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Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata sits on the northern shores of the Dominican Republic's Amber Coast, named for its abundance of rich amber deposits. Puerto Plata was the first custom-built tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, and vacationers from around the globe flock here to enjoy the all-inclusive beach resorts that line the shore.
Although the beaches offer a myriad of activities to keep the whole family entertained, tourists who are ready to venture beyond the resort confines will find many fun things to do in and around Puerto Plata. Highlights include museums, natural areas, historic Fort San Felipe, top-notch golf, an interactive water park, restaurants, cafés, and more. Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Puerto Plata.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata's primary hub of tourist activity, is the stretch of golden-sand beach where you will find most of the area's all-inclusive resorts and all the bustle that accompanies them. Lounge chairs and cabanas full of sunbathers line the ocean here, on one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Live Merengue music is almost unavoidable, and those who are just visiting for the day don't ever have to leave the sand to get food, drinks, and souvenirs. Where the beach is not bordered by hotels, there are restaurants and a shopping center. The warm waters are ideal for swimming, as well as water sports, and there are several rental shops where you can rent equipment.
Tourists can find more beaches closer to the center of town located along the three-kilometer Malecón, a lovely scenic oceanside road. The Malecón starts at Long Beach and proceeds northwest past Costa Rica Beach and then Acapulco Beach, and has several sections of walkable boardwalk.
2. Mount Isabel de Torres
Looming over Puerto Plata, the 2,600-foot Mount Isabel de Torres (also known as Pico Isabella de Torres) provides stunning panoramic views of the city, beach, and Atlantic Ocean. Most tourists opt to ride up the mountain via cable car (the only one in the Caribbean), enjoying the additional views and airborne photo-ops, although more active visitors can hike to the top.
The summit is home to a statue of Christ the Redeemer, which watches over the city below, reminiscent of the iconic attraction in Río de Janeiro. At his feet, vendors gather to form a busy shopping plaza, where you can find refreshments and souvenirs like amber jewelry and handmade crafts, and there is a restaurant as well. A short walk brings you to the botanical gardens, where local flowers and greenery will provide respite from the bustle.
3. Damajagua Waterfalls
Other than the beach, Damajagua Waterfalls are the top natural attraction in the Puerto Plata area, and visiting them can be an adventure for nature lovers. Equipped with helmets and lifejackets, visitors have the opportunity to make their way downstream by swimming, jumping, and sliding, often via stone waterslides that were carved by the rushing water. Among the most exciting are the 20-foot drop at la Tinajita and the twisty Corkscrew falls, neither of which are for the faint of heart.
Other highlights include the pool at Jaiba, named for the freshwater crabs that live in the rocks here and a bizarre pool with two layers of water - cold on the top and warm on the bottom. The site also has a visitor center and restaurant.
A great way to experience this popular natural attraction is on an organized tour of the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua from Puerto Plata, which includes round-trip transportation, lunch, safety equipment, and a knowledgeable guide. Tourists have the option to stop and relax around halfway up, or to keep hiking to the top waterfall for a full thrill ride down nature's water park.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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