For international newspapers and a large selection of stationery and postcards, stop at Libreria Felix , near the park. For more variety and more upscale goods, you may want to visit Playa Dorada, where you ll find Harrison s and a slew of other specialty shops. Some shops close for an hour or more midday. Avoid Long Beach , the city s most popular eastside beach it s usually packed. It s also full of litter.
Petty crime is common.
If you re looking for a resort experience, head to Playa Dorada , a resort town east of Puerto Plata that has a string of tastefully designed hotels. Most have restaurants and water-sports rental shacks. Always a carnival of activity, the beach is considered one of the best on the north coast. In Puerto Plata a seaside town in the midst of other seaside towns water sports are the primary diversion. Almost all of the beachside resorts have snorkeling and windsurfing equipment as well as jetskis for rent.