I’ve traveled to Aruba before. It was, however, my first experience with a very different Aruba. Aruba isn’t only about its beautiful beaches. In fact, it has just as much culture as the rest of the Caribbean!
Let me show you the ins, and outs of the Aruba I discovered!
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
Where To Stay In Aruba
There are plenty of hotels and resorts you could book in Aruba. My biggest recommendation is The Gold Coast Hotel. They are mini-apartment style accommodations about 5 mins from the beach (possibly less). These are condo style apartments with full kitchens (which help save money on dining out), private bedroom and some even have private pools!
I highly recommend staying at The Gold Coast Hotel, it is the PERFECT place to stay if you’re planning a trip with friends or family. There is privacy and space for everyone. The apartment I stayed in had room for 4-5 people. It was HUGE!
How To Get Around In Aruba
Be aware! You’ll without a doubt need a vehicle in Aruba.
You could rent a taxi but if you’re really keen on exploring the islanding and seeing other beaches, visiting the National Park, or dining like a local, you’ll need a car to get around. I recommend More 4 Less Jeep & Car Rentals. Riding around the island in a Jeep is ideal!
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
Where To Eat In Aruba
Hadicuari- The food here is delicious. Breakfast is my favorite. For dinner, their specials are always amazing. Check out their ‘Catch of the Day’ options for dinner options.
Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant This is next door to Hadicuari and I recommend going to dinner to Hadicuari on Sundays and then stopping by Moomba for drinks after. – If you’re going to Aruba you might as well do it like you mean it, right? This is a super local spot ESPECIALLY on Sundays.
Pelican Pier– This is a pier with tons of restaurants. All highly recommended. They are great for lunch or dinner. From here you can take a Monteforte Luxury Cruise at sunset. They have options to have dinner on the cruise too. This is obviously a beautiful experience and if you’re traveling with a partner I would splurge on something like this! It’s very romantic! – Anyone look to propose to a someone soon? This is your spot.
Quinta del Carmen- This use to be an old hospital that has now turned into a restaurant. It reminds you of being in an old colonial house where your grandmother is cooking! It’s absolutely unique and the food is amazing.
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
Things To Do In Aruba
Aruba is more than just beaches. Visiting the famous Baby Beach or Eagle Beach is definitely a must but there was more to this trip than just ‘beachin it’.
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
Aruba has beautiful Landmarks: Alto Vista Chapel, Balashi Ruins and the California Lighthouse are a must for a true cultural experience. My ultimate favorite was the National Park: Arikok National Park. You can spend the day here! So bring packed lunch and lots of sunscreens. There are different points of the park to explore. You can have your own private beach for miles! – this was def my favorite day!
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
Lastly, the TRUE hidden gem of Aruba. A town that not many people know about as Aruba is calling it its “up and coming’ town of the arts: San Nicolas. This neighbor is COVERED in amazing art. This is a local area. It’s rare to find a tourist in these parts of the island. It’s mostly expats and locals. I am not KIDDING! The streets are filled with graffiti artist from all of the world. SO COOL! There are local art shops and artisan shops to buy some pretty amazing gifts or just shop for yourself ( I DID!). They also have cute little cafes. If you’re visiting and exploring Aruba, add this neighbor to your list! You’ll make local friends and have an authentic encounter with this beautiful island’s culture.
Photo Capture By: Jetlag Creative Studio
PIN FOR LATER
I’ve always thought of visiting Aruba because JetBlue always has tickets on sale. Plus who wouldn’t want to visit a tropical island?
What was your favorite type of food while visiting Aruba?
Those Jetblue deals are GOLD! Yeah, i mean it isn’t hard to sell an Island, but it’s more than ‘just an island’,you know. There is so much culture. And honestly, so much to actually experience. The National Park is so fun!
Aruba is such a beautiful place, so splendid and rich and I would love to visit there again. We stayed at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino for five nights and it is beautiful!
Although, traveling for a long time is becoming a problem for us because we have 3 cats and 2 dogs at home. A lot of my friends have come about this website: https://bit.ly/2RjPozu and I think it really helped them having the peace of mind that their houses and pets are taken cared of while they were away. You guys should try it!
Omgosh! That is tough. My parents have two dogs. Every time they go away the dogs stay with a trusted friend. I mean it still stresses them out, but if they are with someone you trust it allows for a little bit of a piece of mind. thank you for sharing that website recommendation! Also, the Renaissance is BEAUTIFUL! This was my second visit to Aruba. The first time, was a family vacation and we stayed in the Marriott. Which is also beautiful! I will say this time, my accommodations at the Gold Coast Hotel was REALLY nice.
I want to see Aruba. Exotic place. Your article is inspiring.
Aw thank you so much! Aruba is beautiful! I hope you make it out one day!