The name Puerto Plata draws inspiration from the glittering silver color of the coast when the sun sets. Nicolas de Ovando founded the city in 1502, and Christopher Columbus christened it by signing a personal decree. Fort San Felipe is one of the main monuments, constructed in 1569 by its people to defend the city from pirates and corsairs; today it's a museum housing Dominican colonial artifacts. Puerto Plata's  stylish Victorian architecture lends a romantic feel; other popular places worth checking out are The Brugal Rum factory and Puerto Plata's Parque Luperon, the city's largest park with vendors selling local arts and crafts. The Columbus Aguaparque, on Sosua Beach, is a water park which is a family favorite, with  restaurants, gift shop, showers and lockers. The popular Costambar beach also has the Los Mangos 9-hole golf course.

Puerto Plata's oceanside Malecon promenade has a number of lively restaurants and cafes. For visitors who want to dine off-resort, recommended restaurants include the thatch-roofed Maria's and the open-air Mi Bohio. For shopping, the Plaza Turisol Complex houses 80 boutiques with upscale international labels; for locally-made crafts, head to The Centro Commercial Playa. For golfers, two of Puerto Plata's finest 18-hole championship courses are Playa Dorada and the Playa Grande Golf Course.

After the sun goes down - and through the night - Puerto Plata is a lively nightlife hub.  Among the more popular venues for dancing the night away are the Crazy Moon, and the Mangu.