Things to do in  Aruba

White-sand beaches, wind-swept desert-like vistas, some of the Caribbean Sea's best wreck diving, and year-round tropical weather are just a few of the reasons why visitors are drawn to Aruba. The island is also notable for its charming pastel-colored, compact capital, Oranjestad.

Aruba’s weather is consistently warm all year round and the island has the good fortune of sitting well outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, which means that you can visit in the summer months with little threat of tropical storms. The summer months also typically draw far fewer visitors than winter.

Aruba is a relatively small island and its main attractions can easily be covered in just a few days. To truly soak up its atmosphere, however, and enjoy some downtime soaking up the sun on its gorgeous beaches, aim to spend at least five days.

From 4-wheel driving over sand dunes to horseback riding along the rugged trails in Arikok National Park, Aruba is a prime destination for outdoor adventure away from the beach. Scuba divers and snorkelers should explore Aruba’s reef- and shipwreck-filled waters, and everyone should spend a few hours strolling the colorful streets of Oranjestad.

From beachfront lounges to flashy casinos, Aruba’s diverse nightlife caters to all tastes. Palm Beach is a favored after-dark destination and its many bars and clubs offer perks to draw in visitors such as happy-hour specials and free salsa classes. If you can’t decide on a spot, hop on a party bus.

Just a stone’s throw from Baby Beach, and far from the resorts, tranquil Rodgers Beach boasts the same white sand and turquoise waters but none of the crowds. In Savaneta, Zeerovers restaurant is a popular local hangout that serves seafood freshly plucked from the sea and is a prime sunset-viewing spot.