Playa Alica in Sosua is one of the best beaches on the North Coast of the DR. There is easy access and parking, a handful of restaurants in the area, and a large expanse of or golden sand.   Alicia has warm, calm waters and very few, if any, agressive vendors. You can rent a chaise lounge and umbrella for a decent price.   This is one of the best in the area for families or just relaxing.
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Alicia Beach

4.7
·840 reviews·Sosúa, Dominican Republic

Golden-sand beach in Sosua, Dominican Republic, known as the 'youngest beach' with calm waters and scenic cliffs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer seas

CrowdLow
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Playa Alica in Sosua is one of the best beaches on the North Coast of the DR. There is easy access and parking, a handful of restaurants in the area, and a large expanse of or golden sand.   Alicia has warm, calm waters and very few, if any, agressive vendors. You can rent a chaise lounge and umbrella for a decent price.   This is one of the best in the area for families or just relaxing.

Alicia Beach

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer seas

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Golden-sand beach in Sosua, Dominican Republic, known as the 'youngest beach' with calm waters and scenic cliffs.

4.7
(840 reviews)

"The most beautiful and tranquil beach I visited during my stay in Puerto Plata."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Avoid Sunday Crowds

Locals advise against visiting on Sundays due to large crowds. Weekdays offer a much more peaceful experience.

🌊 Respect the Red Flag

If the flag is red, the waves are rough. Stay out of the water to avoid distress; lifeguards are present.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playa Alicia's Golden Sands

Playa Alicia's Golden Sands

Sosua, Puerto Plata

Experience the 'youngest beach' in the Dominican Republic, known for its golden sand and calm, clear waters.

Cliff Formations

Cliff Formations

East end of the beach

Explore the unique cliff formations at the eastern end of Playa Alicia for dramatic coastal scenery.

Waterfront Dining

Waterfront Dining

Beachfront restaurants

Enjoy food and drink service directly on the beach by renting chairs and umbrellas from establishments like Waterfront.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Avoid Sundays to dodge crowds; weekdays offer a more relaxed vibe. Mornings are generally calmer before the midday sun and peak visitor times. Check surf conditions, as rough waves can impact swimming.

Beach Access & Amenities

Parking is limited to about 10 spots directly at the beach, with street parking available. Rent chairs and umbrellas from beachfront restaurants for service, or find a spot at the far end to save money. Be aware of the steep drop-off in the water.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, afternoons
Why
Good for beach lounging
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Speaking struggle spanish in Sosua, Dominican Republic #travel #sosua #domincanrepublic #travelvlog #beach
@cincity4ever
1.4M likes • 26M views

🎯 Avoid Sunday Crowds

Locals advise against visiting on Sundays due to large crowds. Weekdays offer a much more peaceful experience. Reddit

🌊 Respect the Red Flag

If the flag is red, the waves are rough. Stay out of the water to avoid distress; lifeguards are present. Reddit

La playa más joven de RD 🏝 #playaalicia #sosua #puertoplata
@trip.iando
41.7K likes • 410.4K views
Alicia Beach in Sosua, Dominican Republic, is a paradise on earth 🏝️ The crystal clear waters, lush tropical vegetation, and white sand beaches create a picturesque setting for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating vacation experience ☀️ Just a few minutes away from Casa Linda.
casalindaofficial
137 likes • 4.9K views

💰 Save on Beach Spots

Lay a towel at the far end of the beach to avoid chair rental fees. Vendors are minimal here. Reddit

🚗 Limited Parking

Direct beach parking is scarce (around 10 spots). Street parking is the alternative. Reddit

🌴Investment Opportunity: Alicia Beach Hotel Sosua Dominican Republic for US$1,600,000! 🌴🇩🇴🌊 🏨 Alicia Beach Hotel – Just 100m from Playa Alicia and steps from the vibrant nightlife of Sosua! This fully operational 25-room hotel offers an exciting business opportunity with high ROI potential. 💰 Turn hotel rooms into condos and see up a high return on investment! ✨ Prime Location | Modern Amenities ...
yourdrbroker
43 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Avoid Sunday Crowds

Locals advise against visiting on Sundays due to large crowds. Weekdays offer a much more peaceful experience. Reddit

🌊 Respect the Red Flag

If the flag is red, the waves are rough. Stay out of the water to avoid distress; lifeguards are present. Reddit

💰 Save on Beach Spots

Lay a towel at the far end of the beach to avoid chair rental fees. Vendors are minimal here. Reddit

🚗 Limited Parking

Direct beach parking is scarce (around 10 spots). Street parking is the alternative. Reddit

🍹 Beachfront Service

Rent chairs/umbrellas from beachfront spots like Waterfront for convenient food and drink delivery to your towel. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(840 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Alicia is praised for its beautiful golden sand and tranquil atmosphere, especially on weekdays. Visitors appreciate the clear waters and the unique cliff formations. However, some note the steep drop-off in the water and limited parking. Sundays can be very crowded.

"We had a great time af Playa Alicia! We tried to visit on 8/19 but it was closed due to rough serf from the remnants of Hurricane Erin. Went back on 8/21 and while the surf wasn’t as calm as Playa Sosua, the atmosphere was much nicer. Waterfront restaurant is on Playa Alicia and if you rent chairs & umbrellas from them (white umbrella section) you can get food/drink service on the beach. We rented from the blue umbrella section because we planned to eat dinner at Waterfront (see my review for Waterfront). Beach has a steep dropoff so be careful walking! Also has a really cool cliff formation at the east end."

tanilove34

"The most beautiful and tranquil beach I visited during my stay in Puerto Plata. Just a short drive away to Sosua."

2 SIDES

"Great beach, don't go on Sunday, to crowded. Plan on going during the week. The pictures were taken on Monday at noon. There are only 10 parking spots at the beach, and all other parking spaces are on the street."

Ron Sims

What People Like

Beautiful golden sand
Calm, clear waters
Tranquil atmosphere (weekdays)

What People Dislike

Steep water drop-off
Limited parking
Crowded on Sundays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Alicia is conveniently located in Sosua, Puerto Plata. It's just a short drive from the main town and many accommodations. Some sources mention it's a few minutes away from resorts like Casa Linda. Instagram

Parking at Playa Alicia is quite limited, with only about 10 designated spots directly at the beach. Additional parking can be found on the street nearby. Reddit

Sosua is accessible via public transport or taxis from larger cities like Puerto Plata or Santiago. Many visitors arrive via Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata. TikTok

Playa Alicia is located near other Sosua beaches, like Playa Sosua. Depending on your starting point, it might be walkable, but taxis are readily available for shorter distances. TikTok

While the beach itself is sandy, access might involve stairs or slopes depending on the entry point. It's advisable to check specific access points beforehand if mobility is a concern.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa Alicia is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. You can access it freely. TikTok

Playa Alicia is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific times can vary, but it's a public beach, so expect it to be open from sunrise to sunset. Instagram

While beach access is free, you may incur costs for renting chairs and umbrellas from beachfront establishments. Public restrooms (banos) are also available for a small fee. Reddit

Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the beach. However, purchasing from local vendors and restaurants supports the local economy. Reddit

Playa Alicia has calm waters, making it generally suitable for children. However, always supervise children closely, especially near the water's edge due to the steep drop-off. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa Alicia is known for its beautiful golden sand. The sand is cleaned daily, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. TikTokReddit

There are vendors present, but many visitors report that they are not overly persistent on Playa Alicia, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some other beaches. Reddit

The waters at Playa Alicia are generally calm and clear, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Be cautious of the steep drop-off. InstagramReddit

Yes, Playa Alicia is a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset, with its picturesque setting and ocean views. Instagram

Facilities include restaurants at the top of the stairs offering food and drinks, and public restrooms (banos) available for a fee. Chair and umbrella rentals are also common. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are restaurants located at the top of the stairs leading to the beach, offering food and drinks. Waterfront restaurant is a popular choice for beach service. Reddit

Yes, if you rent chairs and umbrellas from establishments like Waterfront, you can get food and drink service directly on the beach. Reddit

Sosua offers a variety of Dominican cuisine, including fresh seafood, plantains, rice, and beans. You'll also find international options. TikTok

While beachfront restaurants can be pricier, exploring the town of Sosua will reveal more local eateries and 'comedores' offering affordable Dominican dishes. TikTok

Don't miss 'La Bandera Dominicana' (rice, beans, and meat), 'Mofongo' (mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings), and fresh tropical fruits. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the golden sand, clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and the dramatic cliff formations at the east end. Sunsets here are also spectacular. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for photography. Sunsets provide vibrant colors and a magical atmosphere. Instagram

The cliff formations at the eastern end of the beach offer a unique backdrop. The general scenery of the beach itself, with its palm trees and calm waters, is very photogenic. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in public areas before flying. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky. Protect your gear from sand and saltwater.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Alicia is a good option for families due to its relatively calm waters and golden sand. The clear, shallow areas near the shore are perfect for younger children to splash around in. However, parents should remain vigilant as there's a steep drop-off further out. TikTokReddit

Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, though there are restaurants nearby. The beach is less crowded on weekdays, making it a more relaxed environment for families. Consider renting chairs and umbrellas for added comfort, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

To save money at Playa Alicia, opt to lay your towel down at the far end of the beach instead of renting chairs and umbrellas. This area often has fewer vendors and allows you to enjoy the beach without extra cost. Reddit

While beachfront restaurants offer convenience, exploring the town of Sosua for local 'comedores' or smaller eateries can provide more budget-friendly dining options. Public restrooms are available for a small fee. Reddit

couples

Playa Alicia offers a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Renting chairs and umbrellas from a beachfront restaurant like Waterfront allows for a more comfortable and service-oriented experience, perfect for a relaxing day together. InstagramReddit

Explore the cliff formations at the east end for scenic views and photo opportunities. The generally calmer atmosphere on weekdays provides a peaceful backdrop for couples seeking a tranquil escape. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Playa Alicia's Unique Origin

Playa Alicia holds the distinction of being the 'youngest beach' in the Dominican Republic. Unlike many natural coastlines, it was formed relatively recently, adding a unique characteristic to its landscape. This recent formation contributes to its pristine appearance and the distinct golden hue of its sand. TikTok+1

The beach is situated in Sosua, a popular tourist destination in the Puerto Plata province. Its proximity to hotels and resorts makes it easily accessible for visitors looking for a relaxing day by the sea. The calm, clear waters are a major draw, offering a tranquil environment for swimming and unwinding. Instagram

While its youth is a defining feature, Playa Alicia also boasts natural beauty with its palm trees and distant mountain views. The eastern end features interesting cliff formations, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos and exploration. Reddit

Navigating Sosua: Beyond the Beach

Sosua itself is a vibrant town known for its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions. While Playa Alicia offers a more serene beach experience, the main Sosua beach area is known for its bustling energy, water sports, and nightlife. TikTok+1

For those interested in exploring further, the town offers various bars, restaurants, and shops. Visitors have noted the presence of nightlife and entertainment options, making it a destination with varied appeal. TikTok+1

When visiting Sosua, it's worth noting that while Playa Alicia is generally less crowded with vendors, other areas might have more persistent sellers. Travelers seeking a more laid-back experience often gravitate towards Playa Alicia, especially during weekdays. Reddit

Safety and Etiquette at Playa Alicia

While Playa Alicia is a beautiful spot, visitors should be aware of the water's conditions. The beach has a steep drop-off, which can be surprising for swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty, and it's crucial to heed their warnings, especially if a red flag is displayed, indicating rough surf. Reddit

Respecting the environment is also key. While the sand is cleaned daily, visitors should do their part to keep the beach clean by disposing of trash properly. The presence of vendors is generally minimal, but politeness and clear communication are always appreciated. Reddit

For those renting chairs and umbrellas, understanding the service arrangement is important. Renting from specific establishments like Waterfront ensures you can receive food and drink service directly on your beach spot. Reddit

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