The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country situated roughly two hours south of Miami. It is the second-largest Caribbean country.
Tourists often visit the Dominican Republic because of its rich history, hospitable people, beautiful nature, and lots more. There are countless fun and exciting things to do in this beautiful country.
Lots of interesting cuisines to try out, exciting places to visit, beaches to swim in, world-class resorts and hotels to lodge in, exciting music to dance to, et cetera.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best and fun things to do in Dominican Republic.
Let’s get started!
Where is the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is a country that is located on the island of Hispaniola. It is the second-largest country in the Caribbean after Cuba.
The capital of this beautiful country is Santo Domingo, and at least 3.3 million people inhabit it. The lingua franca of the Dominican Republic is Spanish.
It covers an area of roughly 48,671 square kilometers and a population of 10.8 million people.
Less than one percent of this population speaks English. The Dominican Republic has a rich culture and is a popular tourist destination.
With over 1000 miles of coastline and 250 miles of world-class beaches, it is no surprise that this beautiful country is a tourist haven.
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Fun Things to Do in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most fun places to visit. They have so many beaches, and they also have perfect weather. There are also several resorts in the country.
Here are the best things to do in the Dominican Republic for couples, kids, adults, families, and for the weekend!
1. Pay a Visit to Bahia De Las Aguilas
The most famous beach in the Dominican Republic is Baha de Las Aguilas, which spans five miles and features crystal clear waters.
This secluded beach is protected from the elements by the Jaragua National Park.
It’s also surrounded by a rocky karst landscape ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
If you plan to visit this area, you can reach it by boat or all-terrain vehicle. Baha de Las Aguilas also offers plenty of sun protection.
Although it’s not a major resort area, you’ll still find a variety of unique experiences here.
The climate in this region is very different from other areas of the country. The landscape is also composed of scrub and cactus.
This area is located on the country’s southwestern coast and is close to the border with Haiti the nearest town is located in the city of Pedernales.
2. Watch Whales on the Samana Bay
During winter, thousands of humpback whales come to Saman Bay to mate and give birth.
This area is considered one of the best places in the world to watch these majestic animals. The city of Saman is the main departure point for whale-watching trips.
Although the city doesn’t have much else to offer, whale watching tours are a popular tourist activity in the area.
Many companies offer day trips to this region, and if you are planning on visiting Las Galeras, you can stop in Saman and sign up for a whale-watching trip.
One way to get around is to take a 12-hour whale-watching trip from Punta Cana. This involves a short flight and a transfer bus to the boat.
3. 27 Waterfalls
The 27 Waterfalls complex is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and excitement in the Dominican Republic.
It features 27 different cascading pools that are both natural and artificial.
This is a combination of canyoning, hiking, and discovery that’s sure to keep you entertained for a long time.
The complex is about a 45-minute drive west of Puerto Plata. It’s easy to reach from the Damajaqua River, and the lower falls are relatively straightforward.
However, the upper section is more interesting, as it features natural slides and rock faces that allow you to leap off.
To get to the upper chamber, you must first climb some rockfaces.
The 27 Waterfalls complex is located in the Damajagua 57000 area of the Dominican Republic.
It’s open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Saturday and 8 am to 10 am on Sunday.
4. National Zoological Park
Take the kids to the National Zoological Park in Santo Domingo, a great spot to spend time with them.
It’s just a few minutes from the city center and features a wide variety of animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers, and pink flamingos.
Besides, the park has a collection of rare species, such as the Hispaniola solenodon.
Most kids will also find it hard to resist taking the train to see the animals.
The zoo is located in Santo Domingo’s La Vega Real neighborhood. It’s open from 9 am to 3 pm on Tuesday through Sunday.
5. Three Eyes National Park
The Three Eyes National Park is located in the Dominican Republic and features a variety of natural attractions, such as limestone caverns and lagoons.
The crystal-clear lagoons and turquoise waters of this natural area resemble glowing eyes.
The three eyes of the park are named Las Damas, La Nevera, and Aguas Azufradas.
If you’re in the mood for more adventure, you can also visit the fourth eye, Los Zaramagullones, which is reachable by boat.
The park is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. It can be visited daily. Contact the C. Marginal Las Americas, Santo Domingo, 11604, for more information about the Three Eyes National Park.
6. Take a Trip to the Scenic Constanza
This region is filled with various fruits and vegetables, such as strawberry plantations and apple orchards.
It’s also surrounded by cool highland breezes, which provide a welcome break from the tropical heat of the low country.
If you’re craving a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the hills or hike or bike along the trails.
7. Punta Cana Resort
The Dominican Republic’s premier all-inclusive resort destination is Punta Cana. This area is known for its endless white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters.
If you are looking for a place to stay that’s both affordable and family-friendly, then this is the place for you.
One of the most impressive beaches in Punta Cana is Bavaro Beach. This area features a variety of activities and is ideal for families.
The resorts along this beach provide easy access to all of the water-based activities.
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8. Santo Domingo Zona Colonial
The activity starts at Calle El Conde, a popular shopping and dining area.
After exploring the various streets, you’ll notice the crumbling ruins of some of the buildings, such as the Monasterio de San Francisco.
Also, some of the buildings still in use offer a glimpse into the local life.
The hustle and bustle of modern life can be seen in this city, where Christopher Columbus first settled.
The colonial architecture that can be found in this area lines the streets and squares, and it takes you back in time.
Even if you’re not planning on visiting the city during the hot summer season, you can still enjoy Santo Domingo’s unique experiences.
9. Cabarete’s Kite Beach
Cabarete is a well-known kiteboarding destination. The main action is at the town’s kite beach, just a few hundred meters from the town’s main beach. It’s a 20-minute walk from the center of the city.
Cabarete’s small beach area has a unique atmosphere. In the mornings, it’s quiet, except for people swimming and people on the beach.
The sky is filled with colorful kites in the afternoon when the winds are picking up.
One of the most popular activities in Cabarete is surfing. Most people surf in the area at Encuentro, a beautiful beach just outside the town. In the morning, people head to this beach for surfing.
They then head to the town’s main beach for a couple of drinks and a late night.
10. Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a laid-back beach town on the Dominican Republic’s north coast.
It’s a peaceful area with a beautiful ocean view and palm trees. The city’s single-lane dirt roads lead past small French cafes and the aquamarine ocean.
If you’re looking for a taste of the Dominican culture and want to experience all the conveniences of a city, then Las Terenas is the place for you.
Many French individuals have made this area their home, and there are several restaurants and inns in the city.
11. Jarabacoa
The Dominican Republic’s tropical beaches are not as enticing as the mountain town of Santo Domingo in the country’s Dominican Alps.
Situated in a region with higher altitudes, this area has cool temperatures and plenty of greenery.
This region can be visited on a day trip or a short trip. In addition, you can explore its natural beauty by renting a car or visiting the nearby beach towns of Jarabacoa.
One of the country’s highest peaks is located in this region. Therefore, this is arguably one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
12. Amber Museum
The Amber Museum is located in the Villa Bentz homestead, built-in 1918 by Emil Bentz, a prominent German immigrant in Santo Domingo.
The museum features a magnificent home designed to house an impressive collection of amber, which was imported from all over the world. The Amber Museum is exquisite.
The Amber Museum is located at Calle Arzobispo Merino 452, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic.
13. Hike La Plaza & La Cueva
The limestone rocks and crystal blue waters of La Plaza are some of the highlights of the trip to the Dominican Republic.
14. La Cueva
This two-part hike takes you through a jungle and crystal-clear pools. The parts of the hike that are worth taking are La Plaza and La Cueva.
The natural beauty of the area and the various attractions within the jungle make these parts of the hike an ideal choice for any trip.
15. Larimar Gemstone Mines & Shopping
One of the rarest gemstones in the world is the larmar, which is only found in the Dominican Republic.
Only one mine is currently operating in the country, which is considered one of the country’s most impressive attractions. To visit the mines, you must get to the area in a 4×4 vehicle.
16. Los Patos Beach/River
After driving through Barahona, take a break from your sightseeing to enjoy a seafood lunch at the Los Patos River and Beach.
Kathy’s restaurant is located right on the beach and is a local business that has existed for many years.
The food at this establishment is excellent, and Kathy’s kitchen is kept clean.
17. Arroyo Salado
The natural pool located near Laguna de Olivio is called the Arroyo Salado.
This is a great stop to eliminate your mud bath debris and saltwater from the lake. This area is also home to several fish that live in this freshwater pool.
18. Laguna de Oviedo
It is located on the Iguana island Oviedo. There are a lot of activities to do in Laguna de Olivio.
Some of these include exploring caves and trying exotic fruits. Plan on at least half a day in this area to fully appreciate all it offers.
19. Los Pozos de Romeo
Take a break from your sightseeing and exploration of the Dominican Republic’s most popular beach destination, Bahia de Las Aguilas.
On the road leading to this area, you will come across a stop known as Los Pozos de Romeo. A variety of cacti and rocks encloses this natural pool.
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20. Hike El Pico Duarte: The Tallest Mountain in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic is also home to a variety of mountain ranges.
One of these is El Pico Duarte, located in the country’s mountain range that spans across the country and into Haiti. This area is an ideal choice for a three-day tour to Haiti.
21. Paraglide Over the Dominican Alps
One of the most popular activities that people can do in the Dominican Republic is paragliding.
This activity allows you to take a break from sightseeing and experience the beautiful skies of the country. The cost for this activity is $50 per person.
22. Unwind in the Dominican Alps
With a wide variety of accommodations, you can easily rent a whole apartment or a luxury guest house in the Dominican Republic for a fraction of the cost of a resort.
Not only will you enjoy the country’s various activities, but you’ll also be able to stay near some of the most beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
The Dominican Republic is replete with fun activities.
From outdoor fun activities, which include kiting, surfing, and whale watching, to impressive indoor activities such as visiting a museum, the Dominican Republic has got something for everyone.