São Paulo is a state with a great variety of destinations to explore. With stunning beaches, a mountain range filled with waterfalls, romantic cities, high-level gastronomy, and a vibrant capital rich in culture, São Paulo offers an incredible range of destinations to discover. To help you explore this state of Brazil, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in São Paulo.
If you are a lover of ecotourism, cold weather, and beautiful landscapes, you can’t miss traveling to the mountainous region and the countryside of São Paulo. But if you can’t give up a good beach, a stunning sea, and all the summer vibes, head to the coast and explore destinations like Ilhabela and Ubatuba. And for those who enjoy art, museums, renowned restaurants, and parties, be sure to visit the city of São Paulo.
Discover the places to visit in São Paulo State
Ubatuba, Ilhabela, and São Sebastião are the best beach destinations to visit in São Paulo.
Santos is the best beach city close to the capital.
For those who enjoy trails, viewpoints, and nature, the best places to visit in São Paulo are São Pedro and Santo Antônio do Pinhal.
Brotas is a great destination in São Paulo, ideal for practicing extreme sports.
For couples, Campos do Jordão and Santo Antônio do Pinhal are the best places for romantic getaways in São Paulo.
If you love parties, bars, and museums, the capital is the best place to visit in São Paulo.
The best places for a day trip in São Paulo are Holambra, Embu das Artes, and São Roque.
Places to visit in São Paulo, Brazil
1. Ilhabela
Ilhabela is located on the north coast, 200 kilometers (124.274 miles) from São Paulo’s capital. This destination is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and lush nature. In Ilhabela, you’ll find incredible trails, wild beaches, and stunning waterfalls.
Despite being a more rustic destination, the island offers amazing hotels, including luxury options, and a variety of tours. If you enjoy more secluded beaches, be sure to visit Castelhanos Beach and Bonete Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches in Ilhabela.
For the more adventurous, the Paquetá Waterfall, with its infinity edge and stunning view, is a great choice. For more discerning travelers and couples, we recommend staying at the DPNY Beach Hotel & SPA to enjoy Curral Beach with plenty of privacy and take advantage of all the hotel’s amenities.
2. Ubatuba
Ubatuba is located 233 kilometers (144.779 miles) from São Paulo’s capital and 80 kilometers (49.7097 miles) from Ilhabela. This destination boasts over 102 beaches and is known as the “Surf Capital.” For those who love beaches and nature, it is one of the best places to visit in São Paulo.
Ubatuba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in São Paulo, including Félix Beach, Português Beach, and Prumirim Beach, which feature green, crystal-clear waters surrounded by nature
For surfers, the best beach is Itamambuca, a beautiful beach with plenty of waves, where surfing competitions take place. In addition to surfing, this destination is great for practicing various water sports such as sailing, diving, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Ubatuba also features stunning waterfalls and trails.
For those who are not into trails and nature, Ubatuba offers excellent urban beaches, such as Grande Beach and Toninhas Beach.
3. São Sebastião
São Sebastião is located 200 kilometers (124.274 miles) from São Paulo’s capital and is one of the most popular destinations in São Paulo. The region has over 30 easily accessible beaches, making it a great choice for those who love beautiful beaches but are not big fans of hiking.
São Sebastião also offers a vibrant nightlife, especially in the summer. The area is home to exceptional bars and restaurants and hosts lively parties. Additionally, São Sebastião provides a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals, with options ranging from luxurious to more budget-friendly accommodations.
The ferry to Ilhabela departs from the port of São Sebastião, making it possible to visit the island on the same trip. Ubatuba is 80 kilometers (49.7097 miles) from São Sebastião, offering another nearby destination to explore.
4. Santos
Santos is very close to São Paulo’s Capital, just 80 kilometers (49.7097 miles) away. If you enjoy urban beaches and want to take a quick trip, this is one of the best beach destinations in São Paulo. Santos is a very popular destination, so its beaches tend to be quite crowded, especially on weekends.
The main attraction in Santos is its waterfront, home to one of the largest beachfront gardens in the world. The Baixada Santista region also features an interesting old town and is one of the main cruise ship routes in Brazil.
5. Campos do Jordão
Campos do Jordão, located 180 kilometers (111.847 miles) from downtown São Paulo, is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the state. The city is a romantic getaway, offering amazing inns and upscale restaurants, making it one of the best places in São Paulo for couples to visit.
Campos do Jordão is a charming city, known for its cold climate, European-inspired architecture, parks, beautiful gardens, excellent gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. The city is also home to one of Brazil’s most famous cultural events, the Winter Festival, which takes place in July.
This is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway in São Paulo or a relaxing trip. However, Campos do Jordão also features great bars and hosts lively parties during the high season.
6. Santo Antônio do Pinhal
Another great place to visit in São Paulo is Santo Antônio do Pinhal, located near Campos do Jordão, 180 kilometers (111.847 miles) from the capital.
Santo Antônio do Pinhal is nestled in the Serra da Mantiqueira and offers many attractions and activities, especially those connected to nature. In the region, you will find rivers, peaks, valleys, and a wide range of adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling, canopy tours, hiking, off-road trails, and paragliding.
The region also hosts the traditional Truta e Pinhão Festival (party with various typical foods, including fish and a chestnut from the region), featuring food stalls with local delicacies, handicrafts, and live music performances. In Santo Antônio do Pinhal, you’ll find charming chalets, making it a more affordable and peaceful alternative to Campos do Jordão for a romantic getaway in São Paulo.
7. São Pedro
São Pedro is located 190 kilometers (118.061 miles) from São Paulo’s capital, making it a great destination for a peaceful getaway, especially for those who enjoy nature and tranquility. The city has a cool climate, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, creating a relaxing countryside atmosphere.
The main attractions in São Pedro include waterfalls, parks, adventure sports, hiking trails, and farm hotels. The city also has a strong Italian cultural heritage due to the immigration of Italian settlers. Because of this, São Pedro is an excellent destination to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and experience a bit of this rich culture.
8. Águas de Lindoia
Águas de Lindóia is located 160 kilometers (99.4194 miles) from São Paulo and is a very popular destination known for its therapeutic and medicinal water springs. The city is part of the Circuito das Águas (Water Circuit) and offers great hotels and water parks.
In addition to relaxation, Águas de Lindóia also provides adventure sports opportunities. It’s a splendid choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy thermal parks, making it one of the best destinations in São Paulo for a family trip.
9. Brotas
Brotas is located 230 kilometers (142.915 miles) from São Paulo’s capital and is known for its wide range of adventure and extreme sports. In the city, you can enjoy activities such as rafting, hiking, and visiting numerous waterfalls and parks.
One of Brotas’ biggest attractions is the Areia que Canta Spring, a natural spring hidden in the forest that produces a unique “singing” sound. Brotas also offers many farm hotels, perfect for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
10. Holambra
Holambra is located approximately 120 kilometers (74.5645 miles) from São Paulo’s capital, in the metropolitan region of Campinas. This charming city is well known for its ornamental flower production.
Holambra was colonized by Dutch immigrants and preserves strong influences of Dutch culture, architecture, gastronomy, and traditions. The city also hosts fairs, exhibitions, and shows that celebrate Dutch heritage and flower cultivation.
In Holambra, you can take photos in sunflower fields, stroll through nurseries and flower fields, experience the local cuisine, buy flowers, and enjoy the city’s beauty and charm.
11. Embu das Artes
Embu das Artes is located just 23 kilometers (714.2915 miles) from São Paulo’s capital, making it one of the best destinations for a day trip or a short getaway.
This small city, which emerged in the 17th century in a village originally inhabited by Guarani indigenous people, is famous for its artisan crafts. The city gets its name from its strong artistic tradition and vibrant local culture.
Embu das Artes attracts thousands of tourists looking for handicrafts, antiques, rustic furniture, and other unique items.
Beyond its artistic heritage, the city boasts a charming old town Embu das Artes is a blend of shops, studios, and historic mansions, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere.
12. São Roque
São Roque is located just 70 kilometers (43.496 miles) from São Paulo’s capital, making it a great destination for a short trip or a day trip. This region is known for wine production, and its main attraction is visiting wineries.
One of the highlights is the Estrada do Vinho (Wine Road), which stretches over 10 kilometers (6.21371 miles) lined with vineyards. Along this route, you can also visit restaurants within the wineries to enjoy local cuisine. In addition to the vineyards, São Roque is home to the famous ski slope at Ski Mountain Park, located at 1,700 meters of altitude.
13. São Paulo Capital
The capital of São Paulo could not be left out of the list of best places to visit in São Paulo. As one of the largest cities in the world, São Paulo is a perfect destination for those who love art, culture, and nightlife.
São Paulo offers the vibrant energy of a major metropolis with an intense lifestyle. Here, you’ll find a rich cultural scene, diverse gastronomy, countless museums, some of Brazil’s most important landmarks, the largest park in Latin America, a lively nightlife, and excellent shopping opportunities.
Now that you’ve checked out all our best places to visit in São Paulo, just choose your favorite region and enjoy these incredible places.
Also, take a look at our recommendations on where to stay in São Paulo.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SÃO PAULO
Book your hotel in São Paulo in advance
For all of our travels, we use reliable reservation websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com to guarantee the greatest stay in São Paulo. You will find the ideal choice for your stay with a large selection of hotels and the best rates available, guaranteeing an amazing and affordable trip. Our favorite hotels in São Paulo are:
- Meliá Paulista (Capital São Paulo)
- Pousada Luis XV (Campos do Jordão)
- Casa Melville (Ubatuba)
- DPNY Beach Hotel (Ilhabela)
For greater convenience, rent a car in São Paulo
With its beautiful scenery and quaint cities, São Paulo is a great place to travel by car. Renting a car is the best option if you want to travel to multiple cities and want to be as comfortable and independent as possible. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to use your credit card to make payments and schedule all of your activities from the comfort of your home. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.