Curator’s statement
Aruba holds such a special place in our hearts. My husband and I are huge beach lovers, and this little slice of the Caribbean boasts some of the most beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water we’ve ever experienced. But what truly sets Aruba apart is its people. It’s no wonder it’s called “one happy island." The warmth, kindness, and joy of the people there are completely contagious, and you truly can’t help but feel happier while you’re there. We’ve traveled to Aruba as a couple and with friends, and are already dreaming up a future trip with our two daughters, which speaks to how versatile and beloved this destination is for every stage of life.
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Where to stay in Aruba
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Things to do in Aruba
Oranjestad
Take an ATV tour to the natural tide pools
An ATV or UTV tour out to Aruba’s natural tide pools is such a fun way to experience the rugged, desert-like side of the island. You’ll get completely different scenery from the resort areas, with dramatic coastlines, cacti, and waves crashing against the rocks.
Visit Palm Beach & Eagle Beach
Palm Beach is where you go for the energy—beach bars, music, restaurants, nightlife, and a lively atmosphere all day long. Meanwhile, Eagle Beach feels calmer and more serene, with one of the most breathtaking stretches of soft white sand in the Caribbean.
Spend a day at Baby Beach
Baby Beach is worth visiting for a totally different vibe than the Palm Beach resort area. The water is unbelievably calm and shallow with gorgeous turquoise colors, making it perfect for a laid-back beach day and snorkeling.
Go on the Jolly Pirates sunset sail
The sunset sail with Jolly Pirates is one of the most fun excursions on the island. Think open bar, music, a super social atmosphere, and some of the prettiest sunset views you’ll get in Aruba.
Shop & dine in Oranjestad
Spending an afternoon wandering through Oranjestad is such a fun way to experience some culture. The colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture, waterfront dining, little boutiques, and local shops make it feel charming and walkable.
Try your luck at a casino
Aruba has a surprisingly fun casino scene, whether you want to pop into one of the resort casinos for a quick nightcap and blackjack game or check out the larger public casinos near the Oranjestad harbor area. It’s an easy, fun nightlife option even if you’re not a huge gambler.
Take a cocktail-making class at Taste My Aruba
A cocktail-making class at Taste My Aruba is such a fun date night or group activity. It’s interactive, relaxed, and gives you a chance to learn more about local flavors while making some genuinely delicious drinks.
Places to eat & drink in Aruba
The Unicorn Fish at Flying Fishbone is a MUST!
Flying Fishbone
One of the most iconic dining experiences in Aruba, Flying Fishbone is famous for its tables right in the water at sunset. The seafood is incredible, the atmosphere is romantic without feeling stuffy, and the location in quiet Savaneta gives it a much more local, tucked-away feel than the main resort areas. Pro tip: Order their Unicorn Fish special!
The Old Man and the Sea
This dreamy waterfront restaurant feels straight out of a movie, with twinkle lights, lounge seating over the water, and one of the most romantic settings on the island. Their overwater villas/accommodations nearby are also such a unique place to stay—truly one of the coolest experiences in Aruba and something I can personally say is absolutely worth it.
Lima Bistro
Lima Bistro brings elevated Peruvian-inspired cuisine to Aruba in such a beautiful, intimate setting. The cocktails are phenomenal, the flavors feel fresh and creative, and it’s perfect for a more upscale dinner night without feeling overly formal. This is our favorite restaurant in Aruba!
Wilhelmina Restaurant
Tucked into downtown Oranjestad, Wilhelmina is one of those charming hidden gems that feels elegant yet relaxed. The garden courtyard setting is beautiful at night, and the menu consistently delivers some of the best fine dining on the island.
Passions on the Beach
Passions is all about the setting—dining directly on Eagle Beach with your toes practically in the sand while watching sunset is hard to beat. It’s romantic, quintessential Aruba, and ideal for a special dinner night.
Madame Janette
Madame Janette is a longtime Aruba favorite known for its huge portions, lively atmosphere, and consistently great food. The outdoor garden seating with string lights gives it such a fun island feel, and it’s one of those places people return to year after year.
Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill
Located right over the water at the Palm Beach pier, Bugaloe is one of the best casual spots for drinks, live music, and sunset views. It’s fun, social, and perfect for a laid-back lunch or happy hour after a beach day.
Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant
Moomba has such an energetic, beachy vibe, with live music, great cocktails, and tables directly in the sand. It’s one of the best places on the island for a fun night out that still feels very Aruba and not overly polished.
Gianni's Ristorante Italiano
Gianni’s is famous for their pasta prepared tableside in a giant parmesan wheel, and honestly, it completely lives up to the hype. It’s lively, always buzzing, and a staple dinner spot in the Palm Beach area.
Zeerovers
Zeerovers is the ultimate local seafood experience where you order fresh catch by the pound and eat right on the water. It’s casual, authentic, no-frills, and one of the best ways to experience the local side of Aruba’s food scene.
Driftwood Restaurant
Driftwood is an Aruba institution known for super-fresh local seafood and old-school island charm. It feels much more traditional and local than many resort restaurants, which makes it such a standout. My hot take: the best dirty martini on the island!
The Dutch Pancakehouse
The Dutch Pancakehouse is my husband’s guilty pleasure every single trip. Located right in Oranjestad near the harbor, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with huge Dutch pancakes that range from sweet to savory ... and always delicious.
A note from Jenna
One of the things I love most about Aruba is the food scene. While many travelers initially ask about all-inclusive resorts, I almost always encourage clients to consider a non–all-inclusive stay. The island’s restaurant scene is simply too good to miss: from fresh seafood and beachfront dining to incredible international cuisine, Aruba has some of the best food in the Caribbean.
If you are set on all-inclusive resort and are looking for a quiet, secluded, adults-only experience, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is a phenomenal option. The setting feels much more peaceful and removed from the busier resort areas, and I also have access to some great perks at the resort.
If you’re looking for sunshine, turquoise water, incredible dining, and a destination that feels equal parts relaxing and joyful, Aruba truly delivers. I would absolutely love to help you experience the beauty and magic of One Happy Island for yourself.
Need to know
Don’t stress too much about hurricane season
Aruba sits outside the main hurricane belt, which is one of the reasons it’s such a reliable Caribbean destination year-round.
I like to split my stay between different areas of the island
I always spend a few days at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort to have a home base in Oranjestad for the amazing food scene and to have access to Flamingo Beach. The rest of the trip, we usually opt to stay somewhere else on the island for a different vibe and experience.
Make dinner reservations early
Aruba has a surprisingly incredible food scene, and the best restaurants book up quickly—especially sunset time slots. Places like Flying Fishbone and Passions on the Beach are worth planning ahead for.
Don’t skip local spots outside the resort area
Some of the best meals and most memorable experiences are outside the major hotel zones. Exploring places like Oranjestad and Savaneta gives you a much fuller feel for the island.
Rent a car for at least part of your trip
If you want to experience more than just the Palm Beach resort strip, renting a car is absolutely worth it. It makes it so much easier to explore places like Baby Beach, Zeerovers, the natural bridge area, and the island’s rugged northern coast.
Palm Beach & Eagle Beach have totally different vibes
Palm Beach is lively and energetic, with restaurants, bars, casinos, and nightlife, while Eagle Beach feels quieter, wider, and more relaxing. Choosing where to stay based on your travel style makes a huge difference.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Aruba’s official currency is the Aruban Florin, but U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, which makes traveling there incredibly easy for Americans.
Travel Advisor
Jenna Casper
Jenna Casper
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