Plan your perfect day trip with our guide to beaches, restaurants and tips on how to get there and around
Taking a day trip to the beach is one of the best ways to escape the routine of São Paulo, and Guarujá stands out as one of the most practical and complete destinations for this. Just 90 km from the capital, the city offers excellent infrastructure and beaches for all tastes. This guide presents a one-day itinerary in Guarujá from São Paulo with tips on beaches and restaurants, designed to optimize your time and guarantee an incredible experience. Here you will find everything you need to plan your trip quickly and efficiently.
How to get to Guarujá from São Paulo
Planning your day starts with choosing transportation. Fortunately, getting to Guarujá is simple and there are good options for different traveler profiles.
- By car: The most common route is via the Anchieta-Imigrantes System. The trip takes around 1h30 without traffic. Pay attention to the concessionaire’s special operations, such as Operation Descent (7×3) or Operation Ascent (2×8), which can speed up the route on holidays and weekends. Remember the toll and parking costs in the city, which can be in Zona Azul spaces or in private parking lots.
- By bus: It is the most economical and quiet option. Buses depart from Jabaquara Terminal, in São Paulo, with frequent departures throughout the day. The trip takes approximately 1h40 and disembarks at the Guarujá bus station, which is well located and close to the main beaches. Companies such as Viação Ultra and Rápido Brasil operate the stretch.
Suggested itinerary: what to do in one day in Guarujá
With transport defined, it’s time to enjoy the day. This itinerary was designed to balance rest on the beach with a little exploration, without the rush.
- Morning: Arrival and Enseada Beach
Arriving in Guarujá, head to Praia da Enseada. With almost 6 km long, it is the largest beach in the city and offers a complete infrastructure with kiosks, restaurants and cycle path. Its wide strip of sand is ideal for walking and sports, and the calm sea along much of the coast is great for families. Choose a kiosk to settle in, rent an umbrella and chairs, and relax. - Lunch: Gastronomy on the waterfront
The Enseada shore itself has some of the best restaurant options in Guarujá. You will find everything from kiosks serving generous portions of fish and seafood to more sophisticated restaurants. The choice will depend on your budget and time. - Afternoon: Praia do Tombo or Pernambuco
After lunch, explore a beach with a different profile.Option 1 (Surfing and Quality Seal): Praia do Tombo is famous for its strong waves, attracting surfers from all over the region. Furthermore, it bears the Blue Flag seal, an international certificate of environmental quality, which guarantees clean sand and water. It is a smaller beach with a younger atmosphere.
Option 2 (Natural Phenomenon): Pernambuco Beach is known for the “Mar Casado” phenomenon, where at high tide, the waters meet the small beach next door, forming a unique landscape. It is a sophisticated place, with calm seas and incredible views. - Late Afternoon: Viewpoint for the sunset
To end the day, go up to the Mirante do Morro do Maluf (between the beaches of Pitangueiras and Enseada) or the Mirante da Gávea (on Morro do Tombo). Both offer spectacular panoramic views of the coast and are perfect spots to watch the sunset before hitting the road back.
Tips for beaches and restaurants in Guarujá
To help with your planning, here are some practical suggestions for places to visit and where to eat.
Main beaches for a day trip
- Enseada Beach: Ideal for those looking for complete infrastructure and space. Great for families and for playing sports on the sand.
- Pitangueiras Beach: The central beach, with a busy promenade, shopping malls and many services. It is more urban and tends to be quite crowded.
- Tombo Beach: Perfect for surfers and those who value beaches certified for their environmental quality.
- Pernambuco Beach: Paradisiacal setting, ideal for those looking for tranquility and a different view of Mar Casado.
Where to eat: restaurant tips
- Dalmo Bárbaro: A classic on Praia da Enseada, famous for its seafood dishes. Ideal for a special meal.
- Rufino’s: Another traditional and sophisticated restaurant, focusing on fresh fish and seafood.
- Flavors of the Sea Kiosk (Enseada): A great option for well-served portions and snacks on the sand, with good value for money.
- Tahiti Restaurant (Pitangueiras): Located in the center, it offers a varied menu with fish, meat and pasta, in a pleasant environment.
Planning a day trip to Guarujá from São Paulo is an excellent way to recharge your batteries. With this practical itinerary, you can easily define how to get there, which beaches to visit and where to eat, ensuring that your day is made the most of. The key to success is to leave São Paulo early to avoid traffic and choose the attractions that best suit your style, transforming a simple day into a short and memorable trip.
