North Coast

We’ve compiled the best of the best in North Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Sort by: 26 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
Loading...
  • 21. Playa Dorada

    Playa Dorada

    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 nearly white sand. 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; kitesurfing; windsurfing.

    Off Autopista Luperón, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic
  • 22. Playa El Bretón

    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, Dominican Republic
  • 23. Playa Encuentro

    Playa Encuentro is the area's main surfing beach as the shoals here create massive waves. Bodyboarding is big, too, with a less steep learning curve. It's recommended to be a strong swimmer, for currents are mighty, and you must be careful of the rocks. However, there are parts where beginner surfers take lessons in chest-height water. For general beaching, the other two in town are the ones to visit. Just down the beach is Natura Cabana with its oceanfront restaurants. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing; walking.

    Sosúa–Cabarete Rd., 3.7 miles (6 km) west of Cabarete Beach, Dominican Republic
  • 24. Playa Entrada

    At almost 2 miles (3 km) long, northeast-facing Playa Entrada is one of the North Coast's longest beaches. and one of the least visited. However, that means the beach is exceptionally pristine and unspoiled, and the site of several movie location shoots. Though technically in La Entrada, it's part of Cabrera. You'll find some shade under the trees. A few beach shacks might be selling cold drinks and Dominican snacks on weekends, but don't depend on it. Near the middle of the beach you'll see a small island that's close enough to swim to; however, the currents here can be fierce, so why chance it. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.

    Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera, Km 21, Dominican Republic
  • 25. Playa Preciosa

    Just east of Playa Grande, Playa Preciosa (formerly Playa Navio) is a local favorite due to its beauty. You have to descend a sandy bank to reach the completely open beach, which has excellent conditions for break surfing. These same conditions can make for some dangerous currents, so be extremely careful of undertows and riptides when swimming here. There are no lifeguards, so don't go in alone. It is nearly deserted on weekdays, and the views are stunning. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.

    Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera, Km 12, Dominican Republic
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 26. Playa Sosúa

    This long stretch of beach on Sosúa Bay, renowned for its coral reefs and dive sites, is a 20-minute drive east of Puerto Plata. Here, calm waters gently lap at a shore of soft, golden sand. Swimming is delightful—except after a heavy rain, when litter floats in. But beware of sea urchins in the shallow water—beach shoes are definitely recommended—and bring your own mask and snorkel if possible. You can see mountains in the background, the cliffs that surround the bay, and seemingly miles of coastline. Snorkeling from the beach can be good, but the best spots are offshore, closer to the reefs. The beach is backed by a string of tents where hawkers push souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and water-sports equipment rentals. The weekend scene here is incredible—local families pack the beach, and the roar of Dominican fun fills the air. Don't bring valuables or leave your belongings unattended. There is a small parking area on the beach's north end at the south end of La Puntilla Street. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

    Carretera Puerto Plata–Sosúa, 57000, Dominican Republic

No sights Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video