Tourism
Many people who visit Museum of the Pontal also visit other attractions in the area, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, large areas of intact and preserved forest as well as a variety of restaurants. Here are some suggestions of places to see to make your visit even more complete.
Beaches in the Zona Oeste
The coastline of the Zona Oeste offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, with various options to suit different tastes.
The Barra da Tijuca beach is the largest in the city, over 14km in length. Along the beach there are a wide range of services and dining options to enjoy, suitable for those who prefer the amenities of an urban beach.
The beach in Recreio is less crowded than the Barra beach, and has a number of kiosks for those who want an appetizer and a cold drink on the beach.
Those who prefer a little more quiet can visit the ecological reserve in the area that lies between the Barra da Tijuca and Recreio.
Macumba beach, also known as Pontal beach, is closest to the Museum. It is equally beautiful, but has fewer options for food and drink and the sea very rough. The beach is not recommended for children.
Nearby, located in reserve area, are the Rio beaches preferred by surfers: Prainha and Grumari. Prainha is about 700m long and has some kiosks for drinks and snacks. Grumari beach is much larger and at its northern end, where the surf is less strong, there is a safe beach for children. From Grumari, you can continue on the beach to Abricó beach, with access restricted to practicing nudists.
Vargem Grande Restaurant Complex
Vargem Grande and Vargem Pequena currently have about 15 restaurants. Located close to the Museum, the menus include many Brazilian specialities. Some are installed in highly wooded areas and have beautiful gardens. Among the best known are the Barreado (21) 2442-2023, Quinta (21) 2428-1396 and Grumari Point (21) 2410-1434. You can also enjoy fine dining with beautiful views along the ocean front.
The Roberto Burle Marx Gardens
The country home where landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx lived in the 1970s through the 1990s, is now managed by IPHAN / Ministry of Culture. The Gardens may be visited by appointment. In a 300.000m² area, there are more than 3,500 specimens of plants from Brazil. Burle Marx was a personal friend of Jacques Van de Beuque and one of those that encouraged him to install his collection in Recreio.