Perched on the northwestern tip of Aruba is a gorgeous stone structure called the California Lighthouse. This majestic lighthouse offers the absolute best 360-degree views of the rugged island of Aruba and the stunning waters that surround it.

The History of California Lighthouse

The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a wooden British steamship. The ship was sailing from Liverpool to Central America carrying passengers, merchandise, furniture, and provisions. On a dark September evening in 1891, the ship wrecked.

According to local lore, the cargo that the ship was carrying was thrown overboard and later sold in Oranjestad.

Today, the wreckage is covered with coral, sponges, and is home to heaps of reef fish. It is one of the most popular diving sites in Aruba. The area is known for strong currents, hammerheads, and bull sharks and is recommended only for experienced divers.

The lighthouse was designed by a French dude and construction began in 1914. It took two years to complete the project. Since then, the lighthouse has remained active.

The lighthouse received a complete restoration in honor of its 100th anniversary.

What’s so cool about it?

Not only is this lighthouse absolutely stunning, but it also offers the best 360-degree view of the island. What’s even cooler is visitors can climb all the way to the top of Aruba’s most iconic building!

The lighthouse is open every day from 9:00 AM until 7 PM. The admission is $5 for one of the best cardio workouts of your life! We strongly suggest visiting during sunset!

Aruba has a couple of other lighthouses, if lighthouses are your jam.

• Fort Zoutman Lighthouse
• Seroe Colorado “Lighthouse”

In modern times, the lighthouse keeper’s house has been expanded and rebuilt into a top-notch, highly recommended Italian restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco.

What’s so cool about it?

Not only is this lighthouse absolutely stunning, but it also offers the best 360-degree view of the island. What’s even cooler is visitors can climb all the way to the top of Aruba’s most iconic building!

The lighthouse is open every day from 9:00 AM until 7 PM. The admission is $5 for one of the best cardio workouts of your life! We strongly suggest visiting during sunset!

Aruba has a couple of other lighthouses, if lighthouses are your jam.

• Fort Zoutman Lighthouse
• Seroe Colorado “Lighthouse”

In modern times, the lighthouse keeper’s house has been expanded and rebuilt into a top-notch, highly recommended Italian restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco.

But, as we all know, not all attractions are created equally.

Aruba is an anomaly. When I first started looking into visiting Aruba, I pictured it to be just like all of the other Caribbean islands. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean island I’ve been to. I was expecting lush green hillsides however, much of the island is actually a desert.

What is the Aruba Natural Bridge?

The Aruba Natural Bridge formed on the eastside of the island. The natural bridge was made from coral and limestone. It spanned approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet high making it one of the largest spans in the world! This natural wonder was the remnants of an ancient cave.

Have you caught on to the fact that I’ve been writing in the past tense? That’s because the natural arch collapsed on September 2, 2005.

The Aruba Natural Bridge, Today

Despite the collapse, tours still visit the site today. Next to the collapsed bridge, there is a second, smaller bridge. While the views here are impeccable, the bridge itself is kind of meh.

I mean…a natural bridge is just limestone and coral that’s been battered and beaten by waves until the point an arch is formed. I suppose if you’re really into geology it’s pretty awesome but if you’re just a normal person, like myself, it’s just a rock with a hole in it.

I will say, that we weren’t disappointed with our visit to the natural bridge. While it’s no longer a wonder of nature, the area itself is still drop-dead gorgeous. We took a moment to pause, sit, and just enjoy what mother nature has to offer.

We try to keep things light and positive on 5 Suitcases but honestly, a trip to the bridge isn’t really worth it if you’re crunched for time. But, if you’re in the area visiting the Ayo Rock Formations or the Gold Mill Ruins, you might as well make a pit stop.

Another Natural Bridge

Don’t fret! There’s another natural bridge! Wariruri Beach is home to a smaller, yet still super rad natural bridge. It’s easy to climb for picture sake. Wariruri Beach is located near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.

Local tour guides lead Jeep and ATV tours to the natural bridge which makes it busy, at times. Tours are typically on a strict schedule so the crowd most likely won’t last long.

Should I Visit Aruba?

If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island. If you are cruising, be sure to check out our recommendations for what to do with one day in Aruba. Our suggestions will make sure you see all of the best “One Happy Island” has to offer!

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Aruba, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao), is truly magical. Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Today, the island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch and ex-pats now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands).

“One Happy Island” is one of the easiest countries for new travelers to visit. The locals speaks English so communication is a breeze. The island is also really easy to navigate. With its near-perfect weather year round, it’s clear to see why so many people visit Aruba each year!

There are so many amazing adventures waiting to be had. There are tons of things to do here ranging from the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Natural Bridge, the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, and the Ayo Rock Formations. Oh, and of course there’s also the beach.

If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you’re going to need a place to stay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

5 Amazing Airbnbs in Aruba

Movida Inn

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests: 4
2 bedroom
2 bathroom

This recently renovated Caribbean-style home features a swimming pool with a whirlpool and a large solarium. The apartment is bright and spacious and comes well equipped with everything you might need.

The Movida Inn is less than 1/4 mile from Palm Beach and just an 8-minute drive from Eagle Beach. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Tibushi Gardens

Location: Oranjestad-West, Aruba
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

This gorgeous apartment is located just minutes from the top beaches, dining, shopping, casinos, and golf course. It is located in a safe and quiet neighborhood. The 475 square foot apartment has a private entrance, pool, and a patio with a barbeque.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Deluxe Pool View

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:4
1bedroom
1 bathroom

This stunning villa is the perfect space for your Aruba vacation. It is located in the exclusive Palm Beach area near the best beaches on the island. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Casa Carmella- Luxury Private Villa with Pool

Location: Palm Beach, Aruba
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

This brand new private villa is the perfect place for a couples retreat. There are a large private pool and outdoor oasis awaiting you. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants. It also located near Palm Beach and about 10 minutes from the popular Eagle Beach.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Villa Island Time

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:6
3 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms

This spacious villa features a private pool and is close to the beach, supermarkets, and the restaurants of Palm Beach. The villa has a large outdoor patio and deck area and is equipped with a BBQ.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

More on Aruba

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Aruba in a Nutshell

Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean. This island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands), it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then it has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.

What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.

If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island.

What did we do in Aruba?

We booked a tour with ABC Tours Excursions and had the absolute best time ever! From start to finish, it was absolutely incredible! The tour includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and adventure! You are carted around the island in a customized 4×4 Land Rover that will take you off-roading through the desert and skirt along the gorgeous, rocky coastlines. It is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done- and I’ve done some awesome things!

Our tour visited an Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formation, Arikok National Park, the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Ruins, the Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Light House.

Ayo Rock Formations

Our first stop was the Ayo Rock Formations, once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians. The natives used to visit the rock formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms. The caves are filled with paintings, or petroglyphs, which you are able to glance at. A walking trail and steps have been set around the rock formation so you are able to explore this natural wonder.

California Lighthouse

One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the California Lighthouse. It is open to the public to climb up to the top for panoramic views of the northern point. The lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

One of the coolest things we did while in Aruba was to visit an ostrich farm. Yes, an ostrich farm. In Aruba. If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop in. The ostriches are super excited to greet you and love the attention! You can even feed the ostriches, which was a neat experience.

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.

Natural Bridge

One of the most visited attractions in Aruba is the Natural Bridge. Although it collapsed in 2005, visitors still flock to the area for the incredible views. The arch, which spanned 25 feet, was the remnants of an ancient cave. The pools around it are absolutely stunning and offer stunning views of the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island.

Buhirbana Gold Mill Ruins

One of my favorite stops was the Buhiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This stunning structure is what is left of a Gold Mill built by the British in 1872 during the Gold Rush. Although you probably won’t find any gold here today, you will find absolutely incredible views and one of the most picturesque locations on the island.

Aruba is absolutely stunning and “small-town friendly”. I was so in awe of my surroundings throughout my entire visit. I cannot wait to go back to this incredible little island.

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While You’re in Aruba…

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