10 Vibrant Year-Round Things to Do in Santos Brazil

Key Takeaways:

• Santos blends beach life, colonial history, and lush gardens in one of Brazil’s most underrated coastal cities.

• From iconic coffee museums to samba festivals and rainforest hikes, it’s packed with activities every month of the year.

• It’s a perfect destination for travelers who want both nature and culture by the sea.

Santos, located on the coast of São Paulo state, is one of Brazil’s most historic port cities and a year-round destination full of contrast and charm. Known for its vast beachfront garden (the world’s longest), the bustling port that once fueled Brazil’s coffee empire, and a deep connection to Brazilian football history, Santos offers more than meets the eye. Beyond the beaches, visitors find art deco buildings, urban forests, samba rhythms, and a warm local vibe that keeps travelers coming back. People love Santos because it’s vibrant yet relaxing, historic yet modern—perfect for long strolls, slow mornings, and spontaneous adventures.

Table of Contents

1. Walk the Santos Beachfront Garden

2. Visit the Coffee Museum (Museu do Café)

3. Ride the Monte Serrat Funicular Railway

4. Explore Orquidário Municipal de Santos

5. Discover Valongo Train Station and Historical Center

6. Catch a Match or Tour at Vila Belmiro Stadium

7. Hike in Serra do Mar State Park

8. Attend the Santos Carnival or Samba Parade

9. Visit the Pelé Museum

10. Take a Boat Tour of the Port and Bay

1. Walk the Santos Beachfront Garden

Stretching over 5 kilometers, the Santos Beachfront Garden holds the Guinness World Record for the longest beachfront garden in the world. Lush palm trees, flowering plants, walking paths, and bike lanes line the sandy coastline, offering one of the most scenic urban strolls in Brazil. Locals jog here in the morning, families gather in the afternoons, and beachgoers stop at kiosks for coconut water or grilled snacks.

This stretch of green borders multiple beach areas, including Boqueirão, Gonzaga, and Ponta da Praia—each with its own charm. It’s perfect for sunrise jogs, casual bike rides, or lazy beach days. You’ll see murals, fitness stations, and occasional street performers along the way. It’s the kind of simple, beautiful experience that makes you fall in love with coastal city life.

2. Visit the Coffee Museum (Museu do Café)

Housed in a stunning neoclassical building that once operated as the Coffee Exchange, the Museu do Café is one of Santos’ most iconic and informative landmarks. It tells the story of how coffee shaped the region’s economy, culture, and identity, with exhibits ranging from old trade documents to historic machinery. The grand trading floor with its stained-glass windows is worth the visit alone.

There’s also an in-house café where you can sip gourmet Brazilian coffee made from beans grown all over the country. Visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for Brazil’s most famous export and the people behind it. The museum is located in the historic center and can easily be combined with a walking tour of the area. For culture lovers and coffee drinkers alike, it’s a highlight.

3. Ride the Monte Serrat Funicular Railway

For sweeping views over Santos, take the historic funicular railway up to the top of Monte Serrat. This century-old cable train ascends the hillside to a charming lookout point featuring a former casino-turned-event-space and a small chapel. From the summit, you can see the entire city, port, and coastline—making it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.

The ride itself is short but memorable, giving a glimpse into Santos’ early 20th-century leisure era. Once at the top, enjoy a drink at the terrace café or take photos of the tiled stairs and panoramic scenery. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when golden light bathes the port and distant ocean. Don’t skip it—it’s one of the best views in town.

4. Explore Orquidário Municipal de Santos

Nestled near the beachfront in José Menino, the Orquidário Municipal is a peaceful botanical garden focused on native Brazilian orchids and plants. The garden features over 2,000 plant species, an orchid greenhouse, and small animal exhibits including monkeys, parrots, and turtles. It’s a serene escape from the city’s buzz and perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Shaded paths and benches make it ideal for strolling or relaxing with a book, while educational displays teach visitors about Brazil’s vast plant biodiversity. Entry is affordable, and the setting is family-friendly and photogenic. If you’re looking for a calm morning or afternoon outing, the Orquidário is a hidden gem that invites slow exploration.

5. Discover Valongo Train Station and Historical Center

The historic Valongo Train Station once served as a vital stop during Santos’ coffee boom and is now a portal into the city’s colonial past. Located in the Old Town district, the station building has been restored and now hosts a small cultural center with exhibitions about local history. Its cobblestone streets, classic architecture, and nearby warehouses paint a vivid picture of Santos in the 1800s.

Guided walking tours offer fascinating insights into the architecture, trade routes, and immigrant influence that shaped the city. Street art and murals now share space with preserved facades, blending old and new. Stop by artisan shops or grab a bite at a traditional restaurant after your tour. It’s a must for travelers interested in heritage, architecture, and local flavor.

6. Catch a Match or Tour at Vila Belmiro Stadium

Football is practically a religion in Brazil, and Santos is home to one of the most legendary clubs in the world—Santos FC. Their historic stadium, Vila Belmiro, has hosted matches since 1916 and was the home turf of Pelé during his iconic career. On match days, the city pulses with excitement as fans flood the area in white jerseys.

If there’s no game on, you can still take a guided tour of the stadium and visit the Santos FC Memorial. It’s filled with trophies, jerseys, and artifacts from the club’s golden years. Football lovers will especially appreciate standing in the same locker room and on the same field where Pelé played. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or casual traveler, the energy here is unforgettable.

7. Hike in Serra do Mar State Park

For nature and adventure just outside the city, head inland to Serra do Mar State Park—home to lush Atlantic Forest, waterfalls, and well-maintained hiking trails. The park’s Cubatão section is one of the most accessible areas from Santos and offers routes for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. You’ll find interpretive trails, native wildlife, and sweeping views from elevated lookouts.

Guided eco-tours are recommended to fully understand the area’s flora, fauna, and history, especially since the forest is one of the world’s most endangered biomes. Some trails lead to waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip. The cool air and green surroundings make it a fantastic break from the beach scene. Bring good shoes, insect repellent, and your camera.

8. Attend the Santos Carnival or Samba Parade

Carnival in Santos might not be as massive as in Rio, but it has its own unique and local energy that brings the entire city together. In the lead-up to Lent, samba schools from around the region put on vibrant parades full of costumes, music, and powerful dance performances. Events take place on the Sambódromo Dráusio da Cruz, where spectators line the streets to cheer on their favorite school.

Throughout the city, you’ll also find blocos de rua—open street parties where anyone can join in the dancing. Whether you’re in the stands or the middle of the action, it’s an immersive way to experience Brazilian rhythm and passion. The Carnival atmosphere is contagious, inclusive, and full of life. For cultural immersion and fun, it’s one of the top times to visit.

9. Visit the Pelé Museum

Few names are as globally recognized in sports as Pelé—and in Santos, his legacy is honored at the Museu Pelé. Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion in the Valongo district, the museum showcases hundreds of items, including medals, jerseys, signed balls, and rare photographs. Interactive displays and video highlights allow visitors to experience Pelé’s career up close.

Even if you’re not a football fanatic, it’s inspiring to see how one man influenced not just a sport but an entire generation. The museum also shares stories of his humanitarian work and the evolution of Santos FC. It’s an essential stop for understanding how sport and culture intersect in Brazilian identity. Allow at least an hour or two to explore everything.

10. Take a Boat Tour of the Port and Bay

As Latin America’s busiest port, the Port of Santos is an impressive feat of engineering and a hub of international trade. Guided boat tours let you see the bustling port in action while enjoying coastal breezes and views of nearby islands. Along the way, you’ll learn about the port’s importance to Brazil’s economy and spot landmarks like Fort Itaipu and historical docks.

Some tours even venture toward the mangroves and fishing villages surrounding the bay, offering glimpses into traditional lifestyles. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets and gives you a sense of how deeply Santos is connected to the sea. Morning or late-afternoon rides are especially scenic, and tours run year-round depending on the weather.

What to Do if You Have Kids?

Santos is wonderfully family-friendly, with flat walkways, clean beaches, and interactive museums that kids will love. The Orquidário offers animal encounters and shaded paths, while the beachfront bike lanes make for easy, stroller-friendly outings. Many restaurants are casual, spacious, and welcoming to children. You can also hop on a bike rental, take a funicular ride up Monte Serrat, or explore the Pelé Museum’s interactive zones together. With plenty of green space and safe areas to play, it’s easy to keep kids entertained while soaking in culture and nature.

Where Can I Find Free Events in Santos Brazil Taking Place This Weekend?

To find free festivals, concerts, and cultural activities in Santos, visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. This tool scans local listings and curates weekend events based on your location and interests. Whether you’re into samba, food fairs, outdoor movies, or kids’ workshops, you’ll find plenty of free things to do around town. It’s the fastest way to connect with local culture and maximize your experience without spending extra. Just enter “Santos” and browse what’s happening now.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip Here

Santos offers the perfect mix of ocean breeze, cultural depth, and laid-back fun—making it one of Brazil’s most underrated destinations. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a colonial hall, dancing in the streets during Carnival, or relaxing on a garden-lined beach, there’s something magical about the way this city blends its past and present. It’s easy to explore, endlessly interesting, and full of stories waiting to be uncovered. Come curious and leave inspired—Santos is more than just a port; it’s a journey worth taking.