These three areas are further to the west, toward the border with Haiti. (The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola.)
Puerto Plata-- "Port of Silver"-- was founded as far back as 1502; reportedly it still has some Victorian-style houses. But today it's better known as a busy tourist destination with lower-priced all-inclusives. Expect to find popular, mass-market types of places, busy beaches, and familiar brands such as Pizza Hut.
Playa Dorado is a tourist zone near Puerto Plata where a number of major hotels plus condos and villas share a beach, a riding stable, golf course (Robert Trent Jones, Jr.), and a shopping/entertainment zone. Some hotels restrict admission to guests wearing their particular "bracelet"; but night spots, shopping, restaurants, and movie theaters are open to the public.
Note: "Playa Dorado" means golden beach; this part of the DR is known as the Amber Coast, so don't expect white sand; also keep in mind that this is the Atlantic coast and not the turquoise Caribbean. Note too that Puerto Plata gets more rain in winter than the southerly beaches.
Cofresí is a small tourist enclave just west of Puerto Plata, with a nice bay, a family tourist attraction (Ocean World), and a pretty all-inclusive resort, Sun Village.
*photo © Teresa Plowright
