Aruba
Sunny beaches, family adventures, and gluten-free island bliss for all ages
Highlights
Hike desert trails to natural pools and rock formations perfect for family photos at golden hour.
Relax on powdery sands with shallow waters ideal for multigenerational splashing and sunset photography.
Browse colorful Dutch architecture, street markets, and souvenirs in a vibrant, walkable harbor district.
Private island waterpark with banana boats and SeaTrek for easy family thrills including lunch.
Wander open-air street art galleries capturing Aruba's cultural vibe for creative photography.
Interactive animal rescue visits with monkeys and iguanas delighting kids and grandparents alike.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Aruba Marriott Resort
Beachfront with multiple pools, kids' club, and spacious family suites in tropical setting.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
Family suites, splash park, dive shop; tropical gardens and easy beach access.
Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive
Beachfront all-inclusive with 4 pools, kids' activities, tropical palapas.
Where to Eat
17 picks
Craft
Power bowls with quinoa, fresh fruits, and veggies; gluten-free tacos and smoothies available.
Salt and Pepper
Gluten-free seafood tapas, garlic shrimp, and fresh salads; daily specials with local fish.
North End Pub and Grill
Gluten-free burgers, fresh fish, and salads; convivial pub fare.
Big Mama Grill
Gluten-free fish sandwiches, seafood platters, and fresh salads; generous portions.
Smokey Joe’s Aruba
Gluten-free wood-smoked ribs, rotisserie chicken, fresh fish, and shrimp.
Craft
Gluten-free power bowls, tacos, and salads; kids' options.
Local Grill Spot (Park Café)
Gluten-free grilled fresh fish and salads from on-site vendors.
Salt and Pepper
Gluten-free tapas and shrimp specials.
Seaworthy Café
Gluten-free fresh fruit bowls, omelets with veggies, and smoothies.
Driftwood Restaurant
Gluten-free seafood platters, grilled catch, and salads.
North End Pub and Grill
Gluten-free pub favorites.
Craft
Gluten-free bowls and tacos.
Big Mama Grill (Palm Pop-up)
Gluten-free seafood and salads.
Sunset Grill
Gluten-free eggs, fruits, and grilled items.
Zeerovers
Gluten-free fresh catch grilled whole with sides; specify needs.
Smokey Joe’s Aruba
Gluten-free smoked meats and fish.
Craft
Gluten-free options for final day.
What to Do
13 picks
Palm Beach
Stroll powdery white sands, swim in calm turquoise waters; rent shaded beach huts; golden hour sunset photography from north end.
Arashi Beach
Snorkel shallow reefs for eels and starfish; beach huts for shade; photography at huts during sunset golden hour.
San Nicolas Street Art
Wander vibrant murals by local and international artists; snap family photos at colorful walls; morning light best for photography.
Baby Beach
Protected lagoon with calm, shallow waters for safe swimming; golden hour seashell photography from east side.
Arikok National Park
Easy trails to natural pool, Ayo Rock Formations; petroglyph spotting; morning photography at boulders.
Butterfly Farm
Guided tours amid fluttering butterflies; shaded paths; indoor photography alternative.
Oranjestad Shopping & Markets
Browse Dutch colonial streets, souvenir markets, and local crafts; best angles from fort walls for photography.
De Palm Island
Ferry to waterpark: banana boats, zip line, SeaTrek; beach cabanas; sunset ferry back for photos.
Philip’s Animal Garden
Interactive tours with monkeys, iguanas; hands-on feeding; shaded paths for photos.
Atlantis Submarine
Underwater tour of reefs and wrecks; no swimming needed; window views for photography.
Eagle Beach
Iconic divi-divi trees for photography; calm waters; golden hour from beach chairs.
Malmok Snorkeling
Shallow reefs with corals and fish; guided with Coral Ocean; photo from boat.
Free Explore Palm Beach
Shop beach vendors, relax, photography; look for seashells and huts.
Good to Know
8 picks
Gluten-Free Communication
Say 'sin gluten' or show a translation card; most tourist spots accommodate fresh seafood/grills well.
Group Transport
Book 12-passenger vans via hotel ($50-80/transfer); taxis limited for 11 people.
Hydration & Shade
Carry reusable bottles; use beach huts ($20-50); Aruba heat sneaks up on families.
Photography Gear
Waterproof case for phones; tripod for golden hour; no-flash indoors at farms.
Tipping Customs
10-15% at restaurants; $1-2/person for tour guides; not mandatory but appreciated.
Beach Etiquette
Leave no trace; rent chairs/umbrellas via apps; watch for sargassum seasonally.
Flight Buffer
Arrive Queen Beatrix Airport 3 hours early; traffic minimal but groups take time.
Currency Simplicity
USD accepted everywhere; cards widely used; small bills for markets.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.