Beyond the beach­es of Copaca­bana, the glo­ri­ous white sands merge into the just-as-famous beach­es of Ipane­ma. The same wave design of Copaca­bana’s wide prom­e­nade con­tin­ues here, sep­a­rat­ing the sand from the line of hotels, restau­rants, cafés, art gal­leries, and cin­e­mas that make this a pop­u­lar social zone year-round.

Far­ther along, beyond the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains Lagoa Rodri­go de Fre­itas lagoon, are the beach­es of Leblon. With more locals and few­er tourists, these beach­es are favorites for fam­i­lies. Sun­day is espe­cial­ly busy, with an antiques mar­ket at Praça de Quen­ta­land and the Feira de Arte­sana­to de Ipane­ma, alive with music, art, hand­crafts, and street food.

The waves at Ipane­ma and Leblon can be very strong and unpre­dictable, so be care­ful where you swim. Fol­low the locals and stay out of the water where you don’t see oth­ers swim­ming. If surf is what you’re look­ing for, head to the stretch between Copaca­bana and Ipane­ma, where the surfers hang out.