If you’re heading to One Happy Island, you probably intend to spend a lot of time on the beach, but there are some excellent reasons to roll out of that surf-side hammock and explore more of Aruba. Remember that all of Aruba’s beaches are public, so you can take a dip wherever you like as long as you have a bathing suit handy.
Day 1: Palm Beach Pleasures
Even if you’re staying elsewhere, Palm Beach is worth a visit on your first day to see where all the action is. This area is famous for its water sports and sailing and snorkel excursions, as well as its dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It’s safe to walk day or night and compact enough to discover on foot. Plan a snorkel excursion for the morning, followed by lunch at one of the many beachfront cafés or pier bars. After lunch, head to the pristine stretch of sand in front of the Holiday Inn for some beach time; floats can be rented at one of the beach kiosks. There are digital lockers on the beach between the Holiday Inn and MooMba Beach Bar to store any valuables.
After dark, right across the street, don’t miss the colorful free nightly water shows at Paseo Herencia or the cornucopia of nightlife and dining at The Cove Mall, including the trendy rooftop hotspot The Vue. Afterward, head to “The Strip” to find scads of casual and no-reservation-required eating and drinking spots. There are lots of open-air kiosks for shopping on the strip, and you’ll also be close to many of the resort casinos.
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Day 2: Downtown Delights
You can spend an entire day discovering Downtown Oranjestad’s colorful mélange of local eateries, shops, historic buildings, museums, and refurbished main street arcades and courtyards. Start at the ArubaMade Mall across from the cruise terminal for authentic local snacks, drinks, and island-made souvenirs (and free Wi-Fi). Then head to the area behind the beautiful pink Royal Plaza Mall for the free National Museum of Archaeology, a modern trek back through time that is worth exploring—and air-conditioned. If you really want to get the inside scoop on what makes this little capital city tick, join a guided tour with Aruba Walking Tours.
To cool off, head to the urban oasis known as Surfside Beach Bar or the trendy seafront lounge Reflexions, which has its own pool. Stay for the stellar sunset, then head back to town to enjoy the lively marina region of Renaissance Marketplace for alfresco dining, nightlife, casinos, and free live entertainment.
Logistics
Take Route 1B straight to Downtown, take a taxi, or hop a public bus.
Day 3: Go Wild
Today’s the day to explore Arikok National Park, the island’s wild and untamed arid outback, with a guided UTV, ATV, or jeep safari with an operator like De Palm Tours. Don’t miss the surreal thrill of swimming or snorkeling in the Conchi, a remote natural pool, or exploring the Fontein Cave, which has the island’s only Arawak Indian drawings. Most tours leave on the early side, so plan to grab a quick breakfast at your hotel. If you choose a full-day affair, lunch will be included; plan dinner at your resort, as you’ll be exhausted after the tour.
To explore the wild in the most eco-friendly way possible, sign up for a trek with Aruba Nature Adventures. If you choose to do a half-day tour, go in the morning so you can spend the afternoon at your resort’s pool or at the beach before having dinner at the hotel. You’ll need the downtime, trust us.
Logistics
You can drive there, but it’s not recommended for first-timers. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, so sit back and let the adventure begin.
Day 4: Sleuth Out Southeast Coast Surprises
After a lazy morning, rent a car (or hire a private driver) for the day and head southeast to Savaneta for the best locally caught fish and seafood meals at Zeerovers. After lunch, head back to Route 1 to continue on to San Nicolas for its outdoor art scene; be sure to book a tour with Aruba Murals Tours. Don’t miss a stop at Charlie’s Bar—it’s been in operation for more than 80 years—and then head to Baby Beach for an hour or two of beach time. Refreshments can be found at Rum Reef, an adult-only infinity pool and bar, or the family-friendly Big Mama’s at the other end of the beach. Head back to Savaneta for dinner at Flying Fishbone or The Old Man and the Sea, but make sure you have a reservation well ahead for both.
Logistics
For San Nicolas, follow Route 1A; for Savaneta, make a right turn at the Super S-CHOW Supermarket, and follow the sign for Flying Fishbone. Get back on 1A for San Nicolas.
Day 5: Your Last Day
Flights usually leave in the late afternoon; spend an hour or so at the beach before heading to the airport. Make sure to leave plenty of time at the airport, as there are about seven steps that involve picking up and dropping your luggage numerous times before you clear Customs and can head to the waiting areas. The airport now has a VIP lounge, accessible if you have a Priority Pass membership or spring for the extra cost of being ushered through all the lines like a celebrity (except for U.S. customs) with First Class Experience Aruba.
For one last tropical cocktail, stop at “The Crying Room,” a small corner of the airport’s One Happy Bar, aptly named as it’s famous for inducing the tears of those who always hate to leave Aruba. (Be forewarned: they have a sign that limits crying to 15 minutes.)
What If It Rains?
Even though Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, you may find yourself on a rare rainy day, or you might just want a break from the tropical heat if you overdid the sunbathing. That’s a perfect time to explore some indoor attractions like the modern multilevel Palm Beach Plaza for all kinds of shopping and entertainment. Or check out the massive new stand-alone IMAX cinema and entertainment complex called The Movies @ Gloria in Eagle Beach for first-run movies, a children’s play park, and lots of dining options like P.F. Chang’s.
You can also enjoy some first-rate pampering at one of the island’s many premium spas—maybe an aloe-based treatment to soothe your overly sunned skin or a couple’s massage by the sea under a tiki hut. If you want more action, the casinos are always ready to receive you. Some are open 24 hours a day, and sometimes they offer daytime bingo.
