Local Activities
Little Things
https://littlethingsaruba.com/
Little Things is the sweetest find in Aruba. The owner makes the baby clothing herself, right in the shop's window you can actually watch her sewing as you browse, which makes every piece feel that much more special. Everything is handmade with obvious love and care, and the quality shows. It's the perfect place to pick up a truly unique gift for a baby shower, a new grandchild, or a one-of-a-kind souvenir that means more than anything mass-produced. Skip the generic souvenir shops and support this talented local artisan instead you'll leave with something genuinely special.
Massage Therapy Aruba
https://massagetherapyaruba.net/
We've been to Massage Therapy Aruba multiple times now, and it's a non-negotiable part of every trip. The setting is what keeps us coming back. It's tucked away from the resort crowds in a beautiful, tranquil spot, and the indoor treatment rooms are clean, comfortable, and wonderfully serene. The therapists are skilled, professional, and genuinely kind, and booking online is easy. It feels like a true escape rather than just an appointment. If you only book one massage in Aruba, make it this one. We'll be back like we always are!
O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen
https://www.facebook.com/OnielCaribbeanKitchen297/
O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen is the real deal. Tucked into the colorful San Nicolas Art Walk, this chef-owned spot serves authentic Jamaican-Caribbean food that tastes like it was made with love, because it clearly is. We had the jerk chicken and it was outstanding: juicy and full of that bold, smoky jerk flavor, but not too spicy, perfectly balanced so you get all the taste without the burn. Generous portions, friendly staff, great prices, and you can wander the famous murals before or after your meal. It's away from the resort strip, but that's exactly why you should go, this is where the locals eat. Highly recommend!
San Nicolas Neighborhood
If you only stick to the beaches and resorts, you're missing one of Aruba's most special experiences. San Nicolas, on the southern end of the island, has transformed into an open-air art gallery block after block of stunning, large-scale murals by local and international artists. Walking the Art Walk feels like discovering a secret: every corner reveals another breathtaking piece, from portraits to wildlife to vibrant abstract works, all celebrating Aruban culture and Caribbean life. The artistry is genuinely world-class, and it's free to wander at your own pace.
From Eagle Beach it's only about a 30-minute drive south, an easy half-day trip. Bring your camera, take your time, and grab a meal while you're there (O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen is fantastic). Don't leave Aruba without seeing it!
Kulture Cafe in the Nicolaas Store
Kulture Café is the perfect stop while exploring the San Nicolas Art Walk. It's set inside the iconic bright-yellow Nicolaas Store, a beautifully restored 1940s landmark that also houses the Community Museum, so you're sipping your coffee surrounded by real Aruban history. The café itself is run by a lovely local couple, and it shows: great coffee, fresh breakfast and lunch options, and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to linger. Grab a table, refuel between murals, and don't forget a photo in front of that famous yellow facade. It's places like this that make San Nicolas so special. Highly recommend!
Pepe Margo Distillery
https://pepemargodistillery.com/
Pepe Margo Distillery is an absolute must in Oranjestad. The building alone is worth the visit an unbelievably beautiful restored historic Aruban home, one of the oldest in the city, lovingly preserved down to the original tiles and woodwork. The whole place tells the story of the island. And then there are the spirits: the Aruba Passion sparkling was amazing, easily one of the most memorable drinks of our trip. The staff is warm and the experience feels personal, never touristy. Honestly, even if you don't drink, come for the architecture, the gardens, and the history, it's that beautiful. One of Aruba's true gems.
Red Anchor
https://redanchordistillery.com/
Red Anchor Distillery was one of the highlights of our trip. We took the tour and it was fantastic, this is a true family-run operation, and the whole experience feels honest and personal in a way the big commercial tours never do. You can tell they genuinely love what they're making. The butterfly pea flower gin was the showstopper: a gorgeous color that changes right before your eyes, and it tastes as beautiful as it looks. We ended up bringing bottles home for friends and family, and they made the perfect gifts. Bonus points for their bottle-return program that helps keep Aruba beautiful. Skip the mass-produced souvenirs and bring home something special from these folks instead. Highly recommend the tour!
Tangerine Aruba
Tangerine Handmade is exactly the kind of shop you hope to find on vacation. Everything is genuinely made in Aruba by a third-generation local craftsman; beautiful, sturdy bags handmade from marine canvas and sail material, plus clothing and accessories in designs that capture the island perfectly. I bought a t-shirt with an Aruban bird on it, and it's the perfect gift or souvenir, something with real local character, not the mass-produced stuff you see everywhere else. The owners are warm and welcoming, happy to share the story behind their craft without ever being pushy. "We The Beach People" isn't just their slogan, it's the whole vibe. Don't miss this place!
Zeerovers
https://www.facebook.com/zeerovers/
Zeerovers is an Aruba institution, and for good reason. This no-frills spot sits right on the water in Savaneta, where the fishermen pull up and unload their catch just steps from the kitchen. You order at the window, whatever fish and shrimp came in that day, fried up fresh and sold by the pound, then grab a picnic table over the water with a cold drink and watch the boats and pelicans. No fancy menus, no resort prices, just incredibly fresh seafood, plantains, and that laid-back local atmosphere you can't manufacture. Lines can get long so go early right when they open. Everyone on the island knows it's worth it. Go hungry, go early, and bring cash. An absolute must!
