Donkey at Two Foot Bay, Barbuda (Textor)
Aruba, a southern Caribbean island on Venezuela's maritime doorstep, is known for its embrace of mass tourism, its hot, bone-dry weather, and its beautiful beaches. As the semi-autonomous Dutch territory has increased its tourism facilities over the last several decades, it has become relatively well-off. Aruba retains a bit of a Dutch feel, though you'll be more likely to overhear locals speaking Papiamentu, the local creole tongue shared with Bonaire and Curaçao.
Aruba's beaches take up the lion's share of its focus on tourism, which is both undertandable and unfortunate—understandable due to their undeniable beauty, and unfortunate because there's so much more to see. Other heavily-marketed draws include the island's shopping and gaming facilities and its water-based (diving, snorkeling, booze cruise) activities. Much of capital Oranjestad is outfitted for tourism, although there are some interesting nooks and crannies, a beautiful park, and some monuments to check out as well.
Outside of Oranjestad, the hotel-heavy High Rise District, and other built-up stretch of coastline between these two spots, Aruba remains relatively underexplored. The town of Noord is relaxed, and much of the island's interior presents a dramatic desert landscape. The island's highest point, Mount Jamanota, can be accessed by back roads and a short hike. At an elevation of over 600 feet, its peak offers great views of the island.