Flights to Puerto Plata

Though it may be one of the tiniest beaches you ever set foot on, Cayo Paraiso (also known as Cayo Arena or Paradise Cay) is nonetheless a must-see attraction on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

Boasting just a few thatched-roof huts to shade visitors from the sun, the coral island is little more than a bump of sand amid shallow, clear waters. A popular excursion from the mainland, Cayo Paraiso is visited by many tourists on the average day, so don't count on having the place to yourself.

In order to get to Cayo Paraiso, you'll need to book a short boat trip from one of the small towns on the mainland, such as Punta Rucia, or from major tourists spots around Puerto Plata. Choose from catamaran excursions or a private speedboat tours.

When you arrive, the island will likely be teeming with other tourists taking in the sun and sand, so rent snorkel gear and wade out a few yards into the water. You'll get amazing views of tropical fish swarming about.

Not far from Cayo Paraiso are beautiful mangrove forests that operators navigate through on the boat trip to or from the mainland. Watch for manatees, known to visit the area.

When you return, consider checking out some of the other renowned beach destinations not far from here, such as Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete.

Smack-dab in one of the hottest areas of the Dominican Republic, Kite Beach has become known around the world for its waves, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and other adventurous water sports.

In fact, the beach plays host to the PHRA Kiteboard World Cup every June. Though it was once a tranquil fishing village, Cabarete is now a cosmopolitan destination inhabited and operated by people from around the globe.

If water sports aren't your thing, you'll be glad to know that Kite Beach's soft golden sands and restful, laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for decompressing under the sun (or under the shade of a palm tree) while sipping a Presidente beer or piña colada.

Those with the energy for it can book an excursion for canyoning, mountain biking or exploring caves.

You can even brush up on your language skills at one of the town's Spanish language schools.

Once hunger kicks in, visit one of Cabarete's many excellent restaurants. Around dinnertime, the restaurants and bars near the town center move operations right onto the sand, so you can dine while you listen to the waves lap at the shore.

As it gets later, you might hear the bass bump a little louder, thanks to the nightlife hotspots that crank it up to get the party going for vacationers. Drink, dance and be merry—you're on vacation!

The Dominican Republic's northern coast is blessed with beautiful beaches and dozens of picturesque small towns, offering a more down-to-earth and budget-friendly experience than that of Punta Cana, the country's top destination.

In Puerto Plata, you'll discover golden-sand beaches, mountains draped in tropical vegetation, and rich cultural, musical and culinary traditions (not to mention way fewer tourists). And with its own international airport served by JetBlue, American Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet, the region is not hard to reach for most North Americans.

Playa Costambar is just one of around a half dozen small oceanfront coves found along the coast in Puerto Plata, but its casual beachside eateries and quiet, family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the most beloved.

Thanks to its shallow lagoon and water clarity, snorkeling and swimming are popular activities. But a head's up: There are no lifeguards on duty and no public restrooms.

Fresh-caught seafood, Italian fare and Dominican specialties are served at the string of restaurants and food shacks on the beach and around Reina Isabel Street. You'll find that prices are fair and that beer and piña coladas are invariably ice-cold.

Unlike Punta Cana, Puerto Plata offers a host of attractions to explore independently outside of the all-inclusive resort experience. Ride the Teleférico cable car to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres, home to lush botanical gardens and a smaller version of the Christ the Redeemer statue found in Rio de Janeiro.

Visit the imposing Fort San Felipe, completed in 1577, and then head to Plaza Independencia, a Spanish-style central park bordered by colorful Victorian-era buildings.