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The aim of this article is to discuss the heritage processes of culture and nature in the Serra do Mar State Park, located on the coast of the state of São Paulo, since its creation and management history. The issue of identity among populations, particularly through the use of caiçara and quilombola categories, plays a central role in the local processes of heritage and zoning of these coastal spaces. The institutional legitimation and the appropriation of these territories by different actors are the origin of sharp social struggles. These struggles unfold, especially in the implementation of conflict management tools intended to arbitrate the presence of human communities in the park. In this region, several issues related to the creation of the park converge, such as the use of natural resources, identity, land rights and the presence of actors from different origins. Therefore, the associated issues are sometimes antagonistic and clash among them.