Puerto Plata and the 75-mile Amber Coast on the northern coastline boast most of the finest beaches and coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, stunningly bordered by majestic mountains.
Puerto Plata (Silver Harbor) Bay is one of the island's original settlements. It is a quaint town of brightly painted houses decorated with Victorian gingerbread. Originally built on the southwest end of the port to repel French and English pirates, Fort San Felipe now serves as a "haunted" museum of the city's past.
The harbor is home to many shops and restaurants, the Amber Museum and an open air market. On The Malecon people gather to stroll and chat, or listen to music.
The towers of San Felipe Church are one of the region's most notable landmarks. The church borders the town's Central Park on one side while government buildings, cabs, minibuses to other towns, lottery vendors and stores dot the landscape all around it. There's even a gazebo in the park where bands play.
The Brugal Rum Distillery opens to the public. And the Amber Museum offers jewelry made with selected pieces from the region's natural store of this striking mineral made popular by the movie Jurassic Park.
More about these and other area destinations in our Casual Outings section.
Updated 17 August 2006