San Pedro: A City of Fun and Active Lifestyles

by Felixberto O. Tero II
Many tourists will surely find it appealing to immerse in the urbane and vibrant city life of San Pedro in Costa Rica, which makes it an interesting travel destination in Central America.

San Pedro de Montes de Oca or simply San Pedro City nestles on the east coast of Provincia de San Jose, one of Costa Rica's 7 provinces. The city is 2 miles east of downtown San Jose--the country's capital city, by way of suburban buses, taxis and the railway or a full 30- minute drive to Hotel Milvia or El Establo Mountain Hotel from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport.

At the heart of its economic and social activities is Unibersidad de Costa Rica, located along Calle Masis in the northeastern section of San Pedro. It is the largest public university in the country, considered today as one of the finest academes in Central America. The presence of the university provides a trendy, active and college town appeal to a city that has become a popular place for recreation among youth and tourists alike.

Its major attractions include Mall San Pedro, a modern four-storey structure opposite La Fuente de la Hispanidad or the big traffic center along Avenida Central. The mall houses over 200 shops, 50 fast-food outlets, fine dining restaurants, cinemas, bars and an expansive parking space for 1,200 cars.

Of course, a travel to San Pedro City would be incomplete without sampling its vibrant nightlife. At the hub of this nocturnal treat is the All Star Bar and Grill; an American style sports bar that is also the largest in Costa Rica. Should one fancy a more active and hip crowd, Planet Mall Disco, a 2000 capacity discotheque located right inside Mall San Pedro is popular among the youth.

A classic hangout for many Ticos is Calle de la Amargura, located south of Unibersidad de Costa Rica, with its themed pubs and bars that is frequented by students, professors and also tourists who wish to indulge in reggae and rock music over a bottle of booze, pizza and snacks.

In the end, what San Pedro City provides is a simple getaway from the pressures of city life that is bound to rejuvenate that youthful energy in you through a unique and trendy shopping, dining and clubbing experience all in the midst of nature parks, cultural attractions while in the company of cordial and fun-loving people.

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