Aruba has all the charm of a remote paradise while being easily accessible, with affordable, non-stop flights from the US making for a stress-free beach vacation. This Caribbean island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but wide use of the US dollar and the English language make it hard to notice on arrival. In addition to being known for the year-round trade winds and delicious eats, Aruba is also known as the birthplace of beach tennis!
Ready to visit? Don’t miss these amazing Aruba attractions.
Aruba Beaches
Whether you prefer swimming, tanning or water sports, there’s an Aruba beach for you. For swimming, you can’t beat Palm Beach (in the High Rise Area), where the waters are a tranquil turquoise and the sand is as soft and white as down. Baby Beach, in San Nicolas, is much quieter and offers the area’s best snorkeling.
Adventure in Aruba
It’s not all laid-back relaxing though, thrill seekers can try their hand at kite or windsurfing on Hadicurari Beach or dive the wreck of the Pedernales (a World War II lake tanker that was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat) through Red Sail Sports. Or, if you’re looking for something for the whole family, Aruba Surf School offers paddleboarding and surfing lessons. Aruba has non-water related activities, too. You can hike the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations to see amazing views amidst boulders and cacti.
Aruba Wildlife
There’s more to this Caribbean gem than sun, shopping and partying. You can see 80 species of migratory birds at the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, or if hooved creatures are more your speed, plan a visit to the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary. Fun fact: Donkeys have been on this island for 500 years and were once the primary mode of transportation.
Casinos in Aruba
When in Aruba, expect to gamble at one of the many elaborate casinos. Almost every resort on the island features a casino, so pack your good luck charm for this vacation. Check out the Stellaris Casino. Located at the luxurious Aruba Marriott Resort, this casino is open 24 hours and is the largest on the island. Beyond the gaming action, the casino offers a variety of free live entertainment.
Nightlife in Aruba
While many islands roll up the sidewalks at night, Aruba comes to life at sundown. Along Palm Beach, popular options include Soprano’s Piano Bar and Gusto Nightclub Aruba, which offers three different dance floors and slamming music. Or, for a broader sampling, join a pub crawl aboard the Kukoo Kunuku party bus. If clubs and crawls aren’t what you’re looking for, enjoy an authentic Dutch pub experience at Cafe Chaos. The imported beer, funky music and kindly Dutch bartenders are sure to make you feel welcome in Aruba!
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