Situated at the southern tip of Brazil, visiting Rio Grande opens up South America as it borders both Argentina and Uruguay, with Paraguay a relatively short drive away. If you choose to hire a car in Rio Grande, as well as exploring further afield, you'll find plenty of attractions on your doorstep. The Lagoa dos Patos is the biggest lagoon in Brazil, just on the edge of the town. The main 11 highway that runs alongside will give you access to plenty of vantage points, as well as to the Lagoa do Peixe National Park which is home to wild flamingos.
Rio Grande is one of the oldest cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The capital of the state, Porto Alegre, is a fair drive away from the city but easily reached if you rent a car in Rio Grande. The Praida do Cassino beach is another good option as it's just a 20 minute drive away to the coast. The Museu Oceanográfico is a great educational attraction to head to, a great day out to see some unknown elements of the ocean and learn a little about the area itself. Typically for Brazil, the bigger cities are few and far between, so plan your attractions in advance.