Oranjestad itself does not sit on a beach — the city waterfront is a harbour, not a swimming beach. The main beaches are a short distance away in both directions. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, Aruba's two flagship stretches of white sand, are 5–8 kilometres north of the city centre and are reached easily by bus, taxi, or rental car.
Closer to the city, Druif Beach and Manchebo Beach lie just south of town and are generally quieter than the Palm Beach strip. They have the same calm turquoise water and consistent trade winds that make the west coast of Aruba so reliable for swimming. The beaches here are wide and uncrowded by Caribbean standards.