Aerial view of the hotel & beach at Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Exciting Things To Do In Playa Dorada

Never A Dull Moment on the Golden Beach

Located on 250 acres on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, Playa Dorada (“Golden Beach”) is a beautifully manicured oceanfront playground featuring a 13-mile stretch of beach, a championship golf course, two casinos, a movie theater and vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife. Guests are invited to explore the countless things to do in Playa Dorada on foot or by riding the romantic horse-drawn carriages that provide service up and down the main avenue. Below, you find information on the top attractions and things to do in Playa Dorada. If you would like additional recommendations or assistance with planning tours and recreational activities, please see the front desk staff at Gran Ventana Beach Resort.    

Santiago de Los Caballeros near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Santiago de Los Caballeros

Distance: 60-Minute Drive From Hotel  - This beautiful 15th century city is referred to as “La Ciudad Corazón (Heart City)” because it is located at the heart of El Cibao Valley. Nestled amidst tobacco, rice, coffee and cacao plantations, the town features charming avenues teeming with quaint shops, restaurants, bars and an array of vendors. 

A family by the boat at the sea near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Cayo Arena

Distance: 90-Minute Drive From Hotel - Once you reach this spectacular little island, you will agree that it was well worth the hour long drive from Puerto Plata. With a soft white sand beach encircled by tropical seas, Cayo Arena is a picture perfect spot for snorkeling, scuba diving or simply lounging on the shore. 

27 charcos de damajagua near at  Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Twenty Seven Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua

Distance: 30-Minute Drive From Hotel - Experience the best eco adventure in the Dominican Republic. Tucked into the majestic hills of the Cordillera Central mountain range and behind acres of sugar cane fields are twenty-seven breathtaking limestone pools that have enchanted generations of swimmers and hikers intrepid enough to make the journey.

A man Kite surfing at the beach near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Cabarete

Distance: 35-Minute Drive From Hotel  - Enjoy a more relaxed pace of life in this intimate, laid-back Caribbean beach village. With its charming, hip ambience and eclectic shops, restaurants and bars, Cabarete offers a quiet alternative to the more bustling tourist spots in the Dominican Republic.

A Cable Car in Isabel de Torres near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Isabel de Torres Cable Car

Ride a cable car 2,700 feet up Mount Isabel de Torres to take in staggering views of the city and explore the botanical garden plus a fort built by Trujillo in 1942 when the Dominican Republic declared war on Germany. While you’re here, check out the “Cristo Redentor,” a statue of Christ with outstretched arms similar to the statue in Río de Janeiro.
 

Ocean World Adventure Park & Marina Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Ocean World Adventure Park and Marina

Distance: 20-Minute Drive From Hotel - Be sure to visit the best entertainment complex in the Caribbean! Swim with dolphins, mingle with friendly sea lions or have a safe, supervised shark and stingray encounter. Once the sun sets, adult-friendly nightlife pleasures include dinner and theater shows, a casino and a disco. 

Inside an historical museum near Gran Ventana Beach Resort.

Shopping

From souvenirs, gifts, and clothing, Playa Dorada Plaza offers shopping facilities, such as locally produced handicrafts and fine art, Dominican cigars (a great selection of “puros”), Dominican Coffee, rum, amber, larimar jewelry, and more.

Aerial view of Puerto Plata near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Puerto Plata

Set between a majestic mountain and the ocean, this dynamic beach city, the oldest on the north coast, is once again thriving with history, attractions and world-class recreation. From the gleaming central Parque Independencia to the Malecón, beautifully restored mansions, eclectic shopping and restaurants, and a brand-new amphitheatre for concerts and live performances, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city and sea.
 

A small cottage on an island near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Diving

Located only 25 minutes from Playa Dorada, the sheltered, crystalline waters of Sosúa Bay offer world-class conditions for scuba divers of all skill levels. The Bay has 12 sites ranging in depth from 10 to 30 meters (32 to 100 feet).
 

Hikers on an Eco tour near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Ecotourism

Discover the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic on an exhilarating eco-tour. From year-round canyoning or river rafting in Jarabacoa and winter whale watching in Samaná Bay to hiking the Imbert waterfalls and exploring the small fishing villages and mangroves of the Gri Gri Lagoon, visit our Concierge for assistance in planning your adventure. 
 

A man kite surfing on the beach near Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Recreation & Water Sports

Along Playa Dorada’s beaches, watersports include windsurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides, water skiing, snorkeling and much more. In addition to world-class tennis facilities, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Playa Dorada Golf Course is one of the premier courses in the Dominican Republic.