Get Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Aruba

visitor exploring caves, an unique things to do in Aruba

Aruba’s world-famous sandy beaches are a big draw for tourists. But there is much more to our island than just relaxing on the beach. We are also home to a rich history, diverse culture, a vibrant arts scene, and gorgeous landscapes. Get off the beaten path and discover several unique things to do in Aruba during your vacation. From the breathtaking caves of Arikok National Park to the vibrant murals lining the streets of San Nicolas, there is something for everyone to discover. Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and enjoy an unparalleled guest experience from local experts who live and work in the area.

7 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

  1. Making up nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is home to several unique attractions and cultural heritage sites. Ask a ranger for a tour of Fontein Cave or Quadirikiri Cave and see rock drawings, stalagmites, and stalactites. 
  2. Also, in Arikok, you can visit the Historic Gold Mines and see the remnants of the island’s gold rush history. 
  3. If you are looking for scenic beaches away from the crowds, we recommend heading to Dos Playa Beach or Boca Prins within the National Park. The water can be quite rough here, so these beaches are best for relaxing and taking in Aruba’s natural beauty. 
  4. Spend a day in San Nicolas on the island’s southeast end and stroll the streets admiring the city’s murals. Make sure to stop for a drink at Charlie’s Bar while you’re here and support one of the island’s longest-running businesses. 
  5. One of the best ways to get off the beaten path is on a UTV vehicle. Sign up for a UTV adventure with De Palm Tours and see the best sightseeing spots on the island from the eyes of a local.  
  6. Near the California Lighthouse, the Sasarawichi Dunes are a unique place to explore on foot and take in views of Aruba’s varied landscapes. 
  7. Before cars, donkeys were the primary mode of transportation on the island. Today, many of these donkeys now reside at the Donkey Sanctuary, where you can visit, pet, cuddle, and hug one of their adorable donkeys. 

Reserve Your Aruba Vacation Rental and Discover Unique Adventures

With Blue Aruba Rentals, you can rest assured that you are booking with a team with years of experience and expertise. Ask us for recommendations on more unique things to do in Aruba during your visit. With over 250 vacation rentals in Aruba, we have the perfect lodging for everyone’s needs. From downtown condos to rentals near the beach, we have you covered! 

5 Aruba Restaurants on the Beach to Try on Vacation

Tables set up at Aruba restaurants on the beach at sunset

Blue Aruba Rentals is proud to offer premium beachfront properties on the beautiful island of Aruba! Book your vacation rental in Eagle Beach with us and enjoy on-site dining at Po-KĂ© Ono and Infini by Urvin Crose. Or stay in Oranjestad and enjoy exceptional dining at Lima Bistro and Ever Restaurant steps from your condo rental. Discover even more dining options at our Aruba restaurants on the beach and enjoy waterfront views, fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and live entertainment. 

Whether you are looking for a casual eatery where you can watch the sunset or an elevated date night spot for you and your loved one, there is a destination for everyone: 

1. MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy fantastic food, drinks, music, and views at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant, between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn. Sit in the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and enjoy ocean views as you dine on fresh seafood or pinchos. After your meal, head to the beachfront bar for tasty cocktails and live entertainment!

2. Passions On The Beach

Visit Passions On The Beach for a romantic torchlight dinner on Eagle Beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in some of the island’s highest-quality meat and seafood, including grouper, mahi mahi, red snapper, and filet mignon. They also offer a beach bar for breakfast, lunch, or late-night cocktails!

3. Barefoot Restaurant

Barefoot Restaurant is located in Oranjestad, approximately 20 minutes from our resort area. They are known for offering “elegant dining in flip flops,” combining fine dining with a relaxed beach setting. They offer delicious fish, meat, and vegetarian entrees to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Pair your meal with an exquisite cocktail or glass of wine!

4. Atardi

If you are looking for Aruba restaurants on the beach for your date night, we recommend Atardi. Enjoy a private beachfront dining experience complemented by romantic sunset views and carefully prepared culinary delights. Their dinner menu highlights the Chilean Sea Bass, but they offer entrees like creole red snapper and Caribbean lobster tail. Elements is another fantastic date-night restaurant!

5. Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant

If you are looking for a casual beachfront eatery, we recommend Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant. Stop in for their daily happy hour, take in water views, and enjoy tasty seafood like grouper, corvina, octopus, seabass, and more!

Book Your Aruba Beachfront Vacation Rental

Many of these Aruba restaurants on the beach are just a short drive away from our Aruba vacation rentals in Eagle Beach. Browse our collection of Aruba condo rentals near the beach in Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences. Discover even more condo rentals at Harbour House overlooking the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Enjoy amenities like beach access, pools, fitness rooms, tennis courts, and on-site dining. Book your Caribbean getaway in Aruba today!