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tips for experiencing the life and culture of this unique island nation  
     
 
 
 
 

 
 

Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

* DR overview * favorite places *

Many visitors to the Dominican Republic go there on an all-inclusive vacation to Punta Cana, Cabarete, or another resort town. There is no reason to spend a week holed up in a hotel. Here are just a few of our favorites of the many great things to do in the Dominican Republic. See below for more.

Dominican Republic beaches

If you are planning a Dominican Republic vacation, you are probably well aware of the country’s delightful beaches. From the beachfront resorts at Punta Cana to the secluded idylls of the Samana Peninsula to the urbane shore of Boca Chica, travel to the Dominican Republic offers a chance to experience beaches as beautiful as any in the Caribbean. Our favorite is the palm-lined, boat-accessible paradise of Playa Fronton, near Las Galeras on the Samana. Check out our beach guide for more Dominican Republic travel tips.

A Visit to the Capital

It would be easy to spend a week just lazing on a Caribbean beach, but no Dominican Republic vacation would be complete without a trip to its capital, Santo Domingo. The city is the largest in the Caribbean and offers amenities for every type of visitor, with a number of the essential things to do in the Dominican Republic at hand in the city’s neighborhoods and environs. Drive down the oceanfront Malecon, dance at a top nightclub, or visit one of the many cultural sights of this vibrant city. The historic Zona Colonial provides a peak at the city as it was in the days of the Spanish Empire and the Plaza de la Cultura has unique museums tracing the history of Hispaniola, its people, and its art. For the beach hungry, nearby Boca Chica has seaview dining, hotels, and restaurants. Read the Santo Domingo travel guide for more things to do in the Dominican Republic capital.

A baseball game

Sadly, baseball may now be America’s national game in name only, but it is undeniably the DR’s national sport. During the winter season, six minor league (or higher) level teams compete for the national and Caribbean championship, but small games are played throughout the island at all times. Experiencing the atmosphere at the Estadio Quisquaya or another Dominican baseball stadium is one of the essential things to do in the Dominican Republic. See our Dominican Republic baseball page for more on the sport in the DR.

Dominican Republic dance

Along with Cuba, the Dominican Republic is the center of Latin American music. The most popular and enduring genre is Merengue, whose simple rhythms and complex instrumentation make it ideal for aficionados of dance. Find a club in Santo Domingo or another town with a Merengue night, or look for lessons at your all-inclusive hotel. Other popular genres include Bachata and Reggaeton, with Anglo rock, hip hop, and dance music also popular.

And so much more...
Other great things to do in the Dominican Republic include smoking a Dominican cigar, drinking Dominican rum, seeing the Mangrove forests, diving a coral reef, playing golf, eating some great Dominican Republic food, or, for the adventurous traveler, a trip to a cockfighting arena! Browse this site for some of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.

OVERVIEW for your visit to the Dominican Republic:

introduction *  when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * music * cities * hotels
 
 
SIGHTS OF THE DR