The thriving metropolis of São Paulo is known for its standout food scene, world-class museums, and powerful financial industry. What many travelers may not realize is that beyond the city, São Paulo state is home to some 370 miles of coastline.
Often overlooked as a beach destination compared to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Santa Catarina, Brazil’s most populous state has the same rainforest-covered mountains and variety that keep beach lovers returning to the country.
On São Paulo’s coast, you’ll find big waves in Maresias and Itamambuca, family-friendly stretches of sand in Juquehy and Félix, and remote beaches like Castelhanos that feel worlds away from the skyscrapers of the big city. And many of these destinations sit within the Atlantic Forest, one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer coastal road trip, these are the best beaches in São Paulo state to add to your itinerary.
Maresias Beach, São Sebastião
Go for: iconic surf and nightlife
If there’s one beach that helped put São Paulo’s North Shore on the map, it’s Maresias. Located in São Sebastião, about three hours from São Paulo city, this long stretch of white sand is famous for its surf culture and some of the best nightlife along the coast.
Backed by the lush mountains of the Atlantic Forest, Maresias combines beautiful scenery with a level of infrastructure that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region. You’ll find everything from beachfront bars and casual restaurants to upscale hotels, making it easy to spend a long weekend here without running out of things to do.
The beach stretches for more than three miles—surfers flock to the right side, where stronger waves helped launch the career of Brazilian world champion Gabriel Medina. Meanwhile, calmer sections closer to the left side are better suited for swimming and relaxing.
Juquehy Beach, São Sebastião
Go for: a calmer, more family-friendly alternative to Maresias
Also located on São Paulo State’s North Shore, about a three-hour drive east of São Paulo city, Juquehy is a local favorite. The beach sits between the lush, mountain-covered slopes of the Atlantic Forest and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a beautiful backdrop of dense jungle and green peaks that tumble toward the sea.
Unlike some of the area’s more surf-focused beaches, Juquehy’s wide stretch of golden sand is perfect for long walks, and the waves are usually gentle enough for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. The central section of the beach tends to be livelier, with food stalls and restaurants right on the sand.
With boutique pousadas, good restaurants, and plenty of amenities within walking distance, Juquehy is a favorite among Paulistas, as locals are called, looking for an easy beach escape without needing to travel too far from home.
Castelhanos Beach, Ilhabela
Go for: adventure
On the wild side of Ilhabela, an island off São Paulo’s North Shore, Castelhanos Beach is for the travelers who want beach time with a side of adventure. Reaching it requires crossing the island through forested mountain roads, usually by 4x4—in other words, this is not your average easy-access beach day.
The reward, though, is one of Ilhabela’s most dramatic coastal settings. It’s a wide crescent of sand facing the open Atlantic, with a long stretch of sand that feels far more remote than the island’s busier western side. Don’t miss the lookout point above the bay, from which you’ll be able to see why Castelhanos is nicknamed “Heart Beach.”
Jabaquara Beach, Ilhabela
Go for: a quieter Ilhabela option
Located on the northern end of Ilhabela island, Jabaquara is a wide and spacious beach backed by emerald-green hills. It’s easy to find a quiet spot here, even during the high season. Unlike some of Ilhabela’s more developed beaches, this one has a laidback, almost hidden-away feel. Still, you’ll find a handful of beachfront restaurants providing chairs, fresh seafood, and other amenities, making it easy to spend the day here.
Getting to Jabaquara requires a bit of effort, whether by boat or via a dirt road that winds along Ilhabela’s northern coast. Of course, that’s part of its appeal. One thing to know before you go: like much of Ilhabela, the area is known for its notorious borrachudos, or biting gnats, so packing insect repellent is essential.
Itamambuca Beach, Ubatuba
Go for: surf, yoga, and relaxation
Located just north of the beach town of Ubatuba on São Paulo’s North Shore, Itamambuca is the kind of beach people return to again and again when they need a reset. I have a friend who regularly makes the trip from Rio de Janeiro whenever she needs a break from the city, spending her days surfing, practicing yoga on the sand, and unwinding at a beachfront hotel.
Surrounded by dense forest, Itamambuca is also known for its surf, with consistent waves that have made it one of Brazil’s most respected surfing spots. Yet even if you never touch a surfboard, the setting alone is worth the visit. At one end, the Itamambuca River meets the sea, creating a scenic landscape where calm waters and mangroves contrast with the powerful swells.
Félix Beach, Ubatuba
Go for: both surf and family-friendly waters
Located near the northern end of Ubatuba, Félix Beach stands out for offering two completely distinct experiences: The left side tends to attract surfers thanks to stronger waves, while the right side is protected and calmer, creating perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and families with children.
The setting is equally impressive. A lookout above the beach offers one of the best views in the area, revealing the dramatic curve of the coastline below. If you’re looking for a classic Ubatuba beach that has family-friendly waters plus a feel of adventure, Félix is a great choice.
Prumirim Beach and Prumirim Island, Ubatuba
Go for: snorkeling and island-hopping
Prumirim Beach scenery that makes people fall in love with Brazil’s coastline. The beach itself is beautiful, plus there’s a small river flowing into the ocean, creating calm areas for swimming. Add to that beachfront kiosks offering lunch with a view, and you have the perfect beach day.
Yet the real highlight is Prumirim Island, a tiny tropical island just a short boat ride away. There you’ll find excellent snorkeling conditions, with frequent sightings of colorful fish and sea turtles. Together, the beach and island are perfect for couples, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to spend a day surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on São Paulo’s coast.
Domingas Dias Beach, Ubatuba
Go for: secluded, calm waters
Hidden between larger neighboring beaches on the southern side of Ubatuba, Domingas Dias feels like a local secret. Sheltered from stronger ocean currents, it offers calm, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding—which makes it a great spot for families with small children. There are few commercial facilities to help preserve its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The beach itself isn’t particularly large, but that’s part of the charm. For travelers looking to experience a more tranquil side of São Paulo’s coastline, Domingas Dias is one of Ubatuba’s most intimate spots.
Tombo Beach, Guarujá
Go for: Blue Flag environmental standards
Located in Guarujá, a coastal city about 90 minutes from the city of São Paulo, Tombo Beach is another one of the state’s surf beaches. Tombo is known not only for its strong waves but also its deep waters, both of which attract surfers and more experienced swimmers throughout the year.
Tombo was also the first beach in São Paulo to earn Blue Flag certification, an international designation recognizing high standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and accessibility. It’s one of the few beaches in Brazil to consistently receive the recognition.
Despite its reputation, Tombo isn’t exclusively for surfers. The beach’s wide stretch of sand and dramatic views make it a great place to spend the day, even if your plans involve nothing more than a beach chair and a good book.
Tips for Visiting São Paulo’s Beaches
Avoid holiday weekends if possible: During major holidays and long weekends, traffic on coastal highways can add several hours to your journey.
Understand the regions before you go: São Paulo’s coastline offers very different experiences. The North Shore—including São Sebastião, Ilhabela, and Ubatuba—is known for its mountainous scenery, Atlantic Forest landscapes, and surf culture. Closer-to-the-city destinations like Guarujá and Santos are generally easier to reach but tend to feel more urban.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility: While buses connect many beach towns, having a car makes it much easier to explore multiple beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints.
Pack insect repellent for Ilhabela: Ilhabela is famous for its natural beauty, but it’s equally famous for its borrachudos, tiny biting insects that can be relentless, particularly after rain. Trust me, insect repellent is nonnegotiable here.
Take the ferry to Ilhabela early: If you’re visiting Ilhabela, especially during weekends or summer, arrive early to avoid long waits for the ferry crossing from São Sebastião. The line can stretch for hours during peak travel periods.