Visiting Aruba and the top things to do
Visiting Aruba offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal Caribbean getaway. Start your trip on the island’s famous white-sand beaches. For a more adventurous side, explore Arikok National Park, where rugged landscapes, cacti-filled deserts, and hidden gems like natural pools and caves await.
Snorkeling and diving are must-do activities. Don’t miss a visit to Baby Beach for calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Culture lovers can wander through Oranjestad, the island’s capital, known for its Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, and local dining.
For something unique, take an off-road island tour or enjoy a sunset sailing cruise along the coast. Be sure to try local dishes like fresh seafood and Dutch-Caribbean fusion cuisine. With its year-round sunshine, friendly atmosphere, and diverse activities, Aruba offers something for every traveler looking to unwind or explore.
When I traveled to Aruba in January 2026, I got experience a lot of the top things to do do on my 6 day itinerary. Hope the list below inspires you on what you can do for your visit to this incredible island!
Aruba top things to do
Beaches
Aruba is home to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches, each offering a unique experience. Eagle Beach is known for its wide, powdery white sand and iconic divi-divi trees, perfect for peaceful relaxation. Palm Beach offers a livelier atmosphere with resorts, water sports, and beachfront dining. For a quieter escape, Arashi Beach provides excellent snorkeling and fewer crowds. Baby Beach is ideal for families, thanks to its shallow, calm waters. From serene shores to vibrant coastal scenes, Aruba’s beaches cater to every type of traveler seeking sun, sea, and unforgettable views.
sail and snorkel
There is no better way to experience the island then by getting out on the water and snorkeling. We went on the Delphi Catamaran Cruise this we booked on Get Your Guide, but we had to walk to where it went from which was on Palm Beach. The catamaran was an incredible experience. It was open bar and had some snacks, including a small wrap and some fruit. On it, we stopped at two snorkel spots one was at a sunken ship, and the second was in a more open area where we were able to see sea turtles. There are so many options of companies to choose from.
Flamingos
If you are going to Aruba you should check out the iconic flamingos. Flamingo Beach is part of the Renaissance Hotel. It can be visited if you are a guest there but also by buying a day pass or buying a spa package. After doing research on it, I decided that the spa package with my friend made the most sense. They offer a two person massage with or without a meal and a drink and a boat ride to flamingo island. Any way you decide to do it I would definitely recommend it. Check out my full guide HERE!
Dining
Aruba has incredible dining options. Palm Beach area (where we stayed) was packed with a variety of different options. For popular places reservations are recommended. Make sure to have some seafood and try the Dutch-Caribbean specialties. Some of our favorites during our visit included Eduardo’s Beach Shack for amazing breakfast smoothies and poke bowls, a fancy dinner Quinta Del Carmen with great cocktails and food, Kalin’s Mexican Cuisine for great margaritas and Mexican food, and if burgers is what you crave then check out Drunken Burger and On the Rocks!
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park is known for its natural beauty. The roads require 4×4 but I would recommend a jeep tour. These jeep tours are extremely bumpy, but it is a really cool way to experience and see this part of the island. Highlights included the Fontein Cave, fish pedicure, Conchi Natural Pool with snorkeling and just enjoying the desert and rugged ocean landscapes. Check out the day tour that I did while visiting!
California Lighthouse
Visiting the California Lighthouse is a must for panoramic views of Aruba’s rugged northern coastline. Named after the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891, the lighthouse stands as a historic landmark surrounded by sand dunes and dramatic scenery. Climb to the top for sweeping vistas of the island, especially at sunset when the landscape glows in warm hues. We got some great views of the lighthouse from our catamaran tour.
Oranjestad
Visiting Oranjestad offers a vibrant mix of culture, shopping, and colorful architecture. Known for its pastel Dutch colonial buildings, the city is perfect for a leisurely stroll along its waterfront streets. Browse local markets, luxury boutiques, and souvenir shops, or relax in cafes serving Caribbean and international cuisine. Don’t miss historical sites like Fort Zoutman and the nearby museums that highlight Aruba’s heritage.
Plan your Itinerary to Aruba
If you haven’t made it to Aruba yet, consider this your inspiration to go. It is beyond beautiful and you will not be disappointed. There is so much to do on this island. I highly recommend the tours and activities I did while here. There are also so many amazing restaurants. This island will not disappoint!
