If you're wondering Here are some ideas for what to do in Florianópolis during the July vacation: **Enjoy the Nature and Beaches (even in winter!)** * **Praia Mole and Joaquina:** While not ideal for swimming in July, these beaches are still beautiful for walks, enjoying the scenery, and feeling the ocean breeze. Joaquina is also famous for its sandboarding on the dunes. * **Ilha do Campeche:** If the weather is good, a boat trip to Ilha do Campeche is a fantastic option. You can explore the island, see ancient rock inscriptions, and enjoy the pristine beach. Check boat tour availability as it can be weather-dependent. * **Lagoinha do Leste:** This is a more adventurous option requiring a hike, but the reward is a stunning, secluded beach. Even if you don't swim, the natural beauty is worth the effort. * **Mirantes (Viewpoints):** Visit viewpoints like Mirante da Lagoa da Conceição or Mirante do Morro da Cruz for panoramic views of the island and surrounding landscapes. **Explore the Culture and History** * **Centro Histórico (Historic Center):** Wander through the charming streets of the historic center. Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, the Praça XV de Novembro with its ancient ficus tree, and the Mercado Público. * **Mercado Público:** This is a great place to experience local life, try regional foods, and buy souvenirs. You'll find fresh seafood, artisanal products, and a lively atmosphere. * **Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa / Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim:** Explore some of the historical forts that helped protect the island. They offer a glimpse into Brazil's past and beautiful views. * **Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina:** Located in the Palácio Cruz e Sousa, this museum offers insights into the history of Santa Catarina. **Indulge in Gastronomy and Local Flavors** * **Seafood:** Florianópolis is famous for its seafood. Enjoy fresh oysters, shrimp, fish dishes, and more at restaurants across the island, especially in Jurerê, Lagoa da Conceição, and Campeche. * **Oysters:** Visit a traditional oyster farm (ostreicultura) in the north of the island to taste fresh oysters directly from the source. * **Local Cuisine:** Try regional dishes like "sequinho de ostras" (a type of oyster fritter) or "sequinho de camarão" (shrimp fritter). **Adventure and Fun Activities** * **Lagoa da Conceição:** Even in winter, the lagoon is a hub of activity. You can go stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoy the views. The area around the lagoon has many charming cafes and restaurants. * **Dunas da Joaquina:** If you're feeling adventurous, try sandboarding on the dunes. * **Surfing:** While the waves might be bigger and colder, it's still a popular spot for surfers. Some surf schools might offer lessons. **Relax and Unwind** * **Jurerê Internacional:** Known for its upscale vibe, luxury hotels, and beach clubs, Jurerê Internacional offers a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. * **Spas and Wellness:** Many hotels and resorts offer spa services for a relaxing getaway. * **Cozy Cafes:** Enjoy the cooler weather by visiting some of the island's cozy cafes, sipping on hot chocolate or coffee and reading a book. **Tips for July in Florianópolis:** * **Weather:** July is winter in Florianópolis, so expect cooler temperatures, with highs typically ranging from 18-23°C (64-73°F) and lows around 10-15°C (50-59°F). It can be windy and there's a chance of rain, but sunny days are also common. * **What to Pack:** Bring layers, including sweaters, jackets, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket is a good idea. Don't forget sunscreen, as the sun can still be strong. * **Crowds:** Generally, July is not the peak season for tourists in Florianópolis, so you can expect fewer crowds compared to summer. * **Book in Advance:** While not as busy as summer, it's still a good idea to book accommodation and any specific tours or activities you're interested in, especially if you're traveling during school holidays. With the whole family, rest assured: those who live here know that July is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable months to enjoy the Magic Island with children. The summer heat takes a break, the beaches become much emptier, and the city transforms: there's winter programming, outdoor activities become more comfortable, and you can enjoy it all without the high-season crowds. And the best part: there are great attractions for everyone, from babies to teenagers, not forgetting the adults who are also on vacation and deserve to enjoy themselves.
We've decided to put together a complete itinerary here, designed for royalty, with tours, tips on where to eat, and where to stay in Florianópolis and the surrounding region. Shall we check it out?
A Family Time Travel Adventure: São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress
Starting with the historic forts, which are a great program to do with children of all ages (seriously, even the little ones have fun exploring the cannons and stone corridors). Fortress of Sao Jose da Ponta Grossa, Built in 1740, it is one of the coolest places to visit on the north of the island. With three cannon batteries, 31 artillery pieces, and a chapel, you can mix a history lesson with a pleasant outdoor stroll. The little ones are enchanted by the old cannons, while adults enjoy the colonial architecture and the privileged view.
Admission costs R$ 16; tickets can be purchased online, and it’s open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Here’s a good tip: on your way to the fortress, it’s worth stopping at the São Caetano da Ponta Grossa Battery, which is also managed by the same administration and has a breathtaking view of Jurerê and Canasvieiras beaches. It's quick, but yields incredible photos with the family.
2. Fun and gastronomy together: getting to know the Little Farm
If there's an outing that pleases everyone (or rather, parents and children), it's the Little farm, in Saint Anthony of Lisbon. The place is a gastronomic complex surrounded by nature, with three restaurants and a very complete mini-market.
The great charm comes from the Mini Farm, where children interact up close with mini pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, mini ponies, mini goats, sheep, and even a donkey. It's contact with nature in a playful and safe way, great for both little ones and pre-teens who love a cute animal. While the kids play on the playground and meet the animals, adults relax in a wooded and tranquil environment, enjoying the delicious local cuisine.
A Fazendinha is open from Wednesday to Monday, 11 AM to 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays), has free admission, and is pet-friendly – so if the family dog is also going to enjoy the vacation, you can bring them along without any worries.
3. Unforgettable picnic: Botanical Garden of Florianópolis
For those looking for a more peaceful and outdoor experience, the Florianopolis Botanical Garden It's that delightful program for all ages. It's 19 hectares in the Itacorubi neighborhood, with a lake, easy trails, tables, and chairs spread throughout the space — perfect for setting up that family picnic while the children run freely on the lawn.
The garden has thematic areas that delight children, such as the Rock Garden and the Sunflower Garden. And if the visit coincides with the event Mané Culture, which takes place on specific dates within the Botanical Garden itself. Even better, it's a program designed to celebrate Mané culture with safety and joy for the whole family. It's worth keeping an eye on the tab for Schedule from our website so you don't miss the next issue.
4. Greenery and outdoor play: Córrego Grande Ecological Park
If the idea is to let the kids burn off energy in an open and free space, the Córrego Grande Ecological Park The “Horto Florestal” (as locals affectionately call it) is the right choice. It's 22 hectares of green space right in the heart of the Córrego Grande neighborhood, with two lakes, tranquil trails, and a playground for little ones to play freely.
The outing appeals to all ages: while the little ones have fun at the playground and observe the native fauna—songbirds, marmosets, and even caimans—teenagers and adults take advantage of the opportunity to walk along the shaded trails and enjoy a moment of contact with nature without leaving the city. Admission is free, and the park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30 AM to 6 PM (closed on Mondays).
5. Adrenaline on the dunes: Sandboarding at Lagoa da Conceição
If the kids (or teenagers) need to burn off some extra energy, nothing beats a sandboarding at the Dunas da Lagoa da Conceição. Here, affectionately known as “esquibunda”—when you ride while sitting down—the ride is open to all ages and requires no prior experience. The boards cost around R$ 30.00, and you can choose to ride lying down, sitting, or standing—our friendly tip is to start sitting, since it’s much easier to keep your balance that way.
July is quite a month for this program: the weather usually has pleasant temperatures for physical exertion. Just an important warning – the wind on the dunes is no joke, so it's worth putting on warm clothes.
6. Learning and conservation: Project Tamar and Project Lontra
For those traveling with children to Florianópolis, including environmental education experiences in the itinerary is a light and fun way to bring the little ones closer to nature. Two projects that fulfill this role very well are the Tamar project, in Barra da Lagoa, and the Otter Project, in the Lagoa do Peri region.
O Tamar project It is one of the island's most well-known attractions. The facility works to conserve sea turtles and allows visitors to see species found on the Brazilian coast up close, such as the green sea turtle, loggerhead, olive ridley, and hawksbill. During the visit, it is possible to observe the animals in their tanks, understand the main risks they face in the oceans, and learn about the importance of marine preservation.
Our tip is to arrive before 10:30 AM to try to keep up with the guided tour and feeding of the turtles, one of the most special moments of the trip. Admission costs R$ 40.00 And the income is reverted to the maintenance of the project, meaning: besides being an educational experience, the tour also directly contributes to the conservation of species.
Already Otter Project, located in the region of Peri Lagoon, is geared towards research, conservation, and environmental education, with a focus on Neotropical otter, a species that lives in aquatic environments such as rivers, lagoons, and protected areas. The visit helps visitors better understand the importance of local wildlife, freshwater ecosystems, and the preservation of Florianópolis’s natural areas. Admission is R$40.00, and there is currently a promotion in effect where visitors who arrive by bicycle or on foot pay half price.
For families, the two projects are great options because they combine learning, contact with nature, and environmental awareness. It's the kind of outing that delights children, sparks curiosity in adults, and also shows that traveling around Florianópolis can be an opportunity to learn about important wildlife and marine conservation initiatives.
7. Rainy Day Program: Florianópolis Museum
July is winter here, and sometimes a cloudy day can pop up in the middle of your trip — but there's no reason to get discouraged. The Museum of Florianopolis, ..., in the Historic Center, is the right recommendation for those who ask what to do with children on cloudy days. The space tells the island's history in an interactive way, divided into six permanent modules spread across two historic buildings, and captures the attention of both children and adults.
And there's another reason to visit the museum during this period: the Temporary Exhibition Hall is featuring the interactive exhibition “Boiled Papaya”, which is back for a new season and invites visitors to color their own characters from the traditional folk dance of Santa Catarina, watching them come to life on interactive screens—a very playful way to introduce Santa Catarina’s culture to the little ones. Admission costs R$ 12.00 (full price) and R$ 6.00 (half price), with hours Monday through Friday (except Tuesdays) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours from March through November).
8. Family Adventure: Cubatão River Rafting
For those with teenagers in the family who want a program with more adrenaline, it's worth leaving the island a bit and getting to know the Rafting on the Cubatao River, in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, About 40 km from Florianópolis. It's a 3.5 km descent in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a stunning landscape, with routes for all levels—from the most relaxed to the most extreme.
The good news is that the tour is recommended for children 12 and up, making it a perfect fit for family itineraries with pre-teens and teens looking for thrills. And, you know, not even rain ruins the fun: it only makes the adventure even more exciting.
9. What if the children are young? Explore the “Children” filter on the website
If you are traveling with babies or very young children and want to ensure trips with adequate facilities, a valuable tip is to access the tab “What to do“ here on our website and use the filter “Children”. With it, you'll find a selection of attractions spread throughout Greater Florianópolis, specially designed for enjoying with little ones—from the coast to the region's mountains. It's a quick way to put together a tailor-made itinerary for your group's age.
10. Where to eat in Florianópolis with the family
After so much sightseeing, hunger strikes, right? Florianópolis has a very generous gastronomic scene, with options ranging from casual to more elaborate, spread across various neighborhoods on the island and the mainland region. If you're in Fazendinha, you can already take care of lunch or a snack right there, as the complex brings together three restaurants within its own tree-filled space — a lifesaver for those traveling with children who don't want to move too much between activities and meals.
For other restaurant, cafe, bistro, and ice cream parlor options throughout Greater Florianópolis — including filters by neighborhood, cuisine type, and features like wheelchair access, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendliness — it's worth exploring the tab “Eat and drink“ here on the site. It's the most practical way to find the right spot near where you're staying.
Where to stay in Florianópolis for July holidays
When choosing accommodation, it's ideal to consider the family's logistics: proximity to calmer beaches, amenities for children, and easy access to the planned excursions. Here on the website, on the tab “Where to stay“, you'll find options filterable by municipality, island region, and features like a pool, breakfast, and parking — very useful when traveling with a young child.
Among our options, the Costao do Santinho Resort, in the north of the island, is a choice for those seeking resort amenities and wanting to avoid the hassle of getting around. Meanwhile, the Faial Prime Suites, it is well located in the center of the island, a great alternative for those who prefer to stay close to the main tourist attractions. If the itinerary includes a rafting trip, it is worth considering accommodation in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, such as the Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz. And for those seeking a cozier, more intimate atmosphere, the Pousada Casa da Lagoa is another option in Floripa in Conceição Lagoon.
Closing the script: Florianópolis is for all ages
As you saw, Here are some ideas for what to do in Florianópolis during the July vacation: **Enjoy the Nature and Beaches (even in winter!)** * **Praia Mole and Joaquina:** While not ideal for swimming in July, these beaches are still beautiful for walks, enjoying the scenery, and feeling the ocean breeze. Joaquina is also famous for its sandboarding on the dunes. * **Ilha do Campeche:** If the weather is good, a boat trip to Ilha do Campeche is a fantastic option. You can explore the island, see ancient rock inscriptions, and enjoy the pristine beach. Check boat tour availability as it can be weather-dependent. * **Lagoinha do Leste:** This is a more adventurous option requiring a hike, but the reward is a stunning, secluded beach. Even if you don't swim, the natural beauty is worth the effort. * **Mirantes (Viewpoints):** Visit viewpoints like Mirante da Lagoa da Conceição or Mirante do Morro da Cruz for panoramic views of the island and surrounding landscapes. **Explore the Culture and History** * **Centro Histórico (Historic Center):** Wander through the charming streets of the historic center. Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, the Praça XV de Novembro with its ancient ficus tree, and the Mercado Público. * **Mercado Público:** This is a great place to experience local life, try regional foods, and buy souvenirs. You'll find fresh seafood, artisanal products, and a lively atmosphere. * **Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa / Fortaleza de Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim:** Explore some of the historical forts that helped protect the island. They offer a glimpse into Brazil's past and beautiful views. * **Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina:** Located in the Palácio Cruz e Sousa, this museum offers insights into the history of Santa Catarina. **Indulge in Gastronomy and Local Flavors** * **Seafood:** Florianópolis is famous for its seafood. Enjoy fresh oysters, shrimp, fish dishes, and more at restaurants across the island, especially in Jurerê, Lagoa da Conceição, and Campeche. * **Oysters:** Visit a traditional oyster farm (ostreicultura) in the north of the island to taste fresh oysters directly from the source. * **Local Cuisine:** Try regional dishes like "sequinho de ostras" (a type of oyster fritter) or "sequinho de camarão" (shrimp fritter). **Adventure and Fun Activities** * **Lagoa da Conceição:** Even in winter, the lagoon is a hub of activity. You can go stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoy the views. The area around the lagoon has many charming cafes and restaurants. * **Dunas da Joaquina:** If you're feeling adventurous, try sandboarding on the dunes. * **Surfing:** While the waves might be bigger and colder, it's still a popular spot for surfers. Some surf schools might offer lessons. **Relax and Unwind** * **Jurerê Internacional:** Known for its upscale vibe, luxury hotels, and beach clubs, Jurerê Internacional offers a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. * **Spas and Wellness:** Many hotels and resorts offer spa services for a relaxing getaway. * **Cozy Cafes:** Enjoy the cooler weather by visiting some of the island's cozy cafes, sipping on hot chocolate or coffee and reading a book. **Tips for July in Florianópolis:** * **Weather:** July is winter in Florianópolis, so expect cooler temperatures, with highs typically ranging from 18-23°C (64-73°F) and lows around 10-15°C (50-59°F). It can be windy and there's a chance of rain, but sunny days are also common. * **What to Pack:** Bring layers, including sweaters, jackets, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket is a good idea. Don't forget sunscreen, as the sun can still be strong. * **Crowds:** Generally, July is not the peak season for tourists in Florianópolis, so you can expect fewer crowds compared to summer. * **Book in Advance:** While not as busy as summer, it's still a good idea to book accommodation and any specific tours or activities you're interested in, especially if you're traveling during school holidays. It goes far beyond the beaches. Between the history of the fortresses, the contact with animals at the Fazendinha (little farm), the green of the Botanical Garden, the adrenaline of sandboarding and rafting, and the learning at Projeto Tamar, Projeto Lontras, and the Florianópolis Museum, Grande Floripa delivers a complete itinerary — for the baby discovering the world, for the teenager seeking thrills, and for the adults who also deserve to enjoy their own vacation.
And the less crowded coastline this time of year only reinforces the advantage: the tours become more exclusive, with no queues and none of that summer rush. These are just some of the attractions spread throughout Greater Florianópolis — on the website, in the tab “What to do“, there are many more options waiting to enter your itinerary.
So, shall we plan? Florianópolis has everything to make this July vacation unforgettable for the whole family. Choose your tours, book your accommodation, and enjoy every moment on the Island of Magic with the ones you love.
