during week-days, most of barra beach is scarcely populated, and becomes a favorite spot for many photographers, filmmakers, and local celebrities looking for privacy, especially near the reserva ecológica end - many beach scenes in tele-novelas based in rio de janeiro are filmed on barra beach, and many models and tv personalities have their portraits taken on these sands.    

especially near barra posto 6, along avenida olegário maciel, a street perpendicular to barra beach, there are a variety of bars, restaurants, and popular food franchises.

whales have been spotted in the past on barra beach near the reserva ecológica, as they were swimming along the coast coming from the waters across from praia de grumari.