The Dominican Republic is the most visited travel destination in the Caribbean. Every year, over five million travelers from around the world arrive in the tropical island nation. And for good reason! Our island is considered a “micro-continent” because it offers a little bit of almost everything, from bright blue beaches to chilly tall mountains. With so many amazing places to visit in the Dominican Republic, tourism is not so consistently spread around the island because resorts scare visitors into not venturing out to avoid losing business!
But just like millions of other travelers do, you too can venture out and enjoy our Dominican culture and natural wonders. Here is an insider’s guide on the top 17 best places to visit in the Dominican Republic, from a Dominican-American who has lived/traveled to the Dominican Republic for decades.
Table of Contents
I. Is it Safe to Leave the Resort in the Dominican Republic?
If you’ve already booked your travels to Punta Cana or some all-inclusive hotel but are now wondering: Is it’s safe to leave the resort Punta Cana? The answer is… YES! Absolutely.
I have female solo traveled around the Dominican Republic dozens of times. And if you’re now thinking “but I don’t speak Spanish and I don’t look Dominican!” Well, neither do the thousands of international expats that happily travel around the entire country and enjoy all of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.
So, if we can explore and get around the Dominican Republic independently, why can’t you? Check out our full report on Safety in the Dominican Republic from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.
II. THE NORTHWEST: Dominican Republic Best Place to Visit for History, National Parks, Beaches, & Islands
Let’s start with the most northwestern region of the country, which is located along the border of Haiti and offers some of the most unique Dominican Republic points of interest.
In addition to a special Haitian-Dominican cultural fusion, the west is home to a rare symbiosis of desert mountains and tropical beaches. Interested in seeing Haiti? I have also covered travel to Haiti from the Dominican Republic.
1. Monte Cristi
The virginal province of Monte Cristi boasts gorgeous natural wonders and a special history; from being the first colonial settlement (La Isabela) to having historic ties with Cuba’s independence thanks to Maximo Gomez and Jose Marti.
But what really makes Monte Cristi one of the very special Dominican Republic things to do is that it is home to a diverse topography of mountains, crystal clear beaches, natural pools surrounded by mangroves, tall mountainous cliffs overlooking emerald-green seas, manatee sanctuaries, and sandy islands (Cayo Siete Hermanos and Isla Cabra).
Those are just a few of the many incredible reasons to visit the Monte Cristi town and province. It is truly one of the most underrated places in the Dominican Republic to visit!
Where to Stay in Monte Cristi
- Hotel Santa Clara: Affordable, modern, and chic.
- El Morro Eco Adventure Hotel: Has an outdoor pool, and is near Lo Italiano Beach.
2. Buen Hombre (Very off-the-beaten-path)
Less than an hour from the town of Monte Cristi is the sleepy beach town of Buen Hombre. One of the best places in the world for kite surfing. You can take lessons at the Buen Hombre Kite School. Or just pop into this fishing village for some of the best seafood platters in the region.
Just driving through the bucolic scenery (pictured above), was worth the trip here. Keep driving and tou will arrive at the small beach town where dozens of food shacks welcome you as well as the kitesurfing school/rental shop.
In summary, if you love good food, unique beaches, and kite surfing, then put Buen Hombre on your bucket list!
Where to Stay in Buen Hombre
If you’d like to stay near Buen Hombre, this beachfront villa is a stunning getaway!
3. Cayo Arena
A few hours in between Puerto Plata and Monte Cristi town is also the popular crystal clear beach and island called Cayo Arena. Or Paradise Island in English. You can take a boat ride from Punta Rucia to enjoy this strip of sand in the middle of the Caribbean sea. Or book a tour like this one or join this one which has excellent reviews.
If you go on your own, go during the off-peak hours like 12 PM to avoid the tour buses. Also, remember not to go too late in the day because of the high tides. This is simply the best beach in Puerto Plata!
Where to Stay in Punta Rucia
After visiting Cayo Arena, you could stay for the night in Punta Rucia by booking Villa Rosa. This hotel is right next to Punta Rucia beach, and after a day of exploring Cayo Arena, you could relax in the outdoor swimming pool, eat at the hotel restaurant or take in the views across the water of Punta Rucia.
You could also consider staying at the Corales Punta Rusia. This hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Punta Rucia beach and a 10-minute drive from Punta Rucia. The hotel has affordable rooms, with access to a garden, terrace, and hotel restaurant that serves breakfast daily.
III. THE SOUTHWEST: Best Area to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Desert, Sand Dunes, Swimming Holes, & Beaches
The southwestern Dominican Republic is arid, sunny, and full of interesting landscapes wouldn’t expect on a tropical island. Tall sand dunes, luxury vineyards, world-class beaches, salty lakes, natural pools, stunning caves, lush hikes, Taino pre-colonial history and so much more.. all in one single area to visit in the Dominican Republic!
While this is one of our most prized gems on the island (OK I know, we have a lot of Dominican Republic things to do), it is also one of the hardest places to visit in the Dominican Republic. There is only one major road that loops around the region. But if you have the time, it is WORTH THE VISIT, especially as a Southwest Dominican road trip!
4. Bahia de las Aguilas Beach
Bahia de las Aguilas is the prize at the end of the gorgeous and scenic drive from Barahona to Los Patos to Pedernales. I’ve traveled to over 45 countries in the world and Bahia de las Aguilas ranks as my personal favorite beach in the world.
This is also one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic so if you love beaches, Bahia de las Aguilas is one of those Dominican Republic tourist attractions that you MUST visit. It’s not easy getting there but trust me, it’s worth it!
Where to Stay Near Bahia de las Aguilas
Book Hostal Dona Chava in Pedernales! It is a super cute and cozy bed and breakfast that is owned by a wonderful local family of Dominicans. It’s situated in a central part of town where you can walk to the many delicious restaurants or grocery stores in Pedernales town!
Glamping by the beach in La Cueva. Fall asleep hearing the waves on the beach with the scent of a beach bonfire after stargazing. This is the closest accommodation to Bahia de las Aguilas and one of the most unique experiences in the Dominican Republic.
5. Los Pozos de Romeo
On the way to Bahia de las Aguilas, just on the side of the road, are Los Pozos de Romeo (Romeo’s puddles). They are a series of beautiful natural pools formed from underwater/open-air caves. The picture above was taken by the travelers at Ohlavan. Here you can go on a day hike visiting each beautiful pool one by one.
Contact Pablo (environmental sciences researcher) for a tour of these beautiful pools at: (829)889-7586 via Whatsapp. He can also do tours of Bahia de las Aguilas.
6. Barahona
Barahona is also one of the top hidden gems and one of my personal favorite places to visit in the Dominican Republic. Hands down. YES – the beaches here really are that blue. And YES – the local gemstones mined in Barahona are also that powerfully blue!
Here are the best things to do in Barahona (all pictured above):
- Barahona beaches: They are a cyan-cerulean blue color unlike anywhere else in the world (IMO).
- Los Patos Beach: Cerulean blue beach to eat some delicious fried fish and explore the world’s smallest river. Los Patos is a very easy stop on the road if you’re heading to Pedernales / Bahia de las Aguilas. Make sure to ask for Kathy’s restaurant for the best-fried fish with tostones in town!
- Larimar Mines: Don’t miss out on this lifetime experience to see how a local collective of miners extract this rare gemstone. You can book this tour, which you can combine with the La Plaza hike.
- Larimar Stands: Larimar is a blue semi-precious gemstone only found in Barahona and NOWHERE else in the world! Be sure to stop by the many road stands to buy some as you enjoy all of the amazing places to go in the Dominican Republic.
Where to Stay in Barahona
Stay at Casa Bonita, which flaunts gorgeous luxury villas overlooking the beautiful valley. This is located perfectly between everything listed above. If you can’t afford to stay here, then at least stop by for a drink! This hotel is also located on the same road as La Plaza Hike / Cueva de la Virgen (listed below).
7. Baoruco River: La Plaza & Cueva
Imagine a cerulean blue river enveloped by a lush forest and tall limestone rocks and caves. Where you can frolic into the woods for a day hike to jump into turquoise clear natural pools and climb up stunning caves. You found it here, along el Rio Baoruco (Baoruco River).
- La Plaza Hike: This stunning hike takes you through several crystal-clear blue pools surrounded by limestone rocks. This is totally off the beaten path, but it is one of my favorite Dominican Republic things to do. And now, this guy leads a tour here which you can easily book online.
- Cueva de la Virgen: Take this one hour detour from La Plaza Hike to an open cave with a waterfall that runs through it (pictured above). Lovers of nature, hiking, and water — this is for you!
Please note: La Plaza and Cueva de la Virgen (cave) are more virginal natural wonders. As such, there are no paved paths. It’ll be an all-natural obstacle course that is fully worth the experience.
8. Azua (Vineyard & Beaches)
Wine lovers should stop in the province of Azua to visit the gorgeous and luxurious Ocoa Bay Vineyard. This vineyard offers wine tastings, guided tours, a beautiful outdoor restaurant, a clubhouse with an infinity pool and dozens of sustainable agricultural projects.
Nearby is Baoruco, a beach only accessible by boat. The views to and from this beach are stunning (pictured above). The water is crystal clear, and you can wander around the coast to see the pink coral rock formations and cactus trees along the coastline.
9. Bani: Sand Dunes, Salt Mines & Centro Cultural Perello Museum
Bani is a small city that you will pass on the way to some of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic in the southwest. In Bani, you can check out:
- Bani Sand Dunes: Unique tall sand dunes adjacent to a beach. You can try sandboarding there by renting boards in the MAYA hotel located across the road.
- Las Salinas Salt Mine: If you get there during harvest time, the water is super bright pink
- Centro Cultural Perello Museum: Modern art museum
Bonus tip: Do not leave Bani without trying their famous mangos.
IV. THE DOMINICAN ALPS: Best Area to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Mountains, Waterfalls, & the Outdoors
Did you know that the Dominican Republic is home to the Caribbean’s tallest mountain? El Pico Duarte!
Did you know that in this tropical Caribbean island there are towns where the temperature drops below freezing? Or that there are tall, cooler mountainous regions where you can grow strawberries, apples, and other cold-weather fruits/vegetables?
Welcome to the Dominican Alps — one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for nature, outdoor adventures, and wellness!
10. Jarabacoa
Hands down, one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic. Where else in the Caribbean can you find pine trees, tall mountains, fresh chilly nights, and a special Japanese influence? Jarabacoa is also home to some of the best waterfalls in the Dominican Republic.
The best place to base yourself in the Dominican Alps is the mountain town of Jarabacoa. Here you can enjoy cloud-towering sights, waterfalls, treks, paragliding, river rafting, and a zillion other things to do in the Jarabacoa region.
Where to Stay in Jarabacoa
Some of the most beautiful places to stay in the Dominican Republic are in the Jarabacoa/Constanza region. You can book this gorgeous hill-top villa or stay at this cute and cozy mountain cabin.
Consider booking Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel to meet others if you’re a solo traveler. You can also reserve a room at the classic Hotel Gran Jimenoa located along the Jimenoa River– a truly relaxing oasis!
11. Pico Duarte (the Tallest Mountain in the Caribbean)
Jarabacoa is also less than an hour away from the José Armando Bermúdez National Park, which is home to the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte (pictured above). If you’re interested in a guided hike tour to Pico Duarte – book hiking tour services here. And here is a FREE online comprehensive guide to hiking Pico Duarte.
12. Valle Nuevo & Constanza
Can you believe there exists a place in the tropical Caribbean where the weather drops below zero at night sometimes? Where you can wake up to ice covering the grass and pine trees? Welcome to the magical region of Valle Nuevo.
- Valle Nuevo National Park: This national park is unique. Here you can find the pyramids.
- Salto de Aguas Blancas Waterfall: Pictured above – one of the tallest waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. It is 83 meters high and is located 1,680 meters above sea level. And yes, the water is cold!
- Aguas Blancas Natural Pool Cliff: Pictured above.
Where to Stay in Valle Nuevo
Book Villa Pajon Mountain Lodge, an adorable cabin in the middle of the national park. This is a must-do for outdoor lovers. It is beloved by both local Dominican travels and tourists for its spacious cabins with fireplaces, unique location, and beautiful property. This is the perfect retreat from sunburns and crowds.
V. NORTH COAST: Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Wellness, Water Sports, & Community
The Dominican North Coast is famous for its resorts and luxury hotels, but did you know there are wellness communities, kite/surfing schools, local beaches, and other off-the-beaten-path places to visit in the Dominican Republic?! Here are two you can’t miss.
13. Cabarete
The Puerto Plata province is located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. It consists of some popular Dominican Republic tourist destinations like Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete.
The first two have become oversaturated with mass tourism. Skip them. BUT Cabarete remains the underrated gem of the north coast. This active and international kite-surfing town is mostly populated by local Dominicans, Capitaleños (Dominicans from Santo Domingo), and expats from around the world.
Though a relaxed beach town, it is also the capital of water sports in the Dominican Republic. Cabarete is also renowned for its dozens of healthy food spots (Vagamundo Coffee pictured above), sports schools, horseback riding farms, caves, gyms, yoga studios, cafes, and many other things to do in Cabarete to keep you having fun for weeks.
English and Spanish are spoken widely throughout this town.
Where to Stay in Cabarete
- Ultaviolet Boutique ($$$)
- Encuentro Surf Lodge ($$)
- Sea Horse Ranch ($$$$$)
14. Playa Caleton & Playa Grande
The province of Espaillat is home to dozens of unique natural attractions. There are several beaches to choose from in the area. But Playa Caleton (photo above) is a local favorite and hidden gem beach just one hour drive from Cabarete downtown.
After Playa Caleton, the beach of Playa Grande is where you want to go for food. This beach is bigger and with more food stalls and market stands to choose from. While the beach here is gorgeous, it has more strong waves than Caleton.
So go swimming at Caleton and then come to Playa Grande for food and shopping. Try the lobster or the fried fish with a pina colada or fresh coconut.
15. Rejoya Guided Waterfall Hike through the Countryside
Joining this waterfall hiking tour experience is a must do if you’re an outdoor lover! It was one of the highlights of our Cabarete trip.
You can get picked up for this anywhere between Puerto Plata and Cabarete. We drove deep into the Dominican countryside with Jorge (our local guide and driver) to a lush and verdant jungle. From there, we hiked through the wilderness, passing rivers and thickly forested trails.
I felt refreshed and rejuvenated before we even got to the prize gem: a waterfall waiting for us, pristinely tucked away, all to ourselves. This waterfall area also offers a rare blue clay, which we got to soothe our skins with. Bonus! Moreover, you’ll pass all sorts of fruit trees and medicinal plants that Jorge has a deep knowledge of.
VI. SAMANA PENINSULA: Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Lush Jungle, Busy Towns, Beaches, & Waterfalls
The Samana peninsula is a little harder to get to due to its distance from the more popular airports (POP, SDO, PUJ, STI). So if you cannot find a flight to its international airport (AZS), you will have to drive 3 to 5 hours to get to Samana.
It is also home to one of the biggest French ex-pat communities in the Dominican Republic most of whom live in Las Terrenas and Las Galeras. In addition to these two popular ex-pat towns, the major attractions to this province include Parque Nacional Los Haitises, whale watching, Salto de Limon (pictured below), Playa Rincon, El Monte Azul, Playa Fronton, and Cayo Levantado– to name a few of many things to do/see.
16. Samana’s Limon Waterfall
Although the Samana province is popular with tourists, there are still many places that are still well worth the visit to this area especially: Salto de Limon. This waterfall is located in a lush jungle that you must either hike through or reach on horseback.
For tours, I strongly recommend doing the horseback coffee trail with Santi who leads high-quality tours and offers a delicious lunch at the end of your excursion in his restaurant space. There are many different trails, some not as nice, so remember to clarify that you want the COFFEE trail which Santi offers. Prices start at $20/per rider.
17. Las Galeras & Playa Fronton
At the end of the Samana peninsula, you can find some of the finest beaches in the Dominican Republic such as Las Galeras which you can take a boat from to reach the secluded Playa Fronton. Please note that this beach is not accessible when the waters are choppy.
18. Playa Rincon
Once a secret beach where a local fisherman family lived perched on the hill, Playa Rincon has now become a popular beach destination for locals and tourists alike. And today, you can find several local restaurant stands by the beach where you can order plates of fresh seafood while admiring the beautiful ocean views.
But what really makes this beach special? Is that it begins where a crystal clear blue river ends. From here you can hire a canoe captain to take you through the lush river or rent a kayak and go exploring on your own.
This river alone is a treat and a quiet respite from the lively beach on a weekend! Avoid holidays unless you love the lively holiday buzz of many families and visitors.
VII. SANTO DOMINGO: The Best Place to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Culture, Food, & History
19. Santo Domingo
Last, but DEFINITELY not least… The Capital. Santo Domingo is FULL of things to do as it is one of the top best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
Our Dominican capital offers insight into the history of the first colonized city in the Americas as well as art museums, mouth-watering restaurants, hip bars, local hotspots, open caves (Tres Ojos National Park), and the famous Colonial City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)– just to name a few things.
Allocate at least 2 days from your Dominican Republic itinerary to tour the city by foot or bike, pop into a few local events (Casa de Teatro), and try the local cuisine especially the contemporary fusions (Sushi Bamban). So if you have the chance to fly into or out of Santo Domingo, don’t pass on it.
Where to Stay in Santo Domingo
- Island Life Hostel ($)
- Hodelpa Nicolas Oveido ($$$)
- Casas del XVI ($$$$)
VIII. SANTIAGO: The Second Biggest City in the Dominican Republic
Welcome to the beautiful and vibrant city of Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest in the Dominican Republic. Famously nicknamed “La Ciudad Corazón” (the heartland city) and historically known as the first “Santiago” of the Western Hemisphere (there are so many).
Today, Santiago is a major cultural, political, industrial, and financial hub, located in the center of the Cibao Valley; an area known for its agricultural development and exportation of Dominican cigars, rum, and textiles. As such, Santiago’s rich background offers an array of things to do and places to see.
20. Santiago’s Centro de Leon
A visit to el Cultural Center Eduardo León Jimenes (“Centro Leon“) should be at the top of your Santiago bucket list. This is probably the best museum in the Caribbean. It has various exhibitions, some permanent and others are temporary.
The first is called Sign of Identity which highlights Dominican history, heritage, anthropology. The second permanent exhbition is Genesis: which feature breathtaking Dominican art that illustrates our culture, politics, history, and more. Lastly, there is an outdoor space for the history of the center. The fourth exhibition is usually temporary but to give you an example, the last one was by the fashion design, Oscar de la Renta!
21. Take the Los Pepines Local Mural Tour
You can visit the Santiago neighborhood of Los Pepines on this walking tour and witness the picturesque murals of Dominican culture and local arts. Book this tour, which passes by the monument. The Los Pepines neighborhood is regarded as safe, charming, and emblematic of the success of Dominican arts.
22. Embark on the Tobacco Valley Tours
Tobacco Valley Tours offers half-day visits to tobacco plantations just thirty minutes from Santiago in Villa González. Here, you can learn all about the art of smoking at an artisanal tobacco factory. By booking a tobacco tour, you’ll also better understand the Dominican tobacco heritage, and the agricultural methods to cultivate, harvest, and manufacture tobacco.
IX. PUNTA CANA: More Than Resorts!
Yes! There are many things to do in Punta Cana besides staying cooped up in a resort. Now that doesn’t mean I am shaming resort stays. There are some pretty amazing resorts in the Dominican Republic! But consider venturing out. I promise, if you use common sense, Punta Cana can offer a ton of safe and fun activities to enjoy.
23. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve is a pristine lowland subtropical forest with swimmable freshwater lagoons, an iguana habitat, and a petting zoo. It stretches 1,500 acres and is frequented by tours of all types: horseback riding, segway, foot, and boat. We love the forest trails and stunning gardens, perfect for self-guided tours to view over 100 birds! You can book a guided tour here or go on your own!
24. Scape Park
You can get a full day of adventure by purchasing a pass to Hoyo Azul & Scape Park, boasting thrilling landscapes over a 247-acre natural park. Here, guests can swim in caves and caverns, zipline through the jungle, go on easy hiking trails, tour local wildlife by boat, and much more.
Your admission ticket grants you full-day access to several attractions. For Dominicans with ID, there is a discount to make it more accessible to the local community. You could go on your own or take a full-day tour which includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Punta Cana. You need at least a full day here to enjoy everything they offer.
25. Visit the Best Beaches in Punta Cana
Punta Cana has some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Book a tour to Macao Beach, which is a local favorite for its natural surroundings, miles of serene shoreline, and turquoise waters. I didn’t like the seafood there too much. So bring snacks or eat after.
Los Corales Beach is one of my favorite spots covered in white sand and close to small business bars, restaurants, and spas. But the best top two? Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana and Playa Blanca in Punta Cana Club. Both are private costing between $20-$30. But you may be able to get that money back as a restaurant credit.
26. Relaxing Spas in Punta Cana
We went to the Flavio Acuna Spa in Los Corales, and it was one of the best investments we made. Although the owner is a bit intense, you can tell he really cares and he’s done a great job because the staff and service were excellent. Originally from Uruguay, he’s been in the country for 20 years and has become a leading figure in wellness. The workers are Dominican locals who you can support.
This spa is also great for friends or couples looking for joint sessions. Another option we heard great things about was Six Senses Spa at Punta Cana Resort & Club; however, this one is much more expensive with higher-end amenities
27. Visit Punta Cana’s Amazing Restaurants
This is simply a must if you’re in Punta Cana. Here are the top favorites:
- SBG Punta Cana ★: Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Punta Cana. They have a gorgeous interior that spans two rooms, a bus, and a little hallway with Dominican tributes and art. The food here is phenomenal.
- Jelly Fish: Relaxing beach atmosphere meets fine dining just 20 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. Don’t miss the red snapper + risotto plate and the Maine-style lobster here.
- La Yola (Cap Cana): This award-winning restaurant is supposed to be one of the best in Punta Cana. But it was closed when we went due to the hurricane.
- La Palapa (by Eden Roc): Get the coconut milk red snapper dish! It’s also just a two-minute walk from Blue Grill, which offers Asian-inspired seafood plates like sushi and sashimi. Both have live music sometimes.
X. My Related Blog Posts
- 23 Things to Know Before Traveling to the Dominican Republic For the First Time
- 48 Exciting and Beautiful Things to Do in the Dominican Republic
- 29 Amazing Boutique Hotels in the Dominican Republic and Places to Stay
- 31 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
- 14 Beautiful Islands of the Dominican Republic to Explore
- 23 Beautiful Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic
- 25 Coolest Hikes in the Dominican Republic + Hidden Gems
- Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic (& When to Avoid!)
- Is it Safe to Travel in the Dominican Republic? 9 Important Safety Tips
These are gorgeous photos, and some great ideas! I’m headed back to the DR in the next year or two, and you’re making the decision of how long to stay there quite a hard one. Also, don’t forget to mention all the cacao plantations, particularly in the north– they WERW the main reason I was returning to the Caribbean!
Thank you, Max! My family has cacao plantations so I take them for granted. But you’re right and I would love to focus on them. Do you know where there is the Criollo cacao?
Visiting soon
Great post!
Thank you for sharing this post! The Dominican Republic looks so so gorgeous – I have been wanting to go for a while (mostly to dance a lot of bachata :D) and I am definitely not looking to stay in a resort. Thank you for taking the time to put together this guide, I will keep it in mind if I ever make it there 🙂
If you want to dance bachata this is the place… bachata is on 24/7 haha. Thank you 🙂 I hope you can come soon!
Whoa why haven’t I visited DR yet?! It says a lot that your favorite beach is there but that it has wineries, mountains and endless outdoor beauty and accompanying activities (even kite-surfing) is amazing! I’m sold. I love your colorful descriptions and gorgeous photos – great read!
Yay!! Thank you! I’m glad you’re sold haha. I think you will love it. Come to Cabarete or the capital ????
Thank you for sharing these spots, they looks amazing! I’be only been to the resorts in the Dominican Republic and really regretting not getting out and exploring beyond it. Really wanting to make a trip back to explore some of these places!
Oh no! 🙁 well one day hopefully you can come back and see more! 🙂 which resort did you stay in?
You have showed lot of gorgeous places in here. The islands of the Caribbean are pure gems. Each one if unique and full of surprises. I am from Puerto Rico and have been to the Dominican Republic only once. It is a dream of mine to get to know the island better and get to now family I have there. Now that I live in California, I feel the itch to see more of the area I come from (go figure!).
Thank you! So cool. I hope I can go to Puerto Rico one day and do the same????????????????
Your photos are lovely. It’s great to have an insider’s tips for the DR. Going to a destination and only seeing resorts is not the best way to travel by any means! I think the southwest area looks like the best option for me!
The southwest is the best option for me too! I love it there! Hope you can come visit. 🙂
Yes! Love posts like this, and look at all that lush landscape. Hope to make it to Dominican Republic one day soon…
Thank you! Yes it is so lush and green here. I hope you can come, too! 🙂
Hi Isabelle,
I have been to DR 2 times now, never in a resort! I just love the country but I found it incredible difficult to travel around 🙁 Some places are OK by bus but you almost need a car to rent what I do not want to do. I find that the most challenging. I want to go back again but need to find a cost/time efficient way to travel.
Honestly never really considered going to DR, but this article might have sold me! Your photos are beautiful 🙂 Where is that spot with the little heads along the water? It’s got me very intrigued!
After reading your article, I totally want to visit Dominican Republic! Amazing pictures and such detailed description. I’ll shoot for this December break.
This is a great guide, thanks.
Thank you for this! We prefer to travel outside resorts, so super excited to read this as I begin my research. How easy is it to get from place to place? We have been told not to rent a car. It will be me and my 18 year old daughter exploring. Top two spots if we are flying into Santiago?
There’s a lot around there it depends on your preferences on what to do and see. You can rent a car but avoid driving it within the cities…. if you must on your way in or out…. avoid rush hour
Hi. I am soon to be an expat in the DR with big goals and ambitious of opening a bar in a non touristy spot. Kinda a place you wanna take a break have a drink and continue your excursions. I was thinking of neighborhood bar like the ones we have in the US. This is just low investments to test the waters and see if the profit margin is feasible. Any advice? Or has someone already beat me to it? Thanks…
Very Nice!
What amazing pictures of nature, definitely will visit Dominican Republic also because i’ve never been there yet!! Can’t wait to return traveling…
Do not go to Dominican Republic . They kill Black Visitors or Set them up. Lock them in Jailed for no Reason. Bad place to visit if you are not Black Dominican. Specially Haitians. They put Drugs, contraband in your luggages. Dominican republic Police Officers Hate Black Foreigners. Stay Away from DR. Visit other Islands. PLEASE.
Your IP address says you’re in the USA. New York to be specific. So, therefore, with your logic + the history of the US and racist police brutality, should we boycott travel to NY/the USA too? DR is a Black country with a traumatic history of slavery, colonization, US-backed dictatorships, US invasions, and US imperialism. We are still healing and decolonizing and yet you expect us to be better and more woke right now than USA? You can still visit DR to support Black heritage preservation efforts/sites and community/local efforts to uplift Haitian and Black communities. Most travel boycotts are dripping in white savior complex and hurt the locals you think you are trying to “help” with it. But if you personally decide to boycott DR, that is your perogative. Just hope you’re using that same logic on the rest of the racist Americas (from north to south). Saludos.
Thanks for such a lovely article!
Hace seis años descubrí Las Terrenas i fue un amor a primera vista, desde entonces he viajado por todo el país y cada vez encuentro nuevos alicientes, el mas importante a parte de su paisaje y el color es la sonrisa de la gente, su constante alegría, la sonrisa de quien no tiene nada o bien poco y te ofrece lo poco que tiene si pedir nada a cambio, es como sentirse en casa, a los que pretendan conocer el país que se olviden de los grandes resorts y pateen el país hasta el último rincón por insignificante que parezca, vale la pena y nos llevaremos verdaderas sorpresas.
Yes you can park the cars in front of the dunes. You definitely need cash in those parts. Do not attempt to use credit cards in most parts of the western DR
Sosua is also famous for having accepted Jewish refugees in the 1940s!
Yes! There is a Jewish Museum in Sosua too, but it is currently under construction.
There is another beautiful destination called Los Cacaos up in the mountains of San Cristobal. Running gorgeous rivers and natural pools. They also have a lot of streme sports. Love this place, but to get there 6ou have to go up the mountain. Daring, but still loved the trip.
I AM JUST DYING TO SEE THAT AREA. I’ve heard ALL GREAT THINGS! Feel free to share some photos/tips of your travels through Los Cacaos so our readers know it’s an option! Thank you for reminding me to bump it up on my bucket list.:-) Happy travels!
When are harvesting times for water to be pink in Bani?
It’s not seasonal by nature. It depends on the local worker’s schedules.
Great post! So many hidden gems I haven’t been to yet. Some more in the Rio San Juan area that I recommend are: playa diamante and arroyo saldado and the dudu caves or cenote in cabrera. They are more popular places full of a lot of people but I like them especially to be with lots of Dominican families and kids.
Hello! Thank you for your wonderful article with amazing photos & helpful information! So many beautiful places to visit…how we will we ever decide? 😃 We are planning a last minute trip this month….a family of 3…wife, husband,10 year old son. We love adventure, snorkeling and off the beaten path places and your article introduced a ton of possibilities! Would you mind answering a question regarding covid restrictions? Our understanding is that the DR has dropped all restrictions and mask requirements: this is music to our ears!! Most other destinations in the Caribbean are so restrictive right now and we want to make sure this is indeed the case before booking. Thank you so much!
Hi Debbie, Yes, after two years of curfews and mandates, DR has dropped all restrictions due to ongoing progress. Safe travels and enjoy DR!
This legit the best guide ive ever seen. So informative and straight to the point. Thank You so so much!!! I think I need a month here to do everything lol
THIS IS** sorry for typo
Gracias por visitar y resaltar la belleza de mi país 🇩🇴 🙌🏻
Thank you for sharing. I’m going this summer for two weeks and trying to come up with a doable itinerary. I really want to go to Bahia de Las Aguilas. Do I need to rent an SUV or can I travel with a sedan to these places?
It helps to have your own car or driver with a car to explore the southwest. Very safe area. And not as much traffic especially the farther out west you go.
Excellent article and responses to comments. Well done!
Yes, there is parking right in front of the entrance to the dunes. To get there you should hire a driver. Call an Uber and then negotiate an off-Uber cash rate for him to take you there. You’ll need cash in off-the-beaten-path places.
Visited 5 times on the north coast! Amazing ! Loved all there is here, the people the sights so much to love!! So much so, we moved here from the USA, bought ocean front property and built our dream home here! 9 years later …. still Lovin it and never looked back!!