The comforts of home in a tropical setting
What to do
Explore Aruba on an off-roading jeep adventure with De Palm Tours. Sign up for the Aruba Safari Jeep Adventure and you'll stop at the California Lighthouse on Aruba's northwest shore for a little scenic glory and a touch of Aruban history. The structure dates back to the early 1900s and is named after a ship that sank off the coast nearby.
Then pass by the wish rock garden, a series of rock formations that represent people's wishes along the northern coastline. Make your way to the Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba's oldest Catholic church built in 1750 and remodeled in 1952. This limestone walled chapel stands in the middle of desert-like terrain, framed by cacti, and is a nice place to enjoy some quiet time.
Next, check out the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins. Built in 1825 and made of natural stone, the ruins overlook the ocean and make for postcard-perfect photos; it's an idyllic place to stop and take in your surroundings.For yet another pretty photo op, check out the Natural Bridge ruins. The coral formation once formed a 100 ft. long bridge about 25 feet over the Caribbean Sea and was one of Aruba's most visited sights before it succumbed to the ocean's fury and collapsed in September 2005. Even though the bridge no longer stands, the dramatic rocky shore that lines the sapphire blue ocean water here makes for stunning scenery.
Dinner at Pinchos restaurant
There's no shortage of familiar businesses where North Americans can feel right at home in Aruba. You can satisfy homesick cravings for McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut fare here but when you want a local dining experience, head to Pinchos Grill and Bar for dinner on a pretty pier.
Complete with comfy sofa seating and a padded swing where you can sway with the island breeze, take time to indulge in a true island experience at Pinchos. This family-run business serves up great food in an unforgettable setting, so don't leave the island without experiencing at least one dinner here.
Safety concerns
Tragedy can happen anywhere and it happened in Aruba when American teen Natalee Holloway went missing on May 30, 2005 while vacationing on the island. Understandably, some travellers may be wary of choosing Aruba for their next travel destination but if you've got safety concerns, you should know that Aruba's crime rate is lower than in many other Caribbean destinations. The island boasts low unemployment rates and a tourism-based economy, so you're likely to find plenty of warm and friendly locals who really want you to enjoy your stay. That's not to say you shouldn't use a reasonable amount of caution during all your travels, no matter where you go.
Whether you're looking for fun in the sun or sea, a bustling entertainment scene or relaxation and rejuvenation, you'll have no trouble designing your perfect island vacation in Aruba. So pack your bags and give Jack Frost the cold shoulder by heading for the sun and sand at Aruba's world-renowned beaches.
Click here to view our slideshow of must-see sights for a weekend in Aruba.
Or, cross the globe and discover paradise in exciting and exotic French Polynesia.
Page 2 of 2
Explore Aruba on an off-roading jeep adventure with De Palm Tours. Sign up for the Aruba Safari Jeep Adventure and you'll stop at the California Lighthouse on Aruba's northwest shore for a little scenic glory and a touch of Aruban history. The structure dates back to the early 1900s and is named after a ship that sank off the coast nearby.
Then pass by the wish rock garden, a series of rock formations that represent people's wishes along the northern coastline. Make your way to the Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba's oldest Catholic church built in 1750 and remodeled in 1952. This limestone walled chapel stands in the middle of desert-like terrain, framed by cacti, and is a nice place to enjoy some quiet time.
Next, check out the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins. Built in 1825 and made of natural stone, the ruins overlook the ocean and make for postcard-perfect photos; it's an idyllic place to stop and take in your surroundings.For yet another pretty photo op, check out the Natural Bridge ruins. The coral formation once formed a 100 ft. long bridge about 25 feet over the Caribbean Sea and was one of Aruba's most visited sights before it succumbed to the ocean's fury and collapsed in September 2005. Even though the bridge no longer stands, the dramatic rocky shore that lines the sapphire blue ocean water here makes for stunning scenery.
Dinner at Pinchos restaurant
There's no shortage of familiar businesses where North Americans can feel right at home in Aruba. You can satisfy homesick cravings for McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut fare here but when you want a local dining experience, head to Pinchos Grill and Bar for dinner on a pretty pier.
Complete with comfy sofa seating and a padded swing where you can sway with the island breeze, take time to indulge in a true island experience at Pinchos. This family-run business serves up great food in an unforgettable setting, so don't leave the island without experiencing at least one dinner here.
Safety concerns
Tragedy can happen anywhere and it happened in Aruba when American teen Natalee Holloway went missing on May 30, 2005 while vacationing on the island. Understandably, some travellers may be wary of choosing Aruba for their next travel destination but if you've got safety concerns, you should know that Aruba's crime rate is lower than in many other Caribbean destinations. The island boasts low unemployment rates and a tourism-based economy, so you're likely to find plenty of warm and friendly locals who really want you to enjoy your stay. That's not to say you shouldn't use a reasonable amount of caution during all your travels, no matter where you go.
Whether you're looking for fun in the sun or sea, a bustling entertainment scene or relaxation and rejuvenation, you'll have no trouble designing your perfect island vacation in Aruba. So pack your bags and give Jack Frost the cold shoulder by heading for the sun and sand at Aruba's world-renowned beaches.
Click here to view our slideshow of must-see sights for a weekend in Aruba.
Or, cross the globe and discover paradise in exciting and exotic French Polynesia.
Page 2 of 2
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