New York City 4 hours

Boston 5 hours

Miami 3 hours

Philadelphia 5 hours

Los Angeles 8 hours

Chicago 5.5 hours

Dallas-Fort Worth 5.5 hours

San Francisco 9 hours

Oranjestad: Aruba's capital city is set along a scenic harbor and yachting port on the southwestern side of the island. Framed by charming, pastel-colored buildings built in the Dutch colonial style, thousands of tourists visit this picturesque city each day, arriving by cruise ship to explore downtown and Seaport Village, a hive of specialty shopping and souvenirs.

Palm Beach: Sheltered from the wind on the leeward side of the island, this hotel and tourist center features 7 miles of palmed, white-sand beaches. The warm and gentle Caribbean Sea is ideal for swimming, sailing, and other water activities.

San Nicolas: Located on the southeastern tip of the island, Aruba's second largest town was built during the island's oil boom in the early 1900s. The town has a British Caribbean heritage and is the birthplace of the island's Carnival festivities.

Savaneta: The oldest town in Aruba and the original capital, this active fishing village is situated on the southeastern coast of the island near Commander's Bay.

Cunucu: Relatively flat and barren, this rugged interior region of the island is dotted with aloe, cacti and dunes.

Aruba is a low-lying island with a dry climate and a desert-like interior. The west and southwest coasts have 7 miles of palmed, white-sand beaches. The east coast has a desolate, windswept shoreline of jagged rocks carved by the pounding surf. A number of species of desert plants are found, including prickly pear cactus and the divi-divi tree, an island icon.

Blessed with pleasant trade winds and located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba is one of the most temperate islands in the Caribbean. It receives less than 20 inches of rain annually, most of it as light showers immediately followed by sun during November and December. Ocean temperatures consistently average around 80°.

Spring average 75°

Summer average 84°

Fall average 77°

Winter average 74°

Any time is a good time to visit Aruba, as temperatures are warm throughout the year. January through March, however, are the most popular months to visit, as this is when northerners escape the cold. Also, this is Carnival season, a series of parades, music festivals and events leading up to Lent. If you prefer smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, then visit in summer. Water sports and swimming are excellent all year because of the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean.

Honeymoon! There's a little something for every couple on this "one happy island" (as stated on their license plates). Couples enjoy the casinos, beaches, dinner cruises, snorkeling, sailing or just strolling hand in hand through the glitzy town of Oranjestad.

Beaches: Aruba's plentiful beaches rank among the cleanest, widest, and most attractive of the Caribbean. The island's south coast is filled with public beaches, including: Druif Beach, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Machebo Beach and Arashi Beach. In addition, there are many secluded, small beaches along the northeast coast for sunbathing (swimming is not advised due to rough surf).

Casinos: Blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat—Aruba's casinos offer it all. Caribbean Stud Poker was invented here in 1988, and has skyrocketed in popularity—it offers players a progressive jackpot that can reach into hundreds of thousands of US dollars! Slot machines are alsoavailable. In general, gaming in Aruba runs from noon to just before dawn, although there are some casinos open 24 hours a day. The legal age for entry into a casino is 18. Try your luck here: Alhambra Casino & Aladdin Theatre, JE Irausquin Blvd 93; Casablanca Casino, Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, JE Irausquin Blvd. 77; Stellaris Casino, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, LG Smith Blvd.

Shopping: Sometimes called a shopper's paradise, the downtown area of Oranjestad is a great place to find luxury items, but excellent shops are also found at the larger hotels and the airport. Regular store hours are 8:00am to noon, and again from 2:30-6:30pm. Mall shopping is popular in Aruba. A few charming ones to try: Ports of Call Market Place; The Galleries; Strada I & II Mall; The Atrium and Holland Aruba Mall. Popular items to purchase in Aruba include electronics, jewelry, European crystal, fashion and designer items, liquor, linens, Dutch cheese, porcelain, perfumes and watches.

Jeep Adventure: Tour the island in your own four-wheel drive Jeep or as a passenger on an 8-hour guided adventure that takes you 4-wheeling through Aruba's spectacular countryside. See Aruba's seaside cliffs, caves, rock formations, and its barren, windswept beaches. A full-day tour includes snorkeling and lunch at De Palm Island.

Submarine Tour: Take a 50-minute underwater adventure and scenic harbor cruise in a state-of-the-art semi-submarine with an air-conditioned underwater observatory. On the narrated tour, view intricate coral reefs, marine life, and the wreckage of the Antilla, a 400-foot German freighter destroyed during World War II.

Sunset Cruise: Sail away on a romantic sunset cruise to dine and dance under the stars on a warm Caribbean night. Glide through the gentle seas aboard a 42-foot sailing vessel past Aruba's scenic coastline.

Land & Sea Activity Tours: A number ofdiving, fishing, and snorkeling tours bring you up close to Aruba's ecological wealth and diversity. Land adventures include archaeological, geological and biological excursions as well as bike tours, evening bird-watching, and photographic safaris. Other activity tours include tennis, golf, horseback riding, and even dune-sliding.

De Olde Molen: A picturesque Dutch windmill built in Holland in 1804. Shipped to Aruba in pieces, the windmill was reconstructed in the 1960s and now serves as a moderately priced restaurant with continental cuisine.

Fort Zoutman: Standing guard above the bay at Oranjestad, it was built in 1796 and is the oldest building on the island. It now houses a collection of Aruba's prehistoric and Dutch colonial artifacts.

Gold Mines: Gold was discovered on Aruba in 1825 and the remains of several mines and smelting works can be found at Kristalberg and Bushiribana, as well as the ruins of an old pirate castle.

Natural Bridge: Aruba's famous coral limestone bridge collapsed into the sea on September 2nd, 2005. It was one of the island's most popular attractions, but even though it no longer stands, there are other similar, but smaller, natural rock features along the coast of Aruba.

Arikok National Park: Near the center of the island, this nature preserve features rare cacti, tropical flowers, birds, iguanas, and divi-divi and kwihi trees. In the island's interior, Fontein and Guadiriki Caves have petroglyphs.

Aruba is well-known for its restaurants and nightlife. Befitting its multicultural heritage, Aruba offers a variety of ethnic cuisine and styles from traditional Italian and French fare to more exotic Argentinian and local Aruban delicacies. Authentic local dishes you are likely to encounter include pan bati (Aruban pancakes), calco stoba (conch stew), and keri keri (grated stewed fish).

Gourmet

Papimiento is set in an old plantation house in the country and offers island and Continental cuisine at its most imaginative. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting. Noord

Maison Mathilde offers fine, French-inspired cuisine (think Châteaubriand Béarnaise), and is housed in one of the few 19th-century dwellings kept entirely in its charming, original state. Oranjestad

Highly Recommended

Gasparito features original island fare. The works of local artists hang on the whitewashed walls as this top-notch Aruban restaurant does double duty as an art gallery. Gasparito 3

Ventanas del Mar overlooks the Tierra del Sol fairways and offers nourishment for all the senses: sweeping vistas of the golf course and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The traditional surf-and-turf menu is peppered with exceptional Caribbean classics, such as seafood ceviche. Malmokweg z/n

Local Flair

Mi Cushina means "My Kitchen" and is housed in a historically authentic building. The food, music, and original artifacts take you back to Old Aruba. Cura Cabai

The Flying Fishbone Restaurant combines European gourmet cuisine with the Caribbean charms of Aruba. Their on-the-beach dining area offers a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy a unique dining experience. Savaneta #344

Romantic

Le Petit Café transports you to a tiny Italian village with its ancient "Romancing the Stone," method of cooking over hot stones. Sample wonderful steak and seafood entrees prepared without fat or oils. Dine inside or out on the plaza terrace and, best of all, Thursday is "honeymoon night" when couples get a free bottle of wine! Emmastraat 1

Le Dôme offers Belgian and French cuisine in 4 unique dining areas (L'Orangerie, Mediterranean atmosphere; La Galerie, an outdoor seaview terrace; The Old World, with a collection of antiques; and the Salvador Dali Room.) JE Irausquin Blvd. 224, Eagle Beach

After the sun goes down, experience a whole new side of Aruba. Test your luck at one of the island's 11 casinos, a few of which are open 24 hours, or check out the bar and club scene which really comes to life during Spring Break. Nightly entertainment includes gaming action, water ballets, fashion shows, limbo and fire dances, steel bands, and discos. For those who prefer a more subdued evening, there are nightly cocktail parties, quiet strolls on the beach, and al fresco dining and drinks.

Aladdin Theater: Stages a variety of cabaret shows including Broadway musicals. Several casinos feature Las Vegas-style shows and many hotels host entertaining theme nights.

Crystal Casino: One of Aruba's most sensational and ornate gaming houses features a variety of table games and slot machines including a new intimate private salon hosting baccarat and high-stakes blackjack.

Seaport Village: Discover a casual gaming atmosphere, gourmet dining, outdoor cafés, shops, bars, and Desire, Aruba's most popular disco.

Tattoo Party Cruises: A memorable night of dancing and dinner under starry skies. As the midnight hour tolls, take the plunge off Tattoo's wild rope swing!

Cuba's Cookin': A 100% authentic Cuban experience in a restored 1877 cunucu home. This energetic neighborhood restaurant also features live Cha-Cha-Cha and La Trova music for an all night party!

Kukoo Kunuku (Bar Hopper Tour Bus): Head for favorite party spots like Arashi Beach and other local hangouts to enjoy champagne sunsets and have a jammin' night on the town aboard this colorfully hand-painted, open-air bus.

New Year's Day: An official holiday celebrated with midnight fireworks and firecrackers which, according to local legend, ward off evil spirits. Local musicians known as "Dande" stroll the streets singing good luck songs to greet the new year. January

Carnival: Starts two weeks before Lent and is the biggest event of the year. On the Sunday before Lent, the Grand Parade showcases Aruba at its colorful best, while other festivities include a children's carnival, street dancing, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. Aruba's Carnival celebration is the world's 3rd largest after Brazil and Trinidad. February

Queen's Day: Honors Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and includes many island-wide events such as parades, music festivals, kite flying contests, and sportings. April

St John's Day: Celebrates a successful harvest and includes folk dances and music. June

Aruba Reef Clean Up Project: A beach clean up program held to increase public awareness of the need to protect the island's fragile marine environment. July

Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament: Prestigious competition held at the Aruba Nautical Club. October

International Catamaran Regatta: Sailors from around the world descend on Aruba to compete. November

Christmas and Boxing Day (26th): Traditional island holidays featuring seasonal delicacies, family gatherings, and exchange of gifts. December

Bon Bini Festival: Every Tuesday evening, the Fort Zoutman Museum welcomes new arrivals on the island with food, dancing, folklore, and local arts and crafts. Year-Round

Very casual, loose-fitting natural fibers are the norm. Bathing suits and bare feet should be restricted to the pool and beach areas. In the evenings people tend to dress up, sports coats for men and dresses for women, especially when visiting the casinos and nightclubs.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Gambling/Drinking: You must be 18 years or older to enter a casino or to consume alcoholic beverages.

Water: Aruba's water is safe and refreshing. It is produced by the world's second-largest desalination plant.

Dutch is the official language, however, both English and Spanish are widely spoken on the island. The local language is called Papiamento, and is evolved from Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch with a sprinkling of African, English, and French.

The electric is 110 volts/60 cycles AC, the same as in the United States.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: Residents of the United States and Canada must present either a valid passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal along with a government issued photo ID. While a passport is not required, it is recommended since it is the best form of identification for speeding through customs and immigration. Tourists may be asked to present their return airline tickets.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Aruba Customs: Adult visitors 18 years of age and older may bring into the country up to 2 litres of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco as well as any personal items.

US Customs: Upon return to the United States you will receive a customs declaration form. United States citizens may bring into the country $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcohol may be brought in duty free, as well as five cartons of cigarettes.

Aruba Tourism Authority: LG Smith Boulevard 172, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean, phone (011-2978/2101923778, fax 011-2978/34702/30075

Atlanta: 199 14th Street NE, Suite 2008, Atlanta, GA 30309-3688, phone 404-89-ARUBA, fax 404-873-2193

Chicago: 5901 North Cicero, Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60646, phone 773-202-5054, fax 773-202-9293

Houston: 12707 North Freeway, Suite 138, Houston, TX 77060-1234, phone 281-87-ARUBA, fax 281-872-7872

Miami: 2344 Salzedo Street, Miami, FL 33144-5033, phone 305-567-2720, fax 305-567-2721

New York: 1000 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, NJ 07087, phone 201-330-0800 or toll-free 800-TO-ARUBA, fax 201-330-8757