What to see in Dominican Republic: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Dominican Republic: 10 must-see destinations, from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo. Predominantly beach and national park; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(4)
Stroll along Punta Cana's 32 kilometers of coastline in La Altagracia, where white sand and palm trees edge crystal-clear waters. Snorkel among reefs close to shore, enjoy the sunrise views, and swim at your leisure. Its resorts, among the best known in the Caribbean, offer restaurants, pools, and direct beach access for restful, unhurried days.
Walk along the Bávaro shoreline in La Altagracia, where white sand stretches past palm trees and resorts fronting turquoise waters. Snorkel the nearby reefs or stroll the liveliest beach in the area, lined with bars, music, and sailboats. Swim in the crystal-clear water, rest in the shade of a palm, and watch the Caribbean horizon until sunset.
Explore Samaná Bay between January and March, when humpback whales arrive in its waters to mate. Snorkel on reefs near the shore, walk along fine-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms, and follow rainforest trails that drop down to the sea. Swimming in its calm waters and watching the whales breach from a boat make a visit here an experience that's hard to forget in the Dominican Caribbean.
Head to the eastern end of Samaná and walk the 3 kilometers of shoreline at Rincón Beach, where fine white sand stretches between palm trees and turquoise waters. Snorkel in its crystal-clear sea, stroll along the shore, or simply take in the view with the mountains as a backdrop. On the quieter side, Caño Frío flows in with cool fresh water, perfect for alternating with a saltwater swim. The beachside shacks serve fried fish with tostones for a meal facing the sea.
National Park(2)
See Los Haitises from the water: red mangrove channels, karst islets, and caves with Taíno pictographs in Samaná Bay. Follow short trails among the mogotes, pick out frigatebirds and pelicans, and ask about the engravings in Cueva de la Línea and San Gabriel. The park shelters wetlands in the Dominican northeast; set out early for birdwatching, go with a local guide, and respect nesting areas and conservation rules.
Follow the channels through the mangroves of Jaragua National Park in Independencia province, where the American crocodile lives in Oviedo Lagoon. Hike trails out to nearly deserted beaches such as Bahía de las Águilas, watch for flamingos, herons, and parrots in the wetlands, and set out in local boats at dawn, when the water mirrors the dry hills of the southwest. Bring water, a hat, and sturdy shoes: the heat is intense, and the reward is one of the least-touched stretches of coast in the Caribbean.
Natural(2)
Stop at the island's easternmost point, where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs of Cabo Engaño with nothing to slow it down. Walk the paths among rock formations sculpted by the waves and take in the coastal flora and fauna of La Altagracia. From the edges of the cape, the horizon line opens up in full toward the open sea. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a camera: the terrain is uneven, and the reward is one of the broadest views in the Caribbean islands.
Climb the 785 meters of Montaña Redonda and, from its plateau-like summit, take in Samaná Bay, the cays, and the northeastern rainforest in a single glance. Walk its trails among coffee plantations and humid vegetation, look for endemic birds, and try the swings set up by the viewpoint, a favorite photo spot for visitors. The ascent can be made on foot or by four-wheel-drive vehicle from Miches, and near the top you'll find hammocks, benches, and spots to rest while gazing at the coastline.
Intangible Heritage(1)
Immerse yourself in the first European city in the Americas and walk Calle Las Damas to the Cathedral and the Alcázar, witnesses to 500 years of history. Stroll among colonial facades as artisans, musicians, and locals keep alive a tradition passed down through generations. Join local workshops, learn about the city's intangible heritage, and feel a direct connection to the past in every square, every stone, and every celebration that still fills its streets.
City(1)
Arrive in Puerto Plata by riding the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, from where you can see the city and the open Atlantic to the north. Head down to the malecón and walk to San Felipe Fortress, the colonial fort that has guarded the bay since the sixteenth century. Explore the center with its painted wooden Victorian houses, Independencia Park, and the church of San Felipe. Buy amber in the markets, sample rum at the Brugal factory, and end the day with fried fish by the sea.
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