Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo. Take a tour of the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip — howler monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds will be your companions on this trip. Head to the beach for a chance to see the magnificent leatherback turtles. The turtle nesting season is from October to February. Except for the turtle nesting season (October-February), which allows you to stay on the beach until 5:00 PM.

At the National Air and Space Museum, you can see historic aircraft, from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II fighters, as well as spacecraft and moon landing exhibits. There’s also a planetarium, IMAX theatre, and flight simulators, plus workshops and demonstrations that make the science behind aviation and space exploration come alive.

One of the world's largest sundials is located right in the centre of Pajala. With a diameter of 38.33 m., the sundial has a rustic tribal look and there is a park around it. Come here to get a sense of how time was measured by our ancestors in the olden days.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the U.S., with a striking interior of mosaics, chapels, and domes. Free guided tours are available and give a good sense of its history and architecture.