The Best Beaches of the North Coast: Road Trip with a Rental Car from Las Terrenas to Cabarete

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Start Your Adventure in Las Terrenas: Rent a Car at Genaro Rent a Car

Your journey begins in Las Terrenas, a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. To enjoy this adventure with total freedom, we recommend renting a car from Genaro Rent a Car, one of the most reliable and affordable rental options in town. This will allow you to explore every hidden corner of the coast without being tied to group tours.
👉 Tip: Book your vehicle in advance to ensure you get the right car for your trip, whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends.

First Stop: Playa Bonita and Playa Cosón
Before leaving Las Terrenas, make sure to visit two of its most iconic beaches:
  • Playa Bonita, the perfect spot to start your day with a peaceful swim or a morning walk along its endless shoreline.
  • Playa Cosón, famous for its untouched nature and cozy beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood.
Heading North: Stop at Río San Juan and Playa Grande
From Las Terrenas, your road trip to Cabarete will take you along a scenic route, passing charming coastal towns and spectacular ocean views.
  • In Río San Juan, it's worth stopping to visit the famous Laguna Gri Gri, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by mangroves and birds.
  • Just minutes away, you'll find Playa Grande, a breathtaking beach with perfect waves for surfers and plenty of space to relax under the sun.
Cabrera: A Hidden Gem Along the Way
Continuing along the route, you'll reach Cabrera, a small town where you can discover Playa Caletón, a calm, secluded bay ideal for swimming. Nearby, you can also visit Salto El Limón de Cabrera, a stunning waterfall lesser-known than its namesake in Samaná but equally impressive.

Final Stop: Cabarete – The Capital of Kite Surfing and Fun
Once you arrive in Cabarete, you'll immediately feel the town's laid-back and international vibe. This small coastal town is famous worldwide for its amazing beaches, active nightlife, and water sports scene.

Where to Stay: Villa Taina – Beachfront Hotel
To make the most of your Cabarete experience, we recommend staying at Villa Taina, a beachfront hotel that perfectly combines comfort, location, and direct access to the waves. From here, you can wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy stunning sunsets every evening.

Dine by the Sea: Serenade Restaurant
Located inside Villa Taina, Serenade Restaurant offers a delicious variety of local and international dishes right by the sea. Enjoy fresh seafood specialties, or have a relaxed breakfast overlooking the beach.

Water Sports and Beach Life
Cabarete is internationally known as the kite surfing capital of the Caribbean, so trying a kite surfing or windsurfing lesson is a must. You can also:
  • Practice paddle boarding and kayaking.
  • Relax in beachfront bars and beach clubs.
  • Join one of the many surf and kite schools offering classes for all levels.
Discover the Village and Local Culture
The center of Cabarete is filled with bars, artisan shops, and galleries, reflecting Dominican culture with an international twist. Strolling through town at sunset, listening to Caribbean music, and enjoying its unique vibe is an experience you won’t forget.

Recap: An Unforgettable Road Trip Along the North Coast
This rental car road trip from Las Terrenas to Cabarete will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dominican Republic’s north coast. From paradisiacal beaches to charming towns and exciting water adventures, everything is within reach when you travel at your own pace.

✨ Recommended Route:
  1. Las Terrenas (Playa Bonita, Playa Cosón)
  2. Río San Juan (Laguna Gri Gri, Playa Grande)
  3. Cabrera (Playa Caletón, waterfalls)
  4. Cabarete (beach, water sports, local culture and gastronomy)
👉 Ready to explore? Don’t forget to rent your car at Genaro Rent a Car and get your camera ready to capture the best Caribbean postcards.