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 restaurants and bars. Shorts and flip-flops are acceptable just about everywhere, and it's not uncommon to see diners in bathing suits at candlelit tables on the beach, enjoying salmon, carpaccio or escargot.
Musicians roam through the restaurants playing Dominican bachata love songs for tips.
Nightlife centers on New Wave, a beachfront 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 beachfront 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.