Aruba Travel Guide
Looking for a vacation spot? Consider Aruba. This small Caribbean island helps you relax and forget your problems. It has white sand beaches, clear blue water, and sunshine almost every day. Aruba truly feels like paradise.
I heard a lot of good things about Aruba before my trip, so I worried it might not be as great as people said. But as soon as I arrived, I realized Aruba truly exceeds expectations. It’s one of those special places that’s actually better in real life than what you hear about.
Why Aruba Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
Aruba calls itself “One Happy Island” and it truly is. It’s perfect whether you want to relax on the beach or go on adventures. There’s something for everyone.
Located near Venezuela in the southern Caribbean, Aruba is clean, safe, and friendly. It has beautiful beaches, lots of fun things to do, and amazing views. Every moment in Aruba feels special.
Getting to Aruba from Los Angeles
Okay, let’s talk travel. If you’re flying from Los Angeles like we did, just a heads up, there are no direct flights to Aruba. We flew Delta, so we went from LAX to Atlanta (about 4 hours), and then Atlanta to Aruba (another 4 hours).
If you fly with American Airlines, you might connect through Miami or Dallas. JetBlue usually connects through New York or Florida. So yes, it takes some planning, but trust me, it’s worth every hour.
What’s the Weather Like in Aruba?
Aruba has great weather if you love sunshine. It stays warm all year, usually between 85-90°F (29-32°C). One important thing to know: Aruba is very windy. The wind helps keep you cool in the hot weather, but it can be annoying too. Your towels might blow away and hats won’t stay on. We had to tie our beach towels to chairs, and sometimes they still blew away.
Despite this small issue, the breeze is actually helpful. It makes the hot temperatures feel comfortable and prevents you from getting too hot.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Because Aruba is so close to the equator, the sun is intense. Even if it’s windy and you don’t feel the heat right away, trust me, you can get sunburned fast, especially on your first day. I’d highly recommend a high-SPF sunscreen (40 or above), and reapplying every few hours, especially after swimming. We learned this the hard way!
Where We Stayed: Hilton Aruba on Palm Beach
We stayed at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, and it was perfect. Right on Palm Beach, we had gorgeous ocean views from our room and easy access to both the beach and the main strip where all the restaurants and shops are.
The resort has:
- Comfortable ocean-view rooms
- Free beach chairs
- Water sports rentals
- A lively casino
- Amazing dining options (you have to try their breakfast!)
Every morning, we’d walk out of our room and head straight to the beach. It was the best way to start the day.
Mornings in Aruba: Best Beach Time
For the best view of Aruba’s ocean, go to the beach early, between 7 and 10 a.m. The water is incredibly clear and calm during these hours, with beautiful blue and green colors. It looks just like a perfect travel magazine picture.
The beach still looks great later in the day, but the morning light makes the views extra special.
Things to do in Aruba
Aruba isn’t just about sunbathing, there are so many fun things to do here if you’re up for a little adventure.
Take a Jeep Tour
Explore Arikok National Park, a massive natural reserve that shows you the wilder side of Aruba. You’ll see cactus-covered hills, desert landscapes, natural bridges, rock formations, and stunning ocean cliffs. Jeep tours are a great way to cover a lot in one day.
Banana Boat or Jet Ski Ride
If you like thrill rides, you’ll love hopping on a banana boat or renting a jet ski. They’re super fun and give you a new view of the island from the water.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
Even if you’re a beginner, you can take a short scuba diving class and go explore a coral reef or even one of Aruba’s famous sunken shipwrecks. If diving isn’t your thing, a snorkeling tour is just as fun and way more relaxed.
Sailing Tours
Some of the best memories we made were on a sunset catamaran cruise. We watched the sky change colors, had snacks and drinks onboard, and even spotted a dolphin swimming nearby.
Breakfast by the Beach
I loved eating breakfast by the ocean. There’s something peaceful about drinking coffee while listening to the waves. If you stay near Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, many places offer breakfast with ocean views. Starting your day this way is wonderful.
Watching the Sunset in Aruba
Aruba has amazing sunsets. The sky turns bright orange and gold colors that you’ll always remember. Many hotels offer special sunset packages with dinner on the beach or champagne. You can pay for these extras or simply sit on the beach for free. Either way, watching the sunset in Aruba with your loved ones is an experience you’ll treasure.
Where to Eat in Aruba (Without Spending Too Much)
Aruba is known for being a bit pricey, especially in the resort zones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find good food for a decent price. Just cross the street from Palm Beach to J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, and you’ll find tons of cute restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.
Some places we loved:
- Amore Mio Pizzeria – casual spot with delicious pizzas
- Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano – great Italian food
- Craft Aruba – chill atmosphere, good drinks, great breakfast
- Gusto Night Club – if you’re up for some music and nightlife
And of course, grabbing a gelato or soft serve and strolling along the street in the evening is a perfect way to end your day.
Quick Aruba Travel Tips
- Currency: U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, so no need to exchange money.
- Language: Locals speak English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento. But don’t worry, everyone we met spoke perfect English.
- Getting Around: Renting a car is a good idea if you want to explore outside the hotel area. Otherwise, taxis and buses are easy to find.
- Safety: Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean destinations. We felt super comfortable walking around, even at night.
What I Really Think About Aruba
We loved Aruba more than any other place we’ve visited. The beautiful views, friendly people, and tasty food made our trip amazing. This vacation created wonderful memories that will stay with us forever. If you’re thinking about going to Aruba, don’t hesitate – just book your trip.
Life is short, and you really should visit this happy island at least once.
Ready to Go?
Thinking about your next vacation? Consider Aruba. When you visit, you’ll see why people love it so much. It really is a paradise, and it’s waiting for you.
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