Best Things to Do in Aruba
As a born and raised Cuban, I’m always excited to visit new islands. I was especially excited to travel to Aruba and discover the best things to do in Aruba. And the island didn’t disappoint. From the moment we landed, Aruba felt very familiar yet intriguingly different.
With its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to feel at home, even if it’s your first time on the island. So much so, we heard a couple from New York who visit Aruba every winter describe it as an extension of their home, just with warmer waters, softer sand, and fresher seafood.
The island features iconic landscapes, feels incredibly safe, and is easy to explore on your own. The local food flavors are similar to those found throughout the region, and the fresh seafood shacks located along the beaches are a can’t-miss. There is also an impressive range of international restaurants, including Italian, New American, and Mexican cuisine, especially in the island’s more popular areas.
This guide to the best things to do in Aruba covers everything from the best beaches and natural wonders to great restaurants and unforgettable island experiences. Planning your first visit or returning to see the island with fresh eyes, we highlight the best Aruba attractions that make the island one of the most captivating destinations in the Caribbean.
Best Things to Do in Aruba: Beaches, Adventure and Food
Because Aruba’s beaches are the island’s main attraction, it only makes sense to start with the best ones. After all, one of the top things to do in Aruba is soaking up its sun, sand, and turquoise waters.
Aruba Beaches
Mangel Halto
Mangel Halto is our top pick for travelers looking for a beautiful local beach away from Aruba’s main tourist areas. Known for its vibrant turquoise waters, it is also one of the island’s most popular snorkeling spots. The calm, shallow sea makes it easy to spot schools of fish and colorful coral formations. The beach is lined with mangroves where you can swim or relax in the shade, creating a unique and peaceful setting that supports marine life. Closer to the road, wooden decks with stairs lead down to the water, making access to the beach easy and convenient.
Baby Beach
Located in the south of the island, Baby Beach is one of the best beaches in Aruba and a must on any list of things to do in Aruba. It is especially popular with visitors looking to spend a full day by the sea. With two beach bars, along with umbrellas and cabanas available for rent on a cash only basis, it is the perfect spot to spend a day relaxing and swimming.
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is another favorite and sits at the northern end of the island’s northwest beach stretch. The beach itself is stunning, with a wide sandy shoreline and crystal-clear water, and it also has a beach shack serving delicious frozen mojitos and fish and chips.
From here, driving south along the main boulevard, you’ll find Boca Catalina, a quieter, more relaxed beach with no bars, but great for spotting sea life and ideal for visiting with a group of friends or your significant other. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the less crowded Aruba beaches.
Tres Trapi Beach
Tres Trapi comes next as you continue south, and it isn’t your typical Caribbean white-sand beach. Instead, it feels like a tucked-away coastal gem and is one of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba. This area is best known for its resident sea turtles, making it one of the most unique things to do in Aruba for nature lovers. Early mornings are the best time to swim, snorkel, and spot turtles before the boats arrive.
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach
Two of the most popular beaches in Aruba are Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, both located along the island’s scenic west coast and known for their soft sand and easy access to resorts and amenities.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach sits just south of Palm Beach and is often considered one of the best beaches in Aruba. With hotels located just across the street, the beach remains a favorite among visitors year after year. It’s a public beach with beach shacks for drinks, and it’s especially known for its powdery white sand, making it a go-to spot for those looking to spend a full day swimming and relaxing.
Beach chairs and umbrellas typically rent for around $40 for two, but many visitors choose to lounge beneath the island’s iconic fofoti trees, which provide natural shade and create one of Aruba’s most recognizable views. These wind-shaped trees also make Eagle Beach a popular spot for sunset walks and photos, adding to its reputation as one of the top things to do in Aruba.
Palm Beach
The water here is incredibly clear, and the almost wave-free conditions make this beach ideal for swimming. There is a line of restaurants, cafes, and shops just outside the beach.
There’s a large floaty out in the water that’s really fun to swim out to and jump from. There are also plenty of water activities available, including boat tours, jet skis rentals, and banana boat rides for kids and kids at heart.
Surfside Beach
If swimming isn’t your top priority, head towards Surfside Beach near the airport. With a beachfront bar and restaurant, you can relax while watching airplanes take off and land. The sand can be a little muddy with some seaweed, but for a casual beach day with great views, it’s worth a visit.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature in Aruba
Exploring nature and going on outdoor adventures are among the most exciting things to do in Aruba. The island has a desert-type landscape that seemingly blends with the Caribbean's hidden natural pools, and unique wildlife, making it perfect for hiking, off-roading, and horseback riding.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park covers a big part of the northeastern part of the island and is ideal for hiking, exploring caves, and discovering Aruba’s desert landscapes. It’s home to the famous Natural Pool (Conchi), a secluded swimming spot surrounded by rocky coastline.
We rented a jeep to explore the park ourselves, which allowed us to stop at scenic points along the way. If you prefer to go with a guide, you can book tours to explore the Arikok National Park, enjoy the views, and experience Aruba's outdoor activities safely.
You can also go horseback riding in select areas for a different perspective on the park’s landscapes.
Natural Bridge & Alto Vista Area
The Natural Bridge area and Alto Vista Chapel showcase Aruba’s rugged coastline and awe-inspiring landscapes. These areas are known for highlighting the island’s natural beauty.
Go hiking in the area to learn about the endemic flora and fauna, and to experience the dramatic coastal scenery that makes this side of Aruba so memorable.
Off-Roading & Jeep Tours
For a more adventurous experience, off-roading ATV and jeep tours are a must-do. You can rent a 4x4 car and drive yourself, or join a guided tour to access remote beaches and remote coves and see parts of Aruba many visitors miss.
Water Activities & Snorkeling in Aruba
For ocean lovers, going on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour is one of the best things to do in Aruba. Whether you want to see colorful reefs, spot tropical fish, or try a new water sport, these Aruba water activities are must-try experiences.
Another must-do Aruba activity is taking a catamaran or sailing tour. Boat cruises are especially magical along the Caribbean coastline during sunset. Many tours include an open bar, snorkeling stops, and opportunities to relax on deck while feeling the ocean breeze.
There are also popular scuba diving tours that take you to shipwrecks and coral reefs, as well as beginner-friendly dive sites. Whether you are new to diving or an experienced diver, Aruba’s clear waters make it easy to explore marine life.
If you have been wanting to learn how to windsurf or kitesurf, Aruba is the perfect place. The island has strong winds, and several local schools offer lessons for beginners. If you are looking for more low-key activities, renting a kayak is one of the most fun things to do in Aruba.
Nature-related activities in Aruba
If you’re looking for more nature-related activities in Aruba, there are plenty of unique options beyond the beaches. You can visit the ostrich farm, go to the donkey sanctuary, spend your early afternoon at the butterfly farm, and then go bird watching at the Bubali Bird Sanctuary.
Best Food & Drink Experiences in Aruba
From local cafes to romantic beachfront dinners and seafood shacks, Aruba offers a mix of island food and international influences. Here are some of the best restaurants and things to do in Aruba for food lovers.
For fresh smoothies, juices, and healthy bites, check out local favorites like Eduardo’s Smoothie & Juice Café, Bodega Organic Café, The Clover, and The Coco Café. Mythos serves a really good Greek frozen yogurt.
For lunch with a view, head to Pelican Nest, a restaurant on a pier serving fresh seafood and tropical drinks. We can’t stop recommending Arashi Beach Shack for its fish and chips, frozen drinks, and relaxed beachfront vibe.
For romantic sunset dinners, Flying Fishbone is one of the most popular restaurants in Aruba, where toes-in-the-sand dining meets incredible ocean views. Yemanja is another remarkable option for romantic dinners and creative Caribbean cuisine.
For the freshest catch of the day, don’t miss Zeerover, a local eatery where seafood is served straight from the nets.
Aruba’s bars are always fun to get tiki cocktails, listen to live music, and socialize. The island has plenty of options, but we found ourselves ending our night at Los Sopranos listening to live music time and time again.
Cultural Things to Do in Aruba
Aruba isn't just about beaches and nature; learning about Aruban history is one of the most rewarding things to do there. From colorful architecture and expressive urban art to unique museums and local traditions, the island offers plenty of opportunities to explore its past and present. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Aruba for culture and history lovers.
Explore Oranjestad
Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, is full of charm with its colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture, local shops, and cafes. As you drive or walk through the streets, you can admire the pastel-hued buildings and snap photos of historic landmarks. The city perfectly blends Aruba’s heritage with contemporary Caribbean flair, with a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural activities.
Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum
Visiting the Aloe Factory and Museum is one of Aruba’s top attractions. The aloe factory offers guided tours that showcase the process of producing aloe vera products, from harvesting to finished goods. Visitors can also learn about the significance of aloe on the island and its role in Aruba’s economy and heritage. It’s a hands-on learning experience and one of the most unique things to do in Aruba.
San Nicolas Street Art
The town of San Nicolas is Aruba’s creative heart, known for its multicolored murals and street art. Walking through the streets, you’ll discover the island’s artistic soul, with murals reflecting local stories, Caribbean culture, and contemporary art. We also explored a few local plant shops along the way, making it easy to combine cultural experiences with a more relaxed, inland island adventure.
Practical Aruba Travel Tips
These Aruba travel tips will help you make the most of your trip. From the best time to visit to getting around efficiently, we’ve included insights to help you plan an effortless and memorable Aruba itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Aruba
Like most Caribbean islands, Aruba is a year-round destination. We visited in February during high season, and while it was a popular time to travel, the island never felt overcrowded.
High season in Aruba runs from mid-December to April, with higher prices for hotels, tours, and flights, but it’s ideal for guaranteed sunny weather.
During the low season (April to December), prices drop, and the island is less crowded.
Getting Around the Island
Exploring Aruba is easiest with a 4x4 rental car, which gives you the freedom to reach beaches and inland attractions at your own pace. Several reliable car rental companies operate on the island. We recommend booking your car well in advance, especially during high season.
Most taxis are cash-only, so carrying US dollars, which are widely accepted, is recommended.
Bus routes run through the most popular areas, although they may not be convenient for reaching remote beaches and attractions.
Additional Tips
Don’t forget to pack smart! Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Stay hydrated. I like to bring my travel water bottle everywhere, which makes it easy to stay hydrated during outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, or ATV tours.
Carrying cash is a must, especially if you plan to take taxis or rent umbrellas and chairs at the beach.
Book tours, snorkel trips, and excursions in advance to ensure availability.
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Besitos from Aruba,
Laura