Dominican Republic Attractions: Best Places to Visit and What to Do

Dominican Republic Attractions: Best Places to Visit and What to Do

The Dominican Republic. It is one of the more popular Caribbean countries for people to go on vacation to. In just the first eight months of 2021, nearly three million visitors came to this island country.

For those that have never been to this beautiful country, you may be wondering what makes this place such a popular destination for tourists? Well, these are some of the top Dominican Republic attractions available in the country.

Punta Cana

When people think of the Dominican Republic, they think of this area to represent Dominican Republic beaches. It is a popular resort town that people from the United States, Canada, and even Europe flock to for 1-2 week vacations.

So, what makes this such an attractive area for tourists? One thing that tourists like is the number of resorts there. These places allow to check-in within a gated community and are within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are plenty of beaches and watering holes for tourists to enjoy and swim in. Plus, the all-inclusive resorts in the area allow tourists to be settled as soon as they arrive. That means that they do not have to worry about paying bills on the property outside of excursions and possible casino tabs.

On top of that, there are a few things off-property that could tempt tourists to explore the area for a better vacation experience outside of the resorts. One of those things is the golf courses available around Punta Cana.

There are also several waterparks scattered around the area for families to enjoy if you are looking to have some fun within the water, not to mention all of the other water activities available such as interaction with marine life and water sports.

Punta Cana is generally recommended for families but can also be a great destination for couples seeking some romance outside of their home country.

Santo Domingo

When people think of the Dominican Republic, they normally think of beautiful coast. However, Santo Domingo is the opposite of this as the capital city of the country and it is a part of the Dominican Republic that can offer you a much more cultural experience.

An example of this is the Alcázar de Colón. This is a former governor’s palace but it is now recognized as a museum that allows you more insight into the history of the country and can give you an opportunity to learn more about the identity of the Dominican Republic.

Another example of this is the Fortaleza Ozama. It is a castle located within the city limits that dates back to the 1500s. Christopher Columbus was imprisoned in this castle and it is apparently the oldest military construction of European origin that is located within either the North or South American continents.

Finally, there is also professional baseball that is played within Santo Domingo. That league is LIDOM with all 30 MLB teams having training academies within the Dominican Republic.

Why is this relevant to Santo Domingo? Because several of those MLB teams have facilities within the city limits. So, if you want to see competitive baseball in the country with players that could make it to the MLB someday, Santo Domingo could be a tempting stop for a baseball purist.

Puerto Plata

If you are looking for another coastal resort town that is not difficult to fly into, Puerto Plata can be the place for you. Does it have resorts and nice beaches for tourists to enjoy? Absolutely, as they will have plenty of options in that regard to settling into the region.

However, there is more to this area than just resorts and beaches. One thing that you can find scattered around the area is waterfalls. There are about 27 in all that you can drive around to discover for yourself within Puerto Plata.

Also, another thing that you can find within the city area is mountain views. In fact, there are even cable car services that can transport you to the top of some ranges to get spectacular views. One such area is the Pico Isabel de Torres, which offers an overlook of the entire area.

But, if you want to discover something more historical in this area, that option is available for you to with the Fortress of San Felipe. This dates back to the late 1500s with military artifacts in there and it showcases the history of how Puerto Plata came to be what it is today.

Santiago De Los Caballeros

Finally, for another city option that allows you to discover more of the culture of this country, Santiago De Los Caballeros is presented as an option for this type of tourist.

One of the most popular sights for tourists here is the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration. It is the tallest building within the city limits and it was built to honor the country’s independence from Haiti that it claimed back in 1844.

However, there is some wonderful nature that you can discover around this area as well. One example of something that you can find is the Diego de Ocampo. It is a protected area around the city and it is a great example of ecotourism that you can find offering the highest point for views.

Then, for those that appreciate more religion and resilience in history, there is the Santiago Apostol Cathedral. The current cathedral replaced one that was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1842, and locals took the time and effort to rebuild the structure that stands today.

Discover More Dominican Republic Attractions

These are just four areas where you can find some of the best Dominican Republic attractions that the country has to offer. If you take this advice, you will have a great start to discover the great benefits and culture this country has to offer.

Do you want more information? See our Travel section.

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