11 Best Sights in North Coast, Dominican Republic

This dramatic mile-long stretch is widely considered to be one of the top beaches in the world. Many a photo shoot has been staged 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 Francés Viejo, a jungle preserve south of the beach.

Vendors sell from cutesy, brightly painted Victorian-style huts and have relocated to one end of the beach, where a large parking area was constructed. 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. Two luxury resorts can be found nearby: the Playa Grande Beach Club, just behind the beach and screened by a palm-frond fence, as well as the newer Amanera. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

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.

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.

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 zipline has been installed, and you 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.

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. Price varies by group size, call ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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. Vendors rent beach chairs and sell beer and some food. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

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.

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.

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.