Discover the best things to do in Aruba and enjoy everything this beautiful island offers. Recently named the #1 Caribbean destination in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards Best of the Best, Aruba is the ultimate tropical getaway. Seats below the Hurricane belt, so you never have to worry about that. Crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and year-round sunny weather make it, but there’s so much more than just beaches. From adventurous hikes to delicious local cuisine, here’s my guide to Aruba attractions.
Explore Eagle Beach
One of my favorite things to do in Aruba was visiting Eagle Beach. Ranked #2 globally and #1 in the Caribbean, it was famous for its soft white sand and iconic divi trees. I drove to Costa Linda Beach Resort and strolled through the area to reach the public beach. Even with nearby hotels, Aruba’s beaches were all public, so anyone could enjoy them. I loved having space to relax without the crowds. Most palapas were free, though some hotels required a room number, so I brought my chair and umbrella.
Pro Tip
I packed a cooler with food and some cold Aruban beer, which came in handy during the day. I recommend doing the same to enjoy Eagle Beach without worrying about food or drinks.
HIKE AYO ROCK FORMATIONS
Not everything in Aruba is about beaches. One of the best things to do in Aruba was exploring its natural spots, including hiking. I tried to find the second natural bridge without luck, so I went on a short hike, with 600 steps that gave me a 360-degree view of the island from the top. The big rock formations near Ayo Village give a unique view of the island.
Quick Tips
I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes for the hike it , makes exploring Aruba’s rock formations much more comfortable
EXPLORE BABY BEACH
Baby Beach The shallow, crystal-clear waters were perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visiting Rum Reef, a bar and grill with a pool, is another must on your list of things to do in Aruba. It gives amazing views of the beach and refreshing drinks. Drinks start at $16, and a DJ plays music by the pool, making it even more fun. My Airbnb provided a chair and access to the palapas, but even with just a regular towel, you can enjoy this beach. Some palapas are available, but they go fast
VISIT THE CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE
As someone who’s a sucker for lighthouses, I had to go see this beauty. It cost $5 to go up, but it was free just to see the lighthouse from below. I also had the chance to have dinner up there, though it was only for couples.
VISIT THE NATURAL BRIDGE
“Visiting the Natural Bridge in Arikok National Park was one of the most adventurous things to do in Aruba. The original bridge had collapsed, but it was still breathtaking and gave me a glimpse into the island’s geological history. There are two natural bridges one easier to access, while the other requires more effort
ENJOY A SUNSET CRUISE
I kicked off my birthday with a sunset cruise, and it was the perfect way to ring in my 30th. I boarded a small boat that took me to a larger catamaran for a two-hour cruise. Drinks, finger food, music, and friendly people made it an unforgettable experience. The cruise started at Noord Beach, passed Eagle Beach and the lighthouse, and returned to the starting point. I highly recommend this cruise if you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Aruba.
EATING IN ARUBA
Dining in Aruba can get pricey because much of the food is imported. I saved money by cooking in my Airbnb and avoided the Palm Beach Noord strip, which felt like Vegas with expensive restaurants. Instead, I explored food trucks and neighborhoods like St. Nicholas for authentic meals some of the best things to do in Aruba for food. Some of my favorite spots included Taste My Aruba and Rich’s Arubian Dish.
EXPLORE ORANJESTAD
I wandered around Fort Zoutman, a fortress from the late 18th century, and hopped on the trolley to see the city from a different angle.
EXPLORE FONTEIN CAVE
This cave is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Park rangers offer insight into the rock drawings and natural formations, such as stalagmites and stalactites. Quadirikiri Cave features two chambers, each about 100 feet long. Fontein Cave is the most visited, and its ceilings showcase Arawak Indian drawings, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history. These caves, including Quadirikiri and Fontein, are located in Arikok National Park in Aruba.
EXPLORE PALM BEACH
Despite being a bit touristy, Palm Beach had plenty of space to enjoy the sun. I spent a day swimming and relaxing, trying smoothies at Eduardo’s Beach Shack, and sipping fresh coconut water. Palapas were easy to use, even without a resort room, which made my day stress-free.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ARUBA
How to Get There
Direct flights from Chicago weren’t available. I flew United and had a short layover before my four-hour flight to Aruba. If you’re traveling from southern cities, you’ll likely find direct flights.
Language
Aruba is multicultural. Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages, but English and Spanish are widely spoken. Locals are welcoming and eager to help.
Visa Requirements
No visa is required, but travelers must complete an ED card before arrival.
Should You Rent a Car?
I recommend renting a car, as it gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Rental cars are available at the airport, and recent changes have replaced traffic lights with roundabouts, so driving requires extra attention.
Tipping & Water
Tipping is not mandatory. Tap water is safe to drink and meets World Health Organization standards.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit are February through August, while peak season is January–February.
I’m so glad I celebrated my birthday in Aruba and got to learn more about the island. If you’re thinking of exploring the Caribbean for the first time, I highly recommend visiting here. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and I loved every minute of my trip. As always happy travels! and read more travel Itinerary here.
Thank you for posting this. I was born in Aruba, and lived there in 2010, great article!
Some fun facts. – The whole island runs on distilled water from the worlds 2nd largest desalination plant. It’s as if smartwater was on tap, healthy for the skin, and hair.
Carnival season is also a Great time to visit. the whole island shuts down for huge celebration.
beach camping is also a part of our culture that happens in May.
Hi Ryan, thank you so much for stopping by our blog 🙂 We visited during the carnival season but didn’t get the chance to attend. We would love to revisit Aruba and have fun during the festival. Also, the beach campaign sounds amazing! I can’t wait to explore the island again. Happy travels