Las Galeras

Las Galeras is the endearingly unkempt north coast sister of Las Terrenas. Despite its tucked-away location in eastern end of the Samaná Peninsula, the town maintains a lively rhythm—thanks, mostly, to the hubbub created at the epicenter of the town, which abuts the shoreline. El Kiosko, a barebones grouping of local food merchants beneath a roof thatched with coconut fronds, serves up Presidentes for crowd of equal parts locals, resident expats, and onlooking tourists. The beach itself is rocky and uneven, but you can bring your own towel and rent a white plastic chaise for RD$100 (about $3), accept the syncopated merengue blaring out of a parked car, and stare out toward the keys dotting the horizon. Or, better yet, hire a boat from the beach. The fellow manning the push cart stacked with glossy conch shells can make arrangements for a local fisherman to guide you on a wooden charter out to some of the most pristine beaches the peninsula has to offer, Rincón, Frontón, and Madama. You should be able to get a boat to Playa Rincón for about $15 per couple.