The 50 Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is on the western coast of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The island of Haiti borders it. The Dominican Republic is renowned for its beaches, luxury resorts, and golf courses.
The Dominican Republic comprises rainforests, savannahs, and highlands, with Pico Duarte being the highest mountain in the region. The capital city of Santa Dominga is home to many Spanish landmarks, including the 5-century-old Gothic Catedral Primaria de America in the Zona Colonial district.
30 Best Places to Visit in Dominica
1. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic and is renowned for its 32km of pristine white sand beaches.
Bávaro is part of Punta Cana, and the Bávaro-Punta Cana area is part of what is called La Costa del Coco or the Coconut Coast. This area is known for its luxurious, all-inclusive resorts. It is also a popular destination for zip-lining and windsurfing, as well as kayaking and sailing. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
2. Juanillo Beach
Located in the picturesque town of Juanillo, Dominican Republic, Juanillo Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Its white sand, turquoise water, and stunning views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic.
The beach is so wide that it can stretch for miles, giving you plenty of room to relax, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy the sunshine. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
3. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve is a protected nature reserve in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the town of Punta Cana. This park is named after the cenotes that surround it. The cenotes are said to look like the eyes of Taíno.
The park is home to twelve freshwater lagoons. Each lagoon has crystal-clear water and lush vegetation surrounding it. Hiking trails are available in the park, as well as viewing exotic wildlife and swimming in the lagoon waters. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
4. Bavaro Beach
Located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, Bavaro Beach is a picturesque stretch of pristine white sand that stretches for miles. The beach is well-maintained and regularly cleaned, and is free of rubbish and plastic debris. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
5. Playa Macao
Macao Beach, also known as Playa Macao is a public beach in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, in the province of la Altagracia. It is well-known to locals and tourists alike for its white sand, and crystal clear waters, and for those who want to go on an adventure because this is the destiny of buggy and 4 wheelers and surfers. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
6. Katmandu Park
Katmandu Park Punta Cana reimagines the world of the Hidden Realms through unique, family-friendly experiences and immersive media-driven entertainment using innovative technology. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
7. Scape Park
Scape Park is your one-stop shop for exciting and adrenaline-filled adventures, as well as smooth and culturally enriching experiences. Feel like you’ve been transported to another world as you experience Scape on a cliff zipline, explore ancient caves, swim in underground caverns, jump off water zip lines, and ride in splash hammocks. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
8. Barceló Bávaro Palace
Punta Cana is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world, from the coral reefs to the crystal clear waters, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most sought-after hotels in the Caribbean.
The Barbadoro Palace is a 5-star hotel that offers a B-Room experience with stunning views, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious touches. It’s also one of the top ten beaches in the region, according to votes from National Geographic, Tripadvisor, and many others. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
9. Arena Gorda Beach
Arena Gorda Beach is situated in the northernmost part of the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean island, Punta Cana. The beach is the first point of access to the popular tourist destination of Punta Cana. From Punta Cana, visitors can continue their journey along the beach to Playa Bavaro, playa Ibero al Alto, playa Punta Cana Macao, and El Cortecito Beach. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
10. Santo Domingo
The capital city of the Dominican Republic, and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo has a walled, cobbled historic core known as the Zona Colonial. Built in the 1500s, many of the city’s buildings date back to that time, including the cathedral which was the first in the New World to be built in the country.
The Alcázar de colón Palace, located on the cafe-lined Plaza de España, is one of the city’s many museums, featuring some of the finest medieval and Renaissance art in the region. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
11. Columbus Park
Parque Colon is the main square in the historic Ciudad Colonial section of downtown Santo Dominga, Dominican Republic. At the center of the square is a statue of the explorer Christopher Columbus, whose name was changed to Plaza Mayor in 1887. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
12. National Botanical Garden
The National Botanic Garden of Dr. Rafael Ma Moscoso is a national botanical garden located in the capital of the Dominican Republic. Established in 1976, the park was named in honor of the Dominican physician, botanist, and naturalist Rafael Mario Moscoso who cataloged flora on Hispaniola. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
13. Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
The first and oldest Cathedral of the Americas was built in 1504, and the current one was built in 1550, in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Mary of the Incarnations. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
14. Alcázar de Colón
Colombus Alcazar de Colón or Columbus Alcazar, is the oldest and most fortified European palace in the Americas. The Alcázar is situated in the Dominican Republic’s colonial quarter, Santo Dominga city, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ciudad Colonial. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
15. Museum of the Royal Houses
The Museum de las casas reales, also known as the Museum of the royal houses, was one of the cultural landmarks constructed during the colonial period in Hispaniola. The museum is situated in the colonial quarter of Santo Domingo and was formerly known as the palace of the real Audiencia. It is the oldest Spanish seat of power in New World history. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
16. The Three Eyes National Park
The name Three Eyes National Park comes from the three large openings found in the cave walls, which look like eyes. The park is a protected area in the Dominican Republic. It is made up of three underground limestone caverns, each with a natural pool or a lake. The cave formations are impressive, and the water is crystal clear, turquoise blue, and suspended above the pools are stalactites, stalagmites, and other stalagmites.
The park is home to many different types of animals, such as iguanas, bats, and birds. You can also walk through the jungle to see some of the animals in their natural environment. There is a small restaurant inside the park, where you can buy food and drink before or after you explore the caves. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
17. Santo Domingo Malecon
The Malecone Center is a skyscraper complex located in Santo Domingo, built-in 2003. The complex consists of four towers: the Malecon and The three towers, each measuring 122.4 meters are the Dominican Republic’s second tallest buildings.
Each tower of the complex has 31 floors, while the Hilton has 21 floors. Altogether, the complex consists of 114 floors. The buildings of the Malecon center were designed by architecture firm, Rodrígado Sandoval. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
18. Fortaleza Ozama
The Ozama Fort, also known as the Homage Tower of the city wall, is part of one of the remaining parts of the Walls, which UNESCO recognizes as the oldest European-style military structure in the Americas. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
19. La Romana
Located on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic, La Romana is one of the country’s most picturesque cities and gateway to the island’s most popular resort areas. The city’s main attraction is an obelisk depicting colorful scenes of local life, located in the center of the city. A few miles south of La Romana, on the banks of the Chavon River, is the picturesque town of Altos De Chavón, which was re-created in the 16th century as a Mediterranean village with artisans’ workshops.
The island of Catalina lies to the south of the city, with its picturesque beaches and coral reefs, as well as the sunken ship of the pirate William Kidd. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
20. Altos de Chavón
On the banks of the Chavón River in La Romana, La Romana, the most popular tourist attraction in the city of the Dominican Republic is the ruins of the 16th-century Mediterranean-style village of Altos de chavón, home to a cultural center, archaeological museum, and amphitheater. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
21. Playa Caleta
playa Caleta is a beach located on the west side of La Romana in the Dominican Republic. Playa Caleta is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, but it’s also one of the least well-maintained. There’s a lot of trash on the shore and the streets and everything looks bad. If you’re looking for a real Dominican experience, you’re in the right place. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
22. Playa Minitas
The newly refurbished Minitas Beach Club features a 23m infinity pool, a Latin and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, an ocean-view bar, and a chic outdoor lounge deck that features live music and DJ sets.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or lounging on the deck, the stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean will take your breath away. Water sports include snorkeling and kayaking, as well as windsurfing and paddleboarding. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
23. Duarte Central Park
A picturesque park in the center of town with plenty of shopping areas, people selling souvenirs in the daytime, boutiques in the evening, benches to sit on in the park, and plenty of sandwich delicacies at night. I wouldn’t recommend going there if you’re not a local. The beautiful church at the end of the park is a sight to behold. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
24. Cave of Wonders
Cave of Wonders is a secret cave on the outskirts of the city of Agrabah. It was featured in the 1992 movie Aladdin and the 2019 movie Aladdin. The cave is full of riches and magical objects, including the genie’s magic lamp. Only one person can enter the cave, and that person is the diamond in the rough whose “worth lies far within.” – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
25. Saona Island
Saona Island is located on the southeast corner of the island, part of the Eastern National Park. The island is known for its mangroves, coral reefs, and palm-covered beaches, such as Palmilla Beach, which is part of the island’s East National Park. The shallow waters of the island are home to a variety of marine life, including starfish.
The island’s fishing village, Mano Juan, is located near the mouth of the flamingo lagoon and is home to colorful shacks, turtle sanctuaries, and pre-Colombian rock art. In the western part of the island, the area is home to the Cave. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
26. Higuey
Higüey is the capital and largest city of the easternmost part of Hispaniola and the 8th largest city in the Dominican Republic. The city is named after the Yuma River, which flows through its urban areas. The city was also known as a native chiefdom at the time of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in Hispaniola.
Today, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, sometimes referred to as the “Capital of Dominican Tourism” or the “Capital of Stockbreeding”. As of 2006, it had a population of over 150,000 inhabitants. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
27. Cabarete
A resort town located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the country. The bay of Cabarete is sheltered by the reef, and the waters are calm and breezy, making it a popular destination for water sports, particularly at Cabarete Beach and Kite Beach.
A short distance north of Cabarete, on the other end of the island, is Encuentra Beach, home to some of the best surf breaks in the Dominican Republic. Calle Principal is the town’s main street, lined with restaurants and bars along the waterfront. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
28. Cabarete Bay
Cabarete is a bay located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic and is home to a barrier coral reef. Cabarete Bay is also a popular spot for kitesurfing. The development of Cabarete City and the deforestation of upland areas have caused more urban runoff and sediment to enter the bay, which has hurt the health of the reefs. The overfishing of the reefs in the 1980s also contributed to a decrease in ecosystem function. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
29. El Choco National Park
El Choco National Park is less than 15 15-minute’ drive from the beach and Cabarete’s central business district, and it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for hiking, mountain biking, freshwater swimming, and cave exploring. Spanning 78 square kilometers, the park’s few hiking trails weave through lush tropical forest, past cacao and coffee plantations, and medicinal plants, to part dry, partly water-filled caves that date back millions of years. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
30. Bahia de Arena
Cabarete Beach is a tranquil and picturesque beach located in the middle of the city, just a few minutes away from the main Cabarete area and its restaurants. It is well-suited for water sports like kitesurfing due to its windy nature. You can easily walk from the beach to the city’s center, and rent villas and condominiums in cabarete villas rental. Don’t forget to upload your pictures of this stunning beach! – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
31. River Flow Cabarete
The river flow is an activity that is suitable for all ages. It is about 25 minutes from Cabarete. Transportation, Hydration, and Snacks are included. Flow duration is approximately 3 hours. The price is $60US per person. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
32. Kite Beach
This large beach isn’t packed, but it isn’t empty either. There’s a ton of kite-boarding going on, about 30-40 people spread out over a wide area. It’s beautiful and fun to watch, and the wave action can be pretty wild at times, but it’s fun to fight against the waves. Watch out for some undertow on this beach in certain conditions and areas. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
33. Las Cuevas de Cabarete
Exploring the ancient network of caves beneath the forest floor in El Choco National Park, you can hike from the town of Cabarete to explore the various chambers on your own or take a guided tour from the park’s experienced guides. After climbing a few steps, you will come to the Crystal Cave. This is an underground cave that has a dark chamber with a freshwater pool that is deep enough to be explored by certified divers. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
34. Kayak River Adventures
We offer a range of tours to suit different ‘tastes’ of adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker who loves to rappel down waterfalls and make crazy jumps into crystal-clear waters, or you’re an adventurer who loves to explore huge prehistoric caves or take a stroll down a river with friends and family, we’ve got tours that are adventurous for everyone!
On our kayaking / River Sup tours, you’ll paddle through rapids, clear pools, and beneath a canopy of tropical foliage. Swing off the top of Tarzan’s vines and jump into the water. Swimming with fish, listening to the birds, and taking in the stunning landscape are just a few of the things you can do. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
35. Samana
Samaná is a city on the island of Samaná in the Dominican Republic, overlooking the bay of Samaná, which is home to thousands of humpbacks during the winter mating season. The town’s main attraction is the huge whale skeleton at the nearby Whale Museum.
The Malecón is a waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and bars. Nearby is Cayo Levantado, a small island with palm-lined beaches in the bay. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
36. Samaná Bridge
Los puentes de samaná are three bridges that connect the town of Saman with the islands of Cayo Linares and Cayo Vigia. They are situated in the southern part of Santa Barbara de Saman, in the northeast part of the Dominican Republic. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
37. Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park is a National Park in the Dominican Republic, located on the northeastern coast of the island of Hispaniola. It was founded in 1976. The park is made up of limestone karstic plateau, conical hills with sinkholes and caves, and a large part of mangroves on the coast. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
38. San Pedro Evangelical Church
The San Pedro Evangelical Church is one of the oldest buildings in the city and is believed to be the only one remaining from its period. According to legend, over a hundred pieces of wood for the church were brought from England by an English missionary named Narcissus Miller in the 19th century.
The church was reassembled by African-American slaves after they were shipwrecked at Samaná while escaping from Philadelphia. The church was then used as a spiritual home for their freed slaves. In 1946, a massive fire nearly destroyed the town’s Victorian and wooden structures, and this church was the only one to remain intact. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
39. Cayo Levantado
Located on the island of Cayo Levantado in the Gulf of Samaná, in the province of Samaná in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, Cayo Levantado is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is 68 km from the nearest airport, Samaná El City International Airport. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
40. Cayo Levantado Beach
Located in the eastern part of the island of Samaná Bay in the province of Samaná, Cayo Levantado is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. The nearest airport is 68 kilometers away from the island. Cayo Levantado is a five-star hotel belonging to the Grand Bahia Principe chain. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
41. Samana Bay
Samaná Bay, also known as the Bay of Samaná, is a bay located in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. It is fed by the Yuna River and is situated south of Samaná town and south of the Samaná peninsula. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
42. Whale Museum of Samana / Nature Center
Every year from January to March, thousands of humpback whales swim in the crystal clear waters of Samaná Bay in the Dominican Republic. The whale museum and nature center, located in the heart of one of the biggest marine sanctuaries in the world, pays tribute to these ocean giants and provides visitors with unobstructed views for winter whale tours. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
43. Las Terrenas
Located in the northeastern region of the island of Samaná on the island of Santo Domingo, Los Terrenas is one of the most popular resorts in the Dominican Republic, and is best known for its central beach, the “Terrenas”. Other popular beaches in the area include “Bonita,” “Cosón” and “Las Ballenas.” Some of the smaller islands off the coast are home to underwater caverns, such as the “Dudu” cave, which is located in one of the many cays off the island’s coast. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
44. Santiago de los Caballeros
The capital of the northern region of the Dominican Republic, Santiago is home to the Monumento de Santiago erected in 1944 to honor the heroes of the “Dominican Restoration War.” The city’s cultural center, Centro León, showcases Dominican art. At the 17th-century Fortaleza San Luis, which dates back to the 17th century, there are tanks and military hardware. Park Duarte is a picturesque park with paths, tropical plants, and a bandstand – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
45. Santiago Apostol Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Nativity of St. James is a Roman Catholic church in Santiago de los Caballeros, capital of Santiago Province, Dominican Republic. The church was named after St. James the Great, the son of Jesus, Zebedee, and Salome. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
46. Casa de Arte
Located in the heart of Santiago de los Caballeros, Casa del Arte is a small gallery that focuses on Dominican art and culture. It’s a popular place for locals to hang out and talk about the importance of art in everyday life. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
47. Santiago Central Park
Parque Central in Santiago offers a variety of places to enjoy all of Santiago’s amazing recreational activities and the serenity of nature, as well as places for your family to enjoy and places for you to exercise. One of the most sought-after projects by Santiago’s development and business community is Parque Central, to meet society’s need for public spaces for leisure and exercise. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
48. Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration
The monumento a los hablas de la restauración is the tallest building in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and is one of the most important tourist attractions in the area. It is located in the municipality of Santiago de las Caballeros. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
49. Duarte Park
The park, named after DR writer and freedom fighter Duarte, is located in the heart of the old Santiago city. It is a traditional Latin American park, with many benches scattered among the trees, filled with locals. One side of the park houses the magnificent Cathedral. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
50. Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes
On the first floor of the cultural center, there is a stunning series of permanent exhibits that tell the story of the history and culture of the Dominican Republic, going back to the days of the Tainos. There is also a room dedicated to the visual arts, where the winning works of art from the yearly Eduardo LeónJimenes Art Contest, which was established in 1964 to encourage and support the work of young Dominican artists, are displayed. In a separate building, there is a cigar-focused exhibit that tells the story of the Dominican Republic’s premium cigar industry. Onsite, there is a gift shop with handmade souvenirs and a cafeteria. – Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
