San Miguel is not a destination city; there simply isn't a whole lot to see and do here. Among the best options in town are the Museo Regional de Oriente and the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz (4a Av. Norte, on the main square; no phone; free admission; daily 8am-noon and 2-5pm), which features a soaring, four-story ceiling with large, stained-glass windows lining both walls. A striking, two-story, deep-red curtain hangs behind the 7.5m-tall (25-ft.) altar, and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Just behind the cathedral, at 2a Calle Poniente, is the Teatro Nacional (no phone; free admission; Mon-Sat 8am-4pm). Inside, you'll find a small but traditional two-story European performing arts theater that was built between 1903 and 1909. The theater, which offers occasional art shows and sales in the lobby, was renovated in 2003 but still lacks the grandeur of the Santa Ana Theater. If you do stop here, head upstairs to the right, where you'll find glass doors with great views of the 2,128m-tall (6,982-ft.) Volcán Chaparrastique, also known as the San Miguel Volcano.
Other than the regional museum, San Miguel's most interesting attraction is Laguna de Olomega. Olomega is a small lake, just a 30-minute bus ride from San Miguel, from where you can take a boat ride to tiny Los Cerritos Island for $5 or a 2-hour lake tour for $30. You'll need to arrange your trips directly with the local fishermen, so I most recommend this trip for those with Spanish-language skills.
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