Aruba
Three Slow Days of Romance, Flavor, and Island Light
Sunlit beaches, local flavors, and romantic island discoveries
Planning a trip to Aruba?
A relaxed Aruba escape pairing calm beaches, local flavors, colorful neighborhoods, nature, shopping, wine tasting, and easygoing nightlife. Each day stays geographically clustered, with generous downtime and simple taxi or rental-car transfers.
Highlights
Share a quiet sunset beneath Aruba’s famous fofoti trees on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
Photograph pastel architecture, browse local shops, and experience Aruba’s historic capital at an unhurried pace.
See rugged desert scenery, coastal viewpoints, and natural pools during a comfortable daytime visit to Arikok National Park.
Try keshi yena, fresh seafood, and other Aruban dishes while balancing casual neighborhood dining with a romantic dinner.
Finish the getaway with wine, live music, and an easy walk through Aruba’s lively resort district.
Where to Stay
Eagle Aruba Resort
A comfortable resort-style base near Eagle Beach with pools, beach access, and easy taxi connections to Oranjestad and Palm Beach.
$220-350/night
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
A peaceful, colorful boutique property with casitas, gardens, and convenient access to Palm Beach restaurants and nightlife.
$300-450/nightGood to Know
Island Transfers
Distances are short, but allow roughly 15-25 minutes between Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Oranjestad, and about 30-45 minutes to Savaneta or Arikok depending on traffic. Use licensed taxis with TX plates, arrange rides through the hotel, and carry cash because taxis use regulated flat fares.
Beach Safety
Keep phones, wallets, and cameras attended at all times, use the hotel safe, and never leave valuables visible in a rental car. Ask vendors for prices before accepting services or purchases.
Reef-Safe Sun
Pack mineral SPF 50+ labeled reef-safe and avoid products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. Reapply after swimming, and bring a cover-up for shops and restaurants.
Dining Etiquette
Greet staff with Bon dia or Bon tardi, check the bill for a 10-15 percent servicio charge, and add only what is needed to reach roughly 15-20 percent total.
Evening Boundaries
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are generally the easiest areas for evening walks. Visit San Nicolas during daylight unless using a trusted driver, and keep Arikok activities to daytime.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Diana's Pancakes Place
Start with Dutch-style pancakes, savory toppings, and coffee in a casual local favorite.
1h · $15-25 per person
Palm Beach and Paseo Herencia
Spend the morning swimming or walking the sand, then browse Paseo Herencia’s shops and courtyard before taking a long café break.
3h · Free; shopping varies
Aruba Wine and Dine Experience
Book a relaxed guided tasting or wine-pairing experience featuring international wines and Caribbean-inspired small plates.
1h 30m · $45-75 per person
The Old Man and The Sea
Reserve a beachfront table for fresh seafood and a slow sunset dinner in an intimate setting.
2h · $45-70 per person
Oranjestad Heritage Stroll
Walk the pastel streets, Fort Zoutman area, harborfront, and local storefronts; pause often for architectural photography.
2h · Free
Taste My Aruba
Order locally sourced fish or seafood and ask about Aruban specialties such as keshi yena or goat stew.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Renaissance Marketplace
Browse small shops, enjoy a shaded drink, and return after dinner for live music or the lively public square atmosphere.
2h 30m · Free; purchases vary
Wacky Wahoo's
Share fresh fish, Caribbean seafood, and a casual cocktail in this fisherman-owned restaurant.
1h 40m · $30-50 per person12 activities across 3 days
Map
