the waves are famously tall and break with great force, so swimming here can be dangerous.   for the less adventurous the soft white sand of the beach is perfect for catching some rays and many brazilians do just this.

the garota de ipanema parkis also located very near to the fine viewpoint and serves as a thoroughfare between praia do arpoador and copacabana. during the summers the park hosts concerts and it even has its own lookout point.