free aerobics, Zumba and yoga classes run on weekends, and children are welcome to join. On weekday mornings the walking paths are much quieter.
The park is also a lunch-break spot for office workers, so you may see people in suits alongside children playing soccer.
Getting there and practical details
The park is at the western end of Paseo Colón, and the neighborhoods of Sabana Norte and Sabana Sur surround it. It has a free parking lot. The entrance and the parking area are wheelchair accessible, and there are cycling lanes along the paths.
The gates open early, at 5 AM, which suits runners and walkers. Keep some coins for the restroom, and bring cash for the vendors.
FAQ
What is there to do at La Sabana Park?
You can walk, jog, cycle, picnic, skate and play tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer or baseball. You can also rent a paddleboat on the lake or visit the Costa Rican Art Museum inside the park.
Is La Sabana Park good for kids?
Yes. It has a playground with slides and swings, plenty of open space, picnic tables and barbecue grills. Kite vendors work the lake path, and children can join the free weekend exercise classes.
Are dogs allowed in La Sabana Park?
Dogs are allowed. The park has little fencing, so it works best for dogs that behave well off leash. It is also good for runs and walks with a dog.
When is La Sabana Park busiest?
Sunday morning is the liveliest time, with families, picnics, dog walkers and free classes. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Is there parking at La Sabana Park?
Yes, the park has a free parking lot, including accessible parking spaces.
What was La Sabana before it was a park?
It was San José's airport, Costa Rica's first international airport, in use from 1940. The old terminal is now the Costa Rican Art Museum.
