Evie’s Corner!
Food scene
You can sit under a huge cana roof or on the, pictured, open space, directly on the edge of El Choco National Park’s lagoon. Ali's Restaurant is a meat-lovers paradise. The menu is limited but you can't mess up your order! There's a huge treehouse-like structure that goes up 4 stories - photo taken from the top of the structure included. We asked the server who told us we could go up there. It was honestly just an amazing structure in itself but you also get a great view up from the top. If you eat on the water, I would suggest having an earlier dinner to avoid the mosquitos. Side note: I'm a picky-eater vegetarian and went more for my friend to try it; I got roasted veggies and rice and I actually really enjoyed it and ate the entire thing.
Ali's Restaurant
89 High StreetYou can sit under a huge cana roof or on the, pictured, open space, directly on the edge of El Choco National Park’s lagoon. Ali's Restaurant is a meat-lovers paradise. The menu is limited but you can't mess up your order! There's a huge treehouse-like structure that goes up 4 stories - photo taken from the top of the structure included. We asked the server who told us we could go up there. It was honestly just an amazing structure in itself but you also get a great view up from the top. If you eat on the water, I would suggest having an earlier dinner to avoid the mosquitos. Side note: I'm a picky-eater vegetarian and went more for my friend to try it; I got roasted veggies and rice and I actually really enjoyed it and ate the entire thing.
Really good restaurant if you'd like a fancier dinner with a view! The food has a beautiful presentation and there is good service. They take credit cards and it's a good place to watch the sunset leave the cove. I didn’t love the take on pad thai, but my friend had the grilled Mahi Mahi and really enjoyed it
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Néctar Restaurante
Really good restaurant if you'd like a fancier dinner with a view! The food has a beautiful presentation and there is good service. They take credit cards and it's a good place to watch the sunset leave the cove. I didn’t love the take on pad thai, but my friend had the grilled Mahi Mahi and really enjoyed it
Great breakfast! Almost everyone in the restaurant was drinking one of their smoothies and they are known for their acai bowls. I ordered the Mediterranean Bagel: It came with a side of fresh fruit and the bagel was really good and very fresh. Has a lot of vegan options (milk substitutes available). It isn’t oceanside and you eat in the back of the restaurant outside, so I did get a bit hot without the ocean breeze.
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fresh Fresh Café
Carretera PrincipalGreat breakfast! Almost everyone in the restaurant was drinking one of their smoothies and they are known for their acai bowls. I ordered the Mediterranean Bagel: It came with a side of fresh fruit and the bagel was really good and very fresh. Has a lot of vegan options (milk substitutes available). It isn’t oceanside and you eat in the back of the restaurant outside, so I did get a bit hot without the ocean breeze.
Very good breakfast and coffee, right in front of the beach. I got the breakfast burrito and it was fresh and delicious. Their service is very good and fast and they have wifi if needed. I recommend trying one of their juices (i got the watermelon and ginger and it was really refreshing). Would recommend sitting outside on the beach; mosquitos are behind the front wall of the cafe adjacent to the beach.
66 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Voy Voy Bar Restaurant
67 5Very good breakfast and coffee, right in front of the beach. I got the breakfast burrito and it was fresh and delicious. Their service is very good and fast and they have wifi if needed. I recommend trying one of their juices (i got the watermelon and ginger and it was really refreshing). Would recommend sitting outside on the beach; mosquitos are behind the front wall of the cafe adjacent to the beach.
It was recommended as "the best Italian" by a local guy, and I must say the pizza was insane. It has a relaxing, elevated atmosphere with good wine too! We went hungry, both ordered the ‘regular’ size pizza and could only eat half. We took home our leftovers and ate the leftovers the next day; still genuinely amazing. We were stuffed, but someone sent us both flan for dessert. It was my first time trying it and it was absolutely delicious, I highly recommend ordering it if you want dessert. Side note: the pesto portion on my pizza was a little salty; I really enjoyed it, but it might be a lot for an entire pizza.
29 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria
It was recommended as "the best Italian" by a local guy, and I must say the pizza was insane. It has a relaxing, elevated atmosphere with good wine too! We went hungry, both ordered the ‘regular’ size pizza and could only eat half. We took home our leftovers and ate the leftovers the next day; still genuinely amazing. We were stuffed, but someone sent us both flan for dessert. It was my first time trying it and it was absolutely delicious, I highly recommend ordering it if you want dessert. Side note: the pesto portion on my pizza was a little salty; I really enjoyed it, but it might be a lot for an entire pizza.
It’s at the very tip of the cove, so it has the best view of the entire cove. We woke up and walked there when it wasn’t too hot yet, and it was a really nice morning walk, we did get a motorcycle for the way home though. They have unlimited coffee and wifi. I wouldn’t rave about the food that I got, but it was definitely good and I would go back to have breakfast there again.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Velero Beach Resort
It’s at the very tip of the cove, so it has the best view of the entire cove. We woke up and walked there when it wasn’t too hot yet, and it was a really nice morning walk, we did get a motorcycle for the way home though. They have unlimited coffee and wifi. I wouldn’t rave about the food that I got, but it was definitely good and I would go back to have breakfast there again.
While it’s not a food recommendation, it is definitely a must-try! It was coined “the best mojitos in the south” by a local 20-something guy we met at Kite Beach. The mojitos really were delicious and so refreshing. My friend and I did drinks from the tip of the cove and walked all the way down to the bottom, stopping at almost all of the beach-front bars/restaurants to get a drink. From that experience, I would definitely have to recommend the mojito bar, we went back a couple of times!
88 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mojito Bar
While it’s not a food recommendation, it is definitely a must-try! It was coined “the best mojitos in the south” by a local 20-something guy we met at Kite Beach. The mojitos really were delicious and so refreshing. My friend and I did drinks from the tip of the cove and walked all the way down to the bottom, stopping at almost all of the beach-front bars/restaurants to get a drink. From that experience, I would definitely have to recommend the mojito bar, we went back a couple of times!
Excursions
The Natura Cabana is the perfect Spa Day. My friend and I purchased the ‘Zen Pass’ ($60/person) which includes: smoothie or fruit platter (fruit platter is not extravagant but it's good), a yoga class (we really enjoyed it, it was raining and so peaceful under a huge cabana that had an ocean view), and a 30-minute massage, as well as 10% off their restaurant. We did Yoga (they offer different types on different days of the week), got breakfast - the fruit platter and some coffee, chilled by the pool, and went and read on the lounge chairs on the beach. Getting into the water at the beach may be a little difficult due to the close reef (we didn’t go in) but the pool was a perfect temperature. The day was so relaxing, it was just us all day besides people in the restaurant which was nice. For lunch, I had the penne al pesto and it was delicious. Their ingredients are harvested from their garden and it was all so fresh and delicious! They also had a lot of gluten-free and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa
5 Calle Paseo del SolThe Natura Cabana is the perfect Spa Day. My friend and I purchased the ‘Zen Pass’ ($60/person) which includes: smoothie or fruit platter (fruit platter is not extravagant but it's good), a yoga class (we really enjoyed it, it was raining and so peaceful under a huge cabana that had an ocean view), and a 30-minute massage, as well as 10% off their restaurant. We did Yoga (they offer different types on different days of the week), got breakfast - the fruit platter and some coffee, chilled by the pool, and went and read on the lounge chairs on the beach. Getting into the water at the beach may be a little difficult due to the close reef (we didn’t go in) but the pool was a perfect temperature. The day was so relaxing, it was just us all day besides people in the restaurant which was nice. For lunch, I had the penne al pesto and it was delicious. Their ingredients are harvested from their garden and it was all so fresh and delicious! They also had a lot of gluten-free and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner.
This tour was fun, interesting, and beautiful; my friends and I (both 20 years old) loved it and I would recommend it to all age groups. Our guide was a nice, personable young man who cracked jokes with us and he showed and taught us many things: he showed us the ruins of a bar and restaurant and the story behind the man that built it in the 1900s; the stage (for when they performed plays in the past) and we sat where the queen or king would have; different plants and their significances to the area and in their own lives (healing, food, etc). You really are in the jungle and it gets slightly warmer and more humid so be aware of that! There are close to 200 caves in the area but we only visited three of them as there are bats and snakes in the other ones. The first cave was very deep in the ground and it got much cooler (temperature) once you were in it. We went in the water (freshwater from the mountains) and swam under the lights from our flashlights. The second cave had mineral deposits growing for the past thousands of years which is something I've never seen before. The last cave is the largest pool and is exposed to some sunlight. We jumped into it from the top of the cave but there’s also a ladder you can walk into the water with. The water is the perfect temperature and very refreshing! Last note: To get to the caves you have to drive through the local community and it gives you a little insight into the lives of people that live here year-round. It is $20/person and they take USD.
51 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
El Choco National Park
16 5This tour was fun, interesting, and beautiful; my friends and I (both 20 years old) loved it and I would recommend it to all age groups. Our guide was a nice, personable young man who cracked jokes with us and he showed and taught us many things: he showed us the ruins of a bar and restaurant and the story behind the man that built it in the 1900s; the stage (for when they performed plays in the past) and we sat where the queen or king would have; different plants and their significances to the area and in their own lives (healing, food, etc). You really are in the jungle and it gets slightly warmer and more humid so be aware of that! There are close to 200 caves in the area but we only visited three of them as there are bats and snakes in the other ones. The first cave was very deep in the ground and it got much cooler (temperature) once you were in it. We went in the water (freshwater from the mountains) and swam under the lights from our flashlights. The second cave had mineral deposits growing for the past thousands of years which is something I've never seen before. The last cave is the largest pool and is exposed to some sunlight. We jumped into it from the top of the cave but there’s also a ladder you can walk into the water with. The water is the perfect temperature and very refreshing! Last note: To get to the caves you have to drive through the local community and it gives you a little insight into the lives of people that live here year-round. It is $20/person and they take USD.
Most beautiful paddleboarding experience I've had in my life! There is an option for the lagoon paddleboard in which he can teach you how to paddleboard and it's perfect for beginners and apparently very pretty and interesting - we did the "advanced" option - which really anybody who has ever paddle boarded before can do. We met the owner of Method Lodge who was very, very nice and has an adorable young daughter that is very outgoing and showed us a lot of stuff and seemed super excited to show us a bunch of different stuff. They both also speak English if this helps! We went to the river at Parque Ecologico. It was about a 10-minute ride ( 500 pesos from the Method Lodge) and it was $40 USD each for the day. At the Parque, we saw a huge Iguana, a crocodile, a snake, fish, turtles, chickens, ducks, and a free-range peacock. A man named Rudy owns the Parque and he has spent the past 12 years building his garden and everything else on the land. He showed us around his garden and explained how and what they used each plant for and the healing capabilities of different plants. Often people come and stay there and he works with them, using a combination of plants from his garden, to heal whatever ailments they suffer from. He let us try the fruit from his garden and smell different plants. We decided we wanted to have lunch there and he picked breadfruit right in front of us that we ate when we got back. It's like a stickier potato, I loved it. After we'd had our tour, we placed our order for lunch with Rudy and set off! Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my phone because I didn’t know how choppy the ride would be, but you definitely can if you have paddle boarded before. We went down this river (could tightly squeeze both our board next to each other but decided to go one behind the other) and it was just stunning. Everything you saw was green. We saw egrets - some running on lily paddies - these beautiful purple flowers, cows peacefully grazing right up to the river. Then it opens up to a portion where the ocean water runs through it. The water was a beautiful blue and we jumped in to cool off. At this point, it was much wider and very blue water with green on either side of us. Really really beautiful and one of my favorite experiences of the trip. When we got back, about two hours later, we ate lunch in an elaborate tree house made out of all Dominican wood, overlooking a beautiful grassland. I had a veggie dish that was all from the garden and just loved it. The sauce on the food was insane. It was all from his garden and when we asked he explained what plants they use and the process for making the sauce: very interesting and cool. Lunch, a fresh coconut, and the ride back came out to be $30 USD for me and my friend together. We were told to go earlier in the day so it's not too hot and the wind isn't too strong yet.
Directions: leave kite beach out the front entrance (not beach), it's on the other side of the road headed into town and about a 2-minute walk and is on your right (picture not accurate).
Method Lodge
Most beautiful paddleboarding experience I've had in my life! There is an option for the lagoon paddleboard in which he can teach you how to paddleboard and it's perfect for beginners and apparently very pretty and interesting - we did the "advanced" option - which really anybody who has ever paddle boarded before can do. We met the owner of Method Lodge who was very, very nice and has an adorable young daughter that is very outgoing and showed us a lot of stuff and seemed super excited to show us a bunch of different stuff. They both also speak English if this helps! We went to the river at Parque Ecologico. It was about a 10-minute ride ( 500 pesos from the Method Lodge) and it was $40 USD each for the day. At the Parque, we saw a huge Iguana, a crocodile, a snake, fish, turtles, chickens, ducks, and a free-range peacock. A man named Rudy owns the Parque and he has spent the past 12 years building his garden and everything else on the land. He showed us around his garden and explained how and what they used each plant for and the healing capabilities of different plants. Often people come and stay there and he works with them, using a combination of plants from his garden, to heal whatever ailments they suffer from. He let us try the fruit from his garden and smell different plants. We decided we wanted to have lunch there and he picked breadfruit right in front of us that we ate when we got back. It's like a stickier potato, I loved it. After we'd had our tour, we placed our order for lunch with Rudy and set off! Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my phone because I didn’t know how choppy the ride would be, but you definitely can if you have paddle boarded before. We went down this river (could tightly squeeze both our board next to each other but decided to go one behind the other) and it was just stunning. Everything you saw was green. We saw egrets - some running on lily paddies - these beautiful purple flowers, cows peacefully grazing right up to the river. Then it opens up to a portion where the ocean water runs through it. The water was a beautiful blue and we jumped in to cool off. At this point, it was much wider and very blue water with green on either side of us. Really really beautiful and one of my favorite experiences of the trip. When we got back, about two hours later, we ate lunch in an elaborate tree house made out of all Dominican wood, overlooking a beautiful grassland. I had a veggie dish that was all from the garden and just loved it. The sauce on the food was insane. It was all from his garden and when we asked he explained what plants they use and the process for making the sauce: very interesting and cool. Lunch, a fresh coconut, and the ride back came out to be $30 USD for me and my friend together. We were told to go earlier in the day so it's not too hot and the wind isn't too strong yet.
Directions: leave kite beach out the front entrance (not beach), it's on the other side of the road headed into town and about a 2-minute walk and is on your right (picture not accurate).
Renting TerraCross ATV Buggys! My entire family and extended family - about 15 of us - drove or rode passengers in a buddy, including my 76-year-old grandpa! We all finished it and couldn't stop smiling. It was just a really fun experience that everyone in the family enjoyed doing. You will get wet so wear something accordingly - we unknowingly went during the rain and still had a great time. You drive back through a local town and get to see more of what local living is like.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Outback Adventures Puerto Plata
Calle doral-muñozRenting TerraCross ATV Buggys! My entire family and extended family - about 15 of us - drove or rode passengers in a buddy, including my 76-year-old grandpa! We all finished it and couldn't stop smiling. It was just a really fun experience that everyone in the family enjoyed doing. You will get wet so wear something accordingly - we unknowingly went during the rain and still had a great time. You drive back through a local town and get to see more of what local living is like.
City/town information
This beach is about 20 minutes away by car and it is just a more local, really pretty beach. To get to the beach, you walk through a walkway of green trees lining behind different stores and restaurants. The waters are very blue and it's just a really pretty day trip. The beach is slightly more seedy than Kite Beach, nothing to worry about, just be aware. I went back in 2017 and me and my brothers brought snorkels - we couldn't see much but we stayed out there and enjoyed it for a while.
75 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sosúa
This beach is about 20 minutes away by car and it is just a more local, really pretty beach. To get to the beach, you walk through a walkway of green trees lining behind different stores and restaurants. The waters are very blue and it's just a really pretty day trip. The beach is slightly more seedy than Kite Beach, nothing to worry about, just be aware. I went back in 2017 and me and my brothers brought snorkels - we couldn't see much but we stayed out there and enjoyed it for a while.
Night Life
Casino and upstairs club for a fun night! I went in 2017 with my older brother and we had a great time playing the tables. We played for a bit, went upstairs and danced at the party/club for a bit, and then went home. It's just a fun night out if you're into gambling and/or clubs.
22 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kviar Show Disco & Casino Puerto Plata
Casino and upstairs club for a fun night! I went in 2017 with my older brother and we had a great time playing the tables. We played for a bit, went upstairs and danced at the party/club for a bit, and then went home. It's just a fun night out if you're into gambling and/or clubs.