Palm Beach Travel Guide

Explore Palm Beach, Aruba with our helpful travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more. Read now.


Introduction to Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a stunning destination in Aruba, located in the Caribbean region of North America. Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, this paradise is a perfect place to relax and unwind.

With a plethora of tourist spots and exciting activities, Palm Beach caters to every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure, want to explore local culture, or just want to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation, Palm Beach has something for everyone. Here is our comprehensive guide to Palm Beach, including all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Palm Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Palm Beach has an array of cultural offerings that showcase Aruba’s rich history and heritage. Here are some must-visit museums and historical sites:

  • Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum - Take an interactive tour in this factory and museum to learn about the history of Aloe Vera on the island.
  • Aruban Historical Museum - A place to know more about the island’s history and how it shaped the Aruban culture.
  • Alto Vista Chapel - A picturesque chapel that dates back to 1750 with an incredible view that surrounds it.

Natural Attractions of Palm Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you enjoy spending time outdoors and love exploring natural beauty, then Palm Beach has a lot to offer. Here are some top natural attractions you don’t want to miss:

  • California Lighthouse - A historical landmark at the northernmost point of the island gives a stunning view of the entire island.
  • Arikok National Park - A vast expanse of natural beauty, featuring unique flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
  • Palm Beach - A long strip of picturesque white sand with crystal clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or surfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palm Beach

Palm Beach has an abundance of hiking and biking trails that showcase the island’s natural beauty. Here are some trails you can follow:

  • Hooiberg - A mountainous hike featuring 587 steps majority made of volcanic rock.
  • Arikok National Park - An ideal place for hikers who want to experience nature and discover hidden waterfalls, natural springs, and unique rock formations.
  • Boca Catalina Trail - A perfect place for bikers who enjoy the coastal view and stopping along the beach along the way.

Best Things to Do in Palm Beach: Activities and Tours

Palm Beach has an endless list of activities to do. Here are some of the best things to try:

  • Water sports - With pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, there are plenty of water sports activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling.
  • Horseback Riding - Riding along the white sandy beaches of Aruba is one experience that no visitor should miss.
  • Outdoor adventures - From hiking to ATV rides, explore the best that Aruba has to offer.
  • Sunset catamaran tours - Sail through the sparkling Caribbean waters while enjoying the Aruban sunset and refreshments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palm Beach

If you’re planning to spend a week in Palm Beach, here’s how you can make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Exploring Oranjestad
Day 2 Discover Aruba’s Natural Beauty
Day 3 Hit the Beach and Water Activities
Day 4 Learn about Aruban History and Heritage
Day 5 Visit Hidden Gems of Palm Beach
Day 6 Catamaran Tours and Sunset Sails
Day 7 Relax and Enjoy the Island’s Tropical Delights

Food and Drink Scene of Palm Beach

Aruba’s food scene is diverse, drawing from various culinary influences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh seafood - The seafood is fresh and flavorful with unique local variations like deep-fried tilapia fish and pumpkin pancakes with codfish
  • Funchi - A dough made from cornmeal, which can be either fried or boiled and served with fish or meat.
  • Pastechi - A savory pastry with diverse filings, including chicken, beef, and cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Balashi - A popular beer that’s brewed on the island and is a perfect accompaniment to the tropical climate.
  • Coecoei - It is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of agave plants and is served plain or with cocktails.

Where to Stay in Palm Beach

Palm Beach has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the top-rated places to stay:

  • High-End Resorts - Ritz Carlton, Hilton, Aruba Marriott Resort, Hyatt Regency
  • Mid-Range Hotels - Manchebo Beach Resort, Barcelo Aruba, Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba
  • Budget-Friendly Hostels - Aruba Surf Hostel, Bed and Bike Aruba Hostel, The Coconut Inn

What to Buy in Palm Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs to take back home, Palm Beach has a diverse range of local products to choose from. Here are some popular options:

  • Aloe Vera products - Aruba is known for its aloe vera, and you can find products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and soaps made from aloe vera.
  • Handcrafted products - Local artisans produce handmade crafts like woven bags, ceramic plates, and wooden plates.
  • Caribbean jewelry - Uniquely designed jewelry is a perfect souvenir to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Palm Beach

While relaxing on the island, it’s good to know about local culture and customs. Arubans are welcoming and friendly people, and here are some cultural points to keep in mind:

  • Carnival - A significant cultural event in Aruba, which lasts for three weeks, leading up to Lent.
  • Language - The official language is Dutch, but most locals speak Spanish and English.
  • Tipping - It’s customary to leave a 10% - 20% tip in restaurants and for taxi drivers.

Best Time to Visit Palm Beach

Aruba’s tropical climate means that it’s sunny and warm all year round. But the best time to visit Palm Beach is between April and August, which is the dry season, followed by the fall months of September to November. The winter months from December to March can be crowded with tourists, so it’s best to avoid those months if you don’t like crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palm Beach

To have an enjoyable and comfortable time on the island, here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and culture.
  • Try local cuisine and drinks.
  • Use sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the island’s natural beauty.
  • Leave your valuables unattended.
  • Be disrespectful to locals or other tourists.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a safe destination for tourists, but like any other place, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

  • Avoid isolated areas during the night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and carry a copy of your passport at all times.
  • Stay in populated areas and avoid deserted beaches.

Health in Palm Beach

Aruba’s healthcare system is well-developed, and there are several hospitals and clinics available. It’s recommended that visitors buy travel insurance before traveling to Aruba, which covers medical expenses.

Getting to Palm Beach

Airports Near Palm Beach

The Queen Beatrix International Airport is the main international airport in Aruba, located just a 15-minute drive from Palm Beach.

Bus Stations Near Palm Beach

Aruba does not have an extensive public transportation system, but buses are available to travel between major towns and cities.

Other Options

Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, making them a convenient mode of transportation to get around Aruba.

How to Get Around in Palm Beach

The best way to get around in Palm Beach is on foot or by taxi. If you want to explore other areas of Aruba, you can hire a rental car or take a bus or taxi.

Where to Go Next from Palm Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Aruba is a small island, so there are several great tourist destinations to explore nearby. Here are some places to visit:

  • Eagle Beach - A stunning beach with a Caribbean vibe and plenty of water sports activities.
  • Baby Beach - A shallow cove with turquoise waters on the southern tip of the island.
  • Ayo Rock Formations - A unique natural geological formation in the heart of the island.

Conclusion

Palm Beach, Aruba, is a beautiful destination with something to offer every kind of traveler. With its warm weather and stunning natural beauty, you’re sure to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to make the most of your visit to Palm Beach.