Budget Travel: Dominican Republic's Northern Coast
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lhvcresorts.com/">Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort</a> is an all-inclusive oceanfront resort tucked away from the bustle of Puerto Plata, yet it's a place where you can be as busy – or relaxed – as you like, with a casino, golf, spa, water sports, and chaise lounges as far as the eye can see. (Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort)
<b>Sosúa </b> Sosúa is a popular town for tourists due to several public beaches, Victorian architecture, and numerous hotels and restaurants. (Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
<b>La Plaza Independencia</b> La Plaza Independencia is where visitors and locals gather in Puerto Plata to relax, grab an ice cream, and people watch. (Lisa Rogak)
<b>Los Haitises National Park</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Haitises_National_Park">Los Haitises National Par</a>k is accessible only by boat, but once you arrive you'll be able to explore numerous caves with petroglyph carvings by Taino natives that date back to pre-Columbian times. (Lisa Rogak)
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.oceanworld.net/">At Ocean World</a> you can swim with dolphins, watch a show, play a few games in the casino, and get an upclose look at Indian tigers and other wildlife. (Lisa Rogak)
Take the cable car up to Mount Isabel Del Torres, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the northern coast. (Lisa Rogak)
Once you get to the top of Mount Isabel Del Torres, you'll be greeted by a towering figure of Christ. (Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
In Cabarete, the main attraction is kiteboarding. The queen of the sport – and one of the best teachers around – is Laurel Eastman at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.laureleastman.com/">Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding</a>. (Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
La Fortaleza San Felipe dates back to the late 16th century, and today serves as a museum and place to learn about early settlement in the Dominican Republic. (Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
The Bannister Hotel is a stunning new hotel on the southern shore of the Samaná Peninsula, at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.puertobahiasamana.com/es/">Puerto Bahia Marina & Residences</a>. (Puerto Bahia Marina & Residences)
A typical spread at El Manguito – the little mango – a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine in Playa Dorada. (Lisa Rogak)