Aruba
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Aruba - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Alhambra Casino
Part of the Divi family and accessible by complimentary golf cart shuttle from all of the company's resorts except for Divi Phoenix, this is a lively popular casino with a big selection of modern slots, blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, and more. Be sure to join their Player’s Club—it’s free and offers free slot credits, and you earn points with your card as well. The Cove restaurant serves light meals and drinks; you’ll also receive free drinks on the floor when you’re playing the games. Special theme nights and promotions run all week.
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2. Arashi Beach
This is the local favorite, a half-mile stretch of gleaming white sand with rolling surf and great snorkeling. It can get busy on weekends—especially on Sunday—with local families bringing their own picnics, and visitors have discovered a cool little beach bar called Arashi Beach Shack there with great food, drinks, a lounge, and beach umbrella rentals. Amenities:food and drink; toilets; parking (free). Best for: swimming; snorkeling; walking.
Malmokweg, n/a Aruba, Aruba -
3. Arikok National Park
Covering almost 20% of the island's landmass, this protected preserve of arid cacti-studded outback has interesting nature and wildlife if you know where to look. There are close to 30 miles of hiking trails within the park zone, including a trek up Mt. Jamanota, the island’s highest peak. Hiking maps for all levels of hikers are free at the visitor center, and in-depth maps of the park and its attractions are also available for download online at their website. It's highly recommended to take a guided tour on foot or by vehicle, as the roads can be very rough in some places; there are plenty of excursions by ATV, UTV, Jeep safaris, and more. A guided preview of what you can expect will help you if you want to return in your own rental car as well, but keep in mind that a 4x4 vehicle is a must and all visitors must pay a park entrance fee, which helps fund the park's conservation. Some trails lead to glorious seaside coastal views, but a guided tour will help you understand the significance of the region and help you find attractions like the caves on the northeastern coast. There are no facilities past the visitor center so bring plenty of water and sunscreen and wear good shoes, as the terrain is very rocky. A new region near Spanish Lagoon has also been added recently as part of its protected area due to the importance of its freshwater canals and mangrove forests, but it is closer to Savaneta on the southwest coast and not within the original park confines. There is also an entrance to the park closer to San Nicolas at the Van Piet wind farm; there is a small kiosk there to pay your entrance fee and get information, but no facilities. You can book free guided hikes with a park ranger by phone or email, but you must reserve 48 hours in advance.
San Fuego 70, Arikok National Park, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-585–1234Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15, Park closes daily at 4 pm -
4. ArtisA
Housed in a gorgeous 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. They plan to open a second “fun” gallery nearby called Space21.art that will serve cocktails and tapas and act as a cultural socializing hub.
Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 6, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-593–4475Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
5. Aruba Etnia Nativa
Take a deep dive into Aruba’s history, culture, and heritage as you walk among the gardens and the interior of this home/museum/gallery. On the personal one-hour guided tour (cash only), get a behind-the-scenes look and hear folk stories about the island’s journey from Amerindian to colonial past, through industrial endeavors all the way up to today’s tourism landscape. This operation also produces "Island-Insight" for the English newspaper Aruba Today.
Westpunt 37A, Noord, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-592–2702-WhatsAppSight Details
Rate Includes: $35 (cash only), By appointment only, Maximum 4-5 people -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Baby Beach
On the island's Eastern Tip (near the refinery), 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. On the other end you can rent clamshell shade tents and lounges on the beach from Big Mama Grill, also a family-friendly gathering spot. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; parking (free); Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Seroe Colorado, n/a Aruba, Aruba -
7. Conchi (Natural Pool)
The natural pool, also known as Conchi, meaning “bowl,” was once a very secret spot due to its remote location, but today it’s frequently visited by tour groups. It’s worth the trip though—the scene of wild surf crashing over ancient black volcanic rocks into a placid aqua pool is epic, and the spray of the cold seawater shooting over the top upon you while you swim or snorkel is exhilarating. You can also hike here on foot with Aruba Nature Adventures or drive your own 4x4 rental, but it's best to go with guides, as the roads are rough and steep. Bring water shoes with a good grip; the rocks at the entrance to the pool are very slippery. Listen closely to your guide when entering the pool for safety's sake.
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8. De Palm Private Island
This delightful private-island experience encompasses all ages, even toddlers, but it has numerous adult-oriented enclaves with premium seating, beach cabanas, and big luxe cabana rentals with VIP service and private bars. They also have their own flock of flamingos in a protected area. All-inclusive packages include all food and drink, access to a colorful kids' water park, adult body-drop waterslides, banana boat rides, snorkel equipment, guided snorkel tours, and fun activities like salsa lessons. Additional add-ons include their signature Seatrek experience, an underwater air-helmet walk, as well as SNUBA deep-dive snorkeling, and spa services. The water taxi to the island is free, and hotel pickup and drop-off options are available. The island is completely accessible, including the water taxi, and they offer a complimentary amphibious wheelchair. The reef is home to huge, neon-blue, ever-smiling parrotfish, so bring an underwater camera!
De Palm Island Way Z/N, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-522–4400Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $115, including bus; from $109, no bus -
9. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
Take a free tour of the island's only donkey sanctuary where volunteers help abandoned and sometimes ill wild animals enjoy a happy forever home. This is a nonprofit organization and can always use help, whether financially or with chores. You can donate there or on their website, and you can even adopt a donkey—your donation goes to its annual feed and care. There is also a great donkey-themed gift shop. It's a great family outing for all ages. Bring apples and carrots if you want to make fast friends with the residents. For any donation, you can have a one-on-one hugging session with a donkey for 30 minutes. It’s a great stress reliever.
Bringamosa 2Z, Santa Cruz, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-593–2933Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
10. Lava Aruba Glass Studio
The glassblowing company that opened this modern complex creates magnificent works using time-honored skills that trace back to Murano, Italy. They’ve been bringing the art of glassblowing to Venezuela through their family-run business since 1957, and now they are eager to educate Arubans and visitors alike by welcoming them into their open-space working factory to watch the masters create. There is also a spacious gallery where works are available for purchase and a lovely café/bar on site.
Caya Harmonia 4, Eagle Beach, n/a Aruba, Aruba287-280--3230Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. Café closed Mon. -
11. Linear Park
Plaza Turismo, off Surfside Beach, is the anchor of Linear Park which, when completed, will connect both main tourist beaches along the coast by boardwalks and walking paths. The first leg—a smooth paved biking and jogging trail that runs from Downtown Oranjestad along the sea all the way to the airport—is complete. There are many cafés, bars, and snack stops along the way, and there are also fitness pit stops with free-to-use public fitness equipment. It's a popular stretch for local fun runs and fitness initiatives, and locals and visitors use the easy-to-access Green Bike rental kiosks. The plaza has also become a go-to spot for cultural events and outdoor entertainment. A new portion was added in 2021 to the Malmok area that ends at Fisherman's Huts Beach. Both stretches have become popular treks for electric scooter riders; there are many new app-operated rental spots. When complete, Linear Park will be the longest of its kind in the entire Caribbean.
Surfside Beach and Malmok, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, ArubaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
12. Museum of Industry
The old water tower in San Nicolas has been 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.
Bernhardstraat 164, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584–7090Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5, Closed weekends -
13. National Archaeological Museum Aruba
Walking around Downtown Oranjestad, look for a blue ceramic horse and an ancient canoe out front of a massive mustard-yellow and olive-green complex. This beautifully restored heritage home was once owned by the Ecury family and it's since been transformed into an ultra-modern, air-conditioned museum with interactive exhibits showcasing over 5,000 years of Amerindian culture. More than 10,000 artifacts are on display, and special exhibits by local artists are hosted on a regular basis. For cruise visitors, it's a short walk behind the Royal Plaza Mall if you get off at that trolley stop. It's also a stop on Aruba Walking Tours.
Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-582–8979Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
14. Philip's Animal Garden
This nonprofit exotic animal rescue and rehabilitation foundation is a wonderful child-friendly attraction you'll find just off the beaten track up in Noord. Each guest is given a bag of treats for the animal residents, which include monkeys, peacocks, an emu, an ocelot, an alpaca, and many other types of creatures you're not likely to see elsewhere on Aruba. There's a large playground and ranch so little ones can run. It is also a stop on some tours.
Alto Vista 116, Noord, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-593–5363Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 -
15. Quadirikiri Cave
Arikok National Park has three ancient caves under its protection, Huliba (aka Tunnel of Love) is no longer open to the public for environmental reasons, but Fontein and Quadirikiri are. Quadiriki is the best bet if you only have time to visit one as it has natural skylights within which are ethereal and enchanting and make for excellent photographs. Be forewarned that flash photography is not permitted as it disturbs the hundreds of resident bats that make this cave their home, but don't worry, they are harmless and sleep all day. Park rangers at the entrance will take you on a free and informative guided tour. Wear closed-toe shoes, the interior is rocky and ground bugs live there, too.
Arikok National Park, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-585–1234Sight Details
Rate Includes: included in Arikok National Park entrance fee -
16. Rodger's Beach
Near Baby Beach on the island's Eastern Tip, this beautiful curving stretch of sand is only slightly marred by its proximity to the tanks and towers of the oil refinery at the bay's far side. Look for the gorgeous, recently decorated mosaic stairs descending to the sand; the swimming conditions are excellent here. It's usually very quiet during the week, so you might have the beach all to yourself, but it's a local favorite on weekends. Full facilities can be found next door at JADS Dive Center strip on Baby Beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; parking (free). Best for: swimming; solitude.
Seroe Colorado, n/a Aruba, Aruba -
17. Stellaris Casino
One of the island's largest casinos is open 24 hours a day and offers 500 modern interactive slots, as well as 26 tables with games like craps, roulette, poker, and blackjack. There's also a state-of-the-art race and sports betting operation. Don't forget to join the VIP Club program, where you can earn points, comps, and prizes. They offer free cocktails for gamers, and there are many special theme and entertainment nights.
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18. Studio Murano Art
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.
Ayo 22, Santa Cruz, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584--8148Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
19. The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
A very "ritzy" casino just off the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers many traditional table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, baccarat, and Texas Hold'em and close to 300 snazzy modern slots: spinning reels, video reels, and video games with jackpots. This 24-hour spot also has two sports-betting kiosks and offers "luxury" bingo several times a week. Points accumulated from their VIP casino club card can also be used toward hotel extras like dining, spa treatments, and room nights.
L. G. Smith Blvd. 107, Palm Beach, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-527–2222 -
20. The Movies @ Gloria
Named after Teatro Gloria, Aruba’s very first movie theatre built back in the 1930s, this entertainment complex now offers the most modern cinematic experience in the entire Caribbean. There are 10 cinemas in all, including IMAX and VIP theaters, and there’s also a children’s bouncy playground, a Starbucks, a huge food court, and stand-alone upscale dining options like P.F. Chang’s, Olive Garden, and Sizzle Lounge. There are also special musical events with live bands and DJs.
Caya Dr. J. E. M. Arends 8, Eagle Beach, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-523–6873
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