Looking for a Caribbean getaway in the Dominican Republic but don’t know where to go? Look no further. We’ve got the lowdown on the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
This beautiful tropical oasis is the most visited country in the Caribbean, with almost six million visitors in 2021. This comes as no surprise, as the striking island nation boasts stunning white beaches, breathtaking mountains, and a rich history.
In fact, one of the best ways to explore the Dominican Republic and take in all its sights is to get a rental vehicle. You can rent one from the capital’s airport, so it’s easy and convenient for you to get around the island.
Continue reading to discover the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
Best Places To Visit in the Dominican Republic
From the culturally rich National Museum of History in Santo Domingo to the lush greenery surrounding Salto El Limón Waterfall, here are the seven best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
1. Punta Cana
First up is the popular tourist destination of Punta Cana. Its 60-mile stretch of coastline is popular for its resorts and sandy white beaches. It’s so popular for its resorts that it can be considered the beach resort capital of the Dominican Republic.
Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana offers everything from fun watersport activities to an eclectic party scene. As a result, this is an attractive destination for all kinds of tourists. Have some family fun by going zip lining on your family getaway or try your luck at any of the resorts’ casinos with your friends.
Regardless of who you’re traveling with, both families and party-seekers alike can benefit from living it up at Punta Cana.
2. Samaná
If you’re looking for a place to take in the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic yet be far away from the bustling crowds, look no further than Samaná.
Samaná is a laidback, historic town with pristine beaches. It’s quieter and less crowded than other popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. Tourists who visit Samaná can enjoy whale-watching, sunbathing on the beach, and exploring the many natural attractions.
3. Santo Domingo
Not only is Santo Domingo the vibrant capital city of the Dominican Republic, it’s also the largest city in the country. Santo Domingo offers plenty of sights and sounds for visitors to explore, like the National Museum of History, which has exhibits about the Dominican Republic’s cultural heritage and a large collection of artifacts; or the National Theatre, which is home to a variety of concerts, plays, and operas.
Santo Domingo’s Colonial City also showcases stunning colonial architecture, which earned it UNESCO’s World Heritage title. This is unsurprising, as the city’s architecture and lovely cobblestone streets are a feast for the eyes.
4. Cabarete
Cabarete is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic and boasts beautiful, clear waters. Formerly a small fishing village, Cabarete stays true to its water roots by being a water sports paradise. You can take part in adventure sports like scuba diving and snorkeling, making Cabarete the place for those who enjoy being in the water.
You can also cool off from the Caribbean heat by taking a dip in the waters or relaxing under an umbrella on the shores of this idyllic beach town. While Cabarete is a small town, it has all the amenities you could need as a tourist. Its solid tourism infrastructure features top hotels and restaurants for fine dining, drinking, and accommodation.
5. Sosúa
The sleepy beach town of Sosúa got its start as a Jewish settlement when up to 100,000 Jewish refugees were allowed to flee to the island in the late 1930s. Some of these refugees were enterprising and took advantage of the land and resources the Dominican government made available to them and set up a dairy and cheese factory.
Today, Sosúa is the Dominican Republic’s dairy and cheese capital. In fact, you can purchase some of these dairy products today. The town is also known for its calm waters that divers love, and its impressive marine biodiversity. From colorful tropical fish to stunning reef structures, Sosúa offers you fantastic marine life.
In contrast, the town comes alive at night. After dusk, Sosa’s main strip closes to traffic and becomes a magnet for partygoers who spill out onto the streets for some fun.
If you’re looking to get your groove on, Sosúa is the place to be.
6. Salto El Limón Waterfall
For those seeking a more active adventure, a trip to Salto El Limón Waterfall will do. Despite its name, there’s nothing sour about this place—it offers sweet views of a stunning waterfall and a chance to reconnect with nature.
You’ll find this breathtaking waterfall in the Samaña peninsula, which is about a 30-minute drive from Las Terrenas. To reach the fall, you’ll have to embark on a 1.5-mile hike through dense forest. It may not sound like much, but the adventure is in navigating the rocky and muddy terrain. You’ll even cross rivers on this trek.
Instead of hiking to the glistening waterfall, some travelers opt to take a horseback ride from El Limón. But this won’t take the action out of your trip; you’ll still enjoy riding on horseback.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll get to take in the grandeur of the waterfall and take a dip in the accommodating swimming hole.
7. Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa is situated in the La Vega province and is just the ideal place for adrenaline junkies. This mountain town’s terrain is perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Alternatively, you can take in the views from the top of Pico Duarte, a peak that stands at over a whopping 10,000 feet.
But it’s not just its outdoor activities that draw visitors to the town. Jarabacoa also has some great nightlife if you want to stay up late and hang out with the locals.
For something a bit more laidback and educational, you can immerse yourself in a tour of the Café Monte Alto coffee factory. Both beginners and coffee aficionados alike will appreciate learning about the process of coffee making and indulging in some freshly brewed coffee.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
The magnificent island nation of the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer its visitors. From its countless natural wonders and beautiful beaches to its rich cultural heritage, there are many reasons to visit the country.
And while it can be overwhelming to choose which places to visit, we’re sure these top spots will make for an exotic getaway.