Puerto Plata, the hub of the northern coast has local street life and quaint gingerbread houses, but is dominated by a series of all-inclusive resorts.
This was the first custom-built tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. Its narrow beige-sand beaches display an array of water sports kiosks, deck chairs and loud-speakers broadcasting
the island's Merengue music.
In the center of town are the Church of San Felipe, Independence Park with its restored gazebo and General Gregorio Luperón Monument.