Surfside Beach
About
Surfside Beach runs along the coast just west of downtown Oranjestad, close enough to the cruise terminal that you'll see ships in the distance. It's a city beach — not the postcard-perfect stretch you'll find farther north, but it's calm, easy to reach, and locals actually use it. The 2025 Travelers Choice award and #19 ranking among Oranjestad activities suggest it holds up for visitors who want sand without the drive to Eagle or Palm Beach. The water stays shallow and protected, which makes it workable for families or anyone who just wants to cool off between errands in town. You'll find food trucks and a few vendors nearby, and the parking situation is straightforward. It's not where you'll spend your entire beach day, but if you're already in Oranjestad and have an hour to kill, it does the job without requiring a rental car or taxi fare.
At a glance
Editorial details coming soon.
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Photos
© Buibel via TripAdvisor© Buibel via TripAdvisor
© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor
© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor
© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor© victorgQ2315TI via TripAdvisor
Other beaches
© MrEMan2 via TripAdvisorAndicuri Beach
Andicuri Beach sits on the rugged northeast coast inside Arikok National Park, past the Ayo rock formations at the end of a bumpy dirt track. The surf here is rough — locals know it, and the currents mean swimming is off the table. What you get instead is a powerful, raw shoreline where waves crash into limestone cliffs and the trade winds blow steady. It's ranked #4 among park attractions, which reflects what it is: a dramatic lookout, not a place to wade in. The beach itself is a pocket of white sand framed by rock, and on a clear day the turquoise churn is worth the drive. Bring water and expect zero facilities — no shade, no bathrooms, no vendors. The access road requires clearance, so a rental sedan might scrape. If you're already exploring the northeast side of the park, it's a solid detour for the contrast to the calm beaches on the west coast.
Noord© rmiamoto via TripAdvisorArashi Beach
At the northwest tip, past the high-rises and just before the California Lighthouse. Calm clear water, a rocky entry on one end that's good for snorkeling, and a fraction of the foot traffic you'll see on Palm. A few palapas but no full facilities — bring water.
San Nicolas© BlueJayNYC via TripAdvisorBaby Beach
A shallow, almost-enclosed lagoon at the southern tip of the island in San Nicolas. The water rarely gets above waist-deep across most of the cove, which makes it the standard pick for families with toddlers or anyone uneasy in open water. Long drive from Palm Beach (45 minutes) but worth a day trip.
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