Aruba Beaches
Aruba's many beaches remain its primary tourist attraction. On the Caribbean coast, near the island's major hotels, the island offers unending stretches of powdery white-sand beaches with blue-green tranquil waters. The best beaches on the Caribbean coast include gorgeous, romantic Eagle Beach near the low-rise hotels; bustling Palm Beach near the Hyatt; and scenic Druif Beach. Beaches on the Atlantic coast have wild and treacherous waters, but they do offer spectacular settings and vistas. Adventurous visitors can also find several hidden bays and coves at various spots around the island.

Indian Caves
Fontein Caves are inscribed with what guides tell you are Amerindian drawings, but it's also said that the markings were created for a much more recent movie filming. Guides also say that the natural caves were once used by Arawaks for shelter and sacrificing virgins. Guadirikiri and Huliba caves are less synthetic tourist attractions. The Indian Caves are found near Aruba's northeast coast.

Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge, Aruba's most illustrious natural landmark, was carved out by the pounding surf over the course of many centuries. Located on the island's desolate eastern coast, this stunning coral formation is 25 feet (7.62m) high and 100 feet (30m) long. The beach right underneath the bridge affords memorable photo opportunities.

Northside Attractions
Northward past the swank Beverly Hills of Aruba neighborhood, the California Lighthouse stands 125 feet (38m) tall atop rugged, desolate terrain. To the west, a German freighter, Antilla, lies in 43 feet (13m) of water, sunk by its captain in World War II to avoid confiscation. Today, its cargo includes colorful tropical fish that attract scuba divers to the popular site. Nearby, you can visit gold mine ruins and the hilltop 18th-century Chapel of Alto Vista, the road down from which is lined with white stations of the cross wreathed in flowers.

Oranjestad
A typical Caribbean cruise-ship port, Aruba's capital city offers exciting shopping opportunities. Visit circa 1796 Fort Zoutman and the Museo Arubano, housed within the fort's tower. On Wilheminastraat and other old streets, you'll find Dutch-influenced, pastel-hued architecture. The Archaeological Museum displays ancient artifacts found on the island. A fruit market convenes near the cruise ship pier.

San Nicolas
A visit to Charlie's Bar in the old oil boomtown of San Nicolas, near Aruba's southeast coast, is practically obligatory. It's been decorated by donations of visitors' junk. The once-prosperous but now slumping streets of San Nicolas also hold many good ethnic restaurants, neighborhood bars, galleries, a theater, and the promise of renewal.