10 Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic in 2024

“The Dominican Republic has it all”, the locals say about their country. It is true that the Dominican Republic, despite its comparatively small territory, has a lot of impressive places attractive for the tourist. It seems to be a typical Caribbean island, but it hides not only beautiful white-sand beaches, but also snowy mountain peaks.

Not all tourists know about it and that is why their trip to the Dominican Republic sometimes includes only the pastime on the same beach. Do not make this mistake! Discover all colors of this unique country checking our list of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.

1. Saona Island (Isla Saona)

It is so idyllic and so incredibly precious! Saona Island has become the favorite Dominican destination for millions of tourists from all over the world, turning into the most visited uninhabited island on the territory of the Dominican Republic.

Located in the south of the Eastern National Park, it is the habitat of various birds, turtles, dolphins and manatee. About 1200 people live here in shacks made of palm trees, who provide services to tourists visiting the island. Since construction is not allowed on the island, it is considered uninhabited.

About 2000-2500 people come here daily, and the amount of visitors per year ascends to approximately 600 thousand people. The island features not only white-sand beaches but also mysteries related to the legacy of ancient Taíno Indians. During your visit, take a stroll into the depth of the island to learn many interesting things about its history and Punta Roca peak that served as a shelter for the troops of Juan de Esquivel by order of Nicolás de Ovando.

Apart from historical legacy, the island is distinguished by a large variety of flora and fauna. Pay attention to various birds: parrots, crows, gulls, partridges, wild pigeons and other tropical birds. It is also the habitat of famous lobsters and shells.

The law does not allow construction on the island, thus there are no luxurious restaurants or bars here. However, a modest beach café offers the freshest seafood and local Dominican dishes, such as lobster and fish in coconut sauce accompanied with rice.

Tips and info for tourists:

• You can visit the island with an excursion or on your own. If you want to travel on your own, you will have to go to the beach of Bayahibe to take a boat from there. Mind that travelling alone will be more expensive than with an excursion – this option is more budget-friendly and more comfortable. There are several excursion options: standard, VIP, for kids and other variants. Their cost starts from about US50/person. Read more information below.
• Boats and catamarans depart from the beach of Bayahibe in the morning and come back in the afternoon, so it is a full-day excursion.
• There are modest WC rooms, shower and tables for picnic on the island.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, headwear, photo camera, pills for seasickness (if necessary).

 

2. Montaña Redonda (Round Mountain)

Looking for the best views over the Atlantic Ocean and magnificent mountain landscapes? Do you also want unique photos? How about an impressive wedding celebration on the mountain peak? Montaña Redonda (from Spanish – Round Mountain) is the place you must visit during your stay in the Dominican Republic.

Located in 45 minutes from Punta Cana, this place earlier could be visited independently, but now, in view of an increasing inflow of tourists to this stunning spot, we strongly recommend going on an excursion to Montaña Redonda.

Why is it so attractive for tourists? First, because it is located not far from most hotels of the touristic area of Punta Cana and Bavaro. Therefore, it does not take long to come here – about 45 minutes by car from Punta Cana. Second, it is pristine and so beautiful: you can feel the spirit of mountains and the ocean here. Third, it features an amazing opportunity for a small adventure – swing over a mountain edge and not pass out ;-).

Tips and info for tourists:

• It is the place where you can both relax and try new adventures. Use hammocks and seats to enjoy a picturesque view and then have a crazy swing over the mountain edge.
• A small restaurant offers local food for lunch, as well as drinks. It is a bit expensive, but the food tastes undoubtedly better with such a wonderful view.
• Photographers on the top of the mountain offer their services to capture your jumping the broom or swinging over the edge. If you want to save a little bit, take your own photographer with you. You may also try to negotiate.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, headwear, photo camera, mosquito repellent.

 

3. Colonial City of Santo Domingo (Ciudad Colonial)

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Colonial City of Santo Domingo became the model for practically all town planners in the New World. Santo Domingo is known as the site of the first cathedral, customs house, hospital and university in the Americas – that is why it is sometimes called the city of “firsts”.

Its Colonial City is recognized as the first permanent establishment of the “New World”, from where European culture was spreading to other settlements in the New World. It is also the first fortified city that hosted the first headquarters of Spanish power in the New World.

So rich in historical heritage, the Colonial City is worth visiting by all history lovers and those who just want to plunge into the authentic Dominican daily living, where local customs persist until the present day.

Tips and info for tourists:

• Visit Santo Domingo only with a group or individual (VIP) excursion. A way from Punta Cana takes about 2.5 hours. It is a full-day excursion.
• Visiting Santo Domingo with toddlers may be boring for kids and tedious for parents.
• Get ready to walk during this excursion – choose comfortable footwear.
• Traditional Dominican lunch is always included in the excursion program, however, have some money on you to buy souvenirs or ice cream while shopping in the Colonial City stores and boutiques.
• While shopping, feel free to negotiate the price – you will surely get some discount.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, headwear and clothes covering the shoulders (for women to visit the cathedral), photo camera, and extra money for shopping.

 

4. El Limón Waterfall

A trip to El Limón waterfall is a must-do Dominican experience. To reach this natural marvel, you will have a 1.5-mile journey by horse or on foot through a tropical forest, crossing its cold-water rivers and ascending and descending hills. You can also try canyoning through the river.

On the way to the fall, pay attention to local flora and fauna – royal palm trees, pineapples, and tropical birds, such as woodpecker and broad-billed tody. You will be amazed by El Limón cascade dropping 130 feet from the peak of Sierra de Samaná. You can bathe in its fresh waters, take unique photos and relax before continuing your tropical forest adventure.

Tips and info for tourists:

• There are three ways of reaching the fall: canyoning, on foot or on horseback. When travelling with kids, opt for horseback riding, since walking on foot may be tiring.
• When moving on horseback, you will be accompanied by a local “guide”. Please, make sure you have cash to give him a tip – it is his main source of income. The cost of the ride is usually included in the price of the excursion. However, if you travel independently, you will have to pay for the horse and tip the “guide”. Also, mind that these guides may ask for more tips, especially from independent travelers. Thus, we recommend travelling to the fall with an organized excursion.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, headwear, photo camera, insect repellent, cash for tips

 

5. Samaná Bay (Whale watching)

This is the experience of a lifetime! Unique and available only for the lucky ones! Humpback whales come to the Bay of Samaná only from the beginning of January to stay there until mid-March. If you wish to see these amazing animals, go on an excursion to Samaná during winter months.

It is one of the most beautiful excursions in the Dominican Republic: about 2000 humpback whales come here to reproduce in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is stunning to watch the mother play with her offspring. Do not miss this opportunity if you happen to visit the Dominican Republic in winter.

Tips and info for tourists:

• You can travel to Samaná Bay with an excursion or rent a car and go there independently. Mind that buying a boat trip independently may result more expensive than the price of the excursion.
• Travelling independently or with an excursion, you cannot be 100% sure that you will see humpback whales. That is why they say that this excursion is for the lucky ones. Sometimes, whales only show their fins, and on other days, they present real performances jumping out of water and plunging back in. Believe in luck and great humpback whales will surprise you with their enormous size and unlimited kindness.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, photo camera, pills against seasickness (if necessary).

 

6. Macao Beach

Macao Beach is one of the most picturesque wild beaches of the Dominican Republic. Located in 15 minutes from the touristic zone of Bavaro, it lacks touristic infrastructure, but offers much more to its visitors: unique tropical landscapes, wild ocean waves, tasty fish and seafood prepared by the locals.

It is also the favorite destination of surfers – Macao Surf Camp offers classes and surfing equipment for beginners and advanced surfers. You can also go on an exciting adventurous buggy tour from Bavaro to Macao Beach, visit a local country house, taste organic coffee and cocoa, and buy cute souvenirs on your way.

Tips and info for tourists:

• You can go to the beach with an excursion (for example, on buggy) or on your own. Renting a car and visiting the beach on your own is a good option, especially if you want to spend the whole day on the beach. However, if you want to practice surfing, it is recommended to book your surfing class in advance.
• Be careful with waves: even if you are a good swimmer, mind that the beach is wild and the waves may be very high. Take care about your kids.
• Cafes located on the beach offer traditional Dominican food – fried fish, rice, and plantains. Prices on fresh fish and seafood are a bit high. Try to negotiate the price when choosing the fish you would like to eat.
• Do not forget to take with you: sunscreen, photo camera, headwear, cash (credit cards are not accepted in local cafes and bars).

 

7. Jarabacoa and Constanza

Do you also think that the Dominican Republic has only the sun and warm ocean waters throughout the year? If you do, welcome to Jarabacoa and Constanza, where the cool mountain wind and fog destroy your illusions about the Dominican climate!

With an average height of 4,000 feet, Constanza is the highest altitude town in the Caribbean region. A view of fogged valleys with thick pine trees, houses with chimneys, and agricultural landscapes astonishes tourists who have just left typical white-sand beaches.

So different from the coastal regions of the Dominican Republic, Constanza boasts the largest agricultural plantations of the country: fields of cabbage, corn, potatoes, carrots, strawberries, various flowers, etc. Everyone who wants to discover all sides of the Dominican Republic has to visit this region and stop at one of mountainside villages to enjoy amazing views over the fields.

Tips and info for tourists:

• Although it is possible to rent a car and travel to Constanza on your own, if it is your first driving experience in the Dominican Republic, we recommend going on an excursion.
• Take warm clothes with you: sometimes it is quite windy in the mountains.
• Do not miss local cafes: food tastes differently here. Try local food in mountainside villages.
• Do not forget to take with you: photo camera, warm clothes (sweater with sleeves, for example, or sport outfit), cash (some cafes do not accept credit cards).

 

8. Altos de Chavón

That is the place where the biggest concerts take place. Its breathtaking amphitheater features 5000 seats and the atmosphere of the 16-th century Mediterranean epoch. It is an incomparable place in the heart of the Dominican country.

It was designed by Dominican architect, Jose Antonio Caro, and Italian master designer and cinematographer, Roberto Coppa. Local artisans participated in the creation of this sophisticated replica of the Mediterranean village. Today it serves as a cultural center for residents and tourists, as well as the destination for local and foreign artists.

This place is worth visiting if you want to feel the breeze of the Mediterranean epoch, history and art. Altos de Chavón boasts multiple studios for artists, shops and boutiques with unique creations. In its Art Gallery, you will find works created by famous Dominican artists.

Altos de Chavón also hosts Altos de Chavón School of Design, affiliated with the Parsons School of Design in New York. Moreover, here you can visit an archaeological museum and the St. Stanislaus Church. It is also a fascinating location for photo sessions, with incredible views over the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea.

Tips and info for tourists:

• Excursions to Altos de Chavón are usually combined with trips to Saona Island. Do not miss a chance to visit these two touristic attractions on the same day. Mind that if you visit Altos de Chavón on your way to Saona Island, you will be limited to an hour or so to spend in the village. If you need more time to explore Altos de Chavón, do not combine the trip with any other excursion, and dedicate one day only to this destination. By the way, you can also arrange a photo shoot in Altos de Chavón: a combination of historical architecture and landscapes is just fantastic!
• Altos de Chavón amphitheater hosts concerts of local and international performers. Going to one of such concerts is also a good reason for visiting this remarkable place.
• Do not forget to take with you: photo camera, sunscreen, cash.

 

9. Cap Cana and Scape Park

If you stay in the touristic area of Punta Cana and Bavaro, find time to visit the luxurious gated community of Cap Cana and its famous Scape Park. The Cap Cana Marina coastline is enlisted among the best spots in the world for fishing and deep-water diving. Cap Cana golf courses host international golf tournaments. Cap Cana restaurants offer the most exquisite dishes and high-end service.

Scape Park features the most exciting attractions in the area: zip-line, cave expedition, transparent Hoyo Azul lagoon, cultural sights and many more. Have fun at Scape Park’s attractions and eat a delicious all-inclusive buffet lunch between the activities.

Tips and info for tourists:

• You can rent a car and visit Cap Cana on your own. To enter the community, you will have to receive an entrance permit at the guest service office.
• If you want to visit Scape Park, use its free shuttle that will pick you up from any point in Bavaro and Punta Cana.
• The prices in Cap Cana are more expensive than in any other place in Punta Cana or Bavaro, but the views and the service are worth it.
• Do not forget to take with you: photo camera, sunscreen, headwear, cash.

 

10. Coco Bongo

Finally, after exciting excursions, amazing adventures in the Dominican countryside, parks, and trips to tropical islands, it is time to go out at night for a couple of drinks and an impressive show. The world-famous nightclub Coco Bongo opens its doors for you in Bavaro, Punta Cana.

Amazing as always, it features four entrance options to choose from: regular package, gold member, royal service, and front row. The main difference between them is in the selection of beverages offered and access/no access to VIP areas. Coco Bongo shows are worth seeing and make a difference from other nightlife entertainment activities. Besides, consider Coco Bongo for celebration of such holidays as Halloween, Christmas and New Year – bright emotions and much fun are guaranteed!

Tips and info for tourists:

• Coco Bongo has a significant advantage – its centric location. If you decide to go home, you can feel safe to go out and take a taxi anytime. The area is secure.
• Although the show is good no matter which entrance option you choose, we recommend buying a royal service with a better selection of drinks.
• For special dates, book your entrance in advance and save money.
• No dress code.

Conclusion

This list of Dominican attractions is obviously not exhausted. The Dominican Republic has so many great places worth visiting that the list of Top 10 is not enough to include them all. However, visiting these best places to visit in the dominican republic from our list is a good start. If you have already discovered all of them, share your experience with us or contact us for information about more places to discover. Your opinion matters.

Updated on: 2024-11-18. Author: Anastasia Niconova