The gorgeous Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic boasts a world of natural beauty, fascinating history and scrumptious cuisine. Whether you want to hike the mountains, dance the night away or dip a toe into crystal clear water, these Dominican cities are a must on a Caribbean vacation.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the beach capital of the Caribbean. Stay at one of the huge all-inclusive resorts or in a Dominican Republic villa and enjoy the miles of pristine white sand.
Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach is #1 on everyone’s “Must Do” list in Punta Cana. Clean sand stretches up to coral-free water, meaning you can enjoy everything barefoot, and it stretches forever in both directions. Much care is taken everyday to rake the sand and keep the beach pristine. The coral reef protects the shoreline and water is calm and warm.
Hoyo Azul
This beautiful hidden cenote sits at the bottom of a 75ft high cliff. Be amazed at turquoise water that you’ve never seen. Included in a Hoyo Azul exploration package is passage over the a bridge with gorgeous panoramic views of the Farallon, exploration of the surrounding rain forest and peeks into the cave systems. There are also plant stations exhibiting displays about the local fauna and flora of the island. It is $69 for adults and $41 for children.
Hard Rock Casino
Are you ready for a fun night? The Hard Rock Casino has a great atmosphere with tons of fun games and great food. This big casino is clean, has a friendly staff and has great payout rates. If gambling isn’t your thing, Hard Rock has some exquisite fine dining establishment, a golf course and gorgeous resort beaches.
Dolphin Discovery
Dolphin Discovery in Punta Cana let’s you swim with dolphins! A trip to the Caribbean isn’t complete until you’ve had your picture taken getting a kiss from a dolphin. The facility is clean and the staff is friendly. It is touted as one of the best family activities in the area. Dolphin packages start at $99 and is a great way to spend the day.
Santo Domingo
The biggest city in Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the soul of the country. It acts as the center of arts, music and history and is the perfect place for a tourist to get an authentic feel for DR life.
Zona Colonial
The Zona Colonial is now the main tourist attraction of Santo Domingo, even though the main sites of governmental and commercial activity are now in other parts of the city.
Ciudad Colonial (Spanish for “Colonial City”) is the historic central neighborhood of Santo Domingo and the oldest permanent European settlement of the New World. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is colloquially known as “Zona Colonial” (Colonial Zone). The Ciudad Colonial is located on the west bank of the Ozama River, which bisects the city. It covers less than 5 square kilometers.
The Zona Colonial boast lots of beautiful attractions, history, and wonderful restaurants. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time when walking through the narrow streets. This is not the typical tourist attraction you truly feel like a colonial in this picturesque village.
Catedral Primada de America
Located on the Parque Colon in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, it’s the oldest cathedral in the Americas. It was established in 1514 with the intention that it would become the center for Vatican-led religious converting in the New World. Construction was completed in the early 1540s, after some delays caused by workers abandoning the work to search for Central American gold.
The church is a beautiful example of the Gothic style like the ancient churches of Europe. The beautiful 500-year-old mahogany doors remain and are still opened by the same centuries old key. The church has gorgeous high ceilings and magnificent painted glass that has been wonderfully restored.
Calle Las Damas
La Calle Las Damas was the first street created in the Colonial Zone, which was made during the government of Nicolas de Ovando , on this street ran from the Fortaleza Ozama or Tower of Homage , to the vicinity of the Alcázar, which were initiated Around 1511. During the time of the colony, this street was called Calle de la Fortaleza, because in it was the Ozama Fortress.
Doubed the oldest street in the continental north America, there is a piece of history at every step along the way. Although a short street it’s filled with history and treasuries around every corner.
Dominican Republic is Your Perfect Tropical Getaway
Whether you travel to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo or one of the other great destinations in DR, you’re guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Have you been to the Dominican Republic? What was your favorite area? Comment below and let me know!
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