Aruba is this amazing Caribbean Island that has beautiful weather all year long. Oranjestad is the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Aruba. The area is filled with unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored. From world-known beaches to colorful Dutch colonial architecture, Oranjestad offers a great fusion of natural beauty, history and island charm. Let’s now uncover the 14 best things to do and see in Oranjestad and the northern coast.
- World-known Eagle Beach
- Palm Beach and good restaurants
- Paseo Herencia (family and kids-friendly)
- Best nightlife on the island
- Take pictures at the California Lighthouse
- Spend the day at Andicuri Bay
- Explore the Bushiribana/Gold Mill Ruins
- Cave Pool Aruba – Beautiful natural pool
- Free trolley ride in the city
- National Archeological Museum
- Go snorkeling and see shipwrecks
- Visit the Butterfly Farm
- Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
- Alto Vista Chapel
World-known Eagle Beach
Aruba is filled with beautiful beaches. All of them are worth a visit but if you only had to choose one on the entire island it would have to be Eagle Beach. I have seen clean beaches with crystal clear water before, but there is something about this beach that makes it the best beach I’ve seen in my life. Especially at sunset, your eyes won’t understand that what you see isn’t fake or is not a filter. There’s a reason why this beach was once ranked 2nd place on the scale of the best beaches in the world. I don’t know if the ranking is up-to-date, but I am sure this beach will always stay in the top 5.
Check out The 8 Best Beaches Of Aruba to know more about the other beaches on the island!
Palm Beach and good restaurants
When I started telling people my flight for Aruba was booked, Palm Beach was the first thing to come out of people’s mouths. Most people who know Aruba think of it for its luxurious side. Palm Beach is home to a high-rise hotel and all-inclusive resort strip. Apart from the most known accommodations of Aruba, Palm Beach has beautiful beaches, a wide range of water sports activities, a great nightlife and amazing dining options.
To know my favorite restaurants and recommendations, check out Top 10 Best Restaurants In Aruba.
Paseo Herencia (family and kids-friendly)
A great place you need to visit, especially if you have kids and family with you, is the Paseo Herencia. It’s a charming open-air shopping and entertainment complex located in the heart of Palm Beach. You can have a great shopping experience with all the designer clothing and accessories, jewelry, souvenirs and local artisan crafts. Many good restaurants are located nearby but a great one located in the complex would be Iguana Cantina Fresh Mexican Grill.
The best part of this complex, in my opinion, is the entertainment happening every night! There are regular live music performances, dances and cultural shows, a carousel and kid train rides. Honestly, so many things to amuse you and your family for the evening. Click here to check out their website to find out the opening hours and the live shows program.
Best nightlife on the island
That is definitely not a secret, the best nightlife of Aruba is happening in the north of the island.
Take pictures at the California Lighthouse
This one is pretty self-explanatory. The lighthouse is beautiful and it is fun to take pictures of it. It’s not an activity that will take you a long time.
There is the option of going up to see the view. It costs 5$US (7$ CAD) per person and this is what you will see at the top. I don’t think it is a must to go up but at least you know you can do it!
Spend the day at Andicuri Bay
The day I spent at Andicuri Bay was definitely one of my favorites. You will do a little sports walk along the bay to see all the beautiful spots and will also relax at the beach of your choice. Since it’s a full day’s worth of things to see, check out Spend The Best Day At Andicuri Bay, Aruba to learn how to spend the best day at Andicuri Bay and know everything you will find there.
Explore the Bushiribana/Gold Mill Ruins
These beautiful ruins are the remnants of a historic gold processing facility that operated during the 19th century. They offer a glimpse into Aruba’s mining heritage. You can explore the crumbling walls and scattered debris of the former industrial complex, and let your mind imagine the activity that once took place there. It is free to visit.
Cave Pool – Beautiful natural pool
This beautiful natural pool is located right next to the Gold Mill Ruins! It is also free to access and a must-see. Finding it is pretty easy since the wooden stairs exceed the ground.
Water shoes are highly recommended since little crabs are walking around and the rocks are really slippery. This is not the safest activity and it would clearly be illegal in Canada for that matter lol. I wouldn’t go there with small kids but if you consider that you and/or your family members are big enough for the activity, it will be an amazing experience.
You can also safely jump in the water from that high rock.
Free trolley ride in the city
Hopping on these cute trolleys will allow you to experience the downtown area with a 360-degree view. You can board them at several designated spots through the city such as the cruise ship terminal, the main street, Plaza Daniel Leo and the Renaissance Marketplace. It’s a fun, simple and free activity to do with your family or even by yourself. They operate between 10 am and 5 pm but don’t run on Sundays.
National Archeological Museum
If you’re a museum and history lover, this one’s for you. This museum provides fascinating insights into the island’s indigenous peoples, early settlers and maritime history. You will see pre-Columbian pottery and tools as well as artifacts recovered from shipwrecks. This visit promises an enlightening and enriching experience. The entrance is free!
Go snorkeling and see shipwrecks
Snorkeling in Aruba offers an amazing underwater experience since you will not only see the island’s vibrant marine life but also fascinating shipwrecks. Aruba has some of the Caribbean’s best wreck diving and snorkeling sites with 20 sunken vessels along its coastline. The best way to do this activity is by joining a guided tour with experienced local guides. They typically include transportation to and from the snorkeling sites, snorkeling gear rental and knowledgeable commentary about the history and marine life of the area.
Visit the Butterfly Farm
Do you have kids who would love to live a captivating journey into the enchanting world of butterflies? I’m sure they would love to visit the Butterfly Farm and witness hundreds of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. There is also an educational side to this activity with presentations and guided tours to learn about the life cycle of butterflies, their role in pollination and the importance of butterfly conservation. Entrance fees in US dollars are $19.00 for adults (26$ CAD), $16.00 for seniors and students (ID required) (22$ CAD) and $10.00 for children of 4-17 years old (14$ CAD) (Free under 4 years old).
Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
If you are looking for an educational experience for all ages, this could be a great activity to do. The Aloe Factory Museum has interactive exhibits, informative displays and guided tours that help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Aruba’s aloe industry and its significance to the island’s economy and culture. The tour duration is about 25 minutes and is free!
Alto Vista Chapel
There’s not much to say about this little chapel. You can go and take pictures and visit it for free. This is not a highlight of my trip but if you are near it and have time to check it out, you can do so.
