
Things to do in Puerto Plata
Welcome to Puerto Plata
Travelers flock to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic for its sun, sand, and scenic location between the coast and Isabel de Torres Mountain. Hop on the Teleferico cable car for a ride to the mountaintop, which reveals spectacular views over the entire city and the coastline, as well as a botanical garden. Puerto Plata is the oldest city on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, and a walking tour with a local guide through the historic downtown introduces you to the shops, restaurants, and stately buildings that give the city its distinctive character. Tour the Amber Museum and Fort San Felipe, which was built in 1564 to protect the area from pirates. Tours also take you beyond the city center to the 27 waterfalls at Damajagua, where you can climb, swim, and explore. Hop on a quick speedboat ride for an easy day trip to Monte Cristi National Park to find mangroves and a variety of birds. Then head to Paradise Island and let expert guides help you snorkel and swim among the marine life in the crystal-clear waters. Paradise Island earns its reputation as a prime snorkeling spot; look out for colorful coral and sea turtles, then zipline with squirrel monkeys in a lush jungle, horseback ride through forest lands, or go white-water rafting to complete your adventure.
Explore Puerto Plata by interest
Trip ideas
Top activities in Puerto Plata
Explore our promoted experiences
What people are saying about Puerto Plata
All about Puerto Plata
When to visit
December kicks off a season of dry, sunny weather that lasts through April and keeps beaches buzzing—but there’s more to Puerto Plata than sun and salt. In February, Carnival fills streets with parades, mask-wearing dancers, and musicians, and April brings the town’s patron saint festival. The rainier off-season is packed with events, too, from October’s Merengue Festival to Puerto Plata Cultural Festival in June.
People Also Ask
Yes, Puerto Plata is worth visiting. Travelers come for its beaches with crystalline waters, architecture that includes the largest collection of preserved 19th century Victorian-style buildings in the Caribbean, and vibrant nightlife. The town is also popular for its seafood, rum, restaurants, and shopping.
...MorePuerto Plata is best known for its white sand beaches, most notably, Sosua Beach, which many tourists consider a favorite. It’s also known for its large concentration of all-inclusive beachfront resorts, and the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua with natural rock formations in the shape of slides.
...MoreYes, Puerto Plata is a great place to explore on foot. Many travelers enjoy walking in the central park, the umbrella-donned Calle de Las Sombrillas street, and its many beaches. Not everything is accessible by walking, though. The best way to travel to top city attractions is by government-regulated taxis.
...MoreYes, Puerto Plata is known for its untouched beaches with crystal-clear waters, especially Cayo Arena—also known as Paradise Island. Reachable by catamaran, Cayo Arena is a popular swimming destination in Puerto Plata. Many travelers also enjoy taking tours that let guests swim alongside dolphins in the area.
...MoreOne of the Dominican Republic’s biggest draws is the year-round tropical weather. From Dec.–Apr. is great since there is less humidity and little to no rain. Low season runs from May through Nov., and in these months travelers can expect intense heat, humidity, and plenty of rain.
...MoreYes, Puerto Plata has a lively nightlife scene, from bars with dance floors to cigar lounges, nightclubs, and casinos. The town has resorts that create a party atmosphere with bars and restaurants located on the beachfront. It’s also near well-known party towns such as Sosúa and Cabarete.
...MorePuerto Plata information
Number of Attractions | 20 |
---|---|
Number of Tours | 248 |
Number of Reviews | 3,021 |
- Things to do in Samaná
- Things to do in Santo Domingo
- Things to do in La Romana
- Things to do in Punta Cana
- Things to do in Arecibo
- Things to do in Luquillo
- Things to do in Fajardo
- Things to do in Kingston
- Things to do in Ocho Rios
- Things to do in Runaway Bay
- Things to do in Trelawny
- Things to do in Falmouth
- Things to do in New Providence Island
- Things to do in Antigua
- Things to do in Caribbean Coast
Trending attractions
- Colosseum
- Eiffel Tower
- Hoover Dam
- Statue of Liberty
- Sagrada Familia
- Burj Khalifa
- Louvre
- Acropolis
- Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Molokini Crater
- Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)
- Na Pali Coast
- Blue Lagoon
- Tower of London
- Great Barrier Reef
- Stonehenge
- Milan Duomo
- Ellis Island
Popular on Viator
- Statue of Liberty Tours and Tickets
- The White House Tours and Tickets
- Antelope Canyon Tours and Tickets
- Hoover Dam Tours and Tickets
- Alcatraz Tours and Tickets
- Stonehenge Tours and Tickets
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets
- Beverly Hills Tours and Tickets
- Colosseum Tours and Tickets
- Washington Monument Tours and Tickets
- San Diego Zoo Tours and Tickets
- Space Needle Tours and Tickets
- Eiffel Tower Tours and Tickets
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets
- Empire State Building Tours and Tickets
- Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets
- Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets
- Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets
- Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets