Playa Grande (Dominican Republic Beach) : another great option for different reasons
You guys tired of hearing about beaching in the D.R. yet? Well too bad because that is what I am here to do.
So my tour of the north coast of the Dominican Republic took me to a beach that I had actually been to before. However, it was 10 years since I last saw the place. Playa Grande (which means big beach for those that don't hablo espanol - and i don't) has undergone a lot of changes since I was last here because a golf resort went and bought up all the land. However, a condition of their purchase was that they create and build a public beach access and i'll be damned, they did a really good job.
it aint exactly the Mediterranean, but it is pretty nice
This beach is kind of for a special type of person though, because the sea is pretty rough. This is definitely not for kids unless you want to be super stressed out as a parent. I am a dive instructor and do 2km swims in triathlons, I think the current is a bit dangerous here.
However, if you are comfortable with some snorkeling gear, you can have some pretty sweet views right off the shore, which is rare for snorkeling. I found some pretty cool shells and basically was entertained face down for quite some time in the sea here. One you are finished swimming, there are a number of decent restaurants (no need to call Gordon Ramsey) right on the coast as well as some cheap beers and cocktails.
service is a bit slow, but well, it is really cheap
This might seem silly to mention to some people, but the parking was nice, free, and attended by security guards (you really should tip them 10 pesos or something) and the bathrooms were clean and also had showers for swimmers (this is not normal for the D.R. and i suspect it has something to do with the resort building this for public access.)
People that were here 10 years ago might bitch and moan about the fact that this used to be a quaint beach that only a few people knew about and now it has become a tourist destination.... well folks, that is the way the world is. If there is something beautiful, people are going to find out about it. Personally, i think that Playa Grade was handled well and it still one of the best beaches on the North Coast.
I really love beach.Water locks so beautiful.Water is over basic need.Water gives you freshness.Very beautiful tress outside of beach.Tress gives you fresh air or breath.You are so enjoying your travel.Thanks for sharing.I m also enjoying your travel.
Your turning into a travel/foodie blog type. ... I like it! I miss the pics of what you guys ate, but since I’ve been there I can somewhat imagine. We hired a eah..’local’ guide and he took us to some of these types of places. Off the beaten path and very informative. Did you play dominoes yet??
no dominoes yet. Dont have many days left here. Off to NYC next but to be honest i am not excited about that. too busy / crazy / expensive there for my taste.
The Bright Side Is ..
That it will give you some nice contrast for your posts. Good time of year to go though. Holiday Window displays are coming together and most of the shopping villages and ice rinks are up. (Bryant Park is our favorite). We also toured the new 911 museum. It was a little crowded, long wait, but very interesting to see the very bottom on the towers and sea wall. The sad history is still present there.
We like the Tavern On The Green for a bite to eat and drinks, But that would definitely be a budget killer. Sometimes we like to grab a drink at the top of the Marriott Marquis .. I think it's called The View. The whole place rotates for a nice round view of the city at night. Pretty cool and expensive to match.
From A Visit A Couple Of Years Ago ..
ha. I guess top view was just the price of admission?
Hehe .. After a few I would have paid a handsome fee for the use of the urinal. lol.
It’s amazing to see these places and beaches so clean and without rubbish! I wish Thai people could be so aware and disciplined!
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actually, there is garbage all over the place in most of this country. The beaches are kept clean by the business owners on them. In most of Thailand the businesses are not allowed on the beach for some reason and therefore they don't care if the beach is clean or not.