Aruba

The Archaeological Museum of Aruba does a great job of curating artifacts, creating exhibits that trace the region's evolution, and teaching all visitors about the rich past of the Amerindian culture. — Afar Magazine

Hundreds of butterflies and moths from around the world flutter about this spectacular garden. — Fodor's

This is the island's most populated and popular beach running along the high-rise resorts and it's crammed with every kind of water sports activity and food and drink emporium imaginable. — Fodor's

You'll see aloe – the spiky desert plant that is the source of the healing and moisturizing aloe vera gel – sprouting up all over this island. — Lonely Planet

You'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to make the trek to this strip of coastline, which is famous for its backdrop of stunning sand dunes. — Fodor's

North of Boca Prins, there are two more stunning beaches – known as Dos Playa – that have been carved out of the rocky coastline by the pounding surf. — Lonely Planet

Named for its shape (hooiberg means "haystack" in Dutch), this 541-foot peak lies inland just past the airport. — Fodor's

The surrounding rocks break the surf so – with waves crashing all around – you can take a peaceful, cooling dip. — Lonely Planet

Everything you ever wanted to know about the world's largest living birds can be found at this farm and ranch. — Fodor's

One of the island's oldest edifices, Aruba's historic fort was built in 1796 and played an important role in skirmishes between British and Curaçao troops in 1803. — Fodor's

Built in 1962, this synagogue is the only Jewish house of worship on Aruba and strives to meet the needs of its Ashkenazi, Sephardic, European, North American, and South American worshippers. — Fodor's

You can view what is left of Aruba's onetime gold rush at the seaside ruins of a gold smelter; it's a great spot for photo ops...there is also a secret little natural pool nearby. — Fodor's