Dominican Republic trips and vacations

One of the most popular things to do in the Dominican Republic is visit its idyllic beaches. Punta Caña features a 30-mile stretch of white sand, palm trees and the bright blue water of your dreams. When you need a day off from sunbathing, check out the nesting turtles at Saona Island or go snorkeling at Playa Frontón.

Founded by Spain in 1496, the capital city of Santo Domingo boasts the first university, cathedral, castle monastery and fortress in the ‘New World.’ Take a walk down the whitewashed Calle Las Damas for a peek at the past. For a more modern experience, grab a ‘chimi’ (street burger) and shop at Mercado Modelo, a huge market that sells Caribbean crafts.

With palm trees and soft white sands, Playa Macao is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Wander through history within the Gothic halls of the Catedral Primada de América in Santo Domingo. Completed in 1540, its museum contains sacred relics. Don’t leave the island without visiting its rich sealife — Bayahibe Beach has some of the clearest snorkeling conditions.

Boca Chica has everything you could want in a beach town — turquoise water, diving, fishing and a thriving restaurant scene. For beautiful sunsets, visit Bayahibe. And if you need a beach with some shade, there’s Playa Cofresi. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, try Playa Los Mino in Rio San Juan, with its clear waters and laid-back vibes.

Nature buffs are spoiled for choice, with 29 national parks to pick from. Los Tres Ojos is a series of interconnected caves and lakes, while Los Haitises is a refuge for manatees and bottlenose dolphins. Exotic birds and sea turtles call Jaragua home, and Sierra de Bahoruco encompasses a mystical cloud forest. Take time to see all 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, near Puerta Plata.

The museums in the Dominican Republic showcase everything from coins and tapestries at Museo de las Casas Reales to baseball at Bartolo Colón Stadium. The Museo Arqueológico Regional Altos de Chavón features artifacts from the island’s Indigenous people. Visit the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata to see specimens of the stunning tree resin, some of which contain fossils of insects.

The restaurants in the Dominican Republic display their patriotism on the plate. The national dish, ‘La Bandera Dominicana,’ is made with rice, beans and meat and is meant to resemble the colors of the Dominican flag. Don’t miss ‘sancocho’ (a delicious meat stew) or ‘mangu’ (mashed green plantains), two popular menu items here.