Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita sits just west of central Las Terrenas, about a 10-minute motoconcho ride or a long walk from town, between the town beaches and Playa Cosón. As the name suggests, it is a pretty one: a curve of golden sand, palms leaning over the water and a string of small hotels, guesthouses and restaurants along the road behind it instead of big resorts.

It is one of the main surf beaches in the area. Waves break off the reef and beach, and there are surf schools and board rentals nearby for beginners. That also means the water is not always flat. The surf end can have rip currents and a dumping shore break when the swell is up, and parts of the bottom are rocky or coral near the reef. The northern section of the beach tends to be calmer for swimming. There are no lifeguards, so check conditions and stay out on big days if you are not a strong swimmer.

From the north-eastern tip of the beach, a short unmarked trail leads to Playa Escondida, a small "hidden" cove that is worth the walk if the sea is calm. Wear sandals rather than bare feet on the path.

For food and drinks, you are spoiled. Several small hotels on Playa Bonita have beachfront restaurants that are open to non-guests, from French-style seafood to casual Dominican plates, and there are spots serving paella, pizza and fresh fish. Prices are a notch above a colmado (corner store) but below the fancier places in town. Many beachgoers rent loungers from one of the restaurants in exchange for ordering lunch.

Sargassum can wash in on this north coast in heavy years, mostly late spring to late summer, but it is generally less frequent here than on the east-facing beaches of Punta Cana. Small hotels clean their frontage, public bits less so.

Best for: surfers and learners, couples, travelers who like small independent hotels, and anyone who wants a beach with good food but less bustle than the town beach. Not ideal for: families who need calm, shallow water every day, or people who want an all-inclusive. Mornings are usually calmer and less windy; the afternoon light is lovely for sunset drinks. December to April brings drier weather but bigger winter swells, which surfers love and casual swimmers do not.