Aruba is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It has crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, perfect weather, and average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F year-round. With direct flights from many destinations in the United States, including my hometown of Dallas, to Queen Beatrix International Airport, it’s easy to take a long weekend trip to Aruba. With this 3-day perfect Aruba itinerary, you get the perfect mixture of the best sites in Aruba: adventure, relaxation, and incredible dining options.
Some Tips for A 3-Day Vacation
If you only have a short amount of time and want to maximize every minute, I recommend renting a car to see some of the incredible spots, not have to worry about waiting, and set your own schedule.
Stay at a resort that offers special activities/things to do! We stayed at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, and the best part was that we spent one day simply relaxing with all the fun amenities.
However, don’t spend your entire vacation at the hotel. If you want to truly experience the island of Aruba, make sure you leave the resort area to explore its natural wonders.
Although Aruba does have its local currency, the Aruban florin, US dollars (and credit cards) are widely accepted all across the island.
Day 1 in Aruba
Start off your morning with Dutch pancakes. Aruba is a Dutch island, and their giant topped pancakes are the perfect way to start the morning.
Explore the Island
Aruba is only 19 1/2 miles long, but there’s so much to see! Either rent a UTV or a Jeep, as the best spots are at Arikok National Park, which is only accessible by a 4×4.
We started by driving past Arashi beach, where the landscape changed to a more rocky, desert atmosphere.
Or head straight to the National Park and head towards the Natural Bridge.
Cool off at the Conchi Natural Pool. Because this place is harder to get to, there are less people and it makes for a more secluded swim spot! The Natural Pool is one of the most incredible views in Aruba, and it’s something you don’t want to miss. Give yourself time to go swimming here, and make sure to pack water shoes as the rocks are a little rough on the feet.
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Windsurfing
After exploring the top half of the island and the Arikok National Park, head to Fisherman Hut Beach for live music, windsurfing and jet skis! Because Aruba is such a windy island, it makes for the perfect spot to learn about windsurfing. What I loved about windsurfing was how easy it was to pick up. It took an hour to learn and then we had an extra hour to surf.
Dinner Time
After cleaning up, eat dinner on the bed! At the Screaming Eagle Restaurant, you get your own private bed to eat dinner! Not to mention the local food was phenomenal! Fresh seafood full of seasoning and fun specials like reindeer left my belly satisfied. The hardest part was not falling asleep on these comfy beds!
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More Aruba Ideas
Day 2 in Aruba
Aruba has some of the most incredible snorkeling spots, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean! Pelican Adventures offers a morning brunch cruise on a catamaran that includes 3 different snorkeling spots, brunch, lunch, and unlimited drinks.
I had so much fun seeing shipwrecks, eating good food, and meeting other people on the island.
And cool enough, we even saw starfish!
Plus, breakfast and lunch are already taken care of after staying there.
If you have a rental car, head to Baby Beach to relax on the beach. This is one of the least crowded beaches and is a great spot to watch sea turtles and other marine life swimming in turquoise waters. For an early dinner, grab some Caribbean food at Big Mama’s. You can also check out these gorgeous beaches.
Just a short drive from Baby Beach is the Sero Colorado lighthouse, which is barely a lighthouse, but it’s up a hill that gives you the most incredible view of the sunset.
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Day 3 in Aruba
I always like to end my trip on a relaxing note to be fully rejuvenated before returning to work. After so much adventure, there’s nothing like sitting back at the hotel and enjoying the property itself. There’s still so much to do, so we chose to stay at the Hilton Aruba.
Part of staying at the Hilton is being able to rent a Palapa for free! You reserve it the day before and spend the morning relaxing and swimming at the beach.
The Hilton Aruba has a bird sanctuary, so after spending plenty of time relaxing on the beach, we hung out with the birds and got some lovely pictures!
There are so many on-property activities to take advantage of, like stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, bingo, and more. It was nice to unwind and vacation simply!
For a truly memorable end to your vacation, eat at Flying Fishbone. I’ve heard of toes in the sand dining, but the toes in the water dining at Flying Fishbone is truly incredible!
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Aruba Itinerary: FAQs
What is the best time to visit Aruba?
There’s really no bad time to visit Aruba, thanks to its consistently warm, tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the low 80s to mid-90s year-round. However, the best time to visit is generally from January to September, which falls within Aruba’s dry season—perfect for beach days, outdoor adventures, and sunny skies.
While Aruba does have a rainy season from October to January, the showers are typically short and pass quickly, often giving way to sunshine within minutes. So even during those months, you can still enjoy everything the island offers without too much disruption from the weather.
What makes Aruba so special?
Aruba is special for its year-round pleasant weather, stunning white-sand beaches, and natural beauty. Its location outside the hurricane belt makes it a reliable vacation spot, and its mix of Dutch and Caribbean influences offers a unique blend of food, music, and colorful architecture.
Aruba Itinerary: Final Thoughts
Thanks to its calm waters, white sand beaches, stunning limestone cliffs along its east coast, and world-class resorts and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Aruba is nicknamed “One Happy Island.” While it’s impossible to explore everything this paradise has to offer, a memorable vacation is well within reach in just 3 days. This is precisely why I’ve crafted the ultimate Aruba Itinerary to help you make the most of your getaway based on what I have been fortunate enough to enjoy!
Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: January 21, 2019
