Aruba is a tiny, breathtaking island in the Southern Caribbean Sea just north of South America. At only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, it takes just 20 minutes to drive the full length to explore the island. Despite its small size, Aruba offers countless activities. Its pristine beaches showcase the island’s natural beauty, while its cuisine highlights the rich culture. From admiring rugged shorelines to exploring Dutch colonial architecture, there is something for every traveler to enjoy in Aruba. Here are some things to do while visiting Aruba.

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1. Visit Flamingo Beach at Renaissance Island

Renaissance Island, Marriott’s private oasis, is just an 8-minute water taxi ride from Oranjestad. The unique, breathtaking beach operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Renaissance Marriott guests. Non-guests can purchase a $125 day pass, but only if capacity permits. Staying at least one night at the Marriott helps guarantee access to the iconic Flamingo Beach, a must-see in Aruba. Flamingos roam freely on the aptly named beach, mingling harmlessly with visitors when treated respectfully. The beach dazzles with crystalline waters and immaculate sands. Book cabanas in advance, as they sell out quickly. Lounge on beach chairs, hammocks or paddleboards in the calm waters. We enjoyed the best food in Aruba at the Mangrove Beach Bar and Fish Shack on Flamingo Beach. The fresh fish was incredible – I still crave it! Their pizza also hit the spot. Nearby Iguana Beach offers snorkeling amidst the native iguanas, though the lizards deterred me from lingering. Nature trails provide shade and respite from the sun. Be prepared to spend the day here. This is a must do in Aruba!

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 2. Visit Charlie’s Bar

Our driver took us to Saint Nicholas, where we stopped at Charlie’s Bar, a historic Aruban staple that has been operating since 1941. The unique interior was covered wall-to-wall in memorabilia and random knickknacks left behind by patrons over the decades. The friendly bartenders served us drinks, and we even met the owner, Charlie III, who gave us a free round of shots. Though we didn’t try the food, which is rumored to be delicious thanks to the fresh seafood provided by local fishermen, I highly recommend visiting this classic bar if you’re in Aruba.

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3. Walk Around in Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, and is filled with colorful Dutch colonial architecture which I loved! Staying at the Rennaisance hotel near the town center allowed me to easily walk around and discover the gems while on foot. I always spend a few hours walking around when exploring a new city. There were so many shopping and dining options available. If looking for high-end fashion stores such as Gucci, Bvlgari and Cartier, the Renaissance Mall is the place to go. My favorite shopping was on the street with the local vendors selling handmade merchandise for low prices which were easy to negotiate. I also visited the casino inside the partner Marriott hotel and lost about $4o.

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4. Try a Dutch Pancake

I opted to taste the local Dutch pancakes, which are very different from the fluffy, American-style pancakes I typically eat for breakfast. The Dutch pancakes were thin and crepe-like, topped with powdered sugar and fruit – more of a sweet dessert than a breakfast food. While I favor American pancakes for breakfast, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample the specialty pancakes at the Dutch Pancake House near our hotel. I recommend trying them if you can, as they were quite delicious. ________________________________________________________

5. Hang out at the Beach

Though small in size, Aruba boasts around 40 beaches. While not expansive, these beaches offer clear waters and relaxing atmospheres. My personal favorites include the following

• Renaissance Beach- This beach is located outside of the Renaissance hotel.  You cant swim in the waters because the water is too deep beyond the rocks, but I loved morning walks along the coastline

•  Flamingo Beach- As I mentioned, this is a must visit beach! Truly the highlight of my trip.

• Moomba Beach–Ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere, this place features a bar and music, so it’s not very quiet. It’s a fun option if you want to turn up a bit, day or night.

• Grapefield Beach- Remote and quiet beach, largely devoid of tourists and somewhat unkempt, which I enjoyed because it felt abandoned and empty.

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6. Eat the Local Caribbean Cuisine at O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen in Saint Nicholas

I love Caribbean food, and this place did not disappoint! I had the jerk chicken which was delicious. While slightly different from the Jamaican jerk I’m accustomed to, it was scrumptious nonetheless. The chicken was served with rice, peas, and sauteed vegetables. You cannot visit the Caribbean without trying the local cuisine.  I highly recommend O’niel in Saint Nicholas if you are looking for an authentic dining experience. I took my food to go, but there is space to dine either inside or on their shaded patio.

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7. Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience

In addition to local cuisine, I had to try the fine dining restaurants. Here are my favorites

• Faro Blanco- This Italian restaurant offers one of the most picturesque views in Aruba. Located atop a hill overlooking the ocean, the restaurant provides panoramic views of the ocean as well as the famous California Lighthouse. The delicious food and romantic ambiance complement the scenery perfectly. Despite its hilltop location, the restaurant remains easily accessible by car. This is a great place to view the sunset. I highly recommended.

  

  

  

  

  

  

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• Flying Fishbone-   This beachfront restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Guests can enjoy their meals at tables nestled in the sand or while relaxing their feet in the water which has a luminescent blue glow. The food is delicious, especially the decadent desserts. The floral decor and relaxing vibe complement the beautiful seaside views, making this restaurant a perfect place to watch the sunset.  

  

  

  

  

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8. Take a Booze Cruise and Watch the Sunset

On our final evening, we booked a Booze Cruise through GetYourGuide. The catamaran offered snacks and drinks—alcohol included—while a lively playlist of top hits and line dances played. We relaxed on the front deck, soaking in the breathtaking sunset over the ocean. For the daring, there was even a waterslide into the sea, which I opted to skip. Overall, the $60 tour provided a festive and scenic end to our vacation.

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Helpful Information

• Official Language: Papiamento and Dutch 
• Currency: 1 Aruban Florin equals 0.55 United States Dollar. You will need local currency if you want to buy things  from street vendors. Be sure to contact your credit card company/bank regarding fees and limitations prior to traveling.
• Climate: Tropical but not extreme, with a constant median temperature of 82 degrees F (28 degrees Celsius). Aruba is not in a hurricane zone and lies below the belt
• Best time to visit: February to August the weather is great and prices are lower
   
• Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time zone in Aruba (GMT-4)
• Transportation:  Walking, taxi, bus
• Plan to stay for at least 3 days.
• Safety– I never once felt unsafe. This does not change the fact that there still may be some crime. I advise to always travel in groups. Be aware of surroundings and pay attention to people. Try not to get too intoxicated as this can hinder ability to notice any potential threat or problem. Always check the travel advisory info on the US Embassy website.