10 Places to Visit in The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a classic Caribbean getaway. Known for clear waters, beautiful beaches, and water sports, this is a perfect vacation spot. Given the number of beaches and tourist locations, however, we’ve decided to make things easier for you. Here are ten of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo  

Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World, full of carefully-preserved history and culture. Colonial City, a World Heritage Site, features picturesque cobblestone streets, Spanish Colonial architecture, and a host of fantastic restaurants. Santo Domingo is also home to the First Cathedral of America, which is exactly what its name suggests. If museums are your cup of tea, stop by the Plaza de la Cultura. The Palace of Fine Arts, the National Palace, and the Museum of Modern Art are just a few of many options.

Eastern National Park 

Eastern National Park is another World Heritage Site, this one encompassing one of the largest marine parks in the Caribbean. With a gigantic coral reef system home to sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, and, of course, many kinds of fish, these waters offer a wealth of biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers will certainly find much to love, but there’s also the park’s cave system, which allows visitors to view pre-Columbian art.

Punta Cana 

Punta Cana is a huge hit with tourists, and for good reason. It’s packed with world-class golf courses, palm-lined beaches, and fantastic resorts, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation. You can also check out Scape Park, which features zipline tours and dune buggies for those seeking adventure. Whatever you do, make sure to take advantage of what sets Punta Cana apart from the country’s other beach destinations; it has beaches facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Cabarete 

If you’ve never tried kite-surfing, do yourself a favor and head over to Cabarete. Home to many international kite-surfing competitions, it’s a noted location for beaches and tourism. If you tire of water sports, try exploring nearby caves or checking out the restaurants along the town’s main street.

Lago Enriquillo  

Lago Enriquillo (Lake Enriquillo) is the lowest point for an island country, falling over 150 feet below sea level. It’s also home to the largest reserve of wild crocodiles in the Caribbean. If crocodiles aren’t your thing, never fear—you’ll also find rare and endangered iguanas, a wide variety of bird species, and a plethora of flamingoes. If you’re looking for some tranquil wildlife experience, check out Lago Enriquillo.

Bayahibe  

It used to be a modest fishing village, but Bayahibe is now a resort town with a regular influx of tourists. It’s a particularly popular spot for scuba divers—many insist that Bayahibe is the best scuba location in the whole country. With over 20 official dive sites and three shipwrecks in the area, the clear, calm waters offer both adventure and relaxation.

La Romana 

Home to a growing tourist industry, La Romana is a city you don’t want to miss. Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th century artisans’ village, is one of the country’s best places to shop for crafts. La Romana also features one of the best golf courses, in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog. If you want some quality time on the green, with beautiful ocean views, this is the course for you.

Samana  

Located on the northern part of Samana Bay, the town of Samana is the last stop Christopher Columbus made in the New World before heading back to Spain. It is now a prime place for whale-watching since between January and March thousands of humpback whales come here to give birth. During these months, Samana becomes a tourist hotspot. Be sure to check out the popular Parque Nacional Los Haitises on the Samana Peninsula; you’ll find mysterious mangrove forests, unique rock formations, and pre-Columbian pictographs.

Jarabacoa  

An emerging eco-tourism destination in the Central Mountains, Jarabacoa is often referred to as The City of Everlasting Spring because of its mild mountain climate. Rio Yaque del Norte, the only whitewater river, is found here, as are a number of rugged trails perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Or, if you’re feeling daring, try out the wooden footbridge over the Jimenoa river.

Bahia de Las Aguilas  

If you’re looking for a beach that is both remote and undeveloped, Bahia de Las Aguilas is the place to go. Soft, white sand stretches out for six miles, all within the protected Jaragua National Park. The best way to access the beach is by boat, from the nearby village of La Cueva. The beach’s waters boast an assortment of marine life, and you’ll also find many species of birds in the bay.

Planning travel to The Dominican Republic?  Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and meeting planning in The Dominican Republic.