Palm Beach in Aruba: The Ultimate Guide

Located on the northwest coast of Aruba, Palm Beach is one of the island’s most famous and sought-after beaches. It’s often called “the strip” or the “high-rise area” because of the towering resorts that line the beach. Known for its soft white sand, warm, crystal-clear waters, and an array of nearby attractions, Palm Beach is the center of activity for tourists in Aruba.

Stretching for two miles, this stunning shoreline is lined with luxury resorts, popular restaurants, lively beach bars, and plenty of water sports. Palm Beach is also home to many of Aruba’s nightlife spots, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals alike.

If you’re planning to visit Palm Beach, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip!

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Location of Palm Beach, Aruba

Palm Beach is located on the northwestern side of Aruba, just north of Eagle Beach and about a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad, the island’s capital. It’s also a short 15-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors arriving on the island.

Map of Palm Beach

See where Palm Beach is on a map of Aruba.

How to Get to Palm Beach

Getting to Palm Beach is convenient and can be done by rental car, taxi, or public bus. Here are the best options.

Rental Car

If you’re staying in Palm Beach, you don’t have to rent a car as you are walkable to many restaurants, bars, shops, and more, although you may want a car to get out and explore. However, if you’re staying elsewhere on the island, renting a car allows you to explore the area at your own pace.

Parking is available at most hotels and along some public areas near the beach. It’s easy to drive to Palm Beach, and once you’re there, everything is within walking distance.

Pro Tip: If you’re driving to Palm Beach, there are multiple free parking options. You can park on the east side of the street across from the Hilton and RIU, or south near LOLA and Craft, where a path takes you to De Palm Pier. Alternatively, park next to the Radisson Blu or in MooMba Beach’s parking lot.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available on the island, especially at the airport and in Oranjestad. The prices are regulated by the government, so you can check the price before hopping in a taxi. A taxi from the airport to Palm Beach will cost around $25-30 one way. Taxis also operate at all major hotels, so you can easily catch one from your resort to nearby attractions. If you need help flagging one down, the front desk can call one for you.

Public Bus

Aruba’s bus system, Arubus, provides a reliable and budget-friendly way to get around. You can easily catch a bus in Palm Beach to head either north to the California Lighthouse area or south to Oranjestad or San Nicholas for a small fare. Buses run frequently throughout the day.

Best Things to Do at Palm Beach

Palm Beach offers a wide variety of activities, from relaxing on the sand to almost any water sport you can imagine. Here are some of the top things to do on Palm Beach, Aruba.

Try Out Water Sports

Palm Beach is THE beach to get your water sport fix at due to the many options available. Choose from jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding. You’ll find rental stations and activity centers lining the beach. You can also try your hand at flyboarding for an adrenaline rush!

Part of why its a popular spot for water sports in Aruba is that the water in Palm Beach is calm and the beach is quite long. While there are many people out and about, there’s still plenty of room to zoom around having fun.

Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

While Palm Beach isn’t known as the top snorkeling spot in Aruba (head to Baby Beach or Malmok Beach for that), but you can still enjoy decent snorkeling along some rocky patches.

For scuba diving in Aruba, you’ll find several dive shops in Palm Beach offering boat tours to explore nearby wrecks and coral reefs. Note that most diving will not take place along Palm Beach, but dive operators are easy to find there due to it being the tourist center of Aruba!

Lounge on the Beach

Palm Beach’s calm, clear waters and soft sand make it the perfect place to relax. Grab a sunbed, or if you’re lucky, find a shaded palapa to spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun.

Pro Tip: Palapas in Aruba are free to use – if they are not on resort property! That’s right, since all beaches in Aruba are public, all palapas along the beach are public and free to use too. You just have to pay to rent chairs, bring your own, or get rentals for the duration of your trip from Coconut Rental or Travel Light Aruba.

Stop at Palm Beach Pier

The Palm Beach Pier is a popular spot for grabbing a drink or enjoying a meal while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. The pier is home to a couple beach bars and restaurants, including the famous Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill, which we’ll talk more about in a bit, but trust me…stop by!

Watch the Sunset at Palm Beach

One of the best places to catch that fabulous Aruba sunset is Palm Beach. The entire beach faces the west ensuring perfect views of the sun dropping into the ocean, and you can stop at one of the many beach bars to enjoy a cocktail on the beach while enjoying the skies changing colors.

Drinks & Dining at Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the center of the tourist district in Aruba, also known as the Aruba strip. This means you’ll find tons of bars and restaurants along the beach. You can even have your pick of casual or upscale restaurants! Let’s take a look at some of the best options.

Casual Restaurants at Palm Beach

You’ll find lots of casual restaurants along the beach where your beach attire is perfectly acceptable, day and night. This includes two of my favorite beach bars: MooMba Beach Bar and Bugaloe Beach Bar. Here’s a few ideas for where to eat in Palm Beach.

• Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill: A laid-back spot on the Palm Beach Pier, Bugaloe offers live music, great cocktails, and a fantastic sunset view. It’s the perfect place to grab a burger or seafood after a day on the beach. Get directions.

• The Pelican Nest/Pelican Pier: This waterfront restaurant in Palm Beach offers fresh seafood and island-inspired dishes. Enjoy your meal right over the water while watching the boats come and go from the marina. Get directions.

• Eduardo’s Beach Shack: For a healthy and refreshing snack, head to Eduardo’s Beach Shack. They offer smoothie bowls, fresh fruit, and vegan treats, perfect for a light bite between swimming sessions. Get directions.

• Moomba Beach Bar & Grill: Situated right on the sand, Moomba is another Palm Beach favorite for beachgoers. With live music, delicious cocktails, and a menu featuring everything from burgers to seafood, it’s an perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss their lively Sunday night parties! Get directions.

Upscale Restaurants at Palm Beach

Palm Beach is also known for some nicer and more romantic restaurants in Aruba. If you’re looking for a nice night out, check out these Palm Beach restaurants.

• The Ritz-Carlton’s BLT Steak: Located within The Ritz-Carlton, this modern steakhouse offers a high-end dining experience with quality cuts of meat and an extensive wine list. The elegant atmosphere and stunning views make it a top choice for a special night out. Get directions.

• Atardi at Marriott Resort: Atardi is known for its beachfront dining, where you can enjoy a seafood menu with your feet in the sand. The restaurant provides a romantic, upscale atmosphere perfect for a sunset dinner. Get directions.

• The Sunset Grille at Hilton Aruba: Sunset Grille provides spectacular views of the beach and sunset while you dine. It’s a high-end steakhouse offering top-notch service, premium steaks, and seafood. Get directions.

Nightlife at Palm Beach

When the sun sets, Palm Beach comes alive with nightlife. In fact, it is the go-to place for nightlife in Aruba. From bars to casino resorts, there’s something for everyone. Some top spots include:

• Gusto Nightclub: One of Aruba’s most popular nightclubs, Gusto is a trendy place with great music and late-night fun. Get directions.

• South Beach Aruba: Another club in Palm Beach, South Beach brings the glamour of Miami to Aruba. This open-air club has live DJs, VIP bottle service, and a dress-to-impress crowd. Get directions.

• Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill: Located on De Palm Pier, Bugaloe offers an unbeatable spot right on the water. It’s the perfect place for sunset cocktails and live music, which you can enjoy almost every night. With live bands on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday nights, it’s a favorite for both locals and tourists. Get directions.

• Moomba Beach Bar & Grill: Known as the place to be on Sunday nights, Moomba is a restaurant and late night spot with a killer live band. It’s a great place for sunset drinks, casual dining, and enjoying live entertainment by the beach. Get directions.

• Casinos: If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at one of Palm Beach’s casinos. The Stellaris Casino at the Marriott Resort is the largest on the island, offering a range of games from slots to poker. Other popular options include the Casino Aruba at the Hilton and The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton.

Other Helpful Information

Planning your visit to Palm Beach? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time there.

Amenities at Palm Beach

Palm Beach has an abundance of amenities, ensuring you have everything you need for a full day at the beach.

• Chair and Umbrella Rentals: If you’re not staying at a Palm Beach hotel with beach access, you can still rent chairs and umbrellas at spots like Bugaloe Beach Bar or MooMba Beach Bar. Prices vary but expect to pay around $50-60 for two chairs and an umbrella for the day.

• Restrooms: Many beach bars and restaurants offer restrooms for paying customers. Some hotels and casinos along the beach also allow non-guests to use their facilities.

Pro Tip: While you can walk through most hotels in Palm Beach to get to the beach (except all-inclusive hotels, like RIU and Barcelo), the pools and chairs are off-limits unless you’re a guest.

When to Go to Palm Beach

Palm Beach is busy year-round, thanks to its proximity to the island’s major hotels and attractions. However, the beach is especially busy in the late afternoon and evening when visitors flock to the bars and restaurants for drinks, music, and unbeatable sunset views. If you prefer a quieter experience, head to the beach in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

Similarly, Palm Beach will be busiest during the high season (December to April) when tourists flock to Aruba for winter getaways. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the off-season (May to November).

No matter when you go, Aruba enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with temperatures averaging around 82°F (28°C). The island is also outside the hurricane belt, so you really can visit year-round, even during the Caribbean’s rainy season.

What to Pack for Palm Beach

Obviously there’s a lot to pack when you go on vacation. If you’re headed to Palm Beach as a day trip, here are a few essentials to bring:

• Sunscreen: Aruba’s sun is strong, so protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen. My favorite is Sun Bum – check it out on Amazon.

• Swimsuit: You’ll want to spend plenty of time in the water cooling down and enjoying how clear it is.

• Water shoes: If you plan to explore some rocky areas or nearby beaches, these will come in handy.

• A beach bag: Keep your belongings organized with a sturdy, beach bag.

• Hat and sunglasses: Essential for staying cool and protecting your eyes from the sun.

• Towels & Beach Gear: While you can rent chairs, bringing your own towel is always a good idea.

Where to Stay at Palm Beach

Staying at Palm Beach puts you right in the heart of Aruba’s busiest beachfront area. Choose from all-inclusive resorts with beachfront views, laid back adults-only hotels, or even more affordable stays. Palm Beach has something for everyone.

A few crowd pleasers are:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: For a luxurious experience, The Ritz-Carlton offers stunning oceanfront rooms, a world-class spa, and fine dining. Check out the Ritz-Carlton.

• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino: This iconic hotel offers beautiful beachfront accommodations and access to one of the island’s best casinos. Check out the Aruba Hilton.

• Barceló Aruba: An all-inclusive resort with beautiful grounds, multiple dining options, and a prime location right on Palm Beach. Check out the all-inclusive Barcelo.

• Riu Palace Antillas: This adults-only all-inclusive resort is the perfect place for adults looking for a quiet place to relax in style on the Palm Beach strip in Aruba. Check out the adults-only Riu Palace Antillas.