See the two-story Victorian gazebo in Parque Central in the heart of Puerto Plata.
From Parque Central stroll past the Church of San Felipe to Duarte Street to visit Amber Museum, located in a two-story Victorian known as Villa Bentz, constructed in 1919 by Spanish architect Martin Gallart y Canti for the Augusto Bentz family. The museum houses the amber mosquito featured in the Hollywood film Jurassic Park, along with an extensive collection of Dominican amber--said to be the most transparent amber in the world. Guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Next, see the fort that Columbus built. In 1496 at Puerto Plata, Christopher Columbus and his brother Bartholomew began to construct a fort that was more than 21,000 square feet to defend the harbor against pirate attacks. San Felipe Fortress was completed six years later in 1502. It is the oldest architectural structure in Puerto Plata.
Just past the fort, there's the General Gregorio Luperon Monument, erected as a tribute to one of the Dominican Republic's famed leaders.
On the west side of the city, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, which rises 2,665 feet above sea level to get a view of Puerto Plata and the surrounding landscape. Here you can also see the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Hang out at the beach at Playa Dorada east of the city of Puerto Plata. If you are not a guest at one of the resorts, you will have to pay for a day-use pass.
West of Puerto Plata, Playa Cofresi is one of Dominican Republic's most beautiful beaches. This is a good spot for sunbathing, body-surfing and boogie-boarding.
If you want to swim with dolphins, feed stingrays or explore an artificial reef, check out Ocean World at Playa Cofresi. There is also a marina there.
Another beach west of Puerto Plata near Monte Cristi is Playa Punta Rucia. This is a popular beach with white sand beaches and mountain views. Offshore, a large circular coral reef known as Cayo Arena is an ideal snorkeling location. The protected lagoon at Playa Punta Rucia is a good place for birdwatching.
With a population of more than 200,000, Puerto Plata has a variety of nightclubs, including meringue and salsa clubs, as well as numerous casinos. Neighboring resorts also feature evening shows with dancing and singing such as the Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada. The Amhsa Marina Grand Paradise all-inclusive resort has a discotheque. In fact, there are 15 resorts at Playa Dorada to choose from for nightly entertainment.
