My top 10 things to do in Aruba

Hi all! I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I’ve decided to just do one big recap of our Top 10 things to do in Aruba in one post to give you all a few ideas of our favorite Aruba adventures versus posting daily for this trip. It was super nice to have some down time to relax, enjoy and not think about anything except the beach, sunshine, waves, the sunset and of course all the delicious food!Aruba is not a very big island so you can do almost all these things in a week or less.

Note that if you plan to visit the Arirkok National Park you will need 4WD.

In no particular order, here are my favorite Aruba highlights:

ENJOY ALL THE BEACHES:  

I love starting my morning with a walk along the beach.Depending on where you are staying, you can walk in the sand or along the wooden or paved paths.Spend the early morning lounging on a beach chair at Eagle Beach or swimming in the ocean.Or hop in your car and take a drive to 1 of the 8 beaches. We picnicked and played in the sand at Baby Beach…yep the water really is this clear and the sand is powdery soft.TAKE A SHORT DRIVE TO THE CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE:

Depending on the day, you can find the “coconut man” chopping up fresh coconut to drink or eat.VISIT THE LITTLE ALTO VISTA CHAPEL:

This little chapel is a short drive from downtown, free unless you leave a donation and beautiful on the inside.

TAKE A HIKE:

After a short drive, park for free and hike to the top of Mount Hooiberg to see Venezuela.DRIVE TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE:

Located on the other side of the island, I could watch the waves crashing into the rocks and under the bridge for hours.

If your lucky you might see the goats that live here walking around too.

CHECK OUT YHE GOLD RUINS AND COOL ROCK FORMATIONS:

Also located on the other side of the island and a free excursion, you can see the windier side with crashing waves, unique Casibari rock “sculptures” and the remains of the Gold Mill Ruins.

If you are feeling adventurous, then, you can brave the Tunnel of Love, Huliba, Fonteyn and Guadirkiri caves. Just be ware of the bats that hang out in the caves and bring a flashlight!On your drive, snap pictures of the happy wild donkeys.GO SHOPPING:

There is something for everyone whether you head to the mall, hit the fancy stores downtown or stop at the souvenir booths.WATCH THE SUNSET:

Whether your on the beach, at your hotel or dining al fresco, you will find amazing sunsets in a variety of colors.TRY YOUR LUCK AT 1 OF THE 11 CASINOS:

A great way to cool off in the afternoon or to spend an evening after dinner. The Alhambra Casino offers shows a few nights a week.

You can also get a very inexpensive Aloe Wrap, Massage and facial at the Shalom Spa in the Alhambra Casino Shopping Center.

I am officially addicted to the Adventure Time slot machine at the Crystal Casino.Last but not least….

ENJOY SOME DELICIOUS FOOD:

There are so many types of cuisine and the seafood is amazing. I definitely never get enough shrimp or lobster….Mix it up with Caribbean BBQ or ….Cuban Food….Yucca Fries, Ropa Vieja, sweet plantains! And definitely make ice cream a daily habit!I have to say that we have now made 3 trips to Aruba and I still cannot wait to go back again.

Have a great weekend all!