In 2019, the Dominican Republic saw 9 million tourists flock to the country’s stunning beaches, historical centers, and ancient natural wonders. This tropical paradise is home to adventure tourism like surfing and 4×4 ATV tours, a thriving cafe and boutique shopping culture, and countless luxury resorts.
If you’re thinking of adding some of the towns and cities in the Dominican Republic to your post-pandemic bucket list, read on for our picks.
1. Punta Cana
When it comes to things to do in the Dominican Republic, you can’t go past what’s offered in Punta Cana.
This is the most famous resort town on the island and features pristine (though usually crowded) beaches, water activities like diving, dolphin watching, and windsurfing, and a thriving town center catering to tourists. Most flights into the Dominican Republic land here, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary.
2. Cabarete
Cabarete is arguably one of the best beach towns in a country–it’s literally ringed by coveted coves. It’s a surfer, kitesurfer, and wakeboarder paradise. There’s even a beach named Kite Beach! Plan to arrive during one of the many world championship events held there each year.
3. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and the largest metro area in the Caribbean to boot. It’s noted for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zona Colonial district, bustling malls and shopping centers, and numerous region-leading museums.
If you’re considering living in the Dominican Republic, this is one of the best towns to set down roots in, too.
4. Santa Bárbara de Samaná
If you’re keen to spend time in the beautiful Samaná Peninsula, plan to stay in Santa Bárbara de Samaná (Samaná for short). The town’s biggest attraction is that it’s a stopover for North Atlantic humpback whales, which give birth on the bay.
What is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic’s stunning Samaná Peninsula? Try to avoid the rainy season, which runs from May to August each year.
5. La Romana
People on their way to the picturesque offshore locales like the Saona and Catalina Islands make their way through La Romana. But it’s worth spending some time in this quaint town, too. Stay at the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort for a bit of celebrity spotting, visit the 16th-century Altos de Chavón, or watch Grammy-winning artists perform at the outdoor amphitheater.
Getting from the airport at Punta Cana to La Romana takes less than an hour if you book private transportation.
6. Barahona
Barahona is one of the underrated places in the Dominican Republic. This best-kept secret is excellent for the more adventurous traveler.
Head there for trekking, forest canopy zip-lining, horseback riding, or freshwater adventures in lakes and swimming holes–replete with tropical wildlife like crocodiles, iguanas, and pink flamingos!
Visit These Cities in the Dominican Republic
Whether you prefer teeny towns off the tourist trail or are seeking an all-inclusive resort vacation, cities in the Dominican Republic have you covered. Just be sure to do your research before you arrive and map out your itinerary carefully. This island nation might be small, but there’s still a lot to see.
For more travel advice to satisfy even the most wanderlustful appetite, read the other articles on our blog.
In 2019, the Dominican Republic saw 9 million tourists flock to the country’s stunning beaches, historical centers, and ancient natural wonders. This tropical paradise is home to adventure tourism like surfing and 4×4 ATV tours, a thriving cafe and boutique shopping culture, and countless luxury resorts.
If you’re thinking of adding some of the towns and cities in the Dominican Republic to your post-pandemic bucket list, read on for our picks.
1. Punta Cana
When it comes to things to do in the Dominican Republic, you can’t go past what’s offered in Punta Cana.
This is the most famous resort town on the island and features pristine (though usually crowded) beaches, water activities like diving, dolphin watching, and windsurfing, and a thriving town center catering to tourists. Most flights into the Dominican Republic land here, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary.
2. Cabarete
Cabarete is arguably one of the best beach towns in a country–it’s literally ringed by coveted coves. It’s a surfer, kitesurfer, and wakeboarder paradise. There’s even a beach named Kite Beach! Plan to arrive during one of the many world championship events held there each year.
3. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and the largest metro area in the Caribbean to boot. It’s noted for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zona Colonial district, bustling malls and shopping centers, and numerous region-leading museums.
If you’re considering living in the Dominican Republic, this is one of the best towns to set down roots in, too.
4. Santa Bárbara de Samaná
If you’re keen to spend time in the beautiful Samaná Peninsula, plan to stay in Santa Bárbara de Samaná (Samaná for short). The town’s biggest attraction is that it’s a stopover for North Atlantic humpback whales, which give birth on the bay.
What is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic’s stunning Samaná Peninsula? Try to avoid the rainy season, which runs from May to August each year.
5. La Romana
People on their way to the picturesque offshore locales like the Saona and Catalina Islands make their way through La Romana. But it’s worth spending some time in this quaint town, too. Stay at the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort for a bit of celebrity spotting, visit the 16th-century Altos de Chavón, or watch Grammy-winning artists perform at the outdoor amphitheater.
Getting from the airport at Punta Cana to La Romana takes less than an hour if you book private transportation.
6. Barahona
Barahona is one of the underrated places in the Dominican Republic. This best-kept secret is excellent for the more adventurous traveler.
Head there for trekking, forest canopy zip-lining, horseback riding, or freshwater adventures in lakes and swimming holes–replete with tropical wildlife like crocodiles, iguanas, and pink flamingos!
Visit These Cities in the Dominican Republic
Whether you prefer teeny towns off the tourist trail or are seeking an all-inclusive resort vacation, cities in the Dominican Republic have you covered. Just be sure to do your research before you arrive and map out your itinerary carefully. This island nation might be small, but there’s still a lot to see.
For more travel advice to satisfy even the most wanderlustful appetite, read the other articles on our blog.
