Aruba, the “One Happy Island,” sits safely outside the hurricane belt, ringed by turquoise water and trade winds that keep days sunny and comfortable. Long before the Dutch arrived in the 17th century, the Caquetío Arawak people fished these shores; later centuries saw gold, aloe, and oil refineries shape the island before tourism took the lead. Today, 20% of Aruba is protected inside Arikok National Park—rugged, cacti-studded, and edged by dramatic limestone coves.

Local life flows to the rhythm of Papiamento (you’ll also hear Dutch, Spanish, and English), and the island’s distinctive divi-divi trees lean southwest, sculpted by the wind. Tap water is safe and delicious (desalinated), U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and driving is on the right. Come hungry: try pastechi (savory pastries), pan bati (corn flatbread), and seafood pulled straight from island boats—wahoo, red snapper, and mahi-mahi.

This 7-day Aruba travel guide focuses on two hubs: colorful Oranjestad for history and dining, then Palm Beach (Noord) for watersports and nightlife, with day trips to Arikok and the island’s south. Expect snorkeling the Antilla shipwreck, a UTV blast along the North Coast, beach-hopping to Baby Beach, and a golden-hour catamaran sail you’ll remember for years.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is Aruba’s photogenic capital—gingerbread-trimmed Dutch colonial facades painted in sherbet colors, harbor views, and easy access to local bakeries and museums. It’s the place to learn island history, shop for handicrafts, and sample wood-fired Caribbean cuisine.

• Top sights: Fort Zoutman and the King Willem III Tower, the Archaeological Museum (check weekday hours), Wilhelmina Park, and the waterfront boulevard.
• Good to know: Street parking is metered in the core; free lots sit a few blocks inland. Buses run frequently to Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

Where to stay (Oranjestad): Compare stays on VRBO Oranjestad or Hotels.com Oranjestad. Budget-friendly apartment style: Aruba Blue Village (easy jump to Eagle Beach), or base yourself oceanside later in the week at Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino.

Getting to Aruba: Fly into AUA (Queen Beatrix International). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: Miami ~2.5–3 hours; New York ~4.5–5 hours; Dallas/Chicago ~5–6 hours. Roundtrips often run $450–$850 depending on season.

Day 1: Arrival, Harbor Walk, and First Taste of Aruba

Morning: Fly in by late morning or early afternoon. If you can, snag a window seat for reef views on arrival to AUA.

Afternoon: Check in at your Oranjestad stay. Stretch your legs along the marina and pastel storefronts on Caya Betico Croes. Snack stop: The Pastechi House for piping-hot pastechi (try cheese or salted cod) and a fresh batido (fruit shake).

Evening: Dinner at Yemanja Woodfired Grill—Caribbean flavors meeting a crackling wood oven (go for the grouper or jerk chicken). For toes-in-the-sand casual, The West Deck plates smoky ribs, funchi fries, and grilled seafood at picnic tables over the water. Nightcap at Apotek Speakeasy: thoughtful cocktails in a historic apothecary setting.

Day 2: Museums, Surfside, and a Sunset Sail

Morning: Coffee at Santos Coffee with Soul or Aruba Experience Café & Patisserie (house-made pastries and local history exhibits). Visit Fort Zoutman; climb the King Willem III Tower for harbor views. If open, pop into the Archaeological Museum to see Amerindian artifacts that predate European contact.

Afternoon: Head to Surfside Beach for a gentle swim. Lunch at Surfside Beach Bar (fish tacos) or back at The West Deck for grilled shrimp skewers and plantains. Save time for a quick stroll through Wilhelmina Park’s sculptures and shade trees.

Evening: Sail into golden hour on this catamaran cruise: Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar (2 hours; typically $85–$110). Expect snacks, open bar, and postcard views of Palm Beach’s coastline.

After docking, dine at Barefoot (tables on the sand, twinkling lights) or Pinchos Grill & Bar (pier-top grills, ultra-romantic). Reserve for sunset if you can.

Day 3: Arikok National Park by Jeep (Full-Day)

Trade beaches for Aruba’s “wild side” on a guided 4x4 safari: National Park Arikok Jeep Adventure (full day; usually $120–$150, hotel pickup). You’ll bounce along limestone and lava formations to Conchi (the Natural Pool), explore two caves with ancient petroglyphs, and stop for a fish pedicure in a wave-sculpted cove. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy sandals, and a dry bag for splashy moments.

After rinsing off, dinner at Papiamento Restaurant in Noord, a historic cunucu house with candlelit garden tables and a house specialty of Caribbean fish in creole sauce. Prefer purely local classics? The Old Cunucu House serves stew-like kechi yena and pan bati in a traditional farmhouse.

Palm Beach (Noord)

Base yourself on Aruba’s liveliest strip: a long arc of white sand backed by palm trees, watersports kiosks, beach bars, and after-dark energy. It’s perfect for snorkeling trips, UTV adventures to the North Coast, and lazy mornings that melt into bright, breezy afternoons.

• Top sights: Palm Beach and Eagle Beach (endless soft sand), the California Lighthouse at sunset, and the rocky, wave-battered North Coast.
• Good to know: Constant trade winds make for calm heat and great sailing; secure hats and bring lip balm. Most beachfront bars run happy hours around sundown.

Where to stay (Palm Beach/Noord): Search VRBO Palm Beach or Hotels.com Palm Beach. For a five-star beachfront stay, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has a prime northern stretch. Excellent value right on the sand: Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino.

Getting here from Oranjestad (Day 4 move): It’s ~15–20 minutes by taxi ($15–$25), ~30 minutes by local bus (Arubus L10/L10A; about $2.60), or ~35 minutes by bike along the coast. Depart after breakfast to maximize your beach day.

Day 4: Transfer to Palm Beach, Settle In, and UTV Thrills

Morning: Transfer to your Palm Beach hotel. Coffee and açai bowls at Garden Fresh Café or a quick cappuccino from Coffee Break Aruba. Claim a lounger; the water invites a swim.

Afternoon: Kick up dust on a guided off-road ride: Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping (3–4 hours; usually $110–$180 per vehicle). You’ll rumble past cacti forests and coastal bluffs to a hidden pool—bring reef shoes and a bandana for dust.

Evening: Dinner at Gianni’s (tableside parmigiano wheel pasta and grilled seafood) or The Old Cunucu House if you skipped it earlier. Drinks at Craft (espresso martinis and people-watching) or Gusto Nightclub for a lively DJ set.

Day 5: Antilla Shipwreck Snorkeling and Pier-Top Seafood

Morning: Fuel up at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes & Pizzas—thin, plate-sized pancakes with apples, cheese, or bacon (a Dutch-Aruban staple). Then sail out to two snorkel stops on this half-day cruise: Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar (about 3 hours; often $70–$95), including the WWII-era Antilla shipwreck, one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic snorkel sites.

Afternoon: Rinse off and grab fresh bowls or smoothies at Eduardo’s Beach Shack. Nap, float, or try a stand-up paddleboard rental in the mellow afternoon chop.

Evening: Eat over the water at Pelican Nest Seafood Grill (grilled wahoo, lionfish when available) or Bugaloe Beach Bar for laid-back Caribbean tunes and fried calamari. Gelato at Gelatissimo on the strip before a twilight stroll.

Day 6: Baby Beach, San Nicolas Street Art, and Southern Flavors

Morning: Light breakfast at Dushi Bagels & Burgers (great for takeaway) before driving or taxiing south. Wander San Nicolas, once an oil town, now Aruba’s outdoor gallery—vivid murals splash across blocks around Main Street and Zeppenfeldstraat.

Afternoon: Lunch options: Zeerovers in Savaneta for ultra-fresh catch by weight (order wahoo or snapper with tartar, plantains, and pan bati), or Kamini’s Kitchen for homey Trinidadian curries and roti. Then stake out Baby Beach—shallow, clear, and ideal for beginner snorkeling; bring a rash guard as sun reflects off white sand.

Evening: Sunset dinner at Flying Fishbone (tables right at the waterline; reserve early) before returning to Palm Beach. Back north, stop by Azia Restaurant & Lounge for a nightcap in its lantern-lit courtyard.

Day 7: One Last Swim, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Early dip at Eagle Beach—its sugar-soft sand and photo-famous fofoti trees are a final-love-letter to Aruba. Brunch at Lola Taqueria (al pastor and Baja fish tacos) or Scott’s Brats for a casual beachfront bite.

Afternoon: Pack and head to AUA, aiming for airport arrival 3 hours ahead in high season. If you’re planning a future visit, note that winter and spring see the clearest water; late summer brings calmer seas and great shoulder-season rates.

Evening: In case of a late flight, stroll Palm Beach one last time for sunset and a farewell Balashi beer. Safe travels—te aworo (see you later)!

Optional Upgrades and Practical Tips

• Car vs. no car: For this itinerary, a rental car is handy on Days 3 and 6; otherwise, taxis and buses cover most routes. Parking is free at many beaches.
• Beach comfort: Bring a packable shade or plan to rent palapas. Trade winds are steady; secure hats and hydrate.
• Dining notes: Popular spots (Barefoot, Flying Fishbone, Papiamento) book out—reserve 3–7 days ahead in peak months.

Alternative or additional activity ideas if you want to swap a day: a day pass to De Palm Island for slides and snorkeling, horseback riding to the Natural Pool, or a different sunset sail—bookable on Viator alongside the tours included above.

Aruba rewards curiosity: a cosmopolitan capital, wind-sculpted desert landscapes, and water that glows a dozen blues. With this weeklong plan—history, UTVs, shipwreck snorkeling, and slow sunsets—you’ll leave already plotting your return to the “One Happy Island.”