Parque Nacional la Isabela

North Coast


This crumbling and little-visited but historically significant national park marks Columbus’ second settlement on Hispaniola. These days a lackluster museum marks the occasion, with some old coins, rings and arrowheads, and a small-scale replica of Columbus’ house. All the exhibits are in Spanish, and guides speak very little English. You can see it all in half an hour, tops.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Coast attractions

1. Teleférico

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2. Fuerte de San Felipe

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3. Iglesia San Felipe

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This twin-steepled church was completely renovated following a devastating hurricane in 1988. Check out the small but beautiful Italian stained-glass…

4. Casa de la Cultura

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In addition to dance and music workshops, the center often showcases work by Dominican artists in its 1st-floor gallery.

5. Galería de Ambar

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Despite its unfortunate location, housed in a rundown office-like building, there are informative exhibits on the history of amber mining in the DR as…

6. Museo del Ambar Dominicano

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7. Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón

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The life and times of native-born son and independence leader Gregorio Luperón are impressively fleshed out inside this beautifully restored, pale-green,…

8. Malecón

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The completely paved Malecón (also known as Av General Luperón and Av Circunvalación Norte) runs along the shore. There are a handful of restaurants, as…

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