Visiting the Dominican Republic
Beaches for Every Mood
The Dominican Republic has over 930 miles of coastline, and the variety is real. Punta Cana is the big name, and for good reason: turquoise water, powdery sand, and a wall-to-wall lineup of all-inclusive resorts that make it easy to just show up and unwind.
If you want something less packaged, head to Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula, a low-key stretch with a more local feel. And if you really want to get away from the crowds, the Barahona region in the southwest delivers raw, undeveloped coastline that most tourists never reach.
More Than Sand: The Country's Natural Side
The interior surprises a lot of first-time visitors. Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean, and serious hikers make the multi-day trek to the summit. For something more accessible, the El Limón waterfall on the Samaná Peninsula is reachable on horseback, and the mangrove lagoons and cave systems of Los Haitises National Park are worth a full day. Around Bayahibe, the coral reefs are solid for both snorkeling and diving, with good visibility and a variety of marine life comparable to what you'd find in the Florida Keys.
History and Culture Worth Your Time
The capital, Santo Domingo, is where the Americas' colonial history effectively began. The UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone holds the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere and the Alcázar de Colón, the palace built for Christopher Columbus's son. It's a walkable neighborhood where the 16th century is still very much present in the architecture.
In Santiago de los Caballeros, the country's second city, you get a ground-level look at the tobacco and rum industries that shaped Dominican culture. And wherever you go, merengue and bachata, the two musical styles that put the DR on the global map, are never far away.
What to Eat
Dominican food draws from African, Spanish, and indigenous Taíno traditions, and the results are hearty and unpretentious. Sancocho, a slow-cooked stew of multiple meats and root vegetables, is the dish locals pull out for special occasions. For something quick and cheap, empanadas and mangú (mashed plantains, often topped with sautéed onions) are everywhere. On the sweeter side, look for dulce de leche or habichuelas con dulce, a dessert made from sweetened beans that sounds odd and tastes great.
When to Go
The dry season runs December through April, and that's when the weather is most reliable: warm, low humidity, and very little rain. February is worth targeting if you want to catch Carnival, when cities fill up with elaborate costumes and street music. If whale watching is on your list, the Samaná Peninsula is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and they're there from January through March.
Getting There
Flights from major US cities to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana are plentiful, with several carriers offering nonstop service. Flight time from the East Coast runs roughly 3 to 4 hours; from the West Coast, expect closer to 7 to 8 hours with a connection. Round-trip fares from the US typically range from around $300 to $600 depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
Getting Around
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, and the main highways are in decent shape. That said, driving in the DR is aggressive by US standards, so stay alert. For shorter hops between towns, guaguas (shared minibuses used by locals) are cheap and run constantly, though they can be cramped. Taxis are available in the cities, but always agree on a fare before you get in since meters are not standard.
