Whether you’re seeking island adventure, relaxation or want to immerse yourself in Caribbean culture, Aruba has it all. Join us as we set the stage for your most memorable year yet. If you’ve got Aruba in your 2024 travel plans you’ll want to add ideas to your vacation agenda!
Ultimate beach days
Aruba is the place to be for anyone who loves the sun, sand, sea… and a drink in their hand. With so many stretches of unique, beautiful beaches you are bound to find the perfect one for you. Don’t miss out on these must-visit beaches.
You may also want to check out these wild beaches that are a bit off-the-radar, lesser-known and less visited. To reach them, you may have to travel a bit off the beaten path, but that’s half of the fun!
For those of you who can’t sit still check out these beaches perfect for snorkeling or opt to join a sail and snorkel cruise. If you want to take it up a notch and make it a really special day book your own private charter!
Carnival magic
Experience Aruba’s Carnival season, if you can’t make it for this year’s festivities, mark your calendars for next year, set to kick off January 2025! Aruba’s ‘Carnaval’ season is our favorite time of year. It’s not just a one-day, one-week or even one-month event. During January and February 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. If you want to plan your trip around Carnival, each year the schedule is posted here (as soon as it is released).
PS – If you cannot manage to be on the island during Carnival season, we recommend attending Renaissance Aruba’s Dushi Aruba This Way – Party Like a Local event, held on the beach of Renaissance Ocean Suites, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of Aruba’s culture and Carnival!
Island adventure
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 veer off the beaten path and experience some true island adventure.
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.
Be sure to check out the following sights. Some of our favorite places include the Natural Pool (Conchi), Small Cave Pool, Fontein Cave and Freshwater Pond, Hooiberg, Alto Vista Chapel, Spanish Lagoon, and the street art, museums and restaurants in San Nicolas.
Browse guided tours and activities to join.
Aruba eats
The culinary scene in Aruba is incredibly impressive for such a small island in the Caribbean. There are plenty of exceptional restaurants nearby the resort and downtown areas. In addition, it is also worth seeking out the more under-the-radar casual dining spots located throughout different areas of the island. There are a number of restaurants without all the thrills and frills and food trucks galore that are sure to impress all of your foodie senses and cravings.
Browse and book restaurants and dining experiences in Aruba.
Street art and culture
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 (San Nicolas) and don’t forget your camera to snap some shots (the vibrant art makes for perfect Instagram and TikTok content). 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.
Browse more things to do and see in Aruba.
*Main featured photo by Pelican Adventures