A few things I have done in the La Fortuna area are the chocolate tour, and the Cavernas de Venado. Having a car makes it much easier to get around and if you go to the Cave tour it is about an hour away.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_ ... rk_Pr.htmlFor 25.00 I thought it was worth the time to learn a little about how chocolate grows and is made along with other fruits grown in Costa Rica. There is a fair amount of local knowledge passed along and if you do not spanish they have a guide that speaks english. We opted for the spanish speaking guide though.
https://www.cavernasdelvenadocr.com/index.htmlThis place is one of the most fun I have been to in Costa Rica and for 28.00 well worth it. If you have problems walking or hiking it is not for you though. The entrance to the cave is not too far away but it is a steep walk down but there is a decent trail to it, going up was easier for me but you will get a work out. The pool afterward was a bit cool but it was refreshing after the hike up and we ended up swimming for close to an hour.
The restaurants in La Fortuna can be a bit pricey as most cater to the tourists and charge in accordance. We did however eat at Restaurante la Parada.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_ ... nal_P.htmlThe food was actually pretty good and the prices were very reasonable. Out of 4 times eating there all 16 plates were good and the pizza was surprisingly decent. We did eat at the Lava Lounge, the food was good, but it was twice the price of Restaurante la Parada.
I would certainly hit one of the hot springs places while you are there as well as some zip lining and or atv riding depending on weather.