Puerto la Cruz is Venezuela's main beach resort city, on the northeastern coast in Anzoátegui state. It sits at the edge of the Mochima National Park, which protects a spectacular archipelago of islands, peninsulas, and coves in the Caribbean — clear water, white sand beaches, and mangrove channels accessible by boat.
The city's main street, the Paseo Colón, runs along the waterfront and is the heart of local life: restaurants, juice bars, ice cream parlours, and the bustle of ferries heading out to the islands. The empanadas here are famous — the local style, fried and filled with fish or cheese, are different from and better than what you find elsewhere in the country.
Access to the islands of Mochima National Park is by lancha (small boat) from the pier at Paseo Colón. The most popular destinations are Isla Chimana Grande, Playa Arapito, and the town of Mochima itself, a charming fishing village reachable by sea or road. Santa Fé, a quieter village up in the hills with sea views, is another good escape.
Note that the security situation in Venezuela has been difficult in recent years — check current conditions before travelling.