What to do in Greater Florianópolis during the long weekend
If you are looking what to do in Greater Florianópolis For the September 7th long weekend, I'm giving you a heads-up: there's no need to include the beach in your plans to thoroughly enjoy the region. In fact, this is a time when I particularly like to look toward the other side of Greater Florianópolis—the one with mountains, small towns, thermal springs, rural experiences, history, and places that become even more delightful when the temperature drops.
In 2026, the September 7 falls on a Monday, making it that perfect long weekend to leave the Island for a bit and discover what exists in the surrounding municipalities.
And this text is not an itinerary saying “do this on Saturday, go to that on Sunday.” The idea is different. I've separated experiences for you to choose according to your style, who you're traveling with, and, most importantly, the weather of the day.
1. Start the long weekend at a vintage car festival in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz
On the day September 5, 2026, Celebrate Park, in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, hosts the Southern Brazilian Vintage Vehicle Festival – Vintage Car Show Brazil. It starts at 8 a.m., with tickets starting at R$ 30.
It is one of those options that I would put on the radar even for those who do not consider themselves car fanatics. Vintage vehicle events usually catch attention for the details, the stories behind the models, and, of course, the opportunity to see up close cars that normally only appear in photographs, movies, or specialized gatherings.
As happens already on Saturday, September 5th, it is a very different way to kick off the long weekend without depending on outdoor activities.
And there is still an advantage: you will already be in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, one of the towns that appears most on this list because, for cold days, it delivers some of the experiences I like to recommend most near Floripa.
2. Getting into warm thermal water while it's cold outside
If someone asks me what to do in Greater Florianópolis when it is cold, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz it appears almost automatically in the conversation.
The city is known for its thermal waters, and one of the most traditional experiences is the Caldas da Imperatriz Hotel Bathhouse.
Are 14 bathtubs, some with hydromassage, supplied with thermal water that arrives directly from the source at approximately 39.8°C. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with prices starting at R$ 25.
And it's not the only option.
Those who prefer to spend more time in the water can check out the Caldas da Imperatriz Water Park, which features a thermal pool for adults and children, as well as locker rooms, parking, and other leisure facilities.
Those who want to turn the tour into a complete getaway will find Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa. The resort uses thermal waters in pools and bathtubs and is surrounded by a large green area at the foot of the Serra do Tabuleiro.
They are different proposals: a traditional thermal bath, a park to spend more time, or accommodation with complete facilities. You choose the one that best matches the type of long weekend you want to experience.
3. Visit a sugar cane mill and discover how artisanal cachaça is produced
Continuing in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, there is an experience that many people who live in Floripa still don't know about: the visit to the Emperor's Cachaça.
The space operates in the historic Engenho do Imperador, a 1910 building, and offers a guided tour that presents the beverage's production process, from sugarcane cultivation to distillation. At the end, there is a tasting of cachaças and liqueurs.
It is the kind of outing that goes really well with cold weather: you get to learn about local production, hear stories, taste different flavors, and you do not have to keep hoping for the weather to clear up.
Another thing I like about this experience is precisely that it shows a Greater Florianópolis that many people do not associate with a trip to Floripa.
Whoever comes here usually thinks first of the sea, nature, and beaches. Just drive a few kilometers inland to find sugar mills, small farms, artisanal products, and completely different experiences.
Important tip: If you are going to the tasting, decide beforehand who the designated driver will be for the way back.
4. Go rafting — yes, even if it's raining
Now comes the tip for the traveler who looks out the window, sees rain, and thinks: “the trip is over.”.
Not necessarily. The Rafting on the Cubatao River It gets even better on rainy days.
The activity is operated by Apuama Rafting and travels approximately 3.5 kilometers, lasting an average of two hours. There are sections for different levels, and prior training or knowing how to swim is not required. The suggested minimum age is 12 years old, depending on the river's conditions and level.
It is practically the opposite of traditional tourist logic: while some people cancel everything when it starts to rain, here the rain can be part of the experience.
Of course, adventure activities always depend on the safety conditions evaluated by the team on the day. But if the operation is running normally, rain doesn't automatically mean the tour is canceled.
And another thing: you're going to get wet anyway.
So, if your travel style is more “let's live to tell the tale” than “let's wait for the weather to improve,” this might just be one of the best choices for this long weekend.
5. Pick strawberries and have coffee in Rancho Queimado
Now we move on to a city that practically looks like a cold long weekend: Rancho Queimado.
An experience that goes very well with September is visiting places related to strawberry production.
O Choco Ranch, for example, brings together coffee, handmade products, and a greenhouse where it is possible to participate in the strawberry pick-and-pay. The space is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
This is a great choice for those traveling with children, as a couple, or simply wanting to do something different without having to face a trail.
And if your business is less “grab and go” and more “sit, eat, and chat,” Rancho Queimado also has good options.
O Buyer Café com Morango, for example, serves a colonial-style coffee in an atmosphere inspired by that homemade country food that pairs perfectly with low temperatures. The establishment operates from Friday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For me, that is the charm of Rancho Queimado: it doesn't need to have a gigantic attraction to justify the trip. Sometimes, the appeal lies precisely in hitting the road, feeling the temperature drop, and spending a few hours eating well and getting to know the people who produce things around there.
6. Swap the trail for a wine experience in Rancho Queimado
If the idea is something more mature and relaxed, there is another experience that goes so well with the cold: the Goyah Wines and Vineyards.
The property is located in Rancho Queimado and offers experiences related to wine tourism, including tastings and guided tours. Currently, the winery is open on Friday afternoons and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. On other days, visits can be arranged by appointment.
I like this kind of experience precisely because it completely changes the perception of anyone who believes that a trip to Greater Florianópolis needs to revolve around the coast.
You leave the Island and, shortly after, you are in a rural setting, tasting wines and getting to know a business that works with the identity of the countryside.
If you are traveling as a couple or with a group of friends, I would easily put it among the top choices.
And the same rule for cachaça applies: if there's tasting, the designated driver must be chosen before leaving.
7. Enter a 19th-century house and learn about Azorean history in Biguaçu
This is probably one of the most underrated tips on the list.
In Bigaçu, about 24 kilometers from Florianópolis, is the Ethnographic Museum House of the Azores, housed in a 19th-century building and dedicated to preserving the Azorean-Madeiran culture of the region. The collection includes furniture, clothing, and other historical pieces.
The museum is part of the historic complex of São Miguel, alongside the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel and the remains of the old aqueduct. The institution is managed by the Catarinense Culture Foundation – FCC.
I would especially recommend it for anyone who likes to understand the place they are visiting.
Because after learning a bit about this history, several things you see in Florianópolis start to make more sense: the architecture, the traditions, the gastronomy, and the very Azorean presence that still deeply marks the region.
And it's an excellent ace up your sleeve if it's raining.
8. Visit the Santa Paulina Sanctuary in Nova Trento
Even those who are not taking a specifically religious trip may be surprised by New Trento.
The municipality is recognized for religious tourism and has two major sanctuaries: the Santa Paulina Sanctuary and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Help.
For a cold or rainy day, my choice would be Saint Paulina Sanctuary.
The complex features a temple with approximately 9,000 square meters of built area, as well as a restaurant, souvenir shop, lodging, and outdoor spaces.
More than arriving, entering the church, and leaving, it is worth setting aside some time to understand the story of Saint Paulina and her importance to Nova Trento.
It is a peaceful option for families, seniors, couples, or any traveler looking to trade the hustle and bustle for a few hours of contemplation, history, and spirituality.
9. Discovering the history of Santa Catarina's first German colony in São Pedro de Alcântara
Another city that many people pass close to and don't really know is Saint Peter of Alcantara.
The municipality was founded in 1829 and is the oldest German colony in Santa Catarina. Among the elements that help tell this story are the Mother Church, the Kretzer Mansion and other historical landmarks scattered throughout the city.
A Mother Church of São Pedro de Alcântara It is a great starting point. The current temple was inaugurated in 1929, during the celebrations of the colony's centennial, features a wooden altar, and is located in an elevated area of the center. The church is open daily, from 8 AM to 7 PM, with free admission.
Another curious stop is the Mosaic of Saint Philomena, created by the artists Rodrigo de Haro and Idésio Leal. The artwork was inaugurated in 2005 and represents both religious history and references to German immigration in the region.
Across the street is the Kretzer Mansion, built in 1920. It is privately owned and visits are exterior only, but it is worth observing the architecture and imagining that the space once gathered commerce, a warehouse, a ballroom, and an inn for muleteers.
Here I would just make one caveat: if that really heavy and steady rain is falling, leave the mosaic and the old mansion for another time. If it's just drizzling or the weather clears up between one rain shower and another, the city works very well for this kind of more leisurely stroll.
10. Take on the Soldados Sebold trail in Alfredo Wagner
If the long weekend has at least one day of clear weather, a great choice is to visit the Sebold Soldiers, in alfredo wagner. The rock formations draw attention for their appearance that resembles soldiers lined up. To get to them, one of the options is to follow the Classic Trail, with about 6 kilometers of walking.
It is a tour that goes very well with the cooler September weather, especially for those who like nature, trekking, and mountain landscapes. The journey is part of the experience and ends in a setting very different from the coast, showing another side of the region near Florianópolis.
I would only leave this tip for one rainless day. The access has uneven sections, rocks that can become slippery, and more isolated areas. I also recommend doing the trail during the day, never alone, and, for those without experience, with proper guidance.
After all, what is there to do in Greater Florianópolis if it rains over the long weekend?
If the forecast is bad, I wouldn't cancel the trip.
Among all the options on this list, there are several good choices for a rainy day.
Want to relax? Go to the thermal baths in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.
Want a different activity? Do guided tour of Cachaça do Imperador.
Want adrenaline and don't mind getting wet? Rafting on the Cubatao River it is officially disclosed as an activity that can get even better in the rain.
Want to eat and spend a few hours at a leisurely pace? Choco Rancho, Käufer Café com Morango, and the rural experiences of Rancho Queimado They easily make the list.
Want culture? Here House of the Azores, in Biguaçu, is practically the ready-made answer for that gray Saturday or Sunday.
And for those looking for faith, history, or contemplation, there are options like the Saint Paulina Sanctuary, The Mother Church of São Pedro de Alcântara and other historic spaces in the region.
In other words: rain changes the outing, but it doesn't have to ruin it.
Take advantage of the long weekend to look beyond the Island
One of the things I like most about living in Florianópolis is precisely this feeling that there is always something new an hour — or just a little more — away.
You can know Floripa for years and still discover a winery in Rancho Queimado you have never visited, a historic house in Biguaçu you have never entered, a trail in Alfredo Wagner you have never heard of, or a hot springs experience that was right there the whole time.
Therefore, if you've made it this far looking for what to do in Greater Florianópolis during the September 7th long weekend, perhaps the best tip is precisely this: take advantage of the three days to look beyond the most obvious places.
Choose an experience that really has to do with you. Greater Florianópolis has this advantage: in just a few kilometers, the landscape, the culture, and even the style of the trip change completely.
And the long holiday weekend of September 5 to 7, 2026 It is a great excuse to find that out.
Before leaving the house
Since visiting hours, prices, and conditions may undergo special changes during holidays, it is always a good idea to check the attraction's official channels shortly before the trip, especially when reservations or scheduling are required.
And if you are still in doubt about which municipality to visit, explore the section Region Check out Visite Floripa. It brings together other possibilities near Florianópolis and can yield many ideas for the upcoming weekends as well.
Because, around here, the beach is just one of the possibilities — and maybe this long weekend is the perfect opportunity to discover all the rest.
