Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Museums
Dorado has a trio of small museums, none of which is too remarkable, but a decent
breather between golf rounds. The
Museo y Centro Cultural Casa del Rey (Calle Mén-
dez Vigo)
is an old Spanish garrison that displays antique furniture; the
Museo del Plata
(Industria; 8am-4pm Mon-Sat)
showcases local art, sculpture and paintings; and the
Museo de Arte e Historia de Dorado (cnr Calles Méndez Vigo & Juan Francisco;
8am-3:30pm Mon-Sat)
gives you the rundown on local history and archaeology. Admis-
sions are free.
Activities
Golf
Look no further. With expertly groomed holes, impeccably maintained greens and gentle
Atlantic breezes, Dorado has the best golf courses in the Caribbean, period. There are
five 18-hole courses here and all remain open despite the changes to the hotel which used
to administrate them. Four of the most famous courses are now under the umbrella of
the
Dorado Beach Club ( 626-1001;
www.doradobeachclubs.com
)
, an upscale va-
cation facility housed partially in a former Hyatt. The famed
East Course
is the green
jewel - Jack Nicklaus ranked its 540yd 4th hole, a double dogleg with a pair of ponds
and amazing views, among the world's best. It's also listed among the planet's finest golf
courses by
Golf Digest
. Next door lies the 6975yd
West Course
, while across the road
you'll find the
Pineapple
and
Sugarcane
courses at the Plantation Club. Booking tee
time at any of these can be done through the
Plantation Club Pro Shop ( 626-1010;
www.doradobeachclubs.com
)
or through its website. Dorado's fifth and newest course is
the Chi Chi Rodríguez-designed
Dorado El Mar ( 796-3070)
at the Embassy Suites.
Greens fees at these courses range from $100 to $150 for guests and $130 to $190 for
nonguests depending on tee times.
Beaches
Although nobody is advertising it, there is, in fact, a public beach in Dorado where you can
swim.
Balneario Manuel Morales (parking $3)
is at the end of Rte 697. But it's a rather
