Lagoa da Jansen is a coastal lagoon in the newer part of the city, surrounded by a well-maintained park and waterfront promenade. It's popular with joggers, cyclists, and families in the early morning and late afternoon, and the sunset views from the western shore are excellent.
The lagoon is not in the historic centre but it represents everyday São Luís life away from the tourist trail — a place where people come to exercise, to eat at the restaurants that line the shore, and to watch the light change over the water. Several good seafood restaurants face the lagoon and are more accessible by price and location than the historic centre options.