At night, Praia da Pipa literally lights up as visitors step into their finest flip-flops and take to the bars and clubs on and around Avenida Baía dos Golfinhos. Start the night off at Tribus Bar (Av. Baía dos Golfinhos, Galeria das Cores, 7 p.m.–close daily), whose deep jewel-toned hues of green and red have earned it the unofficial name of the “bar da melância” (watermelon bar). This is where young blood of all stripes warm up for the night ahead to hiphop and reggae.

Less urban is Garagem Barco Bar (Rua da Cruzeiro, tel. 84/3246-2154, 10:30 a.m.–1 a.m. daily), which occupies a boat situated on the beach. When the tide is high, waves crash against the sides, giving you the sensation of being stranded at sea. Although the bar is open during the day, at night it’s very romantic. Special festas take place whenever there’s a full moon. Otherwise, you can mellow out to live MPB, jazz, and bossa nova while sipping on caipifrutas made with mango and graviola.

For all-night partying, the classic address is Calangos (Av. Baía dos Golfinhos 1050, tel. 84/3246-2396, Thurs.–Sun., cover R$10), a rowdy nightclub that only starts buzzing after midnight. Thursday features live forró while other nights are devoted to reggae, rock, and electronica.