Jillian & Elvin
Things To Do
Palm Beach
The best thing to do in Aruba is enjoy the beautiful beaches!
Hooiberg
If you want to go for a hike, this little mountain offers a great view of the island. The stairs to go up the mountain are rather steep, but they are sturdy, safe, and easy to walk-up. It takes about 20-30 minutes to hike up the mountain and about 10-15 to come down. Go for an early morning hike, and on the way back, stop at Mi Boca Dushi snacks for the best local empanadas and tapa-like snacks you'll ever try!
Rent a Jeep & Explore
If you’re up for a little adventure, rent a Jeep and explore the island! You can start at the Natural Bridge, continue into Arikok National Park to see the caves and dramatic desert terrain, and then head about 40 minutes south to Baby Beach, known for its calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you’d like to add another stop and make it an all-day thing, consider starting at the Aruba Lighthouse (California Lighthouse) on the island’s northern-most tip, where you’ll find panoramic views of the coastline, or you can start at Hooiberg for a morning hike before heading to Arikok National Park, which is just 10 min away from the mountain. If you do start at Hooiberg, head to Mi Boca Dushi Snacks afterward for empanadas before making your way to the National Park. (You can rent an ATV and drive it on the streets in Aruba, but we usually rent a Jeep because we love having air conditioning - and the last time Jillian drove an ATV she ended up in a thorn bush)
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park is a must-see if you want to experience Aruba’s natural side. It covers nearly 20% of the island. You can drive through the desert landscape, stop to see caves with ancient drawings, and take in the coastline views. You can spend as little or as much time there as you want. The trails inside can be pretty bumpy, so it’s best to go in a Jeep or other 4x4 vehicle. Some roads, especially the one leading to the Natural Pool, are rough and scary to navigate, even in a 4x4. The path to the Natural Pool is not safe for regular cars. The safest option is to enter through the main visitor center, pick up a park map, and stick to the clearly marked routes. If you want to see more remote spots, you can always drive the easy sections and then hike the rest. Going slow and staying on the main roads will make the trip much more comfortable. Arikok is a great way to see another side of Aruba.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island for good reason. At Baby Beach, you can usually walk out a few hundred feet into the water and still only be waist- to chest-deep. The lagoon is shallow and well-protected by a reef, which is why it’s so calm. The water is not only calm, but also shallow and crystal clear, which makes it perfect for swimming or snorkeling without worrying about big waves. It’s a great place to spend a few hours relaxing, and if you get hungry, there’s a restaurant and bar right by the beach where you can grab food or drinks without having to leave.
Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach sits on “Renaissance Island,” a private island just off Oranjestad that you reach by boat. Boats depart every 10–15 minutes from the Renaissance resort and the ride takes about 10 minutes. To go, you have to secure a day pass (when available) — it usually includes lunch and a drink. Once on the island, you’ll find two beach zones — one more adult-focused (where the flamingos tend to be), and a more family-friendly side. You can walk among the flamingos, feed them using a dispenser, and snap great photos. Just check pass availability in advance, and try to go early so you get the best spot and fewer crowds. One thing to know: some visitors say the beach can smell at times — the culprit is a nearby sewage area that sometimes stinks up Renaissance Island when the sewage system is overloaded. It’s rare and not even always noticeable, but it’s worth being aware so you’re not surprised.
Antilla Shipwreck Sea-bobbing
Seabobing is one of the most unique ways to experience Aruba’s crystal-clear water. Using a motorized sea scooter, you can glide across the surface or dip below to get a closer look at the coral and marine life. It’s guided, beginner-friendly, and requires little effort, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than working hard to swim. If you want something different from the usual snorkeling, this is a fun and memorable option.
Kukoo Kunuku
Kukoo Kunuku is a open-air party bus that takes you around the island, stopping at several local bars. There’s music, dancing, and lots of drinks! The two of us will be hopping on Thursday night, September 4, and we'd love for you to join us! We'll include the link to book it here after we finalize the details.
Bugaloe
This pier restaurant is the best spot for a casual lunch right on the water. The grouper sandwich is a favorite along with their infamous big frozen drinks with two beers turned upside down in them. Bugaloe is also a fun spot at night with live music and dancing. This restaurant is not ideal for small children and toddlers since there’s no ledge along the pier.
Madame Janette
Madame Janette is our favorite steakhouse in Aruba! The atmosphere is relaxed but still feels special, with outdoor seating and live music most nights. The steaks are always excellent, and the menu also has plenty of other options if you’re not in the mood for steak. It’s one of those places that feels like a treat every time you go.
Dinner on the Beach
If you want a true Aruba dining experience, these are the places to try. All three offer dinner tables set right in the sand, so you can enjoy a meal with your feet in the sand. Passions on the Beach and Barefoot are both in Oranjestad and make for a beautiful evening out, while Flying Fishbone is a little farther in Savaneta but worth the trip for its tables right at the water’s edge. Sometimes the water hits your feet at Flying Fishbone. Fresh seafood is the highlight at each, and the setting makes the experience feel unforgettable.
The Sopranos Piano Bar
Sopranos is a lively piano bar in Palm Beach, walking distance to the resort. The pianists take requests all night, and the crowd usually sings along to everything from classics to pop hits. It’s casual and super fun - and the drinks are great too.
