Perched at the far northwest tip of Aruba, an island off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, the California Lighthouse was named for the steamship California that wrecked offshore in 1891.  

Aruba's specialty is an abundance of sun and sand that makes it a popular year-round vacation destination. The island, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, launched into tourism in the 1950s, and today the industry represents about 75 percent of the Aruban economy.  

Along Aruba's northern coast are caves that are easy to explore, although one named the Tunnel of Love requires a bit more commitment to navigate.  

Aruba's rocky northern coastline is noteworthy for its complete lack of buildings, or safe swimming beaches. But expert surfers are tempted by the coast's rugged waves.  

Beautiful Palm Beach on Aruba is a haven for sunseekers by day, but at dusk a number of hotels and restaurants roll out tables for private romantic dinners in the sand.  

Kiteboarding enjoys an ardent following in Aruba, and the shoreline just north of Palm Beach, called Hadicurari, is a dynamite location for enjoying the pros rocketing off the island's steady 15-knot breeze.  

Eagle Beach is one of Aruba's finest strands, broad and quiet—a perfect setting for Spa del Sol at Manchebo Beach Resort, where open-air gazebos tempt couples into soothing treatments.  

Surfside lies east of the island's capital, Oranjestad, and provides lagoon-calm water most days and is visited by a broad cross-section of travelers and locals. Located close to the foot of the airport runway, the big jets landing in the afternoon provide a quick thrill for those with steely eardrums.