Things To Do

Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Playa Dorada

Playa Dorada 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.

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

Waterfalls (Damajagua Waterfalls) Equipped with helmets and lifejackets, you walk up to the top of a series of waterfalls and make your way downstream by jumping, swimming, 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. 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.

Independence Park

Parque Central, in the heart of downtown Puerto Plata, is a good starting point for touring the city. From here, it's an easy (and short) walk to many of the key sights in the city, including Umbrella Street, Paseo de Doña Blanca (Pink Street), and the Amber Museum.

Umbrella Park (Calle Beller)

Umbrella Street is technically San Felipe Street. This pedestrian-only street is a delightful spot and definitely a must-see. As the name indicates, colorful umbrellas are strung from the rooftops and provide a beautiful contrast to the usually cobalt-blue skies above. Along the way are all kinds of small retail stores, ice cream sellers, and souvenir shops.

Fort San Felipe

Fort San Felipe (Fuerte San Felipe) is Puerto Plata's only remaining colonial structure and one of the first European forts constructed in the Americas. It offers a fabulous view over Puerto Plata, the mountains behind, and the cruise ships if they are docked on the day you visit.

Isabel de Torres

Mount Isabel de Torres (also known as Pico Isabella de Torres) provides stunning panoramic views in a cable car (the only one in the Caribbean) of the city, beach, and Atlantic Ocean. 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. It's best to ride the cable car in the morning when the skies are generally clearest. As the heat of the day builds, clouds frequently form in the afternoon, obscuring the view.

Avenida General Gregorio Luperón

The pathway starts at the San Felipe Fortress and runs under tall palm trees before ending at Long Beach. Along the way, you'll pass various public art installations (see if you can spot Neptune on his rock), dramatic vista points, and many seaside restaurants.

Amber Cove: ATV Adventures

Off-Road Tours: Miles of coastline trails make the region surrounding Puerto Plata an excellent place to go off-roading while enjoying the beautiful views. A great day activity, the Amber Cove & Taino Bay Shore Excursion: 2-person Buggy Tour from Puerto Plata. Have the chance to ride your own ATVs while being led by a local guide through the rural trails.