54 Best Sights in Aruba

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.

The National Theater of Aruba, the island's cultural center, hosts art exhibits, folkloric shows, dance performances, and concerts throughout the year.

One of the most photogenic picnic spots on the island, this beach is two coves divided by limestone cliffs. One is treasured by surfers for its rolling waves; the other looks placid but has a current that is far too strong for swimming—you'll have to settle for sunbathing only. The best access is by four-wheel drive, as it's within the boundaries of rugged Arikok National Park, but do not drive on the sand or rocks. You might see locals surfing, but unless you are a pro, don’t try it yourself—the current is dangerously strong. Amenities: none. Best for: walking; solitude.

Fine white sand and calm water make this beach a great choice for sunbathing and swimming. It's the base beach for the Divi collection of all-inclusive resorts, so amenities are reserved for guests, but the locals like it, too, and often camp out here with their own chairs and coolers. The beach is accessible by bus, rental car, or taxi, and it's within easy walking distance to many stores for food and drinks. The Beach Bar---owned by Divi Resorts but not part of the all-inclusive plan----is open to the public and is a superb spot to have lunch or early dinner, swim, and watch the sunset. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; parking (free); water sports. Best for: swimming; partiers.

Located in the Holiday Inn Aruba Resort, this is one of the oldest casinos on the island, and unfortunately its age is beginning to show; it stays open until 4 am. Many sections in the common areas are somewhat run-down and the air-filtering system could use an upgrade, but there is still a good selection of standard slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette tables, and the place is usually hopping with locals for daily bingo games. The blackjack tables are known for not hitting "the soft 17."

Beside the Ritz-Carlton, Fisherman's Huts (aka Hadicurari Beach) is a windsurfer, kiteboarder, and now "wing-foiling" haven. Swimmers might have a hard time avoiding all the boards going by; as this is the nexus of where the lessons take place for these water sports, it's always awash in students, experts, and board hobbyists. It's a gorgeous spot to just sit and watch the sails on the sea, and lately it's become increasingly popular among paddleboarders and sea kayakers, too. Only drinks and small snacks are available at the operator's shacks. There are no restrooms, but the Ritz lobby is nearby in a pinch. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); water sports. Best for: windsurfing.

This is the park's most popular cave as it's the only one with drawings by Arawak Indians on its ceilings. The caves are accessible during park hours, and rangers are stationed outside the cave and can provide tours that explain the history of the cave drawings as well as discuss the resident stalagmites and stalactites. The cave floor is uneven, and there can be creepy crawlies underfoot, so closed-toe shoes are encouraged. Ask the ranger where the little pool is nearby if you want a free fish pedicure! If you have time, check out the two-chambered Quadirikiri Cave; sunlight pouring through holes in the cave's roof lights the space.

One of the island's oldest edifices, Aruba's historic fort was built in 1796 and played an important role in skirmishes between British and Curaçao troops in 1803. The Willem III Tower, named for the Dutch monarch of that time, was added in 1868 to serve as a lighthouse. Over time the fort has been a government office building, a police station, a prison, and a small museum (now closed). The courtyard is where the weekly Bon Bini ("welcome") Festival takes place.

Just north of Boca Grandi on the eastern coast, a sweep of blinding-white sand in the shadow of cliffs and boulders is marked by an anchor-shape memorial dedicated to seamen. Pick sea grapes from January to June. Swimming is not recommended, as the waves here can be rough. This is not a popular tourist beach, so finding a quiet spot is almost guaranteed, but the downside of this is a complete lack of facilities or nearby refreshments. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude.

One of the island's smaller gaming spots but just as glitzy, this lively casino offers 13 gaming tables, 148 slot machines, and 13 video poker machines. Be sure to join their Player's Advantage Club for all kinds of free play and point promotions.

A small but welcoming little casino is just off the lobby of Barceló Aruba Resort. It's a great spot to try your luck at some of the most modern slot games. They also have blackjack and roulette, and there are also some interesting promotions every week.

On the northwestern shore, this small cove bordered by limestone cliffs crests shallow waters that stretch 300 yards from shore. There are no snack or refreshment stands, but that might change with the addition of the new stretch of paved Linear Park path leading from Fisherman’s Huts to Arashi beaches which attracts plenty of cyclists, strollers, and runners. Most of the main snorkel boat tours stop here for a dip, as the water is crystal clear and full of tropical fish, so it can become very crowded after lunch. Go early in the morning if you want to swim/snorkel on your own. Wear beach shoes as the tiny strips of sand where you can gain access to the water are very rocky. You might see sea turtles there. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset.

Though technically in the region called Pos Chiquito, this beach is at the very beginning of Savaneta. With a purposely scuttled boat wreck near the coast and a lot to see outside the bay, this is one of the most popular spots for shore diving, but be aware that currents are strong once you're outside the cove. It's also popular for picnics, and a wooden dock and stairs into the ocean make getting into the water easy. Sea kayak tours depart from here, and some outfits offer power snorkeling and regular snorkeling as well. There are stores within easy walking distance for food and drink. There are very few palapas, but you can take shade under the many trees and mangroves. Amenities: water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Housed in a recently restored historic home, this new boutique artisanal distillery in Downtown Oranjestad is producing some unique island spirits like their Nautical Rum. Tours of their facility and tastings are available. 

This 40-acre tropical oasis is accessible only to guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort unless you buy a day pass (which are only available when resorts are not at full capacity.) Free boat shuttles pick up non-resort guests in the lower lobby of the marina resort. Iguana Beach is family-friendly, while Flamingo Beach is limited to adults and hosts half a dozen resident flamingos. (Children may visit the flamingos for a photo op daily from 9–10 am but must have an adult present.) The waters are clear and full of colorful fish; swimming/snorkeling is in a protected area, and there’s a full-service restaurant, beach bars, and waiter service on the beach. Rent a full-service cabana for more luxuries. Nonguests can book a treatment at their Okeanos Spa and gain access to the island afterward for free. Go early to snag a cool overwater hammock. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

The complex beside the Oranjestad marina and the park around it is the place where you're most likely to happen upon some great free entertainment, including pop-up festivals. Although there's live entertainment every night at the far end in the common area bandstand, many of the bars and cafés also have their own music. You'll also find a casino, movie theaters, and arty little shops that are open late. Occasionally, there's a big gala music festival, and every Friday night there's a local artisans' market from 7--10 pm. Even if there's no planned additional activity, it's a wonderful spot to explore in the evening to experience a truly enchanting tropical night full of colorful lights and sounds along the water. Look for the statue of giant flamingos to find it.

In the past few years, San Nicolas has seen an extraordinary revitalization and beautification thanks to new 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.

This small pristine beach in between Mangel Halto and Governor's Bay (just before Flying Fishbone) makes an ideal picnic spot far away from the crowds. Swimming conditions are good—thanks to shallow water edged by white-powder sand—but there are no facilities and virtually no shade. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming.

Right behind Plaza Turismo and accessible by public bus, car, or taxi, this little urban beach just outside Downtown Oranjestad has two distinctly different beach bars, one for casual surf-side fun and the other more upscale, with its own pool and high-end food and drink that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's easily accessible via the paved Linear Park as well, making it an ideal spot to stop for a dip when cycling or jogging along the bike path or strolling around the town. Plane-spotting is a given, since it's only 2 minutes from the airport. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; partiers; sunset.

This modern Vegas-style casino offers all the latest gaming options, upgraded machines, and lots of betting action like blackjack, poker, and roulette. Every day there is a different promotion or special for their VIP Players Club members (free of charge to join) and frequent poker tournaments.

The Cove Mall is an entire block of trendy bars and dining spots that allow you to take your taste buds on an international tour. You can choose from Asian, Mexican, French, Italian, Greek, and international comfort foods here; opened in 2023, the well-known American Italian brand Patrizia’s chain chose this spot as their first foray into the Caribbean. New North End Pub and Grill caters to casual partiers and brings live music to the block, while second-floor The Vue takes it up a notch as the island’s only rooftop bar/dining spot with private cabanas and hot DJs. Island-brewed craft beer and decadent munchies live at Fireson’s Brewing Company, but you can also get your healthy on too at Yolo Rainforest Cafe. The Cove Mall has truly become Palm Beach’s anchor of action and an excellent place to begin an electric night on foot before you head on down The Strip.

Although UNOCA is Aruba's national gallery, it's much more, acting as an anchor to host cultural and performance events.

Part of the Renaissance Aruba Wind Creek Resort, this glittering casino evokes Monaco's grand establishments. There are lots of modern slots, table games like blackjack, roulette, Baccarat, and different types of poker. This casino is popular among cruise-ship passengers, who stroll over from the port to watch and play in tournaments and bet on sporting events. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it's a great place for late-night bites and drinks, which are served in the lounge until 6 am.

Opened in late 2022, this modern space in the Holiday Inn is bright and cheery with a welcoming staff. The casino boasts 186 new slot machines, Moneyball sports betting, table games, and a poker room. A Players Club and free parking add to the allure.