And some people just end up throwing their clothes away. When Pearsons isn't behind the bar at the popular Onno's or guiding tourists, she's surfing at Playa Encuentro, a couple of miles west of Cabarete. Some say Encuentro is the best beach in the country for surfing. The most popular ones are near the beach-front restaurants and bars. The restaurants are laid back, catering to a beer and sandwich crowd that also likes an occasional lobster with wine.
Musicians roam through the restaurants playing Dominican bachata love songs for tips.
Nightlife centers on New Wave, a beach-front bar that has live music almost every night. Many other bars feature local bands and concerts on the beach are common. Another attraction is cheap lodging. The beach-front hotels on the commercial strip can be a bit like New Orleans' Bourbon Street, noisy all night long. But for instant access, they can't be beat.