Summer is upon us and if you are planning a last-minute trip with your significant other, you might just want to put Aruba at the top of your list. Check out our recommendations for the best things to do and discover why summer is the perfect time for your couple’s getaway to Aruba!

This year marks the 5th edition of Aruba’s “I Do” Vow Renewal ceremony, the largest vow renewal ceremony in the Caribbean. The ceremony is scheduled for August 9th, 2023. It will take place during Aruba’s glowing sunset hour on the one and only, world-famous Eagle Beach, recently voted the no. 1 beach in the Caribbean and no. 2  beach in the world!

Do you want to create memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime and join in on this dreamy and romantic experience? To take part in this special day, simply register with the Aruba Tourism Authority. Couples are encouraged to dress in white with pops of Caribbean colors. The ceremony is free, yes you’ve read that right, free! So, will you take part in the Caribbean’s most romantic day of the year?

Get more details.

Toasting to each other with a bottle of fine wine as the sun goes down, and enjoying a magical moonlit dinner on the beach… yes, some call it cliche, we call it dreamy because it is, especially in Aruba! Beach dining with your toes in the sand, just you and your love, just can’t be topped when it comes to romantic experiences.

However, with that being said, romantic dining in Aruba is not only limited to beach dining, there are plenty of other options to be found. For instance, try a restaurant nestled in charming historic buildings of downtown Oranjestad, or opt for dining in a lush and cozy tropical garden with twinkling lights draped overhead. The great thing about planning your vacation during the summer months is that it falls in Aruba’s low season, meaning the island is less busy and you’ll be able to make your special dinner plans with ease, rather than stressing to make reservations way in advance.

Browse romantic dining options and view a full restaurant guide here. 

As mentioned earlier, the summer months fall in Aruba’s low season, meaning fewer visitors on the island, allowing you to enjoy more peace and quiet and take advantage of the open space to easily explore and experience the island.

Imagine calm, relaxing beaches with plenty of open space, and not stressing about having to make dinner or activity reservations far in advance. Rather, go with the flow and make some of your plans last minute.

Getting lost in nature

Get lost in nature by going on a hike in Arikok National Park (Join our virtual hike for a preview). From relaxing walks on the beach to hiking our island’s trails immersed in nature, you have plenty of options and they all include breathtaking views! Other hiking areas include: Hooiberg, Alto Vista Chapel, and the North coast near the California Lighthouse and Westpunt.

Want to cool off and take advantage of the pretty blue Caribbean Sea? Try paddleboarding or kayaking in Aruba’s crystal clear water and mangroves.

Sail the pretty Caribbean blues

Go on a catamaran or sailboat cruise. Choose from a variety of different cruises, whether you are in the mood for snorkeling, drinks, sunset gazing, or a romantic private dinner!

Here are some great sailboat or catamaran operators to choose from: Octopus Aruba, The Tranquilo, Delphi Watersports, Pelican Adventures, Red Sail, and Around Aruba Tours.

View more options for a fun day out on the water!

Sunset gazing

Simply find a quiet spot on the beach to sit and gaze, or, if you want to elevate the sunset glow experience even further, book a catamaran or sail cruise to witness the beauty from out on the water. Hungry? Try one of these beachfront restaurants or beach bars with a Caribbean sunset view to remember!

View the sunset times in Aruba so you can plan out your sunset date perfectly.

Island adventure

For all of those thrill-seeking partners, Aruba has got plenty for you to explore! Some sights and attractions in Aruba tend to be a little hidden and take a true adventure to get to (psst – add these 7 places to your list). There are many ways to get there, whether you prefer to rent a jeep, a UTV for two, or to take a tour led by a professional guide, you will find the right one for you. Explore and discover Aruba’s beauty together on a rugged adventure… but don’t forget to take a dip in one of the natural pools to cool off! There is truly so much to see: ride through Arikok National Park, visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Alto Vista Chapel, discover caves and the less populated, untouched wild beaches on the East coast.

And for the true history and culture enthusiasts, browse our downtown guides for things to do in Oranjestad and in San Nicolas (also known as Sunrise City).

View an extensive list of tours and activities to choose from.

Spa day

Book yourselves a couples massage and full spa day! What better way to get a relaxing, zen-filled experience and unwind! Enjoy a specialized spa or wellness treatment from Hilton Aruba‘s eforea Spa or Renaissance Aruba’s Okeanos Spa.

Select the perfect spa for you and your lucky plus one.

Palapa for two

While there is plenty to do on the island, sometimes all you really need is a relaxing beach day, with just the two of you. Pack a cooler and hit the road with your bae, it’s time to spend the day relaxing on Aruba’s warm and sunny, white-sand beaches! Try the one and only dreamy Eagle Beach or venture further away to Mangel Halto and get lost in the mangroves.

There are so many breathtaking beaches to fall in love with, so we suggest adding a few to your list and spending a day or two beach hopping. You may very well end up finding your favorite beach and staying there for the remainder of your trip, and that is perfectly fine, but, at least you were able to see many of the diverse beaches the island has to offer.

Get a closer look at Aruba’s breathtaking beaches.

Browse our site to view more things to do and see in Aruba.

*Main featured image by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Whether you plan to be in Aruba for Mother’s Day or any other time of the year, we’ve got some great ideas to treat that special mom in your life. If you’re on the island, discover dining and spa specials offered for Mother’s Day 2023.

Check out our ideas and recommendations:

This special day calls for plenty of dining specials offered at the majority of restaurants on the island. How about a bubbly Mother’s Day brunch? Or a special 3-course dinner? Check out a selection of offered restaurant specials below:

Special Dinner Menu at L.G. Smith’s

Mother’s Day Seafood Buffet at Aquarius

3-Course Dinner Menu at Aqua Grill

3-Course Lunch and Dinner Menu at Driftwood

Brunch Buffet and Unlimited Mimosas at Matthew’s

Lunch and Dinner Buffet at Tandoor

3-Course Dinner Menu at Sunset Grille

Free Dessert for Mom at Lucy’s Aruba

Book yourselves a massage and full spa day! What better way to get a relaxing, zen-filled experience and unwind! Enjoy a specialized spa or wellness treatment from Hilton Aruba‘s eforea Spa, or Renaissance Aruba‘s Okeanos Spa.

Hilton Aruba‘s eforea Spa is offering special massages and treatments for the entire month of May, check it out!

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing day on the beach with no agenda but to soak up some warm sunshine and enjoy a dip in the crystal clear turquoise sea! Want to make your beach day with mom extra special? Pack some delicious snacks and beverages and set up a picnic to surprise mom.  Make sure to try one of our favorite beaches.

One of the best ways to enjoy the day is to spend it out at sea, surrounded by sparkling turquoise water and soaking up the warm sunshine, living your best life with mom! How does a quiet and relaxing sunset cruise sound? Or perhaps you want to spend the day lounging on the sun deck sipping a refreshing cocktail?  Maybe you want to experience a little underwater snorkeling adventure? Whatever the mood calls for, you will find it offered, browse sail and catamaran cruises.

If you like to treat your mom to a gift on this special day make sure to make it a thoughtful and unique one. There is so much shopping to be done on the island and the best part is you can support our local community while doing it! We suggest browsing for a unique piece of locally made jewelry or art, or, if jewelry is not really your mom’s thing, you can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet of tropical flowers!

Try one of the scenic nature trails in our National Park. All you need to do is make a trip to the visitor’s center and purchase a day pass. The park has endless hiking options, once you step into the park, make your way to the rugged and beautiful North Coast! As you pass the beautiful green cacti, vegetation, rugged rock formations, herds of goats and approach the coast…you will see the dramatic, darker blue waters clash against the rocks, an impressive sight to see! With many trails and sights to discover there is plenty of hiking, slow-paced walking, and biking to be done here.

Browse more things to do and see in Aruba.

Mark your calendars, Aruba has some big events coming up, and if you’re looking to visit the island soon you won’t want to miss out on them! Check out the following events below:

When: May 17-22, 2023

What’s it all about: The annual Aruba Hi-Winds is getting close and that means locals and international windsurfers and kitesurfers are preparing their gear for some serious action. It’s the largest watersport event of its kind in the Caribbean. Not only will you see wind and kitesurfing, but there’s also kite foiling, paddleboarding (SUP) and even mountain biking. Get ready for big air, endless competitions and plenty of music and parties on the beach from day til night.

Get more details

When: May 24-29 2023

What’s it all about: Held on Memorial Day weekend, this festival draws attendees from all over to our “One Happy Island” for one of the biggest music festivals in the Caribbean. The festival highlights a long extended weekend of events, such as beach parties, nightclub parties, a comedy night, and two big music concerts featuring world-renowned artists. Each year SBMF manages to get bigger and bigger, bringing in top artists and entertainers to provide the utmost entertainment for concertgoers. This year’s comedy show and two-day music concert lineup include Deon Cole, Tiffany Haddish, The Roots, Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, and Lucky Daye.

Get more details

When: June 11, 2023

What’s it all about: The 5th annual Long Table Aruba hosted by Wind Creek Aruba returns to the island for a one-night, white-hot dinner that’s billed as “The only meal worth $50,000 for Aruba.” In celebration of the sixth anniversary of its acquisition of Renaissance Aruba, Wind Creek Hospitality will award five local charities $10,000 each.  To be considered for the donation, local organizations were asked to submit a video showcasing their charity’s mission and share why they would like to receive the $10,000 donation. Once the videos have been submitted it is up to the people to vote online for their local charity of choice.

The largest dinner event on the island will be on Sunday, June 11, on L.G. Smith Blvd, and will feature the beloved 1,000-foot-long table setting for 1,000 guests located outside Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in downtown Oranjestad, overlooking the marina. Tickets go very quick so make sure to keep an eye on Renaissance Aruba’s Facebook page for updates on ticket sales!

Get more details

When: August 9, 2023

What’s it all about: This year marks the 5th edition of Aruba’s “I Do” Vow Renewal ceremony. The largest vow renewal ceremony ever to be held in the Caribbean is set to take place on August 9th, 2023. The ceremony will take place during Aruba’s glowing sunset hour on the one and only, world-famous Eagle Beach, recently voted the no. 1 beach in the Caribbean and no. 2  beach in the world!

Do you want to create memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime and join in on this dreamy and romantic experience? To take part in this special day, simply register with the Aruba Tourism Authority. Couples are encouraged to dress in white with pops of Caribbean colors. The ceremony is free, yes you’ve read that right, free! So, will you take part in the Caribbean’s most romantic day of the year?

Get more details

When: August 26 & 27, 2023

What’s it all about: The mission of Aruba’s Regatta is to create a platform connecting people with great watersport experiences, and the Regatta especially focuses on the young sailor community, aiming to grow the next generation of sailors on the island. The Regatta believes that sport plays a major role in ensuring a sustainable future for our current and next generations. As we learn to sail, we develop respect and the desire to care for the ocean, as stewards of the wonderful world around us.

Every year the event has 2 days filled with races and fun on the beach. Sailors from Curacao and Bonaire also come to join in on the fun. Those expected to participate in this year’s event include mini sailboats, beachcats, optimists, kites, IQ-Foils, windsurfers, sunfishes, lasers, and yachts. The main event is usually held at Surfside Beach, however races and competitions usually also take place at Fisherman’s Huts and Governor’s Bay Beach (by West Deck).

Get more details

Browse our site for more things to do and see in Aruba.

*Main featured photo by Aruba Hi-Winds

Book a cruise for your group of family or friends for an intimate and memorable birthday celebration! Spend the day out on the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the mesmerizing views, go snorkeling, indulge in an open bar, delicious food, and end the day with a breathtaking Caribbean sunset.

Browse and book cruises here.

Good food, flowing drinks, and great company makes for the perfect birthday recipe! Here’s a little taste of dining options in Aruba…

Fine Dining: Senses Fine Dining, Aqua Grill, Sunset Grille, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, Faro Blanco

Beach Dining: Barefoot, Hilton Aruba’s Sunset Concierge Dining Experience, Element’s Restaurant, Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, Ricardo’s, Water’s Edge Restaurant

Garden and/or Downtown Dining: Quinta del Carmen, El Gaucho, Driftwood, Yemanja Woodfired Grill, Lima Bistro, KOAL Aruba.

There are plenty more mouth-watering restaurants we recommend trying while on the island, browse them here!

Start your birthday off with a healthy, zen-filled morning. Visit Aruba’s National Park and choose from one of the many trails and immerse yourself in Aruba’s beautiful nature! You are sure to leave with a clear mind and good energy, a great way to start off your next year of life!

Get some hiking inspiration here and be sure to check out our virtual hike!

Craving a bit more island adventure? Download the Action Tour Guide App to explore the island at your own pace, when and how you want to. It’s a self-guided Tour App with audio and GPS. Simply download the app and hop in your car or get to walking, and let the adventure begin!

After that hike, you’ll be needing to treat yourself to a good hearty meal, and what better way to get the birthday celebration going with brunch and endless mimosas?! Brunching is a great way to relax and indulge… making for a perfect birthday and vacation activity! Yes, we just called brunch an activity (because, well… it is). But where to brunch?

Browse some of the top brunch spots on the island to consider for your birthday celebration!

Cheers! It’s your birthday and you just happen to be in paradise! Feeling rather parched and ready to start the celebration? Grab your friends and go beach bar-hopping and make sure to check out our list of 15 Happy Hour Spots for more details on happy hour deals. Tip: Make sure you stay for the breathtaking sunset glow hour!

There is so much fun to be had in Aruba when the sun goes down… and even more fun when you hop aboard a colorful and crazy party bus! There are a variety of different party bus tours to choose from, including Karaoke, Bar Hopping, Dinner & Nightlife, and more! Suggestion: Try Kukoo Kunuku’s Wine On Down the Road tour for a night of mouth-watering dishes, excellent wine, and good company with a little dash of crazy, of course!

Browse fun party bus and bar-hopping tours here.

There are plenty of fun and adventurous water activities to try, making for a fun day out on the water! If you’re feeling rather adventurous, try wind or kite surfing or deep-sea fishing. Want to take it down a notch and try something a bit more relaxing? Try paddleboarding or SUP Yoga.

Pick and choose the perfect water activity for you!

How can you pick just one of Aruba’s beautiful beaches to visit when there are so many to fall in love with? You can’t! That is exactly why we suggest spending a day or two beach hopping. Pack a cooler with your favorite food and drinks, grab your friends, and hop in your rental car to celebrate your special day just how you should – soaking up the warm sunshine and swimming in Aruba’s pretty blues! Check out our list of suggested beaches to visit.

Discover more fun things to do in Aruba.

*Article last updated on April 26, 2023

For a small island in the Caribbean, Aruba has much to offer when it comes to things to do and discover, more than one might think! While we encourage our visitors to enjoy as many relaxing beach days as possible (how could one resist our soft, white-sand beaches and endless sunshine?), we also hope travelers take the time to get a true taste of the island.

We’ve put together a list of unique experiences that we wouldn’t want you to miss during your stay in Aruba!

Come witness for yourself why San Nicolas has quickly transformed into the street art capital of the Caribbean. Thanks to the vision of Tito Bolivar, the founder of ArtisA, and the many local and international artists, art influencers, and cultural activists, Aruba is now more colorful and vibrant than ever… making for the perfect destination for those seeking artistic beauty!

New murals are added every year so make your way to Sunrise City and don’t forget your camera to snap some shots. On the way back to your resort or vacation rental stop by a restaurant for local food and vibes, we suggest checking out O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen, Neighba, Zeerovers, Marina Pirata, or Fish House Island Bar & Restaurant.

Pastechi is a local breakfast (and snack) specialty! You’ll find locals lined up at neighborhood snack places for a quick breakfast bite on the go. What is a pastechi? A pastechi is deep-fried dough in a half-crescent shape, and is filled with different delicious fillings, such as ham and cheese, chicken, ground beef, salted fish, tuna, veggie chop suey, and more.

Many of these snack spots also serve plenty of other fried delights that are most definitely worth trying, such as empanadas, johnny cakes, arepas, salchipapa, krokets, and more! If you’re more into the sweet stuff, another must-try food experience on the island, thanks to the Dutch influence, is Dutch pancakes and poffertjes. As you can see Aruba is a melting pot not only when it comes to locals but also in the culinary world!

It is most definitely worth seeking out the more under-the-radar casual dining spots located throughout different areas of the island. There are a number of snack huts, restaurants without all the thrills and frills, and food trucks galore that are sure to impress all of your foodie senses and cravings.

For a true taste of the island’s diverse flavors, we suggest trying one (if not all) of these Aruba eats:

Marina Pirata, O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen, Chupa Dede Snacks, Lings Restaurant, Fish House Island Bar & Restaurant, Nos Local Snack Truck, Dushi Deli, Candela Food Truck, Happy Day Snack, Urataka Pizza, Coco Plum, Don Pastechi Factory, Flor de Oriente, Kulture Cafe, Nisbon Snack, Kamini’s Kitchen, Grote Berg Snack, My Good Idea’s Takeaway, and De Suikertuin Bistro.

Taking the time to enjoy our beaches goes without saying, however, many visitors are unaware of the diversity and number of beaches on the island. And the fact that they are all public. There are countless wild beaches and bocas (inlets), as well as the calmer beaches on the resort side (west side) of the island.

We suggest spending a day or two beach hopping. Pack a cooler with your favorite food and drinks, and hop in your rental car to spend the day just how you should – soaking up the warm sunshine and swimming in Aruba’s pretty blues! Browse Aruba’s beaches here.

Our island’s national park covers about 20% of the island and is the perfect place to explore the diverse natural beauty that Aruba has to offer. Simply purchase a day pass at the park’s visitors center and be on your way! You can do so by jeep or opt for a more active and environmentally-friendly way and go hiking. There are plenty of natural sites and attractions (caves, gold ruins, wild beaches, hiking trails, natural pools, and more) on the wild east coast of the island. It is sure to leave you fascinated by just how different it is from the other side of the island, which is home to the majority of our island’s resorts and calmer beaches.

It wouldn’t be right to visit Aruba and not try (or bring home) some of our locally grown and/or made products.

Take your pick :

Take advantage of Aruba’s perfect water and wind conditions.  Windsurfing or kite surfing with Aruba Active Vacations is an experience you do not want to miss out on!  It’s wild and extremely fun, and after getting up from the water for the first time you are hooked and sure to come back for more. There is no other place to try it with than Aruba Active Vacations, they are the longest-running kiteboarding school in Aruba.  With their great experience and guidance, you will be in the best hands.

Aruba’s ‘Carnaval’ season is simply our favorite time of year. It’s not just a one-day, one-week or even one-month event. During January, February and sometimes even into March, the entire island lives and breathes Carnival. The Carnival schedule is jam-packed with weekly events, leaving little excuse to miss out. It continues with Jump-ins, King and Queen Elections, Calypso, festivals, contests, live music, celebrations for children, parties, and of course the most popular, parades.

This year our island is celebrating 70 years of Carnival! If you are lucky enough to be on the island don’t miss out on one of Aruba’s most treasured traditions. Get ready, it’s ‘Carnaval’ time, time to celebrate in the streets! Stay tuned, we will be releasing the Carnival schedule here so you don’t miss out on any of the big parades and fun.

If we can leave you with just one last tip to enjoy Aruba to the fullest, it would be don’t forget to mingle with the locals! Here in Aruba, we love sharing insider tips and recommendations.

View more things to do and see in Aruba.