3 Day Aruba Vacation

Aruba is a perfect choice for peaceful getaways. The people of Aruba, who are relaxed and gracious contribute to the easy-going ambiance that seeps into your being the moment you arrive. It’s farther away from the US than other Caribbean islands that are frequented by tourists and spring breakers. With fewer people and an uncrowded view, you’ll experience an unexpected landscape of a desert island. So, more cactuses and fewer palm trees. Luckily, the island is only about 20 miles long and takes a couple of hours to drive along. Therefore, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the bumpy terrain of dry vegetation and sand dunes on your first visit.

Hotel

If you’re looking for a cozy stay, I recommend Wonders Boutique Hotel in Oranjestad. You’ll get there quickly to unwind from your flight since it’s just 10 mins north of Queen Beaxtrix Airport. You’ll be welcomed by the owner and given a tour of the property and information on their amenities. What makes this hotel unforgettable is the trust they lend to their customers. If you want a drink, grab one from their fridge and write your name on the charge list. Need snorkeling gear? Pick up a set by the exit and put it back when you return. The same goes for beach chairs and towels. Oh, and there are a few cats on the property to keep you company on your stay.

The Spanish-style architecture is adorned with archways and a warm coral interior. Flowers and palm trees line the outside and inner courtyard. And of course, there’s a pool and a lounge area decorated with rustic Mediterranean furniture.

Our view from our hotel room is picturesque. A dreamy summer view of wavy Spanish roofs and endless palm trees that lead to the ocean. Time feels like it’s standing still here. There’s no loud city noises or barely any noise at all other than the rustling leaves and faint conversation from the neighbors.

Day 1: Downtown Oranjsted

After a long post-flight nap, it’s time to explore the city. We head downtown to get a taste of Oranjsted. After dinner of coconut shrimp, rice, and beans, we stroll through the most charming streets lined with colorful Danish-style buildings. If you visit during the holiday season, you’ll see lit up Christmas photo ops in the Plaza Daniel Leo. This plaza features many familiar brand-name stores, such as Zara or Lancome, if you’re craving some shopping.

However, we’re here to explore, so we continue our walk down the Christmas-lit streets. There aren’t many tourist apart from some groups that have stepped off their cruise ships for a nightly stroll. The streets are quiet and feel safe as the locals watch tourists explore their quaint surroundings.

Day 2: Pancake house, Beach Hopping, B-day Restaurant

On your first morning in Aruba, you’ll have to indulge in breakfast Aruban style at The Dutch Pancake House. It’s known as Aruba’s number one pancake house for good reason. Dutch pancakes differ from pancakes in the States in that they’re oven-baked into a crepe-like thickness and prepared with your choice of sweet or savory toppings. The topping combinations looked so tempting that we came back every morning for a new fix! Stop by more than once to get a taste of the sweet and salty options.

To start Carlos’ birthday, we head to our first beach visit, Eagle Beach.

Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba, which ensures you’ll find the perfect private spot. While you walk along the soft white sand, you’ll notice the pristine condition Aruba is kept in. However, this won’t feel like a typical tropical beach as you’ll be surrounded by cactuses and unique fofoti trees.

We continue our road trip north to Arashi Beach and pull up to a much livelier atmosphere. This popular beach attracts tourists in the mood for a spot to have food, drinks, and fun music while lounging by the shore. Most of the beachgoers gravitate around Arashi Beach Shack, a beach bar that serves Caribbean comfort food, cocktails, and soft drinks.

We continue our exploration eastward to Daimari Beach. We drive deeper into the countryside where rows of cactuses pave a dirt road that’ll lead down a bumpy ride of steep hills. Eventually, you’ll reach a cliff with majestic views of rough, navy waves striking the cliffs. This view is a stunning backdrop for photos however, the journey doesn’t have to end here. You can hike down to Conchi natural pool, formed by volcanic rock.

Our last beach visit on this road trip is a sunset stop at Palm Beach. This beach is located in a resort area, so there’ll be a good number of tourists enjoying the sunset too. But there’s such a calm vibe in Aruba that never leaves, regardless of how many people you’re amongst.

We’re back at the hotel’s pool to cool off from the hot beach day. The lit-up pool glows electric blue at night and feels like a hidden oasis in the palm tree-lined courtyard.

Our long-awaited birthday dinner is reserved at Barefoot. Their motto is “elegant dining in flip-flops”, so this beachfront restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner with a laid-back touch. There’s something for everyone in this restaurant as their menu is diverse with seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Birthday desserts come out with singing waiters and sparklers for your special day.

Day 3: Baby Beach, Aruba’s National Park, and Hooiberg

The next beach we head to is Baby Beach. As you walk along the crescent shore, you’ll step over driftwood and walk past gazebo stations until you settle in a spot. This bay is shallow and allows for snorkeling on the deeper end, where the bay opens out into the ocean. After enough swimming, we enter the snorkel area with a rocky floor where you’ll see a plethora of colorful fish. This area is deeper and suitable for those comfortable swimming in 5 ft depth.

After we’re all dried up, we’re ready to explore more land in Aruba’s national park. Once you pay a 22 dollar ticket fee at the entrance, use the map they give you to guide you to each attraction. Three memorable sites I highly recommend stopping by are Quadirikiri Cave, The Fontein Cave, and Andicuri Beach.

Quadirikiri Cave is first on the map, and you won’t miss it as you pull up to stone stairs that lead to a jagged dark entry that leads to sunlit chambers and hidden bats. Ask a guide to point out a special spot where the sunlight forms a heart-shaped beam through the cave’s ceiling. He instructed us to stand beneath it and took a romantic picture for us.

In the Fontein cave, you’ll discover Taino petroglyphs painted on the walls and ceiling that reveal a historical indigenous presence.

From there, we followed the map to Andicuri Beach, a hidden gem nestled between two towering cliffs. It’s not a beach for swimming with its wild waves that crash between the rocks; however, you’ll enjoy the sight of vivid blue waters amongst rugged terrain.

If your feet are still itching to wander, take a 600-step hike up 540-foot Hooiberg. This volcanic formation seemed doable for us since there’s a straight stairwell up to the top; however, the elevated altitude may make the feat harder than expected. If you experience sudden fatigue, end your hike at the observation deck halfway up. You’ll still enjoy a scenic overview of the island and can snap some pics under the shade.

Aruba is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You have the option of wandering through their charming streets and calm beaches or revving up the pace with jeep adventures along the island’s diverse terrain.