Oranjestad, the capital of the tiny island of Aruba, has long been a magnet for those looking for a slice of history to complement their Caribbean beach vacation. Other than when the cruise ships hit the docks, the town is surprisingly low-key. The colorful colonial Dutch architecture is exquisite, as is the park which hugs the waterfront. When you stay at an Oranjestad vacation rental, you can listen to the sounds of Aruba at the weekly Bon Bini Festival, shop till you drop in the surprising number of independent boutiques, or hit the gorgeous beaches for water sports and sunbathing.
Are you hoping to discover top things to see and do in the city? Travelers enjoy fun activities like snorkeling and swimming. Venture out of your vacation home and check out everything that Oranjestad has to offer. These are some of the major attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
You could easily while away your days riffling through the mom-and-pop shops that flank the main drag, but there's plenty going on for those looking for a little more excitement. If you hop aboard one of the daily fishing charters, you can spend a challenging day catching powerful sailfish and tuna. If that's not your thing, you can learn to launch your kite and glide across the surf, or attach flippers and mask to dive into the deep and see exotic fish among the remains of a WWII German freighter. Landlubbers can lace up their boots to hike up the Hooiberg, a volcanic formation just outside the city.
The busiest time in Aruba is between December and March, when the weather is warm and families escape the winter blues back home. It gets particularly busy around the festive season, so book up quick if you want to see some winter sun over Christmas. That said, this Caribbean island lies well outside the hurricane belt and suffers little chance of storms. If you bag an Oranjestad vacation rental between April and August, when the prices take a nosedive, you'll still have gorgeous weather, the beaches will be emptier and the year-round trade winds mean water sports like windsurfing are still on the cards.
Other than the surrounding sea, where snorkelers and divers are treated to the fascinating sights of coral beds and marine life, there are few places better for wildlife viewing than Aruba's Arikok National Park. If you join a park ranger for a hike, or horseback ride through the rugged park made up of unique limestone and lava formations, you'll come across plenty of the island's indigenous flora and fauna. Look out for Aruban cat-eyed snakes and whiptail lizards on the ground, and don't miss catching a glimpse of Aruban parakeets and burrowing owls.
The nearest airport is in Queen Beatrix Intl. Airport (AUA), located 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from the city center.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now that's a vacation. Now's the time to pack your suitcase and retreat to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Oranjestad:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Oranjestad vacation rental for you.
Escape the daily grind at one of our weekend getaways in or near Oranjestad. Whether you want to catch up with friends or spend treasured time with the fam, we'll have something to suit your style. These are some of our top-rated options:
Sometimes, you've just got to escape from it all, even if it's only for one or two days. Experience a nice combination of relaxing and exploring at one of these short-term rentals in or around Oranjestad:
Nothing says "I love you" quite like a romantic weekend together. If you'd like to spend a couple of relaxing evenings away with your beloved, we've got some romantic getaways in and around Oranjestad that will set your hearts aflutter:
Nothing says "best vacation evvv-er" like staying in a mansion. Treat your nearest and dearest to a memorable getaway at one of these mansions for rent in or near Oranjestad:
Nothing screams fun and frivolity like a pool does. Dust off your flamingo floatie and check out these rental houses in or near Oranjestad that feature this vacation perk:
Wondering what the weather is like in Oranjestad? It has a semi-arid climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 80 ºF to 80 ºF. If you're chasing a little more inspiration on places to stay in this amazing destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to check out our entire selection of Oranjestad vacation rentals.
You'll always have more fun sharing those special memories with the folks that are closest to your heart. Whether you're planning a family get-together or taking time out with your best friends, Vrbo has a large vacation rental that suits you. These are two of our best in and around Oranjestad:
If you're eager to visit some family-friendly attractions in the area, you won't have far to go. Butterfly Farm, Donkey Sanctuary and Bushiri Karting Speedway promise lots of fun for all the crew.
Escape the daily grind and treat your loved ones to a vacation of a different kind. Stay in one of these family cabin rentals in or near Oranjestad and get the camping experience — but with all the creature comforts!
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Oranjestad vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.
Idyllic romantic getaways, work trips or solo adventures — a single-bedroom vacation property suits all sorts of occasions. One of our options in or near Oranjestad is sure to impress:
At Vrbo, we've got properties in or near Oranjestad to suit everyone's needs. Here are a couple of our favorite two-bedroom options to consider: