Located in the district of Noord roughly 6 kilometers northwest of Oranjestad, Palm Beach is a renowned Aruban coastal district defined by its resort atmosphere. Historically rooted in a coconut plantation leased for resort development in 1958, the area has evolved into modern Aruba's high-rise hotel center. Visitors reaching this northwest shoreline will find a bustling district anchored by expansive international resorts, complete with convenient access to nearby shopping malls, historical landmarks, and neighboring coastal points.
The beachfront setting offers direct access to high-rise accommodations and a adjacent commercial shopping area finished in 2009, featuring the Paseo Herencia and Palm Beach Plaza Mall. Historically inhabited by Arawak Caquetios Indians from 100 A.D. and later claimed by European powers, the area opened its first tourist office in 1947. Today, the high-rise district provides a full resort environment alongside proximity to nature sights like the nearby Bubali Bird Sanctuary and historical features like De Olde Molen windmill.
The destination provides easy connectivity to various coastal activities along Aruba's northern strip. While Palm Beach itself hosts major timeshares and luxury high-rise hotels, nearby spots offer specialized recreational focus. Just to the north, Hadicurari Beach is popular for kiting, while Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach cater to casual snorkeling. The district caters to resort vacationers, shoppers, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a base to explore neighboring beaches.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Road | Located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) northwest of Oranjestad in the district of Noord. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
High-rise hotel located along the Palm Beach resort corridor.
Major high-rise resort option situated in the Palm Beach district.
Luxury high-rise hotel complex located on Palm Beach.
High-rise resort accommodation set within the main district.
A high-rise timeshare hotel operating since 1983 on the site of the historic 1950s Hotel Basi-Ruti.
High-rise hotel property positioned directly in Palm Beach.
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- A major shopping district featuring Paseo Herencia and Palm Beach Plaza Mall is located right adjacent to the high-rise hotels.
- Nearby Hadicurari Beach is the primary hub for kiting activities just north of Palm Beach.
- Head to nearby Boca Catalina or Arashi Beach for popular snorkeling spots.
