Santo Amaro was home to numerous indigenous peoples until the arrival of the Portuguese, who developed the region for sugarcane production.

[3][4][5] Santo Amaro was home to Caeté, Pitiguaras, and Carijós peoples prior to the Portuguese colonization of Brazil.

[6] The city has numerous historic structures as a result of its colonial past, most notably the Parish Church of Our Lady of Purification (Igreja Matriz Santo Amaro da Purificação).

The area is noted for its nearby beaches, the Falls of Vitória, and the grotto of Bom Jesus dos Pobres.

[10] Santo Amaro is home to numerous colonial-period historic structures, many designated as Brazilian national and Bahian state monuments.