Why visit the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is a unique destination where you can enjoy paradise beaches as well as culture and history. On its idyllic coasts, such as Punta Cana, Samaná, and Bayahíbe, you’ll find crystal-clear waters and white sands. On the other hand, in the capital, Santo Domingo, you can experience history in the Colonial Zone. This area is recognized as the first city founded by Europeans in the Americas (1496) and preserves a large number of colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries; in addition, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
For nature lovers, there are not only dreamlike beaches but also many national parks with countless waterfalls, as well as Pico Duarte, which rises 3,098 m (10,164 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in the Caribbean.
The country also boasts a warm climate year-round, unmatched hospitality, and a wide variety of activities such as water sports and whale watching. For all these reasons and more, the Dominican Republic is one of the best destinations in the world.
Here, we’ve prepared a selection of the 10 best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
10 best places to see in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
As mentioned, Punta Cana offers spectacular beaches such as Bávaro (the island’s most famous beach, with turquoise waters and white sand) and Macao (wilder, ideal for surfing and breathtaking photos). You can also enjoy Juanillo Beach, a quiet yet exclusive spot.
From Punta Cana, you can also take excursions to other locations such as Saona Island, Catalina Island, or the village of Altos de Chavón.
Saona Island lies 70 km away in a straight line. To get there, it takes about an hour by car and then, depending on the boat, between 30 minutes and 2 hours. On this island, you’ll find unspoiled nature. You can also explore the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and catamaran rides.
Additionally, in about an hour, you can visit Altos de Chavón (about 1.5 hours if traveling by bus). Altos de Chavón is a Mediterranean-style cultural village built in the 1970s, home to an amphitheater and Parsons School of Design.
For all this, Punta Cana is a must in the Dominican Republic. Now let’s talk about Saona Island, one of the excursions you cannot miss.
Saona Island
Saona Island is part of the Eastern National Park, a tropical paradise with virgin white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coconut palms.
This island is perfect for relaxation, offering snorkeling on coral reefs, as well as natural pools with starfish. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility in the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo and colonial zone
Now let’s move on to Santo Domingo, the capital. The Colonial Zone stands out for its history and architecture. You can visit some of the best-preserved buildings from that era, such as the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (the first cathedral of the Americas), Calle Las Damas, the Alcázar de Colón, and the Museum of the Royal Houses.
Stroll through its cobblestone streets, discover charming cafés, and enjoy the Malecón with views of the Caribbean Sea. In addition, Santo Domingo is close to some of the best paradise beaches.
Bahía de las Águilas
Located in Pedernales, this is one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world.
It is far from both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. From Santo Domingo, the drive takes about 6–7 hours; from Punta Cana, 8–9 hours. If you don’t have a vehicle, we recommend renting a car to fully enjoy destinations like this.
Its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and untouched landscapes offer an experience of complete tranquility, far from mass tourism. Surrounded by Jaragua National Park, it is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking total disconnection in a paradise setting.
Beaches
As you know, the Dominican Republic is famous for its stunning turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.
Among the best are those already mentioned in Punta Cana and Bahía de las Águilas. But you’ll also find others in the Samaná Peninsula, such as Playa Rincón, famous for its natural beauty and calm waters, or Playa Cosón, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes. On the north coast, Cabarete Beach stands out, renowned for its perfect conditions for water sports like kitesurfing.
Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, from calm relaxation to thrilling adventure.
Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardí Island, is located in Samaná Bay. It is famous for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, making it ideal for relaxation, snorkeling, and enjoying Caribbean beauty. It’s also a great spot for humpback whale watching during the season.
To reach Cayo Levantado from Santo Domingo, it takes about 2.5 hours by car plus a 15-minute boat ride. From Punta Cana, it’s about 4 hours by car plus the same boat trip.
Viewpoint Brisas del Atlántico
Viewpoint Brisas del Atlántico is located in the north of the island, on a hill between La Ensenada and Punta Rucia. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This attraction also features installations such as the “infinite swing,” a giant chair, and the “Atlantic ring,” perfect for photos.
It is about 3 hours from Santo Domingo and about 6 hours from Punta Cana. You can also find comfortable accommodations nearby, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the region.
Peninsula of Samaná
The Samaná Peninsula is a tourist destination of great natural beauty and diversity. Known for its unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation, it’s ideal for nature lovers and ecotourism.
In addition to its coastal landscapes, the peninsula is famous as one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales, especially between January and March. It also offers attractions such as El Limón Waterfalls, Los Haitises National Park, and Bacardí Island, along with activities like hiking and boat trips.
The region is also home to picturesque towns such as Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, El Limón, and Cabrera, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy Dominican hospitality.
Now let’s talk about one of these highlights: National Park Los Haitises
National Park Los Haitises
This area was declared a National Park in 1976 to protect both its fauna and flora, many of which are endemic to the Caribbean. There are over 200 bird species, including the Hispaniolan parrot, the ash-faced owl, and the parakeet. It is located in the northwestern region of the Dominican Republic, opposite the Samaná Peninsula.
This park stands out for its biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique mix of rock formations (such as mogotes), mangroves, tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters. Its caves feature Taíno cave paintings, and during the winter season, it is also an excellent spot for humpback whale watching.
From Samaná, you can find boat excursions to enjoy Los Haitises National Park and, during the season, whale watching.
Jarabacoa
This town is located in the central mountainous region of the Dominican Republic, in La Vega province. It is known as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant, mild climate year-round (between 16 °C and 22 °C / 61 °F – 72 °F on average). It sits at 529 m (1,736 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests.
For this reason, it is an ideal destination for nature and outdoor activity lovers. Among its main natural attractions are Baiguate Waterfall, Jimenoa Waterfall, and Pico Duarte. This peak, at 3,098 m (10,164 ft), is the highest mountain in the Caribbean. There are also numerous rivers, including the Yaque del Norte, the longest in the Dominican Republic.
Jarabacoa is also an excellent spot for adventure sports such as rafting on the Yaque del Norte River, hiking, paragliding (with views of the entire valley), mountain biking, and horseback riding.
We hope our Guide to the 10 Best Places in the Dominican Republic has given you some ideas of where to visit on our wonderful island. But these are not the only ones. Come and enjoy everything the Dominican Republic has to offer.
Below, you’ll find a map with these places to help you locate them better.
Finally, here’s a tip: as you’ve seen, most of these places are not close to either Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Therefore, to visit them, it’s essential to have a rental car. Renting a car gives you more freedom, without time restrictions or stress in case public transport isn’t reliable.
