Santa Maria

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Santa Maria's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore the Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Praia da Barra, a beautiful beach ideal for a morning swim. Enjoy a breakfast at a beachfront café, savoring local fruits and pastries.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon at Praia do Forte, where lounge chairs and vibrant beach bars await. Engage in water sports or simply relax under the sun.

evening
:

As the sun sets, stroll along the beach and take in the stunning views. Dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant is a must for fresh local catches.

day 2
Nature Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Begin your journey with a hike at Parque Natural Municipal de Santa Maria, where trails weave through lush landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique flora.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch within the park, enjoying the serenity of nature. Continue exploring further trails or spot a scenic viewpoint.

evening
:

Return to the city and enjoy a calm evening at a local park. Relish in the fresh air while enjoying a simple meal from a nearby vendor.

day 3
Cultural Heritage Tour
morning
:

Visit the Historic City Center, where charming colonial architecture awaits. Stop by the Cathedral of Santa Maria to admire its stunning interior.

afternoon
:

Explore museums such as the Museu de Arte de Santa Maria for a glimpse into local art and history. Take a break in a nearby café for a refreshing drink.

evening
:

Join a guided cultural tour of the city to delve deeper into its history. End the day trying local dishes at a traditional restaurant.

day 4
Bicycle Day
morning
:

Rent a bicycle and cruise along the scenic bike paths surrounding the city. Stop for breakfast at a local bakery to fuel your adventure.

afternoon
:

Cycle towards the Lagoa do Dom Fernando for stunning lake views and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy lunch at a small eatery with local cuisine.

evening
:

Return to the city for an evening bike ride around the plaza. Wrap up with a visit to an ice cream shop to enjoy a sweet treat.

day 5
Art and Craft Fair
morning
:

Visit local art galleries showcasing the works of regional artists. Attend a ceramic or painting workshop for a unique hands-on experience.

afternoon
:

Explore an artisan fair where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to taste local delicacies available from food stalls.

evening
:

Attend a local art exhibition or community event to meet artists in the area. Conclude your day by having dinner at a restaurant showcasing local cuisine.

day 6
City Park Relaxation
morning
:

Spend a leisurely morning at Parque da Redenção, where you can enjoy a stroll or a jog. Bring a book and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park or grab food from a nearby café. Engage in outdoor activities like frisbee or simply chill in the shade.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, enjoy the park's evening ambiance with friends or family. Cap off with dinner at a cozy bistro nearby.

day 7
Stargazing Experience
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at home or a local café. Visit an observatory in the area to learn about the stars and planets.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at a science center or museum offering interactive exhibits on astronomy. Grab a light lunch at the venue's café.

evening
:

Participate in a stargazing session at a local observatory or a scenic viewpoint. Enjoy discussing celestial bodies while having a cozy picnic dinner.

day 8
Wine Tasting Tour
morning
:

Kick off your wine tasting adventure with breakfast at a winery known for its local dishes. Explore the beautiful vineyards and learn about grape cultivation.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a guided wine tasting session at one of the renowned wineries in the region. Don't miss the opportunity to pair wines with local cheeses.

evening
:

Dine at the winery's restaurant, enjoying exquisite dishes paired with the wines you've just tasted. Wrap up the day with wonderful memories and perhaps a bottle to take home.

day 9
Surfing Lessons
morning
:

Get ready for an exhilarating day with surfing lessons at the beach. Begin with a hearty breakfast to fuel your day of fun and adventure.

afternoon
:

Challenge yourself with surfing techniques learned in the morning. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the waves or relaxing on the beach.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy a beach bonfire with friends or new acquaintances. Wind down with a casual dinner at a beachside grill.

day 10
Culinary Experience
morning
:

Start off your culinary adventure with a visit to a local market to experience vibrant flavors and ingredients. Select fresh produce and goods for your cooking class.

afternoon
:

Engage in a cooking class where local chefs will teach you to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.

evening
:

Join a food tour to discover hidden gems in the culinary scene of Santa Maria. Finish with dessert at a popular patisserie, reminiscing about the tasty dishes you've tried.

Discover Santa Maria

Read more in our Santa Maria 2024 Travel Guide.

Santa Maria Travel Guide