Top Things to See and Do in the Dominican Republic

Most people choose a vacation to the Dominican Republic for its beautiful beaches and laid-back, tropical atmosphere. But there’s so much more to it! AAA recommends taking an optional tour to get outside of your resort to learn about the real Dominican Republic. Here are the top must-see, must-do activities from AAA Travel Agents who know the D.R. well.

1. Of course, the main reason most people want to visit is for the beaches! Wide, white-sand beaches, warm crystal blue seas…it’s no wonder that the D.R. has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Caribbean island. The Blue Flag is awarded to beach communities focused on preserving water quality, environmental management, and safety. The clear waters are perfect for a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, sailing, and diving. Add row upon row of swaying palm trees, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

2. One of the fastest growing cities in the Caribbean, the capital city of Santo Domingo was the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. It has preserved its colonial heritage for more than five centuries, and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Go to the Zona Colonial to visit the first Cathedral of the Americas and the Alcazar de Colón, the fabulously renovated palace of Diego, son of Christopher Columbus. When you’ve finished taking in your history lesson, relax at a trendy outdoor café along the busy Malecón for some fun people watching.

3. Altos de Chavón is a re-creation of a 16th-century Spanish village that is amazingly realistic. It’s part-museum, part-artisans’ colony. It’s also a great place to go shopping for locally created paintings and crafts, including jewelry and macramé. This beautiful area in La Romana offers picturesque views of the Chavón River. You may even get to experience a live concert under the stars at the 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater.

4. Baseball is one of the favorite pastimes of the Dominican people. In La Romana, you can visit the stadium of the city’s professional ball team, the Toros del Este, one of six professional teams in the D.R. The stadium holds about 10,000 and its developmental league has produced U.S. Major

6. The D.R. is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find local hand-made crafts, amber jewelry, hand-painted pottery, and designer brands. Prepare to barter with shop owners and street vendors—the Dominicans love to haggle! You’ll initially be quoted an outrageous price. Start your bargaining at about 25% of what they offer, and pay only what you think an item is worth. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and it’s nearly impossible to exchange Dominican pesos back to dollars, so we recommend paying in U.S. dollars or using a credit card.

7. Try some typical Dominican cuisine on the Outback Safari tour. Your tour takes you into the country through vast sugar-cane fields up the mountains to a cocoa-bean plantation. You’ll visit a local school and a typical Dominican home before you eat at an open-air Dominican buffet. Try the Mamajuana, rum that has been cured in a bottle with a mixture of herbs, spices and tree bark. The result is an aromatic, sweet and spicy libation. If beer is more your speed, get an ice cold “Presidente,” the local pilsner-style beer that’s the perfect complement to a warm afternoon.League players such as Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz, and retired players Philadelphia Phillie Pedro Martinez and Baltimore Oriole Sammy Sosa. Catch a game if you’re visiting between October and January.

5. If you’re visiting between January and March, take an excursion to Samaná Bay to see humpback whales. More than 3,000 whales return to this protected sanctuary from the North Atlantic each year to welcome their calves into the Caribbean’s warm seas.

8. Experience the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic within a preserved area near Punta Cana. Scape Park’s attractions range from zip lines, open-air buggy drives, expeditions into underground caves, horseback riding through the country’s terrain, and fishing expeditions. A highlight is the Hoyo Azul tour, where you’ll swim in a crystal-clear cenote— a deep, natural cave that leads to underground rivers, once thought to be sacred passages to the underworld.

9. The D.R. is known for its exceptional coffee. There are three elements to the perfect cup. First, the beans are grown at high altitudes in the mountain ranges under shady natural tree canopies. Second, a climate with a long growing season and steady year-round humidity is required for the coffee fruit to ripen over a nine-month period, before being handpicked. Finally, the Arabica berries are processed within 24 hours of picking. Take a tour to see where it’s grown and how it’s processed, then try a cup in the Dominican fashion—brewed with freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.