Aruba, a stunning Caribbean island, enjoys beautiful weather year-round. Oranjestad, the vibrant and culturally rich capital, is filled with unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored. From world-renowned beaches to colorful Dutch colonial architecture, Oranjestad offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and island charm. Let’s dive into the 14 best things to do and see in Oranjestad and the northern coast of Aruba:
- World-Famous Eagle Beach
- Palm Beach and Great Restaurants
- Paseo Herencia (Family and Kid-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 – A 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
1
World-Famous Eagle Beach
Aruba is home to many beautiful beaches, but if you had to choose just one, it would have to be Eagle Beach. I’ve seen my fair share of clean beaches with crystal-clear water, but Eagle Beach stands out as one of the best in the world. Especially at sunset, the scenery looks almost surreal—like something out of a dream. It’s no wonder this beach was once ranked second on the list of the world’s best beaches. Even if the ranking changes, I’m confident Eagle Beach will always remain in the top five.
Location: Eagle Beach is on the northwestern coast, about a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Sunset is the most beautiful time to be here, but for fewer crowds, go in the early morning.
Facilities: There are shaded palapas available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with nearby restaurants and bars.
2
Palm Beach and Great Restaurants
As soon as I told people I was going to Aruba, the first thing they mentioned was Palm Beach. It’s famous for its luxurious side, featuring high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and a vibrant strip filled with activities. Along with its stunning beach, Palm Beach is known for offering a wide range of water sports, a lively nightlife scene, and an array of excellent dining options.
Location: About a 15-minute drive from Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Anytime is good, but early morning offers a peaceful atmosphere before crowds arrive.
Nearby restaurants: To know my top restaurant recommendations, check out Top 10 Mid-Range Restaurants in Aruba: Best Affordable Dining Spots.
3
Paseo Herencia (Family and Kid-Friendly)
If you’re visiting with family, you must check out Paseo Herencia, a charming open-air shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Palm Beach. You’ll find designer clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and local artisan crafts. Nearby, you’ll also discover great dining options like Iguana Cantina Fresh Mexican Grill located right in the complex.
Location: Palm Beach.
Entertainment: Live music, cultural performances, and kid-friendly attractions like a carousel and train rides are available nightly.
Best time to visit: The evening is perfect for shopping and enjoying the shows. Check paseoherencia.com for opening hours and event schedules.
4
Best Nightlife on the Island
The best nightlife in Aruba can be found on the northern side of the island. For the top nightlife spots, check out The Ultimate Guide to Aruba Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs, and Activities.
5
Take Pictures at the California Lighthouse
The California Lighthouse is a beautiful landmark and a great spot for photography. It’s a quick stop but offers stunning views. For $5 USD, you can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view. While it’s not a must-do, since the view is not incredible, it’s nice to know you have the option.
Location: Northern tip of Aruba, about 25 minutes from Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
6
Spend the Day at Andicuri Bay
One of my favorite days in Aruba was spent at Andicuri Bay. It’s a bit of a hike to explore the bay and its beautiful surroundings, but it’s worth the effort. From scenic cliffs to secluded beaches, you can easily spend the entire day here.
Location: On the eastern side of Aruba, accessible by car and a short hike.
Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon, as the hike can be tiring later in the day.
Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen, as there are no nearby services.
To find out how to spend the best day exploring this area, check out Spend a Perfect Day at Andicuri Bay: Your Ultimate Guide to Aruba’s Northern Coast,
7
Explore the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are a must-see for history buffs. These 19th-century ruins offer a glimpse into Aruba’s gold mining history. Explore the crumbling walls of this former gold processing facility and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here. Best of all, it’s free to visit.
Location: Northern coast of Aruba.
Best time to visit: Morning for cooler temperatures.
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8
Cave Pool – A Beautiful Natural Pool
Located near the Gold Mill Ruins, the Cave Pool is a stunning natural pool that’s free to access. It is fairly easy to find thanks to the visible wooden stairs. I recommend wearing water shoes because the rocks are slippery and there are small crabs around.
Location: Near Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, along the northern coast.
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
Safety tip: Wear water shoes and be mindful of slippery rocks.
9
Free Trolley Ride in the City
Aruba’s free trolley service is a fantastic way to explore downtown Oranjestad. Hop on at designated spots such as the cruise terminal, Main Street, Plaza Daniel Leo, or the Renaissance Marketplace. This fun and simple activity is great for families and operates from 10 am to 5 pm (no service on Sundays).
Location: Various stops in downtown Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning to explore the city and avoid peak afternoon heat.
10
National Archaeological Museum
History lovers should not miss the National Archaeological Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Aruba’s indigenous cultures, early settlers, and maritime history. You can view pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery and tools, as well as items recovered from shipwrecks. Best of all, admission is free!
Location: Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Weekdays during mid-morning for a quieter experience.
11
Go Snorkeling and See Shipwrecks
Snorkeling in Aruba is a unique experience, where you can explore vibrant marine life and historic shipwrecks. Aruba is known for having some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling and diving sites, with over 20 sunken vessels along the coastline. I recommend joining a guided tour for the best experience, which typically includes transportation, gear, and commentary on the shipwrecks and marine life.
Best snorkeling spots: Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, and the Antilla shipwreck.
Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon for calmer waters.
Tour tip: Book with a reputable operator to ensure safety and quality gear.
12
Visit the Butterfly Farm
Looking for a family-friendly adventure? The Butterfly Farm offers an enchanting experience where you can observe hundreds of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. This educational visit includes guided tours and presentations about the life cycle of butterflies, their role in pollination, and the importance of conservation.
Location: Near Palm Beach.
Best time to visit: Early morning when the butterflies are most active.
Cost: $19 USD for adults, $16 USD for seniors and students, and $10 USD for children aged 4-17. Free for children under 4.
13
Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum is an educational stop for all ages. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, informative displays, and guided tours to learn about Aruba’s aloe industry and its role in the island’s culture and economy. The 25-minute tour is free!
Location: Hato, about 10 minutes from Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Early afternoon.
Cost: Free guided tours.
14
Alto Vista Chapel
The Alto Vista Chapel is a quaint little stop with free access. While it may not be the highlight of your trip, it’s a peaceful spot to take photos and enjoy the view if you’re in the area.
Location: Northern coast, about 20 minutes from Oranjestad.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
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