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Three Miles of Paradise: Exploring Aruba’s Palm Beach Without a Car

There’s a moment on every vacation when you realize you’ve cracked the code. In Aruba, it usually happens when you notice your car keys are still back at home—and you don’t miss them at all. On an island where everything you want is within walking distance, “no car required” isn’t a limitation. It’s the luxury.

Mike Kennedy - Jan 27, 2026

Palm Beach is one of the most walkable, traveler-friendly stretches of coastline in the Caribbean, and the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club sits right at the heart of it all. Stay here, and suddenly the idea of renting a car feels unnecessary. Liberating, even. Everything you want—great food, crystal-clear water, and a perfectly mixed cocktail—is within a 10-minute walk.

Welcome to Aruba’s ultimate no-car-needed itinerary, starting right from the Surf Club lobby.

Vacations are supposed to make life simpler, not introduce a new set of logistics. Skipping the rental car means no navigating unfamiliar roads, no parking puzzles, and no surprise fees waiting at checkout. It also means you can say yes to another Balashi without doing mental math about who’s driving. Palm Beach’s flat terrain, shaded sidewalks, and lively energy make it ideal for walking. And because the Surf Club is so perfectly positioned, it becomes your natural hub—the place you return to between swims, snacks, and spontaneous adventures.

Stop 1: Gelato Worth the Walk (5 minutes)

Step out of the Surf Club lobby and head south along the beach path toward the Palm Beach Plaza area. Within five minutes, you’ll arrive at Gelatissimo Aruba, a longtime favorite for good reason.

This isn’t a “nice bonus” dessert stop—it’s a must. The gelato is rich, creamy, and made fresh daily, with both classic flavors like pistachio and stracciatella and tropical options that feel tailor-made for Aruba’s sunshine.

Pro tip: Gelato after dinner is excellent. Gelato before dinner is also excellent. This is vacation logic, and it holds up every time.

 

Stop 2: The Best Snorkeling Pier on Palm Beach (7–10 minutes)

From there, continue strolling south along the shoreline toward the Occidental Aruba Pier. While Palm Beach isn’t known for dramatic coral reefs, this pier is a pleasant surprise.

The pilings attract schools of colorful fish, and on calm mornings—especially early in the day—visibility can be excellent. Bring your own snorkel gear, walk over when the mood strikes, and enjoy the luxury of snorkeling without turning it into a half-day excursion.

No car. No planning. Just clear water and curiosity.

Stop 3: A Beach Bar That Gets It Right (8 minutes)

After snorkeling, you’ve earned a drink. A few more minutes down the beach brings you to 

Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant, a Palm Beach institution with just the right amount of personality. Moomba is casual in the best way: toes in the sand, live music most evenings, and a menu that understands its role in your vacation. Order an Aruba Ariba or a classic rum punch, settle into the shade, and watch kitesurfers skim across the water. When the sun starts to dip, your walk back to the Surf Club doubles as a sunset show.

Why Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club Changes Everything

In Aruba, happiness doesn’t require a pricey car rental or constant Uber rides. In fact, the ability to walk everywhere is a big reason to visit. The Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club isn’t just where you sleep—it’s your home base. Pop back in for a swim, a shower, or a mid-day recharge without planning your entire day around transportation.

When travelers book Surf Club stays through KOALA, they can save hundreds or even thousands when booking directly through the resort. Plus as a members only vacation club, these units are typically equipped with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and comfortable living areas. You get the peace of mind that comes with a professionally managed resort, paired with the flexibility modern travelers actually want.

KOALA exists to make vacations simpler, smarter and stress-free. Our stay-sharing marketplace connects timeshare owners who aren’t using their stays with travelers looking for a better way to vacation. No gimmicks. No guesswork. No catches. Just great stays at unbeatable rates.

 

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