3 Best Sights in North Coast, Dominican Republic

The new cultural center of Sosúa, inaugurated with much celebration by Mayor Llana in 2013, continues to "grow up." Open to the public and free of charge, the ground-floor gallery has rotating exhibitions that primarily feature work by Sosúa and Dominican artists, such as Teddy Tejada. Music and dance lessons, from violin to ballet, are offered to local children on the second floor, as are other culturally minded activities, including photography workshops.

Past the towns of Abreu and El Bretón, just west of the entrance to Cabrera, this 50-foot cascade empties into the icy pool at the bottom. You're likely to encounter local kids who jump down the falls into the pool for tips. You can scoot down the embankment to swim in it, too, but proceed with caution. The moss makes the rocks slippery.

Named for all the kitesurfing that goes on here, Kite Beach is therefore fairly hazardous for those who just want to swim. On the sand you'll see instructors teaching new students how to work the lines that hold the wind foil—the colorful "kite." Experienced kiters are like poetry in motion, and it's mesmerizing to watch them. The windy month of March is prime time. Kite Beach passes a sandy peninsula at its east end and becomes Playa Cabarete. There are restaurants and bars on the beach for "fuel." Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; kitesurfing; windsurfing.