North Coast
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1. Playa Grande
BeachThis dramatic, mile-long stretch is widely considered to be one of the top beaches in the world. Many a photo shoot was made at this picture...
This dramatic, mile-long stretch is widely considered to be one of the top beaches in the world. Many a photo shoot was made at this picture-perfect beach with off-white sands and turquoise water. Just east of the famous golf course of the same name, Playa Grande's drama comes from craggy cliffs dropping into the crystalline sea. Shade can be found in the palm trees that thicken into Parque Nacional Cabo Frances Viejo, a jungle preserve south of the beach. This simply gorgeous stretch of sand had food shacks and cheapie souvenir stands that marred its beauty, but the vendors now have brightly painted, cutesy, Victorian-style huts that have been relocated to the end of the beach where a large parking area was constructed, and some sell food and drink. Security is present, and there are clean restrooms. Surfboards, paddleboards, and boogie boards are for rent; although the surf can swell, it can also be smooth. Just behind the beach, screened by a palm-frond fence, is the Playa Grande Beach Club, a luxury resort, and nearby is another, the new Amanera. Amenitites: food and drink; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.
Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera, Km 12, Río San Juan, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican RepublicSight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Playa Grande Golf & Reserve -
2. Casa del Arte de Sosúa
Arts/Performance VenueThe new cultural center of Sosúa, inaugurated with much celebration by Mayor Llana in 2013, continues to "grow up." Open to the public and free...
The new cultural center of Sosúa, inaugurated with much celebration by Mayor Llana in 2013, continues to "grow up." Open to the public and free of charge, the ground-floor gallery has rotating exhibitions that primarily feature work by Sosúa and Dominican artists, such as Teddy Tejada. Music and dance lessons, from violin to ballet, are offered to local children on the second floor, as are other culturally minded activities, including photography workshops.
Pedro Clisante , across from the casino, Sosúa, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican RepublicSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
3. Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón
Historic HomeA long time in the making, this modest, wood-frame house is where Puerto Plata's famous son, General Gregorio Luperón, spent his last years...
A long time in the making, this modest, wood-frame house is where Puerto Plata's famous son, General Gregorio Luperón, spent his last years. Known for his courage and patriotic love of his homeland, he led the Dominican revolution against Spain, ending the island's foreign occupation in 1865. The museum's mission is to expose the life and ideals of this national hero to visitors both foreign and domestic. It has been accomplished with quality cultural displays depicting the various stages of Luperón's life, enhanced with signage in both Spanish and English. The home is both a slice of 19th-century life and an emblem of the city's rich history.
12 de Julio No. 54, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-261–8661Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 -
4. Cofresí Beach
BeachCofresí Beach offers a long stretch of golden sand that's good for swimming, but some wave action as well provides some surfing opportunities...
Cofresí Beach offers a long stretch of golden sand that's good for swimming, but some wave action as well provides some surfing opportunities. Locals mainly use the public area, particularly on Sundays; just to the immediate north are Ocean World and its marina. To the south, a five-minute walk in the sand, is a semiprivate beach for the resort Cofresí Palm Beach. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.
Calle Pincipal, 4.3 miles (7 km) west of Puerto Plata town center, just south of Ocean World, Cofresi, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic -
5. El Saltadero
Body Of Water/WaterfallPast the towns of Abreu and El Bretón, just west of the entrance to Cabrera, this 50-foot cascade empties into the icy pool at the bottom. You...
Past the towns of Abreu and El Bretón, just west of the entrance to Cabrera, this 50-foot cascade empties into the icy pool at the bottom. You're likely to encounter local kids who jump down the falls into the pool for tips. You can scoot down the embankment to swim in it, too, but proceed with caution. The moss makes the rocks slippery.
Cabrera, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic -
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6. Fortaleza San Felipe
RuinsThe only remaining vestige of the colonial era in Puerto Plata was built in the mid-16th century to defend the city against pirates bent on...
The only remaining vestige of the colonial era in Puerto Plata was built in the mid-16th century to defend the city against pirates bent on pillaging the growing wealth from its shipping port. In 1605 the fort was dismantled, and it was rebuilt in 1739. It has a moat and a small museum with some historical artifacts—nothing fascinating, though there are pieces from the period. The thick walls and interior moat made it ideal as a prison, which is exactly how the fort was used. Kids will enjoy the opportunity to run around and explore, but it's not a must-see attraction, certainly not for adults. The centuries-old view of the bay is excellent, and a grassy knoll provides a pleasant place to sit. The fort is included on most city tours; a self-guided tour will take about 15 minutes. A restored lighthouse is adjacent, and is included in the entry fee for the fort.
At eastern end of Av. Circunvalación , on peninsula in Bahía de Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican RepublicSight Details
Rate Includes: $5 -
7. Kite Beach
BeachNamed for all the kitesurfing that goes on here, Kite Beach is therefore fairly hazardous for those who just want to swim. On the sand you'll...
Named for all the kitesurfing that goes on here, Kite Beach is therefore fairly hazardous for those who just want to swim. On the sand you'll see instructors teaching new students how to work the lines that hold the wind foil—the colorful "kite." Experienced kiters are like poetry in motion, and it's mesmerizing to watch them. The windy month of March is prime time. Kite Beach passes a sandy peninsula at its east end and becomes Playa Cabarete. There are restaurants and bars on the beach for "fuel." Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; kitesurfing; windsurfing.
Sosúa–Cabarete Rd., , 1.2 miles (2 km) west of town, Cabarete, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic -
8. La Casa de Cultura
Museum/GalleryThis impressive, three-story Victorian building right on the central square is a multidisciplinary space that the Ministry of Culture provides...
This impressive, three-story Victorian building right on the central square is a multidisciplinary space that the Ministry of Culture provides for local artists who organize occasional events and exhibits that can range from art expositions to book launches to children's events. A contemporary art gallery has revolving exhibits that will help you understand how much talent there is in this country. You may even wish to buy from a budding artist. Make a point of stopping and checking out the current schedule, which can be erratic.
Parque Central, Calle Separación, , across from City Hall, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-261–2731Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
9. Lago Dudú
Body Of Water/WaterfallThis memorable natural wonder is a small complex of three natural features a few miles west of Cabrera. It has recently evolved and has been...
This memorable natural wonder is a small complex of three natural features a few miles west of Cabrera. It has recently evolved and has been made more like a park. A zip line has been installed, and one can jump off a cliff into one of the deep swimming holes, where a lifeguard is usually on duty below. The lagoon offers cold, clean water that you can swim in. Nearby is a natural cave you can explore (bring your own flashlight). Then, across the way take stairs down into a spring that flows inside a cave; adventurous types swim into the mouth. A restaurant serves a small menu and cold drinks, and there are toilets and even a shower.
Carretera Río San Juan, Km 21, La Entrada, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican RepublicSight Details
Rate Includes: RD$100 -
10. Laguna Gri Gri
Body Of Water/WaterfallIn the town of Río San Juan is this river-fed estuary leading to the ocean. Greeting you at the water is a picturesque collection of fishing...
In the town of Río San Juan is this river-fed estuary leading to the ocean. Greeting you at the water is a picturesque collection of fishing boats. You can hire a boat from a cooperative for a 60-minute trip down a mangrove outlet that teems with tropical seabirds. Graceful egrets, crabs scrambling up the mangroves and beautiful tiny fish playing in the sunlight dappled fresh water are all part of the waterscape. Once in the ocean, the boats follow the shore until reaching tiny Cueva de las Golondrinas, which is named for the swallows that flitter about. You can then swim to a series of virgin beaches. Bring snorkeling gear if you have it. Laguna Gri Gri (or Gri Gri Lagoon) has prominent signage throughout the town of Río San Juan, which is on the north coast highway before you arrive in Cabrera. Make sure to call in advance, for on some days if the sea is rough they won't go out.
Río San Juan, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic809-589–2277-Laguna Gris Gris boat cooperativeSight Details
Rate Includes: RD$1,500 for boat rentals -
11. Mt. Isabel de Torres
Transportation Site (Airport, Bus, Ferry, Train)Southwest of Puerto Plata, this mountain soars 2,600 feet above sea level and is notable for its huge statue of Christ. Up there also are botanical...
Southwest of Puerto Plata, this mountain soars 2,600 feet above sea level and is notable for its huge statue of Christ. Up there also are botanical gardens that, despite efforts, still are not memorable. If you go independently, you can choose to hire a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. A cable car takes you to the top for a spectacular view. The cars usually wait until filled to capacity before going up—which can make them crowded. You should visit in the morning, preferably by 9 am; by afternoon, the cloud cover rolls in, and you can see practically nothing. That said, some visitors consider this the highlight of a city tour and take dozens of aerial photos from the tram. It goes continuously until 4:45 pm. The vendors are particularly tenacious here.
Manolo Tavarez Justo, off Autopista Duarte, follow signs, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-970–0501Sight Details
Rate Includes: Cable car RD$350 -
12. Museo de Ambar Dominicano
Museum/GalleryIn an opulent, galleried mansion, restored to its former Victorian glamour, the museum displays and sells the Dominican Republic's national...
In an opulent, galleried mansion, restored to its former Victorian glamour, the museum displays and sells the Dominican Republic's national stone: semiprecious, translucent amber. Amber is essentially prehistoric hardened tree sap, and Dominican amber is considered the best in the world. Many pieces are fascinating for what they have trapped inside, and the small, second-floor museum contains a piece with a lizard reported to be 50 million years old, give or take a few millennia. The museum's English text is informative. Shops on the museum's first floor sell authentic, albeit rather expensive, amber, souvenirs, and ceramics.
Calle Duarte 61, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-586–2848-museumSight Details
Rate Includes: RD$50 -
13. Museo Judío Sosúa
Museum/GallerySosúa is not a destination known for its sights. However, this museum stands as one of the exceptions, chronicling the immigration and settlement...
Sosúa is not a destination known for its sights. However, this museum stands as one of the exceptions, chronicling the immigration and settlement of the Jewish refugees in the 1940s. The adjacent small wooden synagogue is the wedding spot for many Jewish couples from abroad. Hours can be irregular, but chances are good that someone will be at the museum to let you in if you get there early in the day. You can try phoning Sosúa Villas or the accommodating Hotel Casa Valeria nearby to confirm if the museum is open.
Calle Dr. Rosen at David Stern, near Banco Popular, Sosúa, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-377–2038-Sosúa VillasSight Details
Rate Includes: RD$75 -
14. Ocean World Adventure Park
Zoo/AquariumThis multimillion-dollar aquatic park in Cofresí has marine and wildlife interactive programs, including dolphin and sea lion shows and encounters...
This multimillion-dollar aquatic park in Cofresí has marine and wildlife interactive programs, including dolphin and sea lion shows and encounters, a double-dolphin swim, a tropical reef aquarium, stingrays, shark tanks, an aviary, a rain forest, and a new pirates pool for kids. You must make advance reservations if you want to participate in one of the swims or encounters; children must be at least six and accompanied by an adult. The exhilarating (though expensive) double-dolphin swim will produce lifelong memories. If you are brave enough for the (nurse) shark encounter, you will feed them and touch them in the shark cove; the stingray encounter is also included. A photo lab and video service can capture the moment, but there is a charge. If you're staying at nearby Lifestyle resorts, or hotels in Puerto Plata, transfers are free. If in Sosáa or Cabarete, transfers are $5 per person; hotels should have the tour schedules. There’s a private beach, showers, and a locker room on-site.
Calle Principal 3, 3 miles (5 km) west of Puerto Plata, Cofresi, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic809-291–1000Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $69 -
15. Orchid Bay Beach
BeachOrchid Bay Beach is the large public beach within Orchid Bay Estates. It's seldom used by anyone but the residents of Orchid Bay villas, but...
Orchid Bay Beach is the large public beach within Orchid Bay Estates. It's seldom used by anyone but the residents of Orchid Bay villas, but there is a public road just to the left of the "Orchid Bay" sign. Very picturesque, it's swimmable in a couple of choice locations. The beach is named for the wild orchids that grow on the cliffs and drop to the sea, and almond trees growing in the sand emit a lovely aroma. This is the good life. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.
Carretera Río San Juan, Km 17, Cabrera, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic -
16. Playa Cabarete
BeachThis is the main business district of Cabarete. If you follow the coastal road east from Playa Dorada, you can't miss it. The beach, which has...
This is the main business district of Cabarete. If you follow the coastal road east from Playa Dorada, you can't miss it. The beach, which has strong waves after a calm entrance, and ideal, steady wind (from 15 to 20 knots), is an integral part of the international windsurfing circuit. Segments of this long beach are strips of sand punctuated only by palm trees. The regeneration of Cabarete Beach was a massive engineering project that made the beach some 115 feet wider, adding an infusion of white sand. In the most commercial area, restaurants and bars are back-to-back, spilling onto the sand. The informal scene is young and fun, with expats and tourists from everywhere. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; swimming; windsurfing; kitesurfing.
Sosúa–Cabarete Rd., Cabarete, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic -
17. Playa Caletón
BeachThis small, 500-foot-long beach about 2 miles (3 km) east of Río San Juan has virtually no waves in its shallow water. Its clear, protected...
This small, 500-foot-long beach about 2 miles (3 km) east of Río San Juan has virtually no waves in its shallow water. Its clear, protected water and nearby caves make it superb for snorkeling (though the caves shouldn't be entered for safety reasons). The beach is off-white and protected by rocky cliffs. It's a good family beach for just playing around in the water. Look for the whimsical human-head statues in the cliffs overlooking the water that give the area an Easter Island feel. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera, Km 1, Río San Juan, Río San Juan, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic -
18. Playa Diamante
BeachPlaya Diamante is an estuary, formed where an underground river delivers freshwater into the ocean bubbling up through the clayish sand. The...
Playa Diamante is an estuary, formed where an underground river delivers freshwater into the ocean bubbling up through the clayish sand. The result is a shallow, protected area with virtually no currents, making it the perfect beach for families with children. The protected inlet points toward the southeast, so there are no waves. A striking beach, Playa Diamante is broad and shallow for up to 200 feet into the ocean. A narrow, paved road off the highway makes for easy access. Alas, a beautiful, parklike grassy area with shade trees as well as the beach, is often littered. On weekends locals come and drive their vehicles across the sand; mind your children. Vendors then rent beach chairs and sell beer and some food. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.
Carretera Cabrera-Nagua Km 7, Cabrera, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic -
19. Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada | BeachPlaya Dorada is one of the island’s most established resort areas. Each hotel has its own slice of the beach, which is covered with soft sand...
Playa Dorada is one of the island’s most established resort areas. Each hotel has its own slice of the beach, which is covered with soft sand, nearly white now thanks to its participation in a $6 million beach rejuvenation. Reefs for snorkeling are right offshore. Gran Ventana Beach Resort, which is on a point, marks the easternmost end of the beach, followed by Casa Colonial and Blue Bay Villa Doradas. If you're not staying at one of the resorts in the Playa Dorada complex, then it's best to enter the beach before this point. Zealous hotel security guards try to keep you off "their" stretch of beach, but by law they cannot if you walk along the water's edge. They can, however, keep you off the chaise longues and the resort's property. This is a good swimming beach with mild wave action. Amenities: none (though resorts on the beach offer full service). Best for: fishing; swimming; walking; water skiing; windsurfing.
Off Autopista Luperón, at the entrance to the Playa Dorada Complex, approximately 10-min drive east of town, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic -
20. Playa El Bretón
BeachClose to Cabrera within Parque Nacional Cabo Francis, Playa El Bretón is near a perfect beach for swimming, playing, searching for seashells...
Close to Cabrera within Parque Nacional Cabo Francis, Playa El Bretón is near a perfect beach for swimming, playing, searching for seashells, and snorkeling. It's tucked back into an east-facing cove and is better protected than many North Shore beaches. It has no facilities, and is unspoiled, quiet, and uncluttered. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera, Km 14, Cabrera, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dominican Republic
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