Puerto Plata Things To Do

This splashy marine park has dolphin, shark, sea lion, and Bengal Tiger shows, a tropical reef aquarium with snorkeling, and an exotic aviary, not to mention its beach, leviathan marina, and glitzy casino with Vegas-style revues.

The D.R. is one of the world’s leading amber producers. This Victorian showcases a striking collection (including 50-million-year-old insect, tree-resin fossils). Guided tours explain the mining process; the adjacent shop is unparalleled.

Southwest of town, a cable car zooms 2,565 feet up this peak, noted for its enormous Christ statue, vast botanical gardens filigreed with streams and nature trails, and spectacular vistas of town and coast.

Puerto Plata’s compact, historic downtown is ideal for walking. Highlights include the 16th-century Spanish fort, San Felipe; a 19th-century, cast-iron lighthouse; breezy, waterfront boardwalk dotted with cafes; and superb Victorian architecture around Central and Independence Parks.

The largest Dominican rum producer offers tours at its Puerto Plata facility, including a video of the distillation process, a look at the bottling plant, a free daiquiri, and product discounts.

Sosúa’s expat community includes many '40s displaced Jews, whose resettlement is documented via photos, documents, and video testimonies in this excellent little museum next to the old synagogue.