Why Tourists May Want To Avoid Vacationing At This Popular Destination In Aruba

Who doesn't dream of unwinding in Aruba? It's one of the many stunning Caribbean destinations everyone should visit at least once. If you are craving warm sunny days, toes wiggling in the powdery white sand, and eyes stretching over turquoise water to the shimmering horizon, Palm Beach, on the north shore of the island, seems to tick all the boxes. But here's the twist: The very things that make Palm Beach so appealing also make it a victim of its own success. Its mesmerizing locale attracted a high concentration of Aruba's high-rise hotels, casinos, restaurants, and shops, making the 2-mile strip extremely popular.

It is easy to see why Palm Beach attracts visitors in droves. The calm crystalline waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The coastal promenade is peppered with choices for every water activity under the sun, from yoga and pilates on your stand-up paddleboard to kitesurfing, windsurfing, and kayaking. And there are plenty of island tours by land or boat.

At sundown, Palm Beach switches to nightlife mode: a buzzing, eclectic mix of the islands' largest shopping malls, clubs, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and spas. Whatever your dining budget, from a splash-out seafood extravaganza to a local Balashi beer and cheesy "pastechi," Aruba is a food-lover's paradise. All this energy and noise can quickly spiral into sensory overload. Normally, the easy solution to avoiding crowds is to visit off-season, but there's a catch. One of the appeals of Aruba is its year-round gorgeous weather. The small country is part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), which are at low risk of hurricanes thanks to their location. This means that two seasons at Palm Beach are busy and busier, with the winter holidays and Carnival season being the busiest times to visit.

Palm Beach is fantastic for what it is: a convenient, vibrant, and amenity-packed hub. It's perfect for families who need easy places to snack and entertainment for all ages, and also for first-time visitors, as everything is easily accessible. It is also a favorite with travelers who thrive on a lively, social atmosphere. Strolling down the walkway, you have the sand on one hand and endless restaurants and beach bars on the other.

The challenge comes if you are focusing on rest and relaxation. If the dream is to stretch out in the sun and dip in and out of the clear water, finding a spot in Palm Beach may become a contact sport. Shade is provided by "palapas" straw parasols that are technically public property, but the chairs under them belong to the resorts. Some palapas also sit within hotel boundaries, adding to the confusion. While you are free to bring your own chairs, many travelers find booking one of these coveted shelters (around $18 for the day), is worth the peace of mind. Palapa or no palapa, as long as you know what to expect, you can spend a fantastic day at Palm Beach.

As an alternative, you can stay in this area to enjoy the hustle and bustle, shops, and go a little further afield when you are seeking some quiet time. A scenic 40-minute walk south will take you to Eagle Beach, which was voted the Best Beach in the Caribbean in the Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards. Through far from deserted, the miles of pristine white sand are framed by low-rise hotels that, while still very popular, retain a more relaxed vibe.

On the r/Aruba subreddit, u/Zippolight recommended renting a car rather than taking the bus because of how easy it is to drive around, adding, "trust that it will be a more enjoyable experience especially if you want to visit multiple points of interest or landmarks on the island." Another past visitor, u/zane2407, said "We loved having a vehicle to get around. There are so many places to check out, beaches to visit and restaurants that aren't near the high rise hotels."

The local bus service is an affordable option, running frequently through the resort areas, but going to the inner part of island may require more careful planning. For an environmentally conscious alternative, you can take an electric bike for a spin along the coast, or for a longer range but still eco-friendly, an electric scooter can take you to the wild, windswept shores of Andicuri or the natural pools at Arikok National Park, providing adventure and breathtaking solitude. 

If your vacation non-negotiables include quiet spaces, an intimate connection with nature, and a more culturally immersive experience, then basing yourself in Palm Beach might be one major mistake to avoid when planning your Caribbean vacation. Armed with a bit of forward planning and a willingness to explore beyond the crowds, you'll uncover the vibrant local color that makes Aruba unforgettable.