The park is divided into ten bases(núcleos) open to visitors.

The núcleo Curucutu, in Itanhaém, covers 12,029 ha. There are two hiking trails (one easy and one medium). Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

The other gateways to the park, from southwest to northeast, are

Núcleo Itariru (in Pedro de Toledo). 50,000 ha. Has a trail, the Trilha da Usina, which passes through the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant built in 1944. Open from 8am to 5pm.

Núcleo Itutinga-Pilões (in Cubatão). 43,800 ha rich in endemic species, ruins from the time of the country's colonization and historical trails. Three hiking trails (by reservation). Open Saturday from 9am to 12pm or other days from 9am to 5pm by reservation.

Núcleo Bertioga. 30,000 ha. This base was created in 2010 to improve the management of an extension of the Núcleo Itutinga-Pilões.

Núcleo Padre Dória (in Salesópolis). 26,154 ha. This base was created in 2014 to improve the management of some areas of the núcleos São Sebastião, Bertioga e Caraguatatuba

Núcleo de São Sebastião. 26,268 ha of forest and marshland. Beautiful views of the ocean. Several trails of different levels with the possibility of swimming. The Praia Brava trail leads to the beach. Open from 8 am to 5 pm, visits by reservation.

Núcleo Caraguatatuba. 35,947 ha with various waterfalls and rivers. Eight hiking trails, some with swimming possibilities. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Access to the trails until 4pm.

Núcleo Picinguaba (around Ubatuba). 47,500 ha, it is the only base located at sea level. Hikes and canoe trips organized by the park guides. Reservations in advance. Open every day from 8am to 5pm.

Núcleo Santa Virginia (in São Luiz do Paraitinga). 17,500 ha. Six trails of different levels often passing by the banks of the Paraibuna and Ipiranga rivers. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Núcleo Cunha (inland). In the middle of the Mata Atlântica, 20 km down the dirt track from Cunha, the Cunha base of the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar covers 14,000 ha and offers three trails for hikers. Even the less experienced can follow the 50-minute route without a guide and enjoy the waterfalls and small natural pools for a swim. If you are a sportsman, contact the administration in advance to book and take a guide. Open every day from 8am to 5pm.