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. 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. -
2. 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 -
3. 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 -
4. 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 -
5. Bachelor's Beach
This eastside beach is known for its white-powder sand. Snorkeling can be good, but bring a guide. The conditions aren't the best for swimming, as the currents can be strong. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; windsurfing.
East end, south of Boca Grandi, Aruba -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Boca Grandi
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.
San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba -
7. Grapefield Beach
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.
Aruba -
8. San Nicolas Art Walk
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.
San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba
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