Great Beaches - Playa Coson, Las Terrenas

Looking for a white sand beach with turquoise blue water, plenty of shady palm trees and only the occasional fellow beach comber? Venture just 20 minutes from downtown Las Terrenas and to find what you’re seeking at Playa Coson.



Palm trees on Playa Coson, Dominican Republic

Playa Coson is the furthest west beach along a string of gorgeous waterfront in the Las Terrenas area and arguably the most spectacular. The primary developments along the beach include two large residential areas on the eastern end and some hotels to the west. In between is an expanse of white sand that begs you to bring along your beach chair and cooler and relax for a day in the waves.

The first time I visited Playa Coson was mid-week in January and like so many Dominican beaches, it was relatively empty. The sky was patchy blue and a breeze was blowing off the water – an ideal day to savor a bit of sand and sun. Set slightly off the beaten path, Playa Coson tends to be frequented by the neighbors who live there and tourists renting the luxurious villas available for rent along the waterfront. The “crowds” are limited because you need transportation to arrive at Coson from downtown Las Terrenas.


Wide, secluded beaches along Playa Coson

One gem I discovered on my visit to Playa Coson was Restaurant Luis, a beach front assemblage of plywood tables and plastic chairs that create the dining room of a great seafood BBQ place. Lunch is an offering of the fresh catch of the day. Mahi-mahi, shrimp, lobster and octopus often make the list. The meals are accompanied by the usual Dominican offerings of tostones, French fries, rice, and cabbage salad. The fries are freshly cut and golden brown – the perfect complement to a piece of grilled mahi-mahi.



Casual atmosphere at Restaurant Luis, Playa Coson



Restaurant Luis has occupied a number of spaces along Playa Coson over the years. They park their trailed and pitch their tents on vacant land along the shoreline. When the property sells, as often happens in this part of the Dominican Republic, they pull up stakes and head to the next stretch of open beachfront where they can hang out their shingle. The best bet is to watch for Luis’ signs along the road to Playa Coson – or ask a local wandering along the beach.

Another option I plan to try is The Beach restaurant at The Peninsula House hotel. The Peninsula House is a small, luxury boutique hotel that put down roots under the palm trees on Playa Coson in 2008. Rated number one hotel in the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice awards, the Peninsula House opens the doors of its restaurant to the public for lunch in an idyllic setting. I’m waiting for the perfect excuse to go – maybe out of town guests this winter will help me justify the visit.

Fishing boat in the waves off Playa Coson, Dominican Republic

Until then, though, it’s easy to imagine enjoying Playa Coson with just a cooler, some beach towels and a good book. Access is straightforward with a few sandy paths that lead right to the water from the main road.  Expect this destination to become more popular though, as a new road is completed along the north coast of the Samaná peninsula from El Catey airport in Samaná. Get here soon and you can still experience all the charm of a stunning Caribbean beach far from the crowds of Punta Popy in Las Terrenas.