Must-see attractions in Aruba

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    Natural Pool

    Aruba

    Powerful wave action has worn this depression into the coastal limestone ridge. The surrounding rocks break the surf, so – with waves crashing all around …

  • Eagle Beach, Aruba

    Eagle Beach

    Aruba

    Fronting a line of low-rise resorts just northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle is a long stretch of white sand that regularly makes lists of the best beaches in…

  • Andicuri Beach

    Aruba

    Limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and crashing waves make this beach experience different from all others on the island. This east-coast beauty is…

  • Calfornia Lighthouse on Aruba

    California Lighthouse

    Aruba

    Up the hill from Arashi Beach, this tall sentinel is named for an old wrecked ship called the California, which is not the ship of similar name …

  • Hooiberg Mountain, a volcanic formation, Aruba
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    Hooiberg

    Aruba

    Aruba's second-highest peak attracts lionhearted souls with its 165m, 587-stair climb. Summiting Hooiberg (it means 'haystack' in Dutch) takes most people…

  • Aruba Ostrich Farm

    Aruba

    With 18 ostriches, 16 emus and a bunch of ducks, geese, peacocks, chickens and turtles, this well-kept little farm makes a fun and educational stop on…

  • Donkey Sanctuary

    Aruba

    Make an ass of yourself doting on these winsome critters, who will follow you around for attention and snacks. Donkeys were brought to Aruba by the…

  • Butterfly Farm

    Aruba

    Tucked between the low-rise and high-rise resort areas, this place will make your heart go aflutter, as the gorgeous gardens are teeming with butterflies…

  • Surfside Beach

    Aruba

    Surfside is a pretty pleasant place to spend an afternoon if you're hankering after some sun, surf and sand. It's the best, most swimmable beach in…

  • Fontein Cave

    Aruba

    Though this limestone cave is extensive, only the entrance hall is open to visitors. Aside from stalactites, stalagmites and other impressive rock…

  • Baby Beach

    Aruba

    At the island's far southern tip, Baby Beach is a nice curve of sand with gentle waters and some decent snorkeling spots. It's popular with locals but not…

  • Jane C

    Aruba

    A cargo ship purposely sunk in the 1980s, the Jane C is now covered in coral and stands upright in 65ft to 94ft of water. It features large cargo areas…

  • Dos Playa

    Aruba

    North of Boca Prins, these two stunning beaches have been hewn from the rock by the pounding surf. The site is an important nesting area for leatherback,…

  • Manchebo Beach

    Aruba

    Just south of Eagle, this large beach reaches out to a point. It was once a destination for topless sunbathers, but that's frowned upon these days. Still,…

  • Arashi Beach

    Aruba

    Near the island’s northwestern tip, this is a favorite with locals and popular with families. There's good bodysurfing, some shade and just a few rocks…

  • Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory

    Aruba

    You'll see aloe – the spiky desert plant that is the source of the healing and moisturizing aloe-vera gel – sprouting all over the island. Aruba Aloe…

  • Quadirikiri Cave

    Aruba

    This large limestone cave has two 'windows' that allow natural light to filter in. It's home to several species of bat, so flashlights are not permitted …

  • Twin Bridges

    Aruba

    If you're bummed that the Natural Bridge isn't what it used to be, take a short walk east from Andicuri Beach to Blackstone Beach. The landscape here is…

  • Fort Zoutman

    Aruba

    It's not much to look at, but this 18th-century fort was built to defend the port against pirates. The attached Willem III Tower was added later, serving…

  • Ayo Rock

    Aruba

    Some say it's a pile of rocks; others say it's an incredible natural wonder. This fascinating geological formation is a popular spot for rock-climbers and…

  • Boca Prins

    Aruba

    The waves have carved out this striking cove, rocked with explosive surf, along the wild, rocky east coast. Constant winds throw up sand, creating an ever…

  • Mt Jamanota

    Aruba

    At 188m, Jamanota is the highest mountain in Aruba, though visitors tend to refer to it as a hill. You can only climb up part of the way, as the top is…

  • Casibari Rock Formation

    Aruba

    About 1 mile west of Ayo Rock, these mysterious rock formations rise out of the desert landscape in the shape of creatures such as birds and dragons. It's…

  • Palm Beach

    Aruba

    A classic white-sand beauty – but only for those who enjoy the company of lots of people, as it fronts the high-rise resorts. During high season the sands…

  • Aruba Historical Museum

    Aruba

    Fort Zoutman houses a tiny museum featuring rotating exhibits on the island's history. It's worth the price of admission just to climb to the top of the…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Aruba Archaeological Museum

    Aruba

    The capital's newest museum is housed in the beautifully restored colonial-era Ecury Complex, home to a successful merchant family throughout the 20th…

  • Natural Bridge

    Aruba

    The remnant of a limestone cave that was hollowed out by the waves and subsequently collapsed, this bridge-like rock formation on the sea cliffs makes a…

  • Chapel of Alto Vista

    Aruba

    This remote chapel, uniquely sited overlooking the north shore, was built in the 1950s on the site of its predecessor, which dated to 1750. The road to…

  • Dr Eloy Arends House

    Aruba

    A local landmark – and no wonder, it's a beauty. Dating to 1922, the elegant, emerald-green, white-trimmed house is now part of the city-council complex.

  • Wilhelmina Park

    Aruba

    This shady refuge is a tribute to Queen Wilhelmina, the longest-reigning Dutch monarch (1890–1948).

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