Best One-Day Trips from São Paulo: Discover Nearby Gems
Campos do Jordão
Explore the best of Campos do Jordão in a day!
Santos
Explore the best of Santos in a day!
Embu das Artes
Explore the best of Embu das Artes in a day!
Holambra
Explore the best of Holambra in a day!
One-Day Trip from São Paulo to Campos do Jordão
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from São Paulo: 180 km (112 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Rodovia Ayrton Senna and Rodovia Floriano Rodrigues Pinheiro. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
- By Bus: Buses depart from Tietê Bus Terminal and take approximately 3 hours.
Main Attractions
Horto Florestal A beautiful state park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to see local flora and fauna. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and those looking to relax in a serene environment. Don't miss the chance to hike to the waterfall.
Morro do Elefante A hill offering panoramic views of Campos do Jordão. You can reach the top via a scenic cable car ride. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
Palácio Boa Vista The winter residence of the Governor of São Paulo, this palace is open to the public and features an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens. It's a great place to learn about the local history and culture.
Itinerary Suggestions
Start your day early with a visit to Horto Florestal for a morning hike and picnic. Head to Morro do Elefante around midday for stunning views and a cable car ride. In the afternoon, visit Palácio Boa Vista to explore its art collection and gardens. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the town center, enjoying the European-style architecture and local shops.
Local Food
Campos do Jordão is known for its Swiss and German-inspired cuisine. Try local specialties like fondue, raclette, and sausages. Don't miss the local chocolates and cheeses.
Local Tips
For the best photos, visit Morro do Elefante during sunset. The town center is a great place to find unique souvenirs. If you visit during winter, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.
One-Day Trip from São Paulo to Santos
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from São Paulo: 72 km (45 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Rodovia dos Imigrantes for a quick and scenic drive.
- By Bus: Buses depart from Jabaquara Bus Terminal and take about 1.5 hours.
Main Attractions
Museu do Café Housed in a beautiful historic building, this museum offers a deep dive into the history of coffee in Brazil. You can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the museum's café.
Praia do Gonzaga A popular beach in Santos, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach is well-maintained and offers various amenities, including restaurants and shops.
Monte Serrat A hill offering panoramic views of Santos and the surrounding area. You can reach the top via a funicular railway. The view is especially stunning at sunset.
Itinerary Suggestions
Begin your day with a visit to the Museu do Café to learn about the history of coffee. Spend the late morning and early afternoon relaxing at Praia do Gonzaga. In the late afternoon, take the funicular to Monte Serrat for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. End your day with a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Local Food
Santos is famous for its seafood. Try local dishes like moqueca (a Brazilian fish stew), camarão na moranga (shrimp in a pumpkin), and fresh fish grilled to perfection.
Local Tips
For the best views, visit Monte Serrat during sunset. The historic center of Santos is also worth exploring for its colonial architecture and charming streets. Don't forget to try the local coffee at the Museu do Café.
One-Day Trip from São Paulo to Embu das Artes
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from São Paulo: 30 km (19 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Rodovia Régis Bittencourt for a quick and easy drive.
- By Bus: Buses depart from various points in São Paulo and take about 1 hour.
Main Attractions
Feira de Artes e Artesanato A bustling arts and crafts fair held every weekend. You can find a wide variety of handmade goods, from jewelry to furniture. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
Museu de Arte Sacra A museum dedicated to sacred art, featuring a collection of religious artifacts and artworks. It's a peaceful and contemplative space, perfect for art lovers.
Parque do Lago Francisco Rizzo A beautiful park with walking trails, a lake, and picnic areas. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Itinerary Suggestions
Start your day at the Feira de Artes e Artesanato to browse and shop for unique handmade items. Visit the Museu de Arte Sacra in the late morning to explore its collection. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Parque do Lago Francisco Rizzo, enjoying a picnic and a leisurely walk around the lake. Head back to São Paulo in the early evening.
Local Food
Embu das Artes offers a variety of traditional Brazilian foods. Try pastel (a deep-fried pastry filled with meat or cheese), coxinha (a chicken-filled snack), and local sweets like brigadeiro and beijinho.
Local Tips
The Feira de Artes e Artesanato is best visited in the morning to avoid the crowds. The town is very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes. Don't forget to bring cash, as some vendors at the fair may not accept cards.
One-Day Trip from São Paulo to Holambra
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from São Paulo: 130 km (81 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Rodovia dos Bandeirantes and Rodovia Adhemar de Barros for a smooth drive.
- By Bus: Buses are available but less frequent, taking about 2.5 hours.
Main Attractions
Expoflora An annual flower festival held in Holambra, showcasing a stunning array of flowers and plants. The event also features cultural performances, food stalls, and a flower parade.
Moinho Povos Unidos A traditional Dutch windmill that serves as a symbol of Holambra's Dutch heritage. You can tour the windmill and learn about its history and operation.
Holambra Garden Center A large garden center offering a wide variety of plants and gardening supplies. It's a great place to pick up some unique plants for your home.
Itinerary Suggestions
Begin your day with a visit to Expoflora to enjoy the beautiful flower displays and cultural performances. Head to Moinho Povos Unidos in the late morning for a tour of the windmill. Spend the afternoon at the Holambra Garden Center, exploring the wide variety of plants and gardening supplies. Return to São Paulo in the early evening.
Local Food
Holambra offers a mix of Dutch and Brazilian cuisine. Try traditional Dutch pastries like stroopwafels and poffertjes, as well as Brazilian dishes like feijoada and pão de queijo.
Local Tips
Expoflora is best visited in the morning to avoid the crowds. The town is very picturesque, so bring your camera for some great photo opportunities. If you're visiting outside of the festival season, the town still offers beautiful gardens and a charming atmosphere.
ItineraryTrip
Explore your next itineray destination with our AI travel agent. ... Because travel planning can be easy.
Get Aways
Travel guides
One day trip
Welcome to our AI-powered travel expert hub!
Dive into an interactive experience where you can ask ANYTHING about the countries, cities or attractions you plan to visit. It will like having a local guide at your fingertips!
New to the adventure? You can create new account and unlock a world of travel wisdom.
Already a seasoned explorer? Simply just Log in and let the fun begin!
