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Nightlife

Aruba's casinos, dance clubs, shows, bars, and beachfront lounges are widely regarded as some of the Caribbean's best, and are just some of the options that keep night owls – from partying spring-breakers to letting-loose lawyers – going till dawn. L.G. Smith Boulevard, along the harbor in Oranjestad, is packed with bars, making for a convenient bar crawl. We've highlighted some of our favorite nightspots both in the capital and beyond to help you make the most of your evening hours here.

Hitting the slots or playing the tables are two of Aruba's most popular pastimes, and several of the flashy casinos here stage Las Vegas-style shows as well. Casablanca Casino is home to the Havana Tropical Show (Westin Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino; 877/822-2222), while The Casino (Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino; 297/586-6555) has live music Wednesday through Saturday. Crystal Casino (Renaissance Aruba Resort; 297/583-6000) is home to the well-received Let's Go Latin; serious gamers will like Stellaris Casino (Aruba Marriott Resort; 297/586-9000), a mega casino with a rowdy table crowd; and Royal Cabana Casino (La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort; 297/587-9000) offers bingo and a theater that rotates various acts.

For sunset snacks and cocktails on the water, the setting at Pinchos Bar & Grill (L.G. Smith Blvd. 7; 297/583-2666) is unmatched – you may even recognize it from The Bachelor (2005), when Charlie wooed one of the final female contestants here. With its superb over-water alfresco setting complete with candlelit waterside tables and cushioned swings, lovebirds can canoodle over a bottle of wine and a tasty selection of skewer samplers (called pinchos). Blue (Renaissance Aruba Resort, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82; 297/583-6000) is a stylish and laid-back bar that makes a great start to a night out or end to a day out; people-watch and munch on tasty tapas while friendly mixologists shake up smooth cocktails. Kokoa Beach Bar (De Palm Pier; 297/586-2050) is the best spot for some après-sun socializing with a thatched-roof palapa-style bar and a bikini-clad clientele throwing back frosty cocktails at happy hour (3pm-5pm). Scandals (L.G. Smith Blvd. 9; 297/583-4488) is a casual restaurant that doubles as a trendy bar at night, with an eclectic mix of music, tropical cocktails, and menu with everything from escargot-pesto salad to traditional burgers. For a night out on the water, Tattoo Party Cruises (De Palm Pier between the Aruba Grand and the Radisson; 8pm; $39; www.arubatattoo.com;) offers 4-hour dinner cruises on a bona fide floating nightclub with a buffet dinner and drinks that start at $1.

Nightcrawlers can't miss Carlos'n Charlie's (Westraat 3-A; 297/582-0355), a hopping sombrero-studded bar that attracts a younger crew who dig the massive mixed drinks and great frozen margaritas (in glasses that double as souvenirs); the speakers blast retro tunes from the '60s to the '80s and patrons can even try out svelte Latin moves with free merengue lessons offered on select nights. Moomba Beach (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 230; 297/586-5365; www.moombabeach.com) touts a cool beachfront location and a young crowd that make this hot party place happening day and night. No shirts or shoes are necessary and bartenders pour fruity coconut-and-banana-infused libations until dawn. Havana Beach Club (LG Smith Blvd. 1; 297/582-0153) offers a sports bar vibe with big-screen TVs, pool tables, and dart tables; two large decks overlook a sandy volleyball court and, on Monday nights, you can catch a movie right on the beach – just pay $3 for your own beach chair.Don't miss the monthly Full Moon Party here for some additional mayhem.

For music, try Sopranos Piano Bar (L. G. Smith Blvd. 477; 297/586-8622), named after the hit HBO series, and order a dirty martini while joining a Tony Bennett sing-a-long by the Baby Grand.

See Aruba Travel Guide