Things To Do
in Guarujá
Guarujá is a sun-soaked coastal city in São Paulo state, set on the Atlantic coast just across from Santos. It blends golden beaches with pockets of green hills and rugged cliffs, offering scenic viewpoints and watersports. Visitors come for beach life, boat trips to nearby coves, and easy weekend access from São Paulo.
Despite its growing tourist scene, Guarujá retains a laid-back, small-town charm and a vibrant seafood scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Historic Center of Guarujá, where you can admire the charming colonial architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries like pão de queijo. Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, soaking in the scenic views of the ocean and the hustle and bustle of the city.
After lunch at a seaside restaurant, head to the Museum of the City of Guarujá to learn about the region's rich history and culture. Spend some time exploring the local shops and boutiques, picking up handcrafted souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot along the coast to watch the waves and enjoy the golden hour.
For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at a popular local eatery, where you can try dishes like moqueca or grilled fish. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the beach, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves. Conclude your evening at a vibrant bar, sipping a caipirinha while listening to live Brazilian music.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for a day of adventure. Head to Praia da Enseada, one of Guarujá's most popular beaches, where you can relax on the golden sands or take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, allowing you to explore the beautiful coastline from the water.
After some water activities, enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, relishing fresh seafood and tropical drinks. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or playing beach volleyball with locals and fellow travelers. If you're feeling adventurous, try parasailing for breathtaking aerial views of the coastline.
As the sun sets, head to the beach to witness a stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. For dinner, choose from a variety of local eateries offering a vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Cap off your evening with a walk along the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛏️Hotel room per night (mid-range) | $40-90 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $6-12 |
| 🏖️Beach chair and umbrella rental | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beaches and warm climate year-round
- Close to Sao Paulo and easy weekend getaway
- Fresh seafood and casual, friendly vibe
- Various water sports and nature trails
- Seasonal crowding and traffic during holidays
- Some areas can be touristy and noisy
- Infrastructure varies by neighborhood
- Prices can be higher in peak season
- "Olá, tudo bem?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Guarujá
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular hillside viewpoint that delivers sweeping panoramas of Pitangueiras, Enseada, and the coast at sunset.
Wide, calm beach with long horizons and colorful boats reflecting the evening light.
Cliffside viewpoints and jagged rocks provide dramatic seascapes and silhouettes.
Long iconic waterfront path ideal for sunrise photography and candid street scenes.
Food in Guarujá
Guarujá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish stew simmered with coconut milk and dendê oil, typically served with rice and farofa.
Must-Try!
Shrimp mashed with cassava and coconut milk, often garnished with coriander and lime.
Shrimp-filled pastries sold at street stalls and beach kiosks.
Crab meat baked in a shell with a creamy, garlicky topping.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An indoor market where you can sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and regional snacks.
Casual stands along the beaches offering fried snacks, pastel, and coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite Brazilian greetings like Bom dia/Boa tarde; handshake or cheek kiss among friends; say thank you (obrigado/obrigada).
Dress casually and comfortable; cover up when leaving beach areas; respect religious sites and local customs.
Small-talk is common; avoid demanding attention in stores and reserve loud conversations for appropriate settings.
Safety
Tipping in Guarujá
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10-15% tip is common in restaurants if service is not included; small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are appreciated but not always required.
Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets and kiosks; PIX and mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December to February brings hot weather, humid days, and lively beach crowds. Expect squalls in the late afternoons and strong sun; plan shaded beach time and water activities early.
March to May offers milder temperatures and thinner crowds. Great for hiking and exploring without the peak-summer heat.
June to August is cooler and drier, with comfortable daytime highs and cooler evenings; sea breezes can be refreshing.
September to November brings pleasant weather, blooming coastal flora, and steady beach access with fewer crowds than winter holidays.
Guarujá at Night
Hiking in Guarujá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hike to a panoramic overlook of Pitangueiras, Enseada, and the coast.
Forest and coastal trails with sea viewpoints along the Serra do Guarujá region.
Short coastal trail to cliffside viewpoints near Praia de Pernambuco.
Airports
How to reach Guarujá by plane.
Major international gateway; about 70-90 minutes by car depending on traffic.
City-focused airport with frequent flights; drive or transfer to Guarujá takes around 2 hours in typical traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and retirees who have lived here for generations.
Large influx of visitors on weekends and holiday periods from Sao Paulo and other parts of Brazil.
Growing presence of travelers from other countries, especially during peak season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, played informally on beaches and in parks.
Common on major beaches with organized games and casual play.
Accessible at certain beaches with beginner-friendly waves and rental shops.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guarujá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options such as rice with beans, salads, grilled vegetables, and moqueca de palmito; ask for dairy-free options if needed. In markets, rely on fresh fruit and veggie snacks and avoid dendê-heavy sauces if avoiding oil.