San José transitions from a commercial block of department stores, chic cafés, and fast-food establishments to the haphazard residential areas characteristic of Latin America. Because it is such a large city, tourism services are the most extensive in the country. While the city is not a top destination for visitors, San José has a few attractions for visitors to consider, as well as numerous restaurants, museums, outdoor markets, and parks.
Another attractive characteristic of San José is its temperate weather, which can be quite a relief, particularly during the summer months. Because of its relatively high elevation—3,839 feet (1,170 m)—the city, like the rest of the Central Valley, is always a pleasant temperature year-round, with very limited showers.