Playa Grande is a wide, curving beach of white sand a few minutes' walk from the centre of Luperon. The water is warm and clear, the surf gentle, and on most days — especially weekdays — you will have the beach largely to yourself. There was once a large resort here; it was destroyed in a hurricane and never rebuilt, which is why the beach remains uncrowded and free.
The combination of fine sand, calm water, and complete absence of beach vendors makes Playa Grande one of the most pleasant beaches on the north coast. Bring water and snacks if you plan to spend the day — the only facilities are occasional small food stands that set up on weekends. There is shade at the north end under a stand of palms.
The sea floor is sandy and the water shallow for a reasonable distance — suitable for swimming even if you are not a strong swimmer. The reef further out is worth snorkelling if you have equipment. Fish are abundant and the coral is in reasonable condition given the development pressure elsewhere along the coast.