Planning Our Trip

My wife and I are Arriving  in mid-July for two weeks on the North Coast. We’re hoping to build in Casa Linda but we want to see a bit more of the area while we’re here.   We’re two gringos with little Spanish, but we get by and are trying to learn. 

We will be staying at CL for the first 3-4 days, and in a condo in Cabarete the last 3-4. I’ve heard good things about Las Terrenas and we’re thinking of a few days there as well

As for the rest of the time, I’ve looked at Río San Juan and also perhaps a day or two in Santiago to see what the region’s Big City is like.  I’m curious about the area northwest of Amber Cove but not sure if there is much there outside of the marina at Luperon.

Any opinions on alternatives we should look at would be appreciated!

Is a trip to Santiago worth it?  Looking at TripAdvisor there doesn’t seem to be a lot to do outside if one museum and some churches.  If it is worthwhile, what part of town would be best to stay in?