Celebrating Anniversary in Aruba at the end of July. We are staying at the Marriott Stellaris Casino (close to the Ritz). Looking for some advice and recommendations.

Should I rent a car? Especially if wanting to explore the island. Or, are Taxis/Ubers available and easy to get around. Do guided Tours to explore?

Restaurant recs appreciated, we LOVE to eat!

First time to Aruba, so any travel tips, recommendations, or any general advice is appreciated!!!

Aruba is very windy!

There is some public transportation that is easy to get around, but it doesn't go everywhere. Maybe not need the entire time but wouldn't hurt for a few days.

Pretty sure your hotel has an on-site car rental desk, I know the Ritz does because I just had clients there and they took advantage of it. I'm 99% sure your hotel does as well but that's the most convenient option. There are also a few companies on the island that will deliver cars to your hotel. Definitely recommend booking ahead though, especially if you want a 4x4 jeep.

As far as restaurants go, my clients have all loved Lima Bistro and Madame Janette. Zeerover is another great option, they serve fish caught that day and you get to pick it out at the counter.

Last time we went, Ocean Z was the best meal of the trip. On the opposite side of the island, Flying Fishbone is a solid restaurant and a cool experience when the tide is up. Papiamento's is on the fancier side, also has really good food. For casual, Lola Taqieria has good tacos (we usually walk there from Marriot Surf Club). Can't go wrong with any of those.

Rent a 4x4. It's the only way to see all the island.

Stayed at the same hotel a handful of years ago. I think they do a dinner on the beach which was pretty good iirc.

Wine room was good if it's still around. Requires reservations. It wasn't great great, but was pretty good. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147248-d3910076-Reviews-The_Wine_Room-Oranjestad_Aruba.html

Randoms:
1) the casino next door at ritz is much better and worth the walk if you are into casinos. Captain obvious.
2) if you have to visit the flamingo island, it's worth considering getting a room at the renaissance for the day/night you plan on visiting. It's a private island open to guests at the renaissance, but the public can pay for day passes as they open up on a portal (iirc). The difference in price between the day passes and nightly rate wasn't too much to be worth avoiding the hassle of trying to get day passes etc. if you do go, most people get off the boat and go to the left towards the gift shop side. Go to the right.
3) try fly boarding if you haven't. At the time there was one right outside the hotel. The guy down the beach by a big pier was no bueno. But the guy in front of the hotel was good (this has obviously likely changed in the years since).

Aruba is One of my favorites so far for beach vacays considering beach and amenities available. Enjoy the trip!

Thanks everyone! Any more "Activity", or Island Exploration recommendations would be appreciated!!!

We are going back the first week of August staying at the new St. Regis but we honeymooned at the Marriott you are staying at 25 years ago. As mentioned above rent a car if you want to explore (which I recommend), otherwise you can walk down Palm Beach to a lot of restaurants and bars; Smokey Joe's is one we go back to.

If you golf Tierra del Sol is not far away near the lighthouse; windy of course but it has some amazing views of the windward side of the island.

I also honeymooned there 25 years ago and stayed at the hotel that ferries you to the private island. Great snorkeling.

We rented a scooter and it was safe and a fun way to see the island.

We were there last week as well. It was the first international trip for the kids (8&10) so very different from an adult only trip but still had a great time.

First day did eagle beach all day. It was busy but nice. Snorkeling was okay but didn't see anything too interesting. Second day we drove around the whole island. California lighthouse, the national Park, caves, wind farm, baby beach, etc. Third day we did palm beach and enjoyed that more than eagle beach. Honestly spent most of the trip trying to catch lizards and crabs with my youngest but we all had a good time and will probably go back next summer.

Thanks guys. Heading out Friday. Cant wait to try all the recs!

Reporting back...LOVED Aruba! The Trade Winds, made it very pleasant, not hot, no bugs! The Marriott Stellaris was great, right next to the Ritz, and in my opinion, better beach, better situated, was really nice.

We rented a car, which I recommend. We hit all highlights mentioned. We spent most of the time at the resort on Palm Beach, but recommend Mangel Halto Beach. It is kind of local hang out, not crowded, water was beautiful and easy access and parking. Baby Beach and Eagle Beach were crowded, we did a pass to look at them, but did not get in the water. Found out you need a 4 wheel drive to see Natural Pool, and Natural Bridge, so we did not do. I hear the Pool is cool, but can skip the Bridge.

We did the 2 1/2 hour snorkel with Pelican Adventures. It was fast and easy, and only $70/person. The snorkel in Aruba was not great, but recommend these guys if want to do. Free drinks and some snacks.

Favorite restaurants were Madam Jeanettes, Papiamento, and Flying Fishbone. Really surprised at the amount of Beef on the menus, and how good it was! A lot of places are closed on Sunday's, keep that in mind. I really wanted to eat at Zeerover's, but we showed up at 12:30 on Sunday (most other places closed) and the line was very long. We waited in line 20 minutes, and line did not move so we left...

Thanks for all the recs, would go back!

Linda's Dutch Pancake was really good too! Bacon and cheese pancake with side of eggs. Could have eaten for breakfast every day