São José dos Campos is the capital of the Paraíba Valley, in the state of São Paulo. With over 700,000 inhabitants and located about 100 km from the capital, it is crossed by the famous Presidente Dutra Highway, a section of the BR-101 that connects São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. As it is also close to the main access roads to the Serra da Mantiqueira, the northern and southern coasts of Minas Gerais, and less than an hour's drive from Aparecida, an important religious center in the country, many people take advantage of its strategic location to explore the surrounding area. Its good hotel network and diverse gastronomic options help in the decision to make São José a stop (or starting point) during a trip to the region.

What are your reasons for going to São José dos Campos and how do you get there?

For those coming from far away and wanting to travel by plane, the closest airport to São José dos Campos is Guarulhos International Airport, in the city of São Paulo. You can travel from the capital to São José dos Campos by car or bus. When it comes to public transport, keep an eye out for the Gontijo, Pássaro Marron and Litorânea buses that pass through this region. For those who want to drive, the route from São Paulo to the city can be taken via BR-116.

Furthermore, there is no shortage of reasons that make São José dos Campos a very interesting city. São José is a center of technological development in Brazil, mainly associated with the aerospace industry. Thus, the city has museums, parks and cultural programs for those who do things in São José dos Campos, with an emphasis on the concern for the preservation of its environmental wealth.

What to do in São José dos Campos? Main tourist attractions.

The first impression you get of the largest city in the Paraíba Valley is that it is not a tourist destination. And, in fact, it is not a place where you will find an attraction on every corner. However, there are some great places to visit in São José dos Campos. If you are going to São José for work and want to take a few hours off or even spend a weekend in another city, know that it is possible, organize a very pleasant leisure program.

Another good news is that your expenses there in general will not be exorbitant – especially if you are used to the prices in São Paulo. In São José, the main tourist attractions are free, there is little money to travel and to satisfy your stomach, there are restaurants of all price ranges.

Alberto Simoes Park

Those looking for activities in São José dos Campos and who enjoy hiking and outdoor sports should visit Alberto Simões Park. In this park you can practice extreme sports such as rock climbing, zip-lining and tree climbing.

Those traveling with small children can also relax, as the park has a playground. All sports are free, just buy a ticket and check the opening hours of the equipment. The park is located on an old farm, Fazenda Boa Vista. The mansion is currently the headquarters of the environmental police, which carries out environmental education work in the region. With all this, it is a good option for family leisure.

City park

Parque da Cidade, the more common name for Parque Municipal Roberto Burle Marx, is the largest green space in the urban area of São José dos Campos. Visitors can stroll among exotic flowers, palm trees, lakes and other artificial islands, which occupy almost one million square meters. This natural wealth attracts a number of wild animals that can be seen by those who walk through the park. The Olivos Gomes Residence, which was the former owner of the farm that now houses the park, is also open to visitors. Like the gardens designed by Roberto Burle Marx, the house is listed as a Historical Monument by the Local Council for the Conservation of History, Art, Landscaping and Culture. The park also has cultural spaces such as the Arena Theater and the Folklore Museum.

Brazilian Aerospace Memorial – MAB

In recent decades, DCTA has gained recognition in the Brazilian and international scientific community and is currently recognized as one of the most important centers for teaching, research and development in the aerospace sector in Latin America and the world. To tell this story and the level achieved by the aerospace industry in the country, DCTA built the Brazilian Aerospace Memorial – MAB. MAB aims to be a reference for the technological hub of which São José dos Campos and the region were the foundation of DCTA. The collection of memorials is divided into the following areas: Teaching, Aeronautics, Defense, Space and Related Research.

Banhado Viewpoint

The Banhado Viewpoint is a structure from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the mountains in the distance, with a large lawn. The place is especially pleasant to stroll during sunset. The viewpoint is built in the form of a wooden terrace where many tourists and locals come to see the landscape and stroll. The name Banhado Viewpoint was given in the past during the floods of the Paraíba do Sul River, when the lawn observed was flooded and was even called Mar Joseense. It is worth visiting this viewpoint, which has already become one of São José's postcards.

Museum of Sacred Art

Installed in the chapel of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and opened in 2007, the Museum of Sacred Art of São José dos Campos has a collection composed of paintings, vestments, liturgical objects, oratories, religious books, procession flags and several other pieces from the 18th to the 20th century and made by artists from the Paraíba Valley and region.

Did you enjoy our tour of the largest city in the Paraíba Valley region?

São José dos Campos has several tourist attractions and tours to be done alone, with family and even with friends, and in addition to the Parks and Museums mentioned above, the city has a variety of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs at night.