Must-see attractions in Aruba

  • Top Choice
    Natural Pool

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

  • Top Choice
    Eagle Beach

    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…

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    Top Choice
    Andicuri Beach

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

  • California Lighthouse

    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

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

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    Aruba Ostrich Farm

    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…

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    Donkey Sanctuary

    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…

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    Butterfly Farm

    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…

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    Surfside Beach

    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…

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    Fontein Cave

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

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    Baby Beach

    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…

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    Jane C

    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…

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    Dos Playa

    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,…

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    Manchebo Beach

    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,…

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    Arashi Beach

    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…

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    Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory

    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…

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    Quadirikiri Cave

    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 …

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    Twin Bridges

    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…

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    Fort Zoutman

    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…

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    Ayo Rock

    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…