54 Best Sights in Aruba

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.

You'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to make the trek to this strip of coastline near Fontein Cave and Blue Lagoon. Famous for its backdrop of stunning sand dunes, the beach itself is small, but with two rocky cliffs and crashing waves, it's as romantic as Aruba gets. The water is rough and swimming is prohibited, but it's a perfect picnic stop. Wear sturdy shoes, as the beach is rocky. Amenities: none. Best for:solitude; walking.

Over 80 species of migratory birds nest in and visit this man-made wetland area separating Palm Beach from Eagle Beach. Herons, egrets, cormorants, coots, gulls, skimmers, terns, and ducks are among the winged wonders in and around the two interconnected artificial lakes that make up the sanctuary. Perch up on the wooden observation tower for great photo ops. (Bring bug repellent as the area is marshy and can attract mosquitoes.) Go early in the morning to see the most avian activity.

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.

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). There are also frequent poker tournaments here, including the annual Caribbean Poker Series.

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: solitude; walking.

Fine white sand and fairly 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; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.

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."

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 every Tuesday night at 6 pm.

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.

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

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 that attract 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 find sea turtles there. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset.

This beach is at the very beginning of Savaneta in the neighborhood called Pos Chiquito. 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.

Though located right within the all-inclusive Riu Palace Resort, the casino is accessible to the public from a ground floor parking lot and very popular with locals as well as visitors and resort guests for blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean poker, mini baccarat, and some 300 slot machines. A Sports and Race Book is also on-site.

Housed in a recently restored historic home with a lovely courtyard garden, this artisanal distillery in the backstreets of Downtown produces spirits well worth sampling and taking home as souvenirs. Beyond their signature rum and gin, they also produce a spirit made from locally grown aloe vera, as well as a tinned sparkling version of the island's famous signature cocktail, the \"Aruba Ariba,\" using their rum. Self-guided tours are free, and there is a great bar for cocktails and a gift shop. You must reserve ahead for their special guided tour titled the “Barrell Experience,” which includes food and spirits tastings and in-depth information on their distillery process.

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 nonresort 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 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. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

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 small shops, a casino, movie theaters, a modern arcade, and virtual sports simulator suites that are all open late. Occasionally, there's a big gala music festival, and every Friday night there's a local artisans' market from 7–10 pm. 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 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 the turn-off road for Zeerovers) makes an ideal picnic spot far from the crowds. Swimming conditions are good for children—thanks to very shallow water edged by white-powder sand—but adults might get frustrated having to wade out so far to get totally wet. There are no facilities and virtually no shade, except one big tree. Amenities: none. Best for: family swimming; solitude.

Formerly known as Fisherman's Hut Beach, Sarah-Quita Beach was renamed in 2025 after Sarah-Quita Offringa, a renowned windsurfing champion. Fittingly, this 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.

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: partiers; sunset; swimming.

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. There is live music nightly from 11 pm to 3 am, except Monday.

Located right across the street from the lively Cove Mall and Paseo Herencia nightlife entertainment grid, this bright, cheery casino has 190 modern slot machines, Moneyball sports betting, table games, and a poker room. A Players Club and free parking add to the allure.