Butterfly Farm: Located at Palm Beach across from the Aruba Phoenix and Wyndham Hotels. Open all year from 9:00 -4:30
Step into a tropical garden filled with colorful butterflies from around the world. Observe the life cycle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Tour guides offer commentary on butterfly habits. Arrive early and watch new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first flight. The butterfly farm is a rare opportunity for photography and a delight to visitors of all ages.

Oranjestad: Aruba's sunny, pastel-colored capital is on the island's southern leeward coast, just southeast of the main resort area. The bustling city has a very Caribbean flavor, with part-Spanish, part-Dutch architecture The main thoroughfare, Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, cuts in from the airport along the waterfront and on to Palm Beach, changing its name along the way to J. E. Irausquin Boulevard. Most tourists visit to shop in its boutiques and duty-free shops, but it has three small museums that explore the island's history.

Historical Museum: Fort Zoutman/Willem III Tower Oranjestad. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.There is an entrance fee.Situated in the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower, the historical museum offers a collection of articles from the island's earliest times through early Spanish and Dutch periods, up to the present.

Numismatic Museum: Zuidstraat 27, Oranjestad Monday - Friday 7:30 - noon and 1 - 4 30,000 historic coins from Aruba and around the world.

Archaeological Museum: Zoutmanstraat 1, Oranjestad. Monday - Friday 8 - noon and 1 -4
Located on Zoutmanstraat diagonally across from the bus stop in Oranjestad, this museum's five rooms exhibit giant earthen jars of which a few contain the remains of Aruba's original inhabitants. Also displayed in glass boxes with descriptions are ancient artifacts, pottery tools and art.

Schooner Harbor: In this harbor are moored many fishing boats and schooners ,some from Venezuela.. Nearly all newcomers to Aruba like to photograph the Colorful boats dock along the quay, and boat owners display their wares in open stalls. Fresh fish are sold at the market nearby.

Wilhelmina Park: This park, named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, is also on the sea side of Oranjestad. It features a tropical garden along the water and a sculpture of the Queen Mother.

Outside the City: A popular pastime is a drive into the cunucu, which in Papiamento means "the countryside." Here Arubans live in modest, colorful, pastel-washed houses, decorated with tropical plants that require expensive desalinated water.

Hooiberg: Caya G. F. Croes (7A) toward Santa Cruz. Hooiberg, also known as "The Haystack." It is Aruba's highest landmark. Those with energy to spare can scramble up the steps of this 541-foot-high hill and be rewarded with a view, on a clear day, of Venezuela.

Casibari: Open daily from 9 - 5, with no admission charge Aruba is studded with massive boulders. The most impressive ones at Ayo and Casibari, northeast of Hooiberg. Diorite boulders stack up as high as city office buildings. The rocks weigh several thousand tons and puzzle geologists. Ancient Amerindian drawings appear on the rocks at Ayo. At Casibari, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the island or a close look at rocks that nature has carved into seats or prehistoric birds and animals.. The lodge at Casibari sells souvenirs, snacks, soft drinks, and beer.

Caves of Canashito: South of Hooiberg Tours available. Inquire at your hotel. Guides can point out drawings on the walls and ceiling of these unusual caves. There are giant green parakeets in the area as well.

Natural Bridge: Aruba's natural bridge has been formed over millions of years by surf eating away at a portion of the rocky northern shore. At 100ft. long and 23ft. tall, it's no major miracle, but it's a pretty decent break from the beach and perfect for photos. Andicuri Beach, a short stroll over the bridge, is a popular boogie-boarding location for competent swimmers.

Arikok National Park: 297/8-28001The park is a desertlike ecological preserve that covers 18% of the island's area, starting on the east coast and jutting inland almost to the west coast. The island's rich crust makes it one of the rare places in the world with geological origins traceable with the naked eye. Hiking trails make it easy to explore the preserve's unusual terrain and diverse flora and fauna. Iguanas and many species of migratory.
This park encompasses a significant area of land in the interior and a long stretch of the northern windward coast. The park contains traces of nearly all the significant forces that have impacted on Aruba's history, including Arawak petroglyphs in the Fontein Cave, the remains of Dutch peasant settlements at Masiduri, plantation houses in the Prins Valley and the ruins of an old gold mining operation at Miralamar. The park covers 620 sq. ft.
The Aruban government is working on a 10-year ecotourism plan to preserve the resources of the park. The park is topped by Aruba's second-highest mountain, the 577-ft Mt. Arikok, so climbing is also a possibility.

Mount Jamanota: Aruba's highest hill. There's a road running through the park, and some interesting hiking trails.

Spaans Lagoen: Along the highway toward the island's southernmost section is Spanish Lagoon, where pirates hid and waited to plunder rich cargo ships in the Caribbean. Today it's an ideal place for snorkeling and for having a picnic at the tables under the mangrove trees.

Savaneta: To the east is an area called where some of the most ancient traces of human habitation have been unearthed.

Lago Oil Transport Company: You'll see here the first oil tanks that marked the position of the the Exxon subsidiary around which the town of San Nicolas developed. San Nicolas was a company town until 1985, when the refinery curtailed operations. Twelve miles from Oranjestad, it is now called the Aruba Sunrise Side, and tourism has become its main economic endeavor.

Guadarikiri Cave and Fontein Cave: The Guadirikiri and Fontein caves are marked with ancient drawings. Park rangers are available to offer explanations. Both caves were used by native Indians centuries ago.

Huliba and Tunnel of Love Caves: Baranca Sunu, the so-called Tunnel of Love, has a heart-shape entrance and, within, naturally sculpted rocks that look like the Madonna, Abe Lincoln, and even a jaguar At these caves, guides show visitors the carvings and natural formations. The Tunnel of Love cave requires some physical stamina to explore. It is filled with steep climbs, and its steps are illuminated only by hand-held lamps. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step.

California Lighthouse: The closed lighthouse stands at the island's far northern end. It's surrounded by huge boulders and sand dunes tufted with scrub.

Rock Formations: The massive boulders at Ayo and Casibari are said to be a mystery since they don't match the island's geological makeup. You can climb to the top of Casibari for fine views of the arid countryside; the main path has steps and handrails, and you must move through tunnels and on narrow steps and ledges to reach the top. At Ayo you'll find ancient pictographs in a small cave. Access to Casibari is via Tanki Highway 4A, to Ayo via Highway 6A; watch carefully for the turnoff signs near the center of the island on the way to the windward side.

Baby Beach (Seroe Colorado0: On the island's eastern tip, this semicircular beach borders a bay that's as placid and just about as deep as a wading pool.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling.
White powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Snack truck offers chicken legs, burgers, hot dogs, beer, and soda.

Boca Grandi: Strong swimming skills are a must at this beach near Seagrape Grove and the Aruba Golf Club toward the island's eastern tip.

Boca Prins: Near the Fontein Cave and Blue Lagoon, this beach is famous for its backdrop of enormous sand dunes. No swimming. Ideal for a picnic. Bring a beach blanket and sturdy footwear and climb down the rocks that form steps to the water's edge. Accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Eagle Beach: On the southwestern coast , and recently designated one of the 10 best beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.

Fisherman's Hut: This beach is a windsurfer's heaven. Take a picnic lunch (tables are available) and watch the purple, aqua, and orange sails of the catamarans struggle in the wind.

Grapefield Beach: To the northeast of San Nicolas, this area of blinding white sand in the shadow of cliffs and boulders is marked by the statue of an anchor dedicated to all seamen. Swim at your own risk; the waves can be rough.

Malmok Beach: This small beach is located on the northwestern shore. It is also known as Boca Catalina, and borders shallow waters that stretch 300 yards from shore. It is a perfect place to learn to windsurf and is a favorite with divers and snorkelers. A major diving attraction is the wreck of the German ship Antilla, scuttled in 1940.

Manchebo Beach: (Formerly Punta Brabo Beach) In front of the Manchebo Beach Resort, this wide stretch of white powder is a favorite spot for top-free sunbathers.

Palm Beach: This beach is behind the Allegro Resort & Casino, Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba Grand Beach Resort & Casino, and Holiday Inn hotels. It is at the center of Aruban tourism, offering the best in swimming, sailing, and other water sports.

Rodger's Beach: Next to Baby Beach on the island's eastern tip, this is a curving stretch of sand, unfortunately providing a view of the oil refinery at the far side of the bay. A new snack bar serves refreshments and hosts occasional live entertainment at the water's edge. White powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent.

Family Fun Attractions

Neptalie Henriquez Playground for Children: call (297) 821059 for information.

The Kibaima Miniature Village Park: (297) 851830 This delightful park shows you some of Aruba's delights in miniature. There is also a playground for children and surroundings with ample flora and fauna

Indian Rock Garden: The garden has a display of many tropical plants and exotic birds. (297) 847366. Telephone for further information.

Sazakiweg z/n, Aruba: Billed as the world's largest Mini Golf course, there is fun galore for the whole family. This includes the opportunity also to take a romantic paddle boat ride in the lagoon, or have a splash around in the bumper boat pool. The biggest game room on the island is another feature. A souvenir shop, the Black Hog Saloon and the family oriented Alfredo's Restaurant are also on premises. Dutch Caribbean Tel: (297) 876625 / Fax: (297) 876645

Tennis / Racquetball / Squash: Tennis has always been popular on Aruba and most hotels have excellently maintained courts as well as qualified pros to assist visitors with their game or introduce new skills, to novices and experts alike.

Aruba Racquet Club:Tel. (297) 860215 Fax. (297) 860219

Bowling: Bowling is quite popular in Aruba with local teams competing abroad regularly. Shoes, accessories as well as snacks and drinks are available.

Eagle Bowling Palace: Tel. (297) 835038 Fax. (297) 836310