Aruba 5-Day Itinerary: One Happy Island Escape from NYC Winter

[Leggi in italiano 🇮🇹] – Updated to Feb 2026

I love winter: ski days, snow falling outside, hot chocolate in hand.

I also love knowing that, in just a few hours, I can leave freezing NYC behind and step into a tropical paradise. That contrast alone makes me happy.

Aruba is only about 5 hours from New York City, which makes it one of the easiest winter escapes when you need a real reset without taking two weeks off.

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Nicknamed One Happy Island, Aruba truly lives up to its name

• It’s the sunniest island in the Caribbean and always breezy: weather perfection!
• Home to breathtaking beaches with alabaster sand and turquoise waters
• Incredibly welcoming, with over 75 nationalities and locals who often speak four languages
• One of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with less than 1% crime and less than 3% unemployment rates… who wouldn’t be happy?!

Flying to Aruba from NYC

Aruba is well connected to the US, with direct flights from New York City and other major hubs throughout the year.

Before booking, I always set Google Flights alerts to track price changes and spot the best deals. For this trip, flying nonstop from JFK was the easiest and most time-efficient option.

Where to Stay in Aruba for a Perfect 5-Day Trip

We spent 4 nights at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, a beautifully renovated boutique resort with 72 rooms, located directly across Eagle Beach, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world and named #1 beach in the Caribbean and among the top beaches worldwide by Tripadvisor.

This location is a win.

• About 15 minutes from Aruba’s Airport
• Just minutes from downtown Oranjestad
• Direct access to Eagle Beach
• Home to Passions on the Beach, one of the most romantic toes-in-the-sand restaurants on the island

To find the best option for your dates, you can also compare rates and availability on Booking.com.

📌 Aruba 5-Day Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrival + sunset cocktails
• Day 2: Private Jeep tour exploring the island
• Day 3: Eagle Beach + slow beach day
• Day 4: Luxury lagoon cruise + beachfront dinner
• Day 5: One last beach stroll + departure

This itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Aruba without rushing, balancing adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable sunsets.

Is 5 Days Enough in Aruba?

Yes, 5 days in Aruba is the perfect amount of time to experience the island without feeling rushed.

It gives you enough time to explore beyond the beaches, enjoy a full island tour, slow down on Eagle Beach, and still fit in a special experience like a sailing or lagoon cruise. Longer stays are lovely, but 5 days is ideal for a first trip.

Do You Need a Car in Aruba?

You don’t need a car in Aruba if you choose your base wisely.

Staying near Eagle Beach or Palm Beach makes it easy to get around using tours, taxis, or hotel pickups. For island exploration days, guided experiences like Jeep tours are a stress-free way to see the highlights without driving yourself.

Day 1: Arrival and Happy Hour Cocktails Overlooking the Ocean

After landing, slow down immediately. This first evening is all about easing into island time.

Take in the breathtaking sunset while sipping your very first tropical cocktail, with the ocean right in front of you. That golden light, the breeze, the sound of the waves.

We were also able to take a quick barefoot walk on Eagle Beach before dinner, followed by a relaxed meal on the penthouse suite’s balcony overlooking the ocean… so dreamy!!!

If you’re a night owl, you’re in the right place! The island is home to 12 Aruban Casinos and is often called the Las Vegas of the Caribbean!

Day 2: Explore Aruba Through the Eyes of a Local

The best way to truly get to know Aruba is by hopping into an open-air Jeep adventure with a local guide.

You can book the Private Aruba Jeep Tour: Exciting Attractions and Panoramic Views through Viator. It’s a private, off-road Jeep experience that takes you across Aruba’s most scenic and rugged areas. Bonus: Viator offers a Lowest Price Guarantee (if you find the same tour cheaper online up to 48 hours before your trip, they’ll refund the difference!!!).

This tour is all about seeing a lot and understanding how diverse Aruba really is.

The route includes Arikok National Park, which covers almost 20% of the island and feels completely untouched, followed by the dramatic Ayo Rock Formations, a sacred site once used by Aruba’s original inhabitants. Then you’ll stop at Alto Vista Chapel, the oldest church on the island, built in 1750 and perched above the sea. Peaceful, photogenic, and full of history.

From there, the adventure continues along the raw eastern coastline, stopping at places you’d never reach without a Jeep. Andicuri Beach, wild and windswept. The Baby Natural Bridge, shaped over thousands of years by crashing waves. The historic Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, reminders of Aruba’s gold-rush past with sweeping ocean views.

One of the highlights is the Natural Pool, located inside a rocky cave. Cool, clear water, surrounded by cliffs. Adventurous and unforgettable.

You’ll also pass Blackstone Beach, the only black-sand beach in Aruba, the iconic California Lighthouse with 360-degree views, and hidden coastal spots like Shark Bay, Tripod Bridge, and Wariuri Beach, where the landscape feels almost lunar.

The tour even includes a stop at Philip’s Animal Garden, a rescue sanctuary home to more than 60 rescued animals.

The tour includes hotel or port pickup, refreshments, and refreshing towels, and since it’s completely private, it can be customized to match your interests and the time you have available. It’s especially perfect for cruise ship passengers and first-time visitors who want to see all the highlights in one day without feeling rushed.

We also stopped by at the ArtisA Center in San Nicolas for a Mural Tour with Tito, the gallery’s founder. Another incredible way to dive deeper into Aruba’s culture, art, and history. It’s so interesting!!!

After a full day of exploring, Aruba’s food scene did not disappoint. We had dinner at Quinta del Carmen, dining under the stars in their lush garden. The perfect end to an adventure-filled day.

And if you’re in the mood for something unexpected, stop by Apotek. You describe your “symptoms,” and the mixologist prescribes the perfect cocktail. Fun, creative, and very Aruba.

Day 3: Relax on the beach

Aruba is known for its crystal-clear water and white beaches, so we planned to spend the entire day under a private palapa on Eagle Beach.

We started the morning with a beach yoga class, followed by an Instagram-worthy breakfast picnic bedsides two iconic divi divi trees, famous for their distinctive windswept shape, sculpted over time by the island’s constant trade winds.

Well, that was the plan…

Just as we were soaking in pure bliss, the sky opened up and it started to rain, so ran back to the resort across the street. Instead of fighting it, we leaned into the moment and spent the rest of the day filming around the colorful Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, turning a rainy afternoon into a creative one.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Horizon Lounge, watching the sky shift colors as the rain cleared; so peaceful!!!

Best Beaches to Visit in Aruba

While Eagle Beach is gorgeous, Aruba’s coastline offers a range of vibes. Palm Beach is livelier and great for water activities, Baby Beach is ideal for snorkeling and shallow water swims, and Mangel Halto is perfect for calm, scenic snorkeling.

Day 4: Experience Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise and dine at Passions on the Beach

I personally LOVE sailing, so I 100% recommend booking the Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise with Pelican Adventures: we had an absolute blast!!!

You cruise along the stunning southern coast of Aruba aboard a luxury schooner, with crystal-clear water all around and the dreamy Spanish Lagoon stealing the show.

On board, it’s pure island bliss. Unlimited drinks from the open bar, fresh fruit, a buffet lunch, and plenty of space to relax. Stretch out on the lounge areas, lie on the bow nets over the water, listen to the music, or get up and dance (which we obviously did).

The experience also includes a snorkeling excursion at some of the island’s best spots, with gear and assistance provided, plus a super fun rope swing before the boat heads back. Easy, carefree, and so much fun. Honestly, this was probably the highlight of our trip.

We wrapped up our last night in Aruba with dinner at Passions on the Beach, dining toes in the sand as the sun set over the ocean. One of the most breathtaking sunsets we’ve ever seen.

We then danced the night away at Mambo Jambo, a premier cocktail bar in the heart of Palm Beach. Make sure to add it to your list. A perfect way to end an unforgettable day, and an unforgettable trip.

Day 5: Stroll on the beach one last time before departure

Take a slow walk along the beach one last time, breathing in the ocean breeze and soaking it all in. Just watch out for kids splashing water and the trade winds trying to steal your sunhat.

Head back to your room for a quick shower, then it’s time to pack up and say goodbye.

Pro Tip: packing cubes are a game changer. You’ll be packed in minutes and still get to enjoy your vacation until the very last second (see all my packing tips here).

Heads up: food options at Queen Beatrix International Airport are a little limited. I ended up grabbing Panda Express, and there’s also a VIP lounge if you want a more relaxed pre-flight experience.

Wait… isn’t Aruba known for its flamingos?

Yes… and no.

Many people visit Aruba specifically to take photos with Caribbean flamingos on the private Renaissance Island, also known as Flamingo Beach. Access to the island is included if you stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, or via an Island Pass for non-guests.

Good to know about Island Passes:
• Every Saturday at 9am, Island Passes open for the upcoming Sunday through Saturday
• The island is completely cashless, so plan accordingly

That said, flamingos are not native to Aruba. They were brought from nearby islands like Bonaire or Curacao to create a tourist attraction. Over time, they’ve become dependent on human care and wouldn’t survive if released back into the wild now.

Even though Flamingo Beach would likely be a unique experience, we personally chose to skip it. Aruba offers so many natural, unfiltered moments that felt more aligned with the kind of trip we wanted to have.

Is Aruba Expensive?

Aruba can feel pricey, however it’s very manageable with smart planning.

Flights, dining, and activities vary widely, and you can easily balance splurge experiences with relaxed beach days. Traveling outside peak season and booking experiences in advance helps keep costs under control.

Is Aruba a Good First Caribbean Trip?

Absolutely. Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean destinations for first-time visitors thanks to its safety, great infrastructure, reliable weather, and variety of experiences. It’s perfect if you want crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, and memorable activities without complicated logistics

Is Aruba safe for couples and solo travelers?

Yes. Aruba is consistently rated as one of the safest Caribbean islands, with low crime and a strong tourism infrastructure. That makes it ideal for both couples seeking relaxation and solo travelers looking for adventure.

What to pack for Aruba (Carry-On Only)

I traveled wearing jeans, a bodysuit, a shirt, a jean jacket and sneaker, and I was able to fit everything else into one carry-on and one backpack (see all my must-haves + packing tips here)

Here’s exactly what I packed (as an inspo for your carryon).Clothes
• 3 evening dresses + 3 summer dresses
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 tops
• 2 beach coverups
• 1 PJ (or sleep dress)
• 4 swimsuits
• 5 pairs of underwear + bras
• 3 pairs of socks
• Light or jean jacket

Shoes & accessories
• 2 pairs of sandals (everyday + dressy)
• Flip flops
• Non-expensive jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Extra beach or tote bag

Toiletries & essentials
• Travel-size sunscreen + after-sun cream
• Travel-size bug repellent
• Travel essentials + makeup
• Phone + charger

If you’re into photography (like me):
• Laptop + charger
• Camera
• Camera lenses
• Tripod
• Drone

And yes… everything fit into a carry-on and a backpack only.

If you want to see how I packed it all (and how I made it work), watch the Reel below 👇

When should I visit Aruba?

Aruba is one of those rare destinations where the weather is great all year round. You can expect temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, with steady trade winds that keep things comfortable (and help keep mosquitoes away).

The rainy season runs roughly from October to January, though showers are usually brief. Personally, I’d skip November and December, when rain chances are a bit higher and prices start climbing.

The busiest season is from December through April, especially around holidays. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and better value, May to September is a great window. June is especially fun thanks to the Summer Music Festival, which brings great energy to the island.

That said, one event is absolutely worth planning around:  Aruba Carnival Held in February, it’s the biggest celebration of the year, with parades, music, dancing, and nonstop color. An unforgettable way to experience the island’s culture.

I’m already thinking about going back for Carnival… who wants to join me? 🎉🌴

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Aruba

What’s the best area to stay in Aruba for 5 days?
Eagle Beach is ideal if you want a quieter, more relaxed stay with easy access to the beach and quick rides to dining and activities.

Is Eagle Beach better than Palm Beach?
Eagle Beach is calmer and less crowded, while Palm Beach is livelier and closer to nightlife. It depends on the vibe you’re looking for.

When is the best month to visit Aruba?
May through September offers fewer crowds and better value, while February is perfect if you want to experience Carnival.

Is Aruba safe for couples and solo travelers?
Yes. Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.

Can you visit Aruba without booking tours?
Yes, however guided tours are a great way to see remote areas and make the most of your time, especially on a shorter trip.

This Aruba 5-day itinerary is updated regularly to reflect the most current tours, experiences, and travel tips.