Best Places in Aruba

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon.

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at smcmahon@smartertravel.com.

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Caribbean-bound travelers choose the tiny island Aruba for more than just its idyllic beaches. This tiny Dutch territory off the coast of Venezuela packs plenty of adventure and style, from National Park and cave adventures to high-end eateries and colorful street art. The best places in Aruba aren’t what you might think.

Get off the beaten path in Aruba with these hotels, hikes, restaurants, and more.

Stay

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino for a private island with flamingos.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa for Eagle Beach-front yoga.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort for adult-only digs and white-sand dining.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino for Palm Beach waves and restaurants.

Eat

Zeerover for casual waterfront seafood and cold beer.
Wilhelmina for romantic world and local cuisine.
Craft for breakfast bowls and coffee, or craft beer.
Papiamento for Dutch-inspired fare and a historic setting.

See

Public beaches like famed Baby Beach and Eagle Beach
Oranjestad‘s colorful shops and port
San Miguel street art and galleries
Boca Prins lookout point

Do

Hike Arikok National Park and explore its caves
Sail and snorkel for a day with Tranquilo Tours
Witness Aruba’s Carnival celebrations
Shop Dutch & Caribbean goods at grocery stores

More from SmarterTravel:

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon visited Aruba as a guest of the Aruba Tourism Authority and JetBlue. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more travel advice.

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