Located within the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is an island nation famous for resorts, beaches, and amazing vistas. The Dominican Republic shares its border with Haiti and boasts a geographically diverse landscape, offering up everything from rainforests to highlands, savannahs, and more.
Top Ten Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
1. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with buildings that date back to the late 15th century. A stop in this city is a must for history lovers. The historical colonial center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and here visitors should enjoy the Plaza de España, which is home to cafés and the 16th-century Alcázar de Colón palace. The palace is now a museum and was once the residence of the son of Christopher Columbus.
2. Punta Cana
Famous for being a popular tourist destination and for its resorts, Punta Cana is also known for its sublime beaches and crystalline waters. If you’re looking to sit back and enjoy the sun while sipping on a cocktail, Punta Cana is the choice for you. Located at the Dominican Republic’s easternmost point, along the famous Coconut Coast, visitors can choose from a bevy of lush resorts, and adventure tourists can enjoy the area’s popular activities, including zip-lining, sailing, windsurfing, and more.
3. Altos de Chavón
Located along the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village and a popular tourist destination for visitors to La Romana. Here, visitors can explore the architecture, enjoy the museum, or settle in for a performance at the site’s full-sized amphitheater. With shops, a church, cobblestone-lined walkways, and galleries, there’s much to enjoy at Altos de Chavón.
4. The Dominican Alps
The Cordillera Central mountain range, which is also known as the Dominican Alps, is the highest in the country. Running through the core of the island, the Dominican Alps are popular with hikers, bikers, and eco-tourists. The José Armando Bermudez National Park is also located within this mountain range and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
5. Santiago de los Caballeros
Situated in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, Santiago is known for being one of the country’s political, economic, industrial, and cultural center points. The city is also home to many iconic monuments, including the Catedral de Santiago Apostol, a 19th-century Catholic church, and also the Estadio Cibao, an 18,000-seat stadium that hosts sports games. Animal lovers should stop by the Parque Zoologico Gurabo, which features an assortment of wild animals, including zebras, monkeys, and more.
6. Los Haitises National Park
Situated on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Lost Haitises National Park is famous for its amazing views, rock formations, and wildlife, with dolphins and manatees both frequenting the waters within this park. This national park sees millions of visitors each year and is also popular for its caves, some of which feature petroglyphs and pictographs that are thousands of years old. Nature and history lovers will love a visit to this pristine park!
7. Cabarete
Cabarete is a vivacious resort town located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic that is home to many beautiful resorts. With its calm, azure waters, and reliable winds, the area is popular with kitesurfers, surfers, and paddleboard surfers. With pristine beaches, easily accessible restaurants and bars, and natural beauty, Cabarete is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.
8. Hoyo Azul
Hoyo Azul is located inside Scape Park in Punta Cana, and you have to see Hoyo Azul in person as the crystalline waters look like they’re out of a fantasy. After a hike across a suspension bridge and through the lush plant life of the area, vividly blue waters offer up a pristine swimming hole that sits at the bottom of a limestone cliff where visitors can swim and enjoy.
9. Lake Enriquillo
Lake Enriquillo is a breathtaking site situated in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic, near the border with Haiti. This hypersaline (salt) lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and iguanas, and also features hot springs. Lake Enriquillo boasts supernatural views and is also a great place to indulge in a boating tour.
10. Playa Rincón
Known for its undeveloped, pristine beaches, Playa Rincón is a tropical getaway that’s perfect for travelers who are looking to do some snorkeling or enjoy the sun, without having to compete for space with other tourists. Located on the Samaná Peninsula, Playa Rincón has a laidback atmosphere, lowkey restaurants, and secluded nature, making it the perfect place to escape to.
Handy Travel Tips for the Dominican Republic
Tourist travel to the Dominican Republic is common, and most visitors should find that their trip is hassle-free, but to help ensure that your vacation goes as seamlessly as possible, here are some handy travel tips for travel to the Dominican Republic.
- The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso which is only available on the island, though you may find that most tourist locations accept US dollars as well. You should be able to find ATMs throughout the country, and many tourist spots will also accept major credit cards and debit cards.
- Visitors should not drink the tap water in the country and should find that most hotels and resorts offer adequate bottled water options. Water is also readily available at stores and supermarkets throughout the country.
- Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, so it’s good to brush up on some common Spanish phrases before arrival. English may be spoken in some popular tourist locations, but it is not guaranteed.