Experience the best of idyllic Aruba at Palm Beach, the island's hot spot for relaxation, snorkeling and partying. This island nation has been inhabited for over 1,000 years but the Palm Beach area has seen a steep rise in tourism only in recent decades. Come to relax on the sun-drenched beach, try new watersports or invigorate your love of beach nightlife.

Spend warm Caribbean days along the beachfront, tanning, reading or enjoying the view. These golden sands, stretching along a 2-mile (3-kilometer) strip of Aruba's coastline, provide an ideal backdrop for a morning coffee along the promenade or a sunset walk with a loved one. Watch as the kids build sand castles or have a fruit smoothie at the restaurant on the pier.

Explore Aruba's underwater environment on a snorkeling or scuba-diving trip. Tours and equipment rental are available at a range of local operators. Explore the Caribbean Sea heading north to Boca Catalina and spot colorful fish making a home among the ruins of the Pedernales shipwreck. Tuberides, Jet Skiing and paddleboarding provide hours of fun and excitement around the beachfront.

Rent a bike and explore the well-developed Palm Beach promenade. Try international cuisine from a range of restaurants with views of the sea. Afterward, browse brand-name boutiques at Palm Beach Plaza, Aruba's largest shopping mall. Aside from hosting a range of international fashion shows, film festivals and live bands throughout the year, this mall also offers plenty of family fun. Shoot for a perfect game at the bowling center, relax at its world-class spa or watch a movie at the mall theater.

When the sun goes down, savor experimental cocktails at a beachfront bar and mingle with fellow travelers. Follow the music to late-night clubs. Casinos in the Palm Beach area offer slot machines and gaming tables.

Palm Beach is located on Aruba's northwest coast, just a 20-minute drive from Oranjestad, Aruba's capital. Get around on foot or by bicycle.