Reasons to visit the Dominican Republic

Excellent vacation value, beaches, and history top list

This often overlooked country offers one of the best vacation values in the Caribbean, as well as one of the most entertaining.

The Dominican Republic is known for its history, fine beaches, and affordability. It has a lively culture of with animated people and great natural beauty. Travelers, especially those on a package plan, discover some of the best vacation values in the Caribbean.

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Located on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is a lively and festive nation blessed with great natural beauty and glorious white sand beaches. Its friendly and flamboyant people celebrate life and enjoy sharing their rich history and culture with visitors. Christopher Columbus reached the north coast of the island on his first voyage to the New World in 1492 and gave it its name, which means "Little Spain." The colony of Santo Domingo retains much of its colonial architecture, including some of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.

Approximate Air Travel Time

New York City: 3.25 hours
Boston: 4 hours
Miami: 1.75 hours
Philadelphia: 4.5 hours
Los Angeles: 7.5 hours
Chicago: 5 hours
Dallas-Fort Worth: 5 hours
San Francisco: 8 hours

Areas Within the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana

The paradise of the east, locals call it, with has its emerald waters and 20-miles of glorious, palm-shaded beaches. This beautiful area around the Bavaro resort center has successfully balanced modest development with ecological concerns. Hotels, restaurants, and clubs here are luxury establishments dedicated to indulging visitors and hosting a complete roster of water sports.

Santo Domingo

One of the most beguiling cities in the Caribbean, La Capital is a riveting mix of colonial buildings, museums, gourmet restaurants, hip clubs, and serene, tree-lined avenues. The city's main thoroughfare, and the first stone-laid street in the Americas, Calle las Damas (Street of Ladies) is lined with historic buildings and museums. At the heart of the colonial city, a seafront promenade known as the Malecon bustles with sleek hotels, outdoor cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.

Puerto Plata

The "Silver Port" lies to the north along the Atlantic coast in the shadow of Cordillera Septentrional. Old Puerto Plata features Victorian architecture while the main tourist drag houses modern hotels on Playa Dorada.

La Romana

Located along the southern coast in an easy day-trip from Santo Domingo, this fabulous resort area houses such star complexes as the Casa de Campo, set on 7,000 acres of lush coastline. Its highlights include Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village perched on a cliff above the river. Nearby Juan Dolio and Boca Chica offer impressive beaches and hotels.

Topography

The second largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti to the west. The majority of its people live in Santo Domingo and Santiago. The rest of the island is wild and mountainous, filled with rainforests, fertile valleys, and miles of beautiful beaches. Several national parks preserve the best of the island's natural features, including its outlying islands.

Climate

The Dominican Republic is blessed with a year-round tropical climate that can be divided into two seasons. The winter Dry Season runs from November to April and boasts pleasantly warm temperatures with low humidity and little precipitation. The summer Wet Season runs from May to October and is accompanied by high humidity and a bit more rain. Throughout the year, however, pleasant trade winds keep the air cool.

Spring average 75°
Summer average 81°
Fall average 78°
Winter average 72°

What To Do & See in the Dominican Republic

Altos de Chavon

Step back in time on this visit to the city of Higuey, and then continue to the picturesque artists' small town of Altos de Chavon for an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing, and a sail along the Chavon River.

Santo Domingo City Tour

Begin your vacation with an orientation tour of the capital, known as "The First City of the Americas." Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Columbus Castle (Alcazar), the Old Colonial City, and many other sights. Shop at the flea market, take lunch by the river, and then visit the National Aquarium.

Shopping in the Capital

With the largest duty-free zone in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo is a shopper's paradise, especially along El Conde Street and La Atarazana, a charming row of 16th-century buildings that house exclusive boutiques, and galleries. The homeland of designer Oscar de la Renta is also famous for its rum, coffee, and cigars. Haggling for a better price is fun and expected, especially with street vendors and in the markets.

Puerto Plata City Tour

Venture through Fort San Felipe, the Amber Museum, and the Brugal Rum Distillery. After lunch, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for a breathtaking view of the city and coast.

Samana & Cayo Levantado Tour

Board a bus to the scenic fishing village of Samana. Then sail along the bay toCayo Levantado Island. Enjoy lunch on the beach and a walk to the gorgeous Los Cocos Waterfall.

Recreational Sports

The Dominican Republic offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities including golf, tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding, windsurfing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving, to name just a few!

Cumayasa Ranch

Located on the banks of the Cumayasa River, this sprawling estate invites you to horseback ride on its lush pastures and take a boat ride along the river through mangroves. You'll also enjoy folk dances and merengue, as well as an authentic Dominican lunch served at the ranch.

Saona Island

Take an exciting ride on a motorboat or catamaran to Saona Island, a tropical paradise with pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy drinks onboard and lunch at the beach. Visit the National Park of the East.

Casa del Cordon

Tour the oldest stone house in the Americas, built in 1504 by a shipmate of Columbus.

Museum of the Royal Houses

With its stunning collection of colonial artifacts, ship replicas, tapestries and gilded furniture, this museum is best in the country.

Fort San Felipe

The oldest fort in the New World is a popular attraction at the Malecon in Puerto Plata. Originally built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to defend against pirates, the fort later served as a prison before being restored in the 1970s.

Dining in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic treats diners to a wide variety of cuisine in almost as many settings. Take your meal in an old colonial palace, a street-side café, along the waterfront or down in an ancient sea cave. International fare includes everything from Italian, to Middle Eastern, French, Argentine, and native fare. Typical Dominican cuisine tends to be heavy in meats such as chicken, beef, pork and goat. The meal is usually centered on a stew of brown beans, plantains and rice flavored with very mild spices. Local dishes you are likely to encounter include sancocho, a thick stew blended with meats and vegetables, mangu, mashed green plantains, and arepa, a sweet cake served with your main dish. Presidente is a high-quality local ale and a jugo is a refreshing fresh fruit drink made with crushed ice and sugar. While an all-inclusive meal plan in your hotel may be your best bet, there are some notable restaurants around the island if you feel like exploring.

Nightlife in the Dominican Republic

After dinner, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana buzz with excitement as several bars and discos entertain late into the night. Enjoy jazz, dance music, and the latest in Latin rhythms, or try testing your luck in one of the big hotel casinos, usually open until 4:00am (weekends until 6:00am).

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