Whether you're looking for a weekend escape or a long-weekend break, there are some great places to visit in Natal, Brazil. From stunning coastal sand dunes to ancient Portuguese fortresses, this Brazilian city has something for everyone.
Praia dos Artistas
Located in Rio Grande do Norte, Praia dos Artistas is a great beach destination. It is a popular tourist attraction that is clean and has good surfing waves. Located between Praia da Areia Preta and Praia do Meio, this beautiful beach is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
The beach is an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. It also offers a lot of restaurants and bars. It has a nice atmosphere and is perfect for families.
In addition to its natural beauty, Natal has plenty to offer its visitors. There are several museums in the city's old part. These include the Popular Culture Museum of Djalma Maranhao, which exhibits the history of the region. There is also an art gallery, Palacio da Cultura - Pinacoteca do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, which features regional art.
The sand dunes of Genipabu are a famous local attraction. It is about 45 kilometers north of Natal. The area is filled with sand dunes and lagoons, as well as a freshwater lagoon. There are many hiking trails as well.
It is also home to the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center, which was created in 1965. It is used by the Brazilian Space Agency. It has reached an altitude of 1100 kilometers, and has been used for 233 launches.
It is possible to visit all of the city's beaches using Via Costeira. This avenue is very close to the sea and there are hotels there. However, it is always crowded and parking spaces are limited.
If you want to experience the nightlife of Praia dos Artistas, you can check out the Chaplin nightclub. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Museu Camara Cascudo. The Museu has an auditorium where lectures can be given.
Praia de Gracandu
Located in the northeastern part of Brazil, Natal is a city of incredible beauty. It is famous for its coastal sand dunes. The city is also known for its diverse cuisine, culture and natural surroundings. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the region is a favorite destination for tourists.
The city's beaches are also a major attraction. The area boasts several beautiful locations, including Praia de Muriu, Pitangui Beach, Pirangi Beach and Ponta Negra. Each of these beaches has its own unique charm.
Aside from being a great place to relax, Praia de Gracandu is also home to some fishermen who use it as their anchorage. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sand boarding and buggy riding. The water is relatively calm. The area is also surrounded by sand dunes.
The beach is very busy, especially during the annual carnival season. To avoid this, the best time to visit is during the low tide. If you want to get a glimpse of the beach at high tide, you may want to take a private tour of the area.
The area is home to the largest cashew tree in the world. It is also surrounded by amenities such as restaurants and bars. The park also has several trails for visitors to hike on.
Another notable tourist attraction in Natal is Morro do Careca. The dune is over 100 meters tall. It is also a popular postcard subject. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The dune is a favorite for travelers, especially those who love to take photographs.
The neoclassical Palacio da Cultura - Pinacoteca do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte is an art gallery that showcases local and regional art. It is situated in the Barro Vermelho neighborhood of the city.
Parque das Dunas
Located in the Natal city, Parque das Dunas is a nature lover's haven. The park is home to huge sand dunes and a dense Atlantic forest. It's a great place for hiking, trekking, and photography.
Visitors can also enjoy the dune buggy ride. It's an adventure that requires a lot of speed and twists and turns. Alternatively, a driver will take you around the park for a scenic tour.
The park is also home to the Palacio da Cultura - Pinacoteca do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, a beautiful neoclassical building. The museum features regional art and culture.
The park's main attraction is the dune buggy ride. You can rent one with or without a driver. The ride is an exhilarating adventure that involves riding through the dunes at breakneck speed. You can also drive up and down the dune like a roller coaster.
Aside from the dune buggy rides, there are other fun activities at the park. There are also boat cruises, water slides, and ziplining. There are also restaurants and shops here. Some of the stores accept major credit cards.
The best time to visit the park is during the sunset. This is because you get a good chance to observe a variety of Atlantic forest species. You should also bring sun lotion and a camera. The area has over 270 tree species and orchids.
You can find a number of Natal hotels that are close to the park. If you're looking for an upscale hotel, you can stay at a five-star resort along the beach.
Natal's beaches are a popular tourist attraction. There are 15 km (9 miles) of white sands south of the city.
Ponta Negra
Located at the south end of the Atlantic coast, Ponta Negra has been developing in recent years. Until a few decades ago, it was a small fishing village and home to laborers and fishermen. However, when foreign investment in real estate and tourism started, Ponta Negra became a popular destination.
Ponta Negra is known for its sweeping bay, which is lined with palm trees, a pedestrian only boardwalk, restaurants, and hotels. The town is also home to Morro do Careca, a 120 meter high sand dune. The dune has a visual likeness to a bald head.
Morro do Careca was once a popular skibunda, but it is now cordoned off for erosion prevention. Until recently, it was climbable. During the annual carnival season, it is especially popular.
Praia de Ponta Negra is a beautiful, three-kilometer-long beach. There are many restaurants and cafes, and the beach is surrounded by green hills. It's a good spot for swimming, body surfing, and jogging.
The nearby Shopping do Artesanato Potiguar mall sells handicrafts and hammocks. There are a number of hotels, restaurants, and bars in the area. The nightlife in the area is lively.
Forro com Turista is a popular nightlife hotspot. The barracas (palm thatched beach clubs) serve grilled shrimp and beer. If you want to see the beach, it's best to visit during low tide.
The nearby Via Costeira is a coastal road that connects Ponta Negra with other beaches in Natal. It's also called the Senador Dinarte Mariz Avenue. The paved highway has two lanes in each direction. During the day, it's an easy drive along the coastline. There are no traffic lights. The roads are lined with pousadas and restaurants.
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World is an entertainment destination that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Its main attractions include the aquarium and the waterpark. These are located on eight separate sections within the park.
The aquarium features a large collection of marine life. It also includes a dolphin stadium and seal shows. It has a capacity of 4.6 million gallons. Guests can also experience a shark dive.
The waterpark is divided into two areas: Sea World and Wet n Wild. These are filled with lots of fun rides. They include Stuka free fall slides, Kamikaze speed slides, and super tubes. There are also Kiddies rides, swimming pools, and sunbathing areas.
The Dangerous Creatures section is for reptile lovers. It has a variety of creatures including snakes, spiders, and crocs. The park also has a treasure cave for children to explore.
The park is run by Three Cities Hospitality Group and has an affiliation with Isundu, a nonprofit empowerment organization. The company has extensive experience in the management of theme parks.
uShaka Marine World is one of the largest marine theme parks in the world. It offers visitors an up close look at sharks and penguins. It also has a waterplay park and a bird's eye view of the western Indian Ocean. There are also several restaurants that offer food and beverages.
UShaka Marine World is ideal for families and groups. It offers a safe and subtropical environment. There are several activities that can be enjoyed by guests, including snorkeling, beach volleyball, and windsurfing. There are also paddle boat rides.
Tickets for this park are available at the entrance. The price ranges depending on the season. There are also annual passes that have different benefits.
