While visiting the city, you absolutely must visit the beaches in Sao Paulo. If there's one thing you're not going to want to miss out on while in Brazil, it's life at the beach! Incredible tropical sun, soft white sand, swaying palms. and one unforgettable experience. Here are a few of the tourist-safe and popular beaches in Sao Paulo.

Praia do Encanto Beach - The Portuguese name for this beach actually means 'charm beach' in English, so you know it's going to be beautiful! Also known as 5th beach, this spot is famous for its quietness and tranquility, unlike many of the other more touristy beaches. The beach has been kept true to nature by the nearby town of Garapua, and visitors will be able to get here through a hotel transportation service, since it's a little bit out of the way to reach by taxi. Bring a book and a large towel - this is truly one place where you can sit back and enjoy nature.

Caraguatatuba Beaches - Located on the north coast of Sao Paulo, Caraguatatuba has 18 beaches to choose from, with a wide array of natural surroundings to complement the bustling tourist-friendly hotels, restaurants and beachside activities available to visitors.

Sao Sabastiao Beaches - Also along the north coast, Sao Sabastiao beaches can appear wild and untamed to the new visitor - but one look at the area's gorgeous natural waterfalls and cliffs reveals a natural beauty that simply cannot be ignored. Activities such as paragliding and cliff diving are popular among beach-goers to this area!

Guaruja Beaches - Of all the beaches in Sao Paulo, those found near Guaruja are among the most commercialized and tourist-oriented of all. The beaches are long, repetitive, and often very crowded - especially the main beach, Pitangueiras. However, there are many, many restaurants and hotel-related food vendors along the beaches, which means that you'll never want for food or drink. Of course, this also means that if you use the chairs and umbrellas lining the beaches, you're expected to order from the restaurant that provided them for you, however it's a nice time to just sit back and relax, if you're at the beach just to rest and enjoy the sun.

Santos Beach near Sao Vincente - This beach has often been called the most beautiful beach in all of Sao Paulo, and the beach itself is associated with the city of Santos near Sao Vicente, the oldest town in Brazil! The beach is only about 40 miles away from Sao Paulo city, and the harbor front boasts the world's longest beach gardens - they're over 4 miles long! While soaking up the sun here, you can also pay a visit to Santos' memorial for a favorite soccer player, Pele, and there's also a Coffee Museum that tells the history of Santos' role in trade and shipping from this very beach! Fruit stands and cafés line this beach front, and it is definitely worth a visit.

Pontal Beach - Of all the beaches in Sao Paulo, Pontal is perhaps the most remote in the state! Lined with 11 miles of coconut groves, it is the very essence of tranquility and usually deserted. However, this also means it is quite difficult to reach, as you can only get there by boat or tour agency jeeps. If you're traveling to this beach, be sure to do so with a large group, just to be safe.

Ubatuba Beaches - As one of the most popular towns along Sao Paulo's north coast, this area has many gorgeous beaches that are fantastic destinations for surfing, sailing, and other nautical pursuits! Not only do you get sun and sea at Ubatuba's beaches - such as Lazaro beach, Itamambuca, and Itagua beach - but the rainforest is also within an arm's reach on the hillsides, making this a beautiful location to relax and enjoy the sun!

Periube Beaches - A quieter area along the south coast of Sao Paulo, Periube's beaches are dotted with small bays and peaceful inlets along the shore, where calming waters complement the nearby waterfall of Paraiso and natural reserve area. In fact, there are six islands in the Periube area, all with various tourist sights and wonderful opportunities for beach relaxation.

While most beaches are easily accessed off the main road, those few that do need specific forms of transportation to get there - like a boat or tour vehicle - should only be visited in a large group for safety. Otherwise, most beaches in Sao Paulo have a wide array of fruit stands, cafés, and street vendors offering snacks for just a few dollars. You don't need to bring much with you - if you've forgotten your bathing suit or towel, you should be able to pick one up for less than $5 USD!