We ended up at DaaiBooi Beach Curaçao while exploring the west side, and it’s known for being a more local beach compared to some of the bigger spots on the island. It’s set in a smaller cove, which makes it feel a little more tucked away, but still easy to get to with a paved road the whole way. We found a spot pretty quickly and got settled without any issue.
If you’re mapping out your beach days, this is the kind of stop that fits into a bigger plan like my West Side Beach Hopping in Curaçao: Porto Mari & Grote Knip Guide.
Driving over here, the road stays paved the whole time, even though there were some very large potholes so beware. It’s on the west side of the island, and getting here is straightforward if you have a car.
We had already been driving around most of the day, and this was an easy add-on stop without needing to plan around it.
If you’re planning to explore like this, renting a car here makes it easier to move between beaches without thinking too hard about timing.
Walking down toward the beach, it felt more local right away. There were a mix of people hanging out, some grabbing drinks, and others already in the water.
It’s not as built up or busy as some of the more popular beaches, which made it feel a little more relaxed from the start.
The cove is small, with a mix of sand and a rocky shoreline that’s noticeable as soon as you get closer to the water.
There’s not a ton of space between setups, so if you’re arriving earlier in the day, expect it to feel tighter once it fills in.
We grabbed chairs for a few dollars each, and even later in the day, shade was still limited unless you rent an umbrella, which was around $15 when we were there. The setup is simple, but it works good (which, honestly, is all I want at a beach—I’m just trying to sit down and start my snack and relax immediately).
The first few steps into the water are rocky enough that you’re paying attention to every step.
This is where having water shoes makes a big difference…I was very glad I had them so my feet didn't get annihilated.
Once you’re past that entry, the water clears up and feels good, so it’s just getting in that takes a minute.
We brought our snorkel gear in with us and stayed out for a bit, and there’s enough to see to make it worth getting in. The water is clear, and fish are easy to spot once you’re out there.
It’s not the strongest snorkeling we had on the island, but it was still a good, easy spot to swim around for a while.
If snorkeling is a priority, you’ll want to read Best Snorkeling in Curaçao: Top Spots You Can’t Miss to compare this with other beaches.
There were still a few water activities going on when we got there, but it started calming down as the afternoon went on.
It felt more active at first, then shifted into a quieter setup closer to sunset once people started leaving.
Parking is easy and paved, and getting in and out is simple (just don't lose your car in a pothole ha).
There’s a small snack bar with drinks, slushies, and basic food, plus bathrooms and WiFi (the password is long but posted). This food will not be life changing but if you are in a pinch is convenient.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it
We got there late afternoon and stayed through sunset, and that timing ended up working in our favor.
As people started leaving, the beach opened up more, and it finally felt like there was space to relax without feeling packed in.
This works well if you want a more local-feeling beach that’s easy to add into your route without committing your whole day.
It’s less ideal if you’re looking for soft sand, easy water entry, or a quiet setup where you can fully check out for hours.
It’s a more local beach, easy to get to, and simple to settle into without much planning.
It’s not the most standout beach on the island, but it works well as part of a beach hopping day. If you’re trying to decide where to prioritize my blog, Best Beaches in Curaçao (with Map + Tips) breaks them all down to help you decide which one is for you.
If you’re figuring out where to stay, browsing hotels here can get you a great deal and keeps you within reach of both restaurants and the west side beaches.
We made it count while we were there though—rocky entry and all (I guess you could say we rocked it… okay I’m done).
Haywood Smokehouse is the BBQ spot that ruins you for every other BBQ spot. Lean brisket so tender it doesn’t need the fat, fried pork ribs you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t sleep on the banana pudding for dessert.
Save this before your next Waynesville or Dillsboro trip 🍖🔥
Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂
The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting.
The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner.
Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.
Italian food felt like the last thing I expected to find in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains... until I sat down at Ilda in Sylva.🍝
They call it Italian-Appalachian, and that’s not just a tagline. Homemade pasta, craft cocktails, local ingredients pulled straight from the mountains around it, this is the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re two hours from the nearest city. It’s cozy, it’s a little upscale, and it is not a walk-in kind of place, call ahead, because tables go fast on weekends.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re already making the trip out to Sylva, this is the one reservation worth planning your day around.
Full write-up, including what to order, link in bio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
