9 Best Sights in San Nicolas, Aruba

Housed in a pretty glassed-in affair right downtown, ArtisA (Art is Aruba) is part art gallery and part of the administrative foundation that is largely responsible for the art and culture revolution in San Nicolas. Rotating exhibits showcase local artists, and visitors can purchase works on-site or from their large online collection. This is also where you can purchase tickets to the guided art walk tours (also available online.) The ethereal space hosts workshops; the foundation has also begun hosting special events like “art-meets-cuisine,” where local chefs offer a dining experience inspired by the local artists, sometimes with local musicians on-site, too.

Located just outside of San Nicolas, this semicircular beach borders a placid bay of turquoise water that's about as shallow as a wading pool—perfect for families with little ones. A small coral reef basin at the sea's edge offers superb snorkeling, but do not pass the barrier—the current is extremely strong outside the rocks. JADS Dive Center offers snorkel equipment rentals, and this is a popular place to see and swim with sea turtles, too. Rum Reef on one end is a unique adults-only bar and infinity pool overlooking the beach, and below it is a family-friendly beach and snack bar. Food trucks park nearby regularly. On the other end, you can rent clamshell shade tents and lounges on the beach from Big Mama Grill. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The old water tower in San Nicolas was beautifully restored into a modern interactive museum chronicling the different types of industries that have fueled the island's economy over the past two centuries. Phosphate, gold, oil, and aloe all played major parts in the island's fortunes until tourism became Aruba's main economic driver. Displays include artifacts and profiles of colorful characters who played big roles in different eras. One of the highlights is the culture wall, a mural consisting of portraits of locals through the ages, all leading up the glassed-in walls of the old tower staircase.

A two-minute drive away from Baby Beach, you’ll find a gorgeous mosaic staircase leading down to a brilliant white crescent of sand cresting surreal aqua waters. Though there is very little shade and no facilities, swimming conditions are heavenly here. At the time of this writing, new construction of condo complexes are slated to be completed in 2026, which will forever change the landscape. It's a long stretch of sand though, so you’ll probably be able to find some private corners to enjoy it even after the developments are complete. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: swimming.

Opened in 2025 by Tito Bolivar, founder of the Aruba Art Fair and Artista gallery, SPACE21.art gives local artists and craftspeople a vibrant modern space to showcase their wares. In a sleek, whitewashed space, you’ll find a revolving choice of unique handcrafted jewelry and colorful bags, hand-painted fashions, modern art pieces, classic oil paintings, driftwood art, and more, all created by a collective of over 50 artists and managed by notable driftwood artist Alejandra Vallejo, Bolivar’s talented wife. It also has a cool little lounge for elegant sips, snacks, and socializing.

This small eastside beach is known for its crescent of white-powder sand. Snorkeling and diving can be good there, but bring a guide. The currents can be very strong and the winds unpredictable. Only very experienced windsurfers or kiteboarders should be on the waves here. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; windsurfing.

This is the choice for the island's best kiteboarders and expert windsurfers—even more so than Fisherman's Huts—but the currents are seriously strong, so it's not safe for casual swimming. It's very picturesque, though, and a perfect spot for a picnic. It's a few minutes from San Nicolas proper; look for the big red anchor or the kites in the air. Be forewarned: the conditions are not for amateurs, and there are no lifeguards or facilities nearby, should you get into trouble. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; walking; windsurfing.

Just north of Boca Grandi on the eastern coast, this secluded sweep of blinding-white sand in the shadow of cliffs and boulders is named for its surrounding sea grape trees. Swimming is not recommended—waves are rough and currents are strong—but it's a great spot for a surfside picnic. This is not a popular tourist beach, so finding a quiet spot is almost guaranteed. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude.

In the past few years, San Nicolas has seen an extraordinary revitalization and beautification thanks to art initiatives organized by the local artists' foundation, ArtisA (Art is Aruba). What began as a simple mural project in 2015 has since blossomed into the establishment of an annual Aruba Art Fair, whose aim is to create more public art projects every year. Today, incredible murals cover entire buildings, and there are sculptures and mosaic benches scattered around town. Self-guided tours are possible, but a guided tour provides insight into the artists, the inspiration behind their work, and access to all the visual effects included in the new interactive art.