Must-see attractions in 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 …

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…

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

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 …

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

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…

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…

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 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…

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

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…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…