Tired of the big city hustle? Swap the concrete jungle for turquoise waters and endless sunshine on Aruba, the "One Happy Island." Getting there is a breeze, especially with incredible deals available. For example, we found direct round-trip flights on Delta from New York (JFK) to Aruba (AUA) for just $281, flying from November 14 to November 20. A full week is the perfect amount of time to explore every corner of this Caribbean paradise, from its world-famous beaches to its rugged, desert-like interior. This must-do guide breaks down the perfect 7-day adventure.
☀️ Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bliss on Palm Beach
✅ Must-Do:
- Land at Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA) – Your direct flight from JFK will have you on the ground by early afternoon. Grab a taxi and head to your hotel.
- Hit Palm Beach – Drop your bags and immediately sink your toes into the soft, white sand of Palm Beach. The calm water is perfect for a relaxing first swim.
- Sunset Cocktails – Find a beachfront bar (a "palapa"), order a refreshing Aruba Ariba, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
🍹 Food Tip: Palm Beach is lined with fantastic restaurants. Enjoy a casual dinner with ocean views to kick off your trip.
🐠 Day 2: Northern Wonders & Snorkeling at Arashi
✅ Must-Do:
- Visit the California Lighthouse – Start your day with panoramic views from this iconic landmark at the island's northern tip.
- Snorkel at Arashi Beach – Just down the road from the lighthouse, Arashi Beach boasts calm currents and abundant marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.
- Find Peace at Alto Vista Chapel – Visit the oldest chapel on the island, a serene and picturesque spot with a powerful history.
🏨 Accommodation Tip: For easy access to adventure tours and a fantastic selection of restaurants, consider booking your hotel in the Palm Beach area. You can find the best deals and a wide variety of options on Booking.com.
🚙 Day 3: Rugged Adventure in Arikok National Park
✅ Must-Do:
- Rent a 4x4 – Today is for exploring the wild side of Aruba! A Jeep or UTV is essential for navigating the terrain of Arikok National Park.
- Swim in the Natural Pool (Conchi) – Take a dip in this stunning natural rock pool, protected from the rough seas by volcanic stone.
- Explore the Caves – Discover the Fontein Cave with its ancient Arawak drawings and the impressive Guadirikiri Cave, famous for its two sunlit chambers.
🎨 Day 4: Oranjestad's Colorful Capital Charm
✅ Must-Do:
- Wander Through Downtown – Explore the capital city of Oranjestad, famous for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and high-end shopping.
- Ride the Free Trolley – Hop on the complimentary open-air trolley for a charming tour of the main street.
- Visit Fort Zoutman – Learn about Aruban history at the island's oldest building, which now houses the Historical Museum of Aruba.
🏝️ Days 5 & 6: Island Hop to Colorful Curaçao
Why see one Dutch Caribbean island when you can see two? Take a quick 30-minute flight to the vibrant, colorful island of Curaçao for a two-day adventure.
✅ Day 5 Must-Do (Willemstad & History):
- Morning Flight to Curaçao (CUR) – Catch an early flight from Aruba (AUA) to get a full day of exploring.
- Explore Willemstad – Walk across the famous Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and photograph the iconic, pastel-colored Handelskade waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Discover Punda & Otrobanda – Get lost in the charming streets of Willemstad's two main districts, filled with shops, art, and history.
✈️ Visa & Travel Tip: Getting to Curaçao is easy for U.S. citizens! No visa is required for tourist stays; just ensure your passport is valid. Book the short, 30-minute flight between the islands in advance.
✅ Day 6 Must-Do (Beaches & Return):
- Beach-Hop on the West Coast – Rent a car and drive to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Don't miss Grote Knip for its breathtaking cliffside view or Cas Abao for its full-service beach club.
- Enjoy the "Dushi" Vibe – "Dushi" means sweet or nice in Papiamento, and you'll feel it everywhere. Enjoy a final local lunch.
- Evening Flight to Aruba (AUA) – Catch a flight back to Aruba in the evening, filled with memories of another stunning island.
✈️ Day 7: One Last Dip & Departure
✅ Must-Do:
- One Last Swim – Back in Aruba, take a final dip in the warm Caribbean Sea.
- Souvenir Shopping – Grab some Dutch cheese, Blue Curaçao liqueur, or local aloe products to take home.
- Head to the Airport – Your flight back to JFK departs in the evening, giving you plenty of time for a leisurely morning and easy travel to the airport.
💼 What to Pack for Your ABC Islands Adventure
- Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect the coral)
- A valid passport (for the hop to Curaçao!)
- Lightweight clothing, shorts, and tank tops
- Water shoes (for rocky areas like the Natural Pool)
- A reusable water bottle (Aruba's tap water is excellent)
📌 Final Tips for Your Aruba Adventure
- Currency: The official currency is the Aruban Florin, but US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
- Language: Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages, but English and Spanish are widely spoken.
- Safety: Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
- Getting Around: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring both islands at your own pace.
✨ With this 7-day itinerary, you'll experience the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure that makes the Dutch Caribbean truly unforgettable.