SÃO CARLOS
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND SÃO CARLOS
SÃO CARLOS
There are several museums, parks, and public squares to explore in São Carlos!
Dietrich Schiel Astronomical Observatory (USP)
Av. Dr. Carlos Botelho, 1465
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 800 m
One of the leading science outreach centers in the state of São Paulo. It features telescopes for sky observation, astronomy sessions, and guided public visits, especially on weekends.
Prof. Mário Tolentino Science Museum
Praça Coronel Salles
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 1km
: An interactive science museum dedicated to science communication, featuring hands-on exhibits in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics for visitors of all ages.
São Carlos Ecological Park
Estrada Municipal Guilherme Scatena, km 2
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 5km
One of the largest ecological parks in the interior of São Paulo state. It is home to native Brazilian wildlife in natural habitats, with walking trails and recreational areas.
XV de Novembro Square
R. 15 de Novembro
📍 Distance from São Carlos: 1km
The city's main historic square, surrounded by traditional buildings, cafés, and local shops.
São Carlos Borromeu Cathedral
Praça Dom Marcondes Homem de Mello
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 1.5km
The city's main Catholic church, renowned for its architecture and historical significance.
São Carlos Museum (Railway Station Museum)
Praça Antônio Prado
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 1.2km
A museum housed in the former railway station, showcasing the history of São Carlos, the railway, and immigration in the region.
Prof. Odelar Leite Linhares Computer Museum (USP)
ICMC – USP São Carlos Av. Trabalhador São-carlense, 400
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: On the campus
Features historic computers, mechanical calculators, IBM equipment, and exhibits illustrating the evolution of computing in Brazil.
Iguatemi São Carlos Mall
Passeio dos Flamboyants, 200
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 6km
The city's largest shopping mall, offering restaurants, a movie theater, and major national and international brands.
Kartódromo Park
Rua Dr. Donato dos Santos
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 1.5km
A large green area popular for walking, running, cycling, and outdoor recreation.
SESC São Carlos
Av. Comendador Alfredo Maffei, 700
📍 Distance from São Carlos: 2km
A cultural and recreational center offering art exhibitions, theater performances, swimming pools, sports facilities, and a diverse cultural program.
Passeio São Carlos Shopping Center
Av. Francisco Pereira Lopes, 1701
📍 Distance from São Carlos: 2km
A shopping gallery featuring restaurants, supermarkets, and a variety of retail stores.
NEAR SÃO CARLOS
The cities and attractions surrounding São Carlos also offer a wide variety of leisure and tourism opportunities.
Pinhal Farm
Rodovia Municipal Domingos Innocentini, Km 4,5, s/n - Zona Rural, São Carlos - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 12km
A historic coffee plantation preserving its original mansion, gardens, and period furniture. It is one of the region's most important historical landmarks.
Santa Maria do Monjolinho Farm
Estr. Mun. Washington José Pêra, 1977 - Botafogo, São Carlos - SP, 13560-049
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 18km
A traditional 19th-century coffee plantation known for its well-preserved architecture and historical importance.
Itirapina
Itirapina - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 30km
Known for the Broa Reservoir, water sports, and the Itirapina State Park, which features typical Brazilian Cerrado landscapes.
Brotas
Brotas - SP
📍Distance from USP São Carlos: 70km
Known as the "Adventure Capital" of São Paulo state, offering rafting, zip-lining, waterfalls, hiking trails, rappelling, the Parque dos Saltos, and the famous Areia que Canta ("Singing Sand") natural attraction.
Santa Rita do Passa Quatro
Santa Rita do Passa Quatro - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 65km
: Home to Vassununga State Park, where visitors can see the Patriarca (Patriarch), one of Brazil's oldest and most impressive Jequitibá-Rosa trees.
Águas de São Pedro
Águas de São Pedro - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 90km
A spa town famous for its therapeutic mineral waters, parks, natural springs, and peaceful atmosphere.
Holambra
Holambra - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 115km
Known as the "City of Flowers," it features Dutch-inspired architecture, flower fields, cafés, and the iconic Moinho Povos Unidos (United Peoples Windmill)
Campinas
Campinas - SP
📍 Distance from USP São Carlos: 145km
One of the state's major technology hubs, offering one of Brazil's largest shopping malls, attractions such as Taquaral Lagoon, Bosque dos Jequitibás, museums, vibrant nightlife, and a wide variety of restaurants.
