You can forget about San Jose. Go directly to the beach. Concentrate maybe only to the Caribbean or the Pacific side. Caribbean is more relaxed then the Pacific side
Recommendations for the Carribien
Manzanillo, Cauhita, Tortuguero
Recommendations for the Pacific side
Manuel-Antonio, Montezuma, Samara, Brasilito
All with exception of Tortugero and Montezuma reachable by direct buses from San Jose Travel time between 4-6 hours all destinations. Schedules to all sites you will find on
www.thebusschedule.com.