The short version
Parking is free almost everywhere in Aruba. Beaches, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions. No meters, no attendants, no tickets. The only exception is downtown Oranjestad, where meters run $1-2/hour. Even there, free spots exist if you walk an extra block.
Your only real challenge is timing at popular beaches. Palm Beach and Arashi fill up by mid-morning. Show up before 10am or wait until afternoon when the early crowd leaves.
Beach parking
Eagle Beach is the easiest. Free spots line the road for about a mile. You'll always find something, even if it means a two-minute walk to your preferred stretch of sand.
Palm Beach has limited public parking near the high-rise hotels. Most spots are taken by 10am. Try the lot near Moomba Beach or the street parking along the boulevard. Eagle Beach is nicer anyway.
Arashi has a small lot that fills fast on weekends. Overflow parking lines the road toward the California Lighthouse. You're only adding 50 meters to your walk.
Baby Beach has a proper lot with 50-odd spaces. Full by 9am on weekends and holidays. Weekdays, no problem.
The snorkeling spots (Malmok, Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi) have roadside parking only. A handful of spots each. People come, snorkel for an hour, leave. You'll find something.
Downtown Oranjestad
This is the only place with paid parking. Meters along the main shopping streets charge AWG 2-3/hour, about $1.50. They take coins and cards.
Free options: the Renaissance Mall garage gives you two hours with any purchase. The lot behind the bus station costs nothing. Side streets a few blocks from the action are free.
Cruise ship days jam the downtown. Check the port schedule before driving in. Or just come after 4pm when the passengers clear out.
Hotels and resorts
High-rise Palm Beach hotels usually include parking, but spaces fill up. Some charge $10-15/day for valet. Ask when you book.
Low-rise properties at Eagle Beach and Manchebo have more space and less hassle. Parking is typically free and available.
Visiting a hotel restaurant? Tell the gate you have a reservation. They'll let you park. Beach clubs sometimes charge non-guests $10-20 for the day.
Attractions
Arikok National Park: free lots at the entrance and trailheads. The Natural Pool parking area fits maybe 15 cars. Arrive early or wait.
California Lighthouse: free lot at the top, space for 30 cars. Gets busy at sunset.
Casibari and Ayo rocks: small free lots, room for 10 cars each. People don't linger. You'll get a spot.
Alto Vista Chapel: unpaved lot, maybe 15 spaces. Crowded only on Sunday mornings.
Supermarkets: huge free lots. Super Food and Ling & Sons are good landmarks if you're meeting people.
A few practical notes
Hide your stuff. Aruba is safe, but a visible bag invites a broken window. Put valuables in the trunk before you arrive, not after you park where someone might watch.
Smaller cars win. That Jeep handles Arikok but loses in tight beach lots. A compact fits anywhere.
Mark your spot. Beach parking areas look identical after a few hours in the sun. Drop a pin on your phone before you walk away.
Sand happens. Shake off your feet and towels before getting in. The rental company notices when you return a car that looks like a sandbox.
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