Aruba
Aruba, Bahama… come on pretty mama. Is that how the song goes? ;)
Aruba was one of my first Caribbean destinations I’ve ever been to and it’s given me the itch to go back for more. This tiny island is jam packed with so much good food, blazing hot sun, amazing night life and fun adventures. I spent a week exploring and had the best time. I stayed in an Airbnb located by Eagle Beach.
Transportation:
If you plan on visiting places outside of your resort or wherever you are staying, you will want to rent a car as taking a taxi can get expensive if you are doing it frequently.
Sightseeing/Activities:
Spend a day at Eagle Beach. It’s beautiful and worth the hours spent laying out on the sand doing nothing. Enjoy yourself. Many bars nearby too that you can order food and drinks at.
Walk around downtown, Oranjestad. This is the place to go if you want to be by the docks and go shopping.
Nightlife in Noord. There is a famous strip here that is full of nightclubs, shops and bars. I had the best time dancing and drinking. If you want to have a fun night out, this is where you need to be!
Go to Flamingo Beach. This is a private beach in Aruba. You can only access it by either staying at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino or purchasing a ticket ahead of time as it sells out quickly. You have to take a water taxi to get there! The cost is around $125 per person. What it includes is a water taxi to and from the beach. And a drink/lunch/sun bed at Papagayo Bar & Grill. If you have kids, they are only allowed there 9-10am. You can purchase here.
Do a ATV tour that includes cave pool and cliff jumping! This is located on the opposite side of the island. I HIGHLY recommend this. You get to see all the interesting nature Aruba has to offer. Think more desert vibes, less greenery. You can book here.
Natural Bridge - Must see! And stack rocks :)
Gold Mine Ruins - Cave/Cliff jumping!
Lay out on the many beaches Aruba has to offer. Mine are as follows:
Baby Beach - Spend the day here! Such a cool beach and there is a restaurant there called Big Mama Grill and Rum Reef. SO good!
Eagle Beach
Noord
Palm Beach
Rodger’s Beach
Bachelors Beach
California Lighthouse
Boca Catalina Beach
Arashi Beach
Arkok National Park
Malmok Beach
Palm Island
Fofoti Tree
Savaneta Beach
Food:
Asi Es Mi Peru - Good Peruvian food! Nice decor. I really enjoyed.
Pika’s Corner - Aruban Cuisine! I ordered the garlic shrimp. So good! Small place. Good for local food.
Zee Rovers - YOU MUST COME HERE. It’s an outdoor restaurant on the beach that you pick the fish and shrimp fresh and they grill it for you and serve it alongside home made corn bread and plantains. Mango hot sauce is a great addition to it. Afterwards, get the coconut ice cream. You won’t regret it. I suggest coming at night so you can sit along the dock, eat and watch the sunset!
Aruba Experience Cafe and Patisserie - Great spot for breakfast and coffee!
Well Done Snack Trucks - The food trucks are where it’s at honestly. Definitely didn’t get to try them all as I wish but this one was really good! Good for local Aruban food.
Island Grind - Coffee shop