2 Best Sights in Santa Cruz and Paradera, Aruba

This large, beautifully restored cunucu house offers daily glassblowing exhibitions by a master artisan from the island of Murano, Italy, famous for its glass art. Also on the property is a large bar/restaurant with a very interesting and eclectic choice of international fare. It’s an odd combination but it really works, and it’s become a popular stop for groups doing island tours. Watch free daily glassblowing presentations between 11 am and 1 pm, and shop for original souvenirs on-site; you can also book a workshop to make your own glass art souvenir.

You can view what is left of Aruba's one-time gold rush at the seaside ruins of a gold smelter; it's a great spot for photo ops and you are welcome to climb throughout the old rock structure. The restless north coast waters there are picturesque, with lots of crashing spray on the cliffs. It's ironic that the Spanish left the island alone basically because they thought it was worthless; in fact, they dubbed it isla inutil (useless island) since they thought it had no gold or silver, but locals did find some long after the Spanish left. There’s always a great snack truck parked there (Bushiribana Happy Stop) with a surprisingly eclectic selection of hearty fare. Go early in the morning, before the multitude of tours arrive, if you want the ruins to yourself for the best photos.