Explore the vibrant charm of the Dominican Republic, where sun-soaked beaches meet lush landscapes and rich history. Immerse yourself in the lively culture, savor delicious Caribbean cuisine, and dance to the rhythms of merengue.
Discover pristine coastal wonders, historic sites like Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, and the warm hospitality that defines this tropical paradise picked by Travel Experts from TravelPulse.com.
Las Terrenas
This beach resort, located about halfway between Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, offers an exquisite waterfront promenade, an abundance of fine restaurants, lively bars and a wealth of arts and crafts. The beaches are picture-perfect, and you’ll find plenty of swimmers and surfers having fun in the waves. Renting an ATV is a common way to get around the city; they are suitable for both the streets and the beach.
Samana
Santa Bárbara de Samaná, located near Las Terrenas, is a popular destination for whale watching. During the mating season, travelers can visit the whale museum in the town or go out on a whale-watching boat. The town’s lively waterfront promenade, called Malecón, is dotted with eateries and bars.
Casa de Campo
Covering an area of around 7,000 acres, this popular vacation resort almost feels like a city in its own right. Frequented by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Michael Jordan, the resort offers family-friendly amenities and is all-inclusive. In addition to the beach, spa and pools, this resort offers a number of golf courses, including Teeth of the Dog, which is considered the best in the Caribbean.
Puerto Plata
Known formally as San Felipe de Puerto Plata, this destination is located up on the northern coast of the country and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and well-regarded golf facilities. This is also the location of a museum devoted to Amber, as well as many beautifully preserved Victorian homes.
Punta Cana
Given its thirty miles of white sandy beaches, it’s understandable why Punta Cana is known for tropical vacations. There is a large, well-connected airport nearby, which makes traveling easy. And there are countless places to stay, from budget hotels to the most opulent resorts. There is also an extensive calendar of events that allows guests to experience the local way of life.
Miches
Miches, known for paragliding and parasailing, is located on the northeast coast of the nation and has a thriving ecotourism industry. Round Mountain, Las Lagunas National Park and Saltos de la Jalda National Park are all open to visitors. Whale watching, which is also very popular here, is offered seasonally in the bay of Samaná. A number of outfitters allow tourists to observe humpback whales at close range from January to March.
Santo Domingo
With 3.5 million inhabitants, the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic is thought to be the oldest city in the Americas. Explore the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be impressed by the architecture and culture. Or take a trip to the breathtaking Three Eyes National Park, where lakes are located in the middle of a limestone cave.