My father's 9 favorite places
Every time my father comes to visit me, the same question arises: where are we going this time?
The truth is that choosing places to go with your dad in Floripa it seems easy until we remember that Florianópolis is not just about beaches. There are historic neighborhoods, waterfront dining, craft beer, boat tours, oyster farming, and places where the best part of the plan is simply sitting and chatting without looking at the clock.
And since he has already visited more than once, some tours ended up becoming a tradition. These are the places he asks to visit again, talks about after returning home, and recommends to anyone who says they are planning a trip to Santa Catarina.
The list also grew beyond the Island. Today, when we have more time, we take the opportunity to explore nearby destinations, such as Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and Rancho Queimado, or head a bit further south to spot southern right whales in Garopaba.
This is not a rigid itinerary, the kind where you need to wake up at 7 a.m., have lunch at noon, and rush off to the next attraction. It is a list of places that work well for different types of dads: the one who likes history, the one who prefers good food, the one who never turns down a craft beer, and even the one who would trade any gift for a quiet day in the countryside.
1. Walk across the Hercílio Luz Bridge and stop at Parque da Luz
A Hercílio Luz Bridge It is one of those places that seem obvious to those who live in Florianópolis, but continue to impress those visiting the city. And, around here, it always appears among my father's favorite outings.
Maybe it's because the walk allows for calm conversation. Maybe it's the view of the North Bay. Or maybe it's because the bridge helps to understand a little bit of the relationship between the Island and the mainland.
Opened in 1926, the Hercílio Luz Bridge is 821 meters long and was, for decades, the only land connection between Santa Catarina Island and the mainland part of the city. After a long restoration process, it was reopened in 2019 and once again welcomes vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
My preferred time to take my father is in the late afternoon. When the weather cooperates, the sky starts changing color, the city lights begin to appear, and the bridge takes on a different atmosphere.
2. Go through the Public Market and sit at the Box 32 counter
My father likes those places where the city seems to happen right in front of us. That's why the Public market from Florianópolis always makes the list.
The Market brings together commerce, gastronomy, residents, tourists, fish markets, restaurants, and conversations that mingle through the aisles. It is a tourist spot, of course, but it continues to be part of the downtown routine.
The visit can start with Praça XV de Novembro and continue through the historic surroundings. Along the way, it is possible to observe the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cruz e Sousa Palace, The Customs House and other important buildings in the central region.
One of the best-known stops is Box 32, founded in 1984. The establishment has become a meeting point inside the Market and gained fame for its counter that welcomes people from different walks of life, in addition to having established itself as a gastronomic attraction in the city.
O Box 32 It operates Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It remains closed on Sundays. As hours may change on holidays and special dates, please confirm before visiting.
What my father enjoys most about this outing isn't exactly checking off a tourist spot as visited. It's sitting down, ordering something, watching the activity, and chatting with whoever is next to him.
3. Watch the sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa and eat at Freguesia
Some places we show because they are important to the city. Others, because we know the person will fall in love. Saint Anthony of Lisbon It is in the second group.
The neighborhood features old architecture, Azorean influence, a historic church, narrow streets, restaurants, and a privileged view of the North Bay. The beach is approximately 750 meters long and forms a landscape very different from the open-sea beaches of the Island.
It is an ideal tour for the dad who is not interested in hiking or spending the whole day on the sand, but enjoys walking, taking photos, exploring places with history, and, of course, trying some very typical flavors of Floripa.
We usually arrive a little before sunset. That way, there's time to walk down the main street, observe the buildings, and get to know the Church of Our Lady of Needs, enter the stores and see the boats at sea.
On the way, it is worth stopping to eat a shrimp pastry. Crispy, well-filled, and with that flavor that perfectly matches the seaside, it is almost a tradition for those visiting Santo Antônio de Lisboa. It is a simple option, but one that always makes the visit feel even more like Floripa.
Then, for a more leisurely meal, one of our choices is o Freguesia Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Located beachfront, the sustainable establishment works with fish and seafood and allows you to combine local gastronomy with the sunset of Santo Antônio de Lisboa. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The tip is to arrive early, eat the pastel during the walk, and leave Freguesia for the late afternoon or dinner. This way, you can enjoy the neighborhood leisurely and watch the sunset at the table, overlooking the North Bay.
4. Choose a brewery: Rufus Bar, Caverna Bugio or Estimada Bar
My dad likes beer, so we always set aside at least one day to check out somewhere with craft production or local labels.
And here there is not just one choice. The best option depends on which region of the city you will be visiting and the type of atmosphere you are looking for.
Rufus Bar, in Lagoa da Conceição
For anyone around Lagoa da Conceição, the Rufus Bar It is a practical alternative. The venue features experimental beers from Cervejaria da Lagoa and hosts products from guest breweries in the Florianópolis region.
The atmosphere is relaxed and it can be fitted in after a walk around the Lagoon, the dunes, or the Lagoon Coast.
Bugio Cave in Trindade
A Bugio Cave it is close to the Federal University of Santa Catarina and combines craft beer, music, art, and a relaxed atmosphere. Bugio draft beers are handcrafted by the brewery in Paulo Lopes, while the Trindade bar also hosts performances and art exhibitions.
It is a good choice for the dad who likes informal places, culture, and unceremonious conversations.
Dear Bar, on Beira-Mar Norte
Already Dear Bar it is the choice for those who want to combine food, drinks, and the sunset. Located right by the sea, the space features decor inspired by local art and a menu with drinks and casual pub food. The view of the North Bay is one of the most special parts of the experience.
5. Go by boat or take the trail to Costa da Lagoa
A Lagoon Coast it is one of places to go with your dad in Floripa that feel like a little trip within the city itself.
There is no conventional road connecting the community to the rest of the neighborhood. Access is by boat or trail, which makes the trip different right from the start.
When my father is willing to walk, we take the trail there and come back by boat. When the idea is to rest, we go and return by lake transportation. Both ways work, and no one needs to prove themselves an adventurer to enjoy the Coast.
A Lagoon Coast Trail It is approximately 5.75 kilometers long, with an estimated duration of two hours and a difficulty level considered easy to moderate. The path skirts the Lagoa da Conceição, passes through the community, and allows visitors to observe forested areas, buildings, and elements related to the historical occupation of the region.
Then comes the best part: choosing where to have lunch.
One of the options is Jajá's Restaurant, located at point 16 of Costa da Lagoa. The restaurant is located along the Caminho da Costa, right behind the small church of Costa da Lagoa and is a business with Sustainability Commitment Seal – Biosphere Sustainable.
This tour deserves at least half a day. Trying to fit Costa da Lagoa between several other attractions usually takes away precisely what makes it best: the feeling of traveling slowly.
6. Experience the Paraíso das Ostras Experience
My father had already eaten oysters before visiting Florianopolis. What he didn't know yet was the whole process that happens before they reach the plate.
That is why Experience Paradise of Oysters made it onto the list of tours that most surprise those who come to the Island. Furthermore, it is an official experience of the UNESCO City of Gastronomy and one of the few developments with the Biosphere Sustainable Commitment Seal.
Located in Caieira da Barra do Sul (right near the Ribeirão da Ilha) the experience combines a speedboat tour, gastronomy, culture, and contact with mariculture. During the visit, participants learn about the oyster farming process and head out to the cultivation structures installed in the sea.
The most special part is observing the work of the oyster farmers and tasting freshly harvested oysters. Each visitor receives four oysters for tasting, and the location allows participants to bring their own drinks to pair with them, with no corkage fee.
The tour needs to be booked in advance.
Tip: Go by car or hire private transportation. The availability of buses and ride-hailing vehicles in this part of the island can be limited, especially on the way back.
After the experience, take the opportunity to walk through the historic center of Ribeirão da Ilha, observe the houses and get to know the Church of Our Lady of Lapa. But don't schedule another tour with a very tight timeframe. The whole point is to enjoy the south of the Island without rushing.
7. Spotting right whales in Garopaba
This tip depends on the time of year, the weather, the sea, and a good dose of patience. Perhaps that is precisely what makes the experience so special.
Between July and November, southern right whales arrive off the region's coast to reproduce and care for their calves. Garopaba is one of the destinations where it is possible to observe them from beaches, dunes, rocky shores, and viewpoints.
The main place I take my father is the Whale Lookout, in Gamboa Beach. Access is via a short trail on the right side of the beach, and the spot offers a wide view of the sea. During the season, mothers and calves can come quite close to the coast.
It is also possible to keep your eyes on the horizon in Silveira Beach, nas Siriú Dunes and then Siriú Bay.We recommend making the observation in the morning, when the sea tends to be calmer, and bringing binoculars to make viewing easier.
My father usually stays in silence looking at the sea, as if any conversation could get in the way. First a distant blow appears. Then, maybe a tail or the movement of a calf. And, suddenly, everyone at the viewpoint is pointing to the same place.
Garopaba requires a longer trip leaving from Florianópolis. Therefore, it is worth booking a full day, combining whale watching with beaches, the Historic Center, and local cuisine. There are also registered guided land experiences in official portal of Garopaba, recommended for those who want to learn how to recognize the signs and behaviors of whales.
8. Take a thermal bath and discover Cachaça do Imperador in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz
When the day is cold or when we want to take a more leisurely trip, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz usually wins the vote.
The municipality is known for its thermal springs and is close enough to Florianópolis for a day trip. But despite the proximity, the landscape changes quite a bit. The city is surrounded by mountains, forest, and rural areas.
One of the options is Caldas da Imperatriz Hotel Bathhouse. The space features 14 bathtubs, some with whirlpools, supplied with thermal water that arrives directly from the source at 39.8°C. Each bath lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Another possibility is the Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa, which also offers experiences related to thermal waters and well-being.
After the shower, our next stop is the Emperor's Cachaça.
The distillery offers tastings of cachaças and liqueurs and allows visitors to learn more about the flavors and tradition of the artisanal drink. The brand has won awards at Expocachaça and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
If your father is going to taste cachaças, decide in advance who will be the designated driver for the return trip. It is also possible to sleep in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and enjoy the destination more leisurely.
9. Pick strawberries and sleep in Rancho Queimado
Rancho Queimado it's the choice when my father wants a mountain climate, a peaceful road, home-cooked food, and that feeling of a trip that begins even before arriving at the destination.
The municipality is known as the Strawberry Capital of Santa Catarina and has rural properties that welcome visitors by appointment to explore the plantations and buy directly from the producers.
The experience we like the most is the pick-and-pay. Instead of just buying the ready-made fruit, we go into the greenhouses, choose the strawberries, and closely follow the work of the producer families.
Among the options are the Strawberry Farm and the Seal House.
Although Rancho Queimado can be visited as a day trip, it is well worth sleeping there.
By staying the night, you don't have to make the trip back right after the tour and you can still enjoy the town's cafes, restaurants, rural properties, and more relaxed atmosphere.
Oh, and don't confuse Rancho Queimado with the Serra Catarinense region. The municipality belongs to the Greater Florianópolis region, although it has rural landscapes, altitude, and lower temperatures during certain periods.
How to fit in sightseeing without creating a rigid itinerary
These nine places do not need to be visited in order. In fact, we don't even recommend trying to see them all on the same trip.
The best thing is to choose according to the location, the weather forecast, the available time, and, above all, your father's style.
To make it easier, some combinations work naturally.
A Hercílio Luz Bridge, the Light Park, the Public market and the Box 32 are located in the central region. It is possible to visit two or three of them in the same period without crossing the entire Island.
O Dear Bar It can also be combined with this area, especially to end the afternoon at Beira-Mar Norte. Just like the Bugio Cave which is in Trindade.
Saint Anthony of Lisbon It deserves a late afternoon all to itself. There is no need to cram in too many other attractions. Arriving early, taking a walk, and having dinner while watching the sunset already makes for a great outing.
O Rufus Bar matches a day by Lagoa da Conceição. If you do Lagoon Coast, confirm if you still feel like going out at night. Often, after the trail, the boat ride, and lunch, the best decision is to return to the accommodation and rest.
A Experience Paradise of Oysters must be planned in advance and takes up a good part of a period. It can be combined with other points of the Ribeirão da Ilha, but avoid scheduling appointments too close together.
Already Garopaba It deserves a whole day, especially during whale season. There is no set time for nature to show up, so be patient and leave room in your schedule.
Santo Amaro da Imperatriz works well for a day trip, combining a thermal bath, lunch, and a visit to Emperor's Cachaça.
Rancho Queimado, on the other hand, gets even better with an overnight stay. That way, the outing stops being just a quick dash to the pick-and-pay farm and turns into a mini-trip through the countryside of Greater Florianópolis.
The best places are those he asks to repeat
After a few visits, I realized that my father's favorite places are not always the most famous ones.
Sometimes, he remembers the conversation during the crossing of the more Hercílio Luz Bridge what about the photograph we took. Remember the oyster tasted in the middle of the sea, the blow of a whale that appeared far away, the warm water in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and the box of strawberries that barely made it in one piece to the accommodation.
Choose the tours that suit you. Leave some free time. Repeat a restaurant you liked. Swap the beach for a bar if it is cold or raining.
In the end, what makes a place become a favorite isn't just the scenery, the food, or the attraction. It's the memory created there. And when my dad asks where we are going next time, I already know that at least one of these nine places will end up on the itinerary once again.
