While Punta Cana and Santo Domingo tend to be the go-to spots for visitors planning their Caribbean getaway, the Dominican Republic offers so many hidden corners that deserve attention – from quiet beach towns and mountain villages to colonial settlements that tell stories of the island’s rich past.
From lesser-known coastal gems to peaceful inland retreats, here are 21 places across the Dominican Republic worth exploring, whether you’re seeking laid-back beach vibes or authentic cultural experiences away from the resort zones.
Punta Cana
Many travelers come to Punta Cana for its long stretches of white-sand beaches, but this Caribbean hotspot offers much more than just sunbathing spots. Located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana blends luxury resorts with natural attractions, including the clear waters of Hoyo Azul cenote and the tropical forests of Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. The area has become a hub for water activities like snorkeling and catamaran sailing, while inland adventures include zip-lining and horseback riding through the countryside. Though the beaches draw crowds during peak season, you can find plenty of ways to fill your days in Punta Cana year-round.
Santo Domingo
Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Santo Domingo, the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Take a walk through the Colonial Zone, where cobblestone streets lead you past well-preserved buildings from the 16th century, including the first cathedral built in the New World. Pop into local restaurants to try authentic Dominican dishes like mangú and sancocho, or join the locals for an afternoon coffee in Plaza España. For a dose of culture, visit the Alcázar de Colón, once home to Christopher Columbus’s son, where you can explore rooms filled with period furniture and artifacts from the colonial era.
Saona Island
Many visitors flock to Saona Island for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but this Caribbean gem offers more than just a place to sunbathe. Located off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, the island is part of the Este National Park and serves as a haven for sea turtles and starfish. While most people come for day trips to swim and relax on the palm-lined shore, the island also offers excellent snorkeling spots around its coral reefs and peaceful nature walks through its tropical forests. Local boats run regular tours from Bayahibe and Punta Cana, making it easy to visit any time of year, though the weather tends to be most pleasant from December to April.
Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata caught my attention during my first visit to the Dominican Republic in 2018. Nestled along the northern coast, this seaside city greets visitors with its long stretches of golden beaches and the iconic Isabel de Torres mountain rising in the background. Local markets and colorful Victorian houses line the historic center, while the nearby Fortaleza San Felipe, a 16th-century fortress, tells tales of the region’s past. The city’s famous cable car lifts visitors to the mountain peak, where a Christ the Redeemer statue stands guard over the landscape below. Down at Ocean World Adventure Park, dolphins splash playfully while tourists explore the marine life, and the nearby Amber Museum houses some of the oldest fossilized specimens in the Caribbean.
Samana Peninsula
The Samana Peninsula feels like a slice of paradise that time forgot, a place where wild beaches and peaceful fishing villages blend together on Dominican Republic’s northeastern coast. This 30-mile stretch juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a natural playground for whale watching from January to March, when thousands of humpbacks put on their annual show. The peninsula is lined with coconut groves and hidden beaches that you can only reach by boat or horseback. Unlike the busy resort areas, Samana lets you experience local life – from the small cafes serving fresh fish in Las Terrenas to the thundering waterfalls of El Limon. It’s not the easiest spot to reach, requiring a drive through winding mountain roads, but that’s exactly what keeps it feeling authentic and uncrowded.
Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas beckons beach lovers to its stretch of the Samana Peninsula, where palm-lined shores meet clear Caribbean waters, but this coastal gem offers more than just sandy beaches. The town’s French influence can be found in its many bistros and bakeries, creating a unique cultural mix that sets it apart from other Dominican destinations. While many come for the perfect beach weather and water sports like kitesurfing and paddleboarding, the surrounding jungle-covered hills provide excellent opportunities for horseback riding and waterfall hikes. Though Las Terrenas started as a quiet fishing village, today you’ll find a good balance of local Dominican life mixed with international restaurants, beach bars, and boutique hotels that make it an appealing destination year-round.
Bayahibe
Experience the laid-back charm of Bayahibe, a former fishing village turned beach paradise on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast. You can spend your days lounging on the white sand beaches, snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters, or taking a boat trip to nearby Saona Island. The town’s colorful wooden houses and local restaurants serving fresh seafood give it an authentic Dominican feel. For nature lovers, the nearby National Park of the East offers hiking trails where you can spot native birds and iguanas among the tropical forests. When the sun sets, grab a seat at one of the beachfront bars to sip on a cold Presidente beer while watching fishing boats return to shore.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
This former fishing village on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic has become a gateway to some of the Caribbean’s best scuba diving spots, with shipwrecks and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just offshore. What many visitors don’t know is that Bayahibe is also home to the region’s signature flower, the Bayahibe Rose (Pereskia quisqueyana), a rare pink cactus flower that only grows naturally in this area and was declared the national flower of the Dominican Republic in 2011.
Boca Chica
I always recommend Boca Chica to travelers looking for a classic Caribbean beach experience near Santo Domingo. Located just 30 minutes from the capital’s airport, this lively beach town offers crystal-clear waters protected by coral reefs, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The long stretch of white sand is lined with local restaurants serving fresh seafood, while the shallow, calm waters make it an ideal spot for families with young children.
Jarabacoa
Escape the heat and head to Jarabacoa, a mountain paradise known as the “City of Everlasting Spring.” Located in the heart of the Dominican Republic’s central mountain range, this adventure hub offers year-round mild temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities. Take a horseback ride through pine forests, go white water rafting on the Yaque del Norte River, or trek to the 150-foot Jimenoa Waterfall. For a unique stay, book one of the rustic mountain lodges where you can wake up to misty valley views and the sound of rushing rivers. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers who want to experience a different side of the Dominican Republic.
Las Galeras
Las Galeras sits at the northeastern tip of the Samaná Peninsula, where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch and coconut palms line quiet beaches. While most visitors come for the secluded Playa Rincon, often called one of the Caribbean’s finest beaches, this small village offers more than just sandy shores. The surrounding area features hidden waterfalls, coral reefs perfect for snorkeling, and winding trails leading to scenic viewpoints. During whale watching season from January to March, you can spot humpback whales breaching in the distance, but year-round, the laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood restaurants make Las Galeras an ideal escape from the Dominican Republic’s busy resort areas.
Cabarete
Cabarete caught my attention back in 2018 when I was searching for the perfect kitesurfing spot in the Caribbean. This small beach town on the Dominican Republic’s north coast has made quite a name for itself among water sports enthusiasts. The consistent trade winds and warm waters create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing year-round. Local beach bars and casual restaurants line the shoreline, where you can watch athletes glide across the waves while sipping on fresh coconut water. The nearby El Choco National Park offers a different pace, with its network of caves and peaceful hiking trails that wind through the tropical forest.
Los Haitises National Park
Many tourists venture to Los Haitises National Park for its network of mangrove-lined waterways and hidden caves, but this natural wonder can also be described as a bird watcher’s paradise. The park’s limestone formations and dense tropical forest provide shelter for more than 120 bird species, including the rare Ridgway’s Hawk. While boat tours through the maze-like channels offer close-up views of ancient Taino petroglyphs and thick mangrove forests, you can also explore the park on foot via guided hiking trails. The park is particularly busy during whale watching season from January to March, but the diverse wildlife and rich ecosystem make Los Haitises worth visiting any time of year.
Sosua
About an hour east of Puerto Plata lies the laid-back beach town of Sosua. Like many coastal spots in the Dominican Republic, Sosua draws visitors with its clear waters and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. But what sets it apart is its fascinating history as a refuge for Jewish settlers in the 1940s, who helped transform this quiet fishing village into the diverse community it is today. You’ll find this heritage reflected in the local synagogue and museum, while the town’s main beach, Playa Sosua, curves around a protected bay where calm waters make it ideal for families. The mix of Dominican and European influences shows up in everything from the architecture to the restaurants, where you can sample both traditional Caribbean dishes and European-style cafes.
Cayo Levantado
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise in the Dominican Republic, head straight to Cayo Levantado. Nestled in Samaná Bay, this small island is home to pristine white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The island, also known as Bacardi Island, offers visitors two public beaches where you can relax in the sun, swim in the calm waters, or enjoy fresh coconuts from local vendors.
Las Catalinas Islands
Divers and snorkelers flock to Las Catalinas Islands for its clear waters and rich marine life, but this collection of small islands offers more than just underwater adventures. The three protected islets sit just off the coast of Catalina Island, creating a peaceful sanctuary where tropical fish dart through coral gardens and sea turtles glide by. While many visitors come for day trips to swim and explore the reefs, the islands also serve as a prime spot for boat tours and sunset cruises. The shallow, calm waters make it particularly good for beginner snorkelers, though experienced divers can find deeper spots teeming with exotic fish species and colorful coral formations.
Cap Cana
Cap Cana sits along the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic, a luxurious escape I discovered during my Caribbean wanderings in 2019. This private community stretches across 6,000 acres of pristine coastline, with white-sand beaches hugging the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The area has evolved into a haven of upscale resorts and private villas, anchored by its world-class marina and the famous Punta Espada golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. What caught my eye most was how the natural limestone cliffs frame the beaches, creating hidden coves where you can spend hours watching boats drift by in the distance. The clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling, while the marina buzzes with fishing boats heading out for their daily catch.
This is interesting:
Did you know that Cap Cana is home to one of the Caribbean’s best marinas, with space for over 150 luxury yachts up to 250 feet long? This exclusive gated community spreads across 6,200 acres of pristine Dominican coastline and features three Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses that attract players from around the world.
La Romana
Located about two hours east of Santo Domingo, La Romana blends old-world Caribbean charm with modern coastal living. Like other Dominican beach towns, it offers pristine beaches and water sports, but there’s something different about this place – a sense of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Just walk through the artist village of Altos de Chavón, a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean town, and you’ll see what makes it special. Thanks to its history as a major sugar cane producer, La Romana grew from a small fishing village into a cultural hub, and you’ll find traces of this heritage in its architecture, local markets, and the stories told by friendly residents who still remember the old sugar mill days.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that La Romana started as a small fishing village before becoming one of the Dominican Republic’s most-visited beach destinations in the 1970s? The city owes much of its growth to the sugar industry and the construction of Casa de Campo resort, which helped put this once-sleepy town on the tourist map with its famous Teeth of the Dog golf course designed by Pete Dye.
Paradise Island
Ever dreamed of having a tropical beach all to yourself? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Paradise Island, a hidden gem off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. This small, palm-dotted island lives up to its name with crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Just a quick boat ride from Punta Rucia, it’s a favorite spot for snorkeling among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. The shallow waters make it perfect for families, and the local beach vendors serve up fresh coconuts and traditional Dominican snacks right on the sand. You can easily spend a whole day here swimming, lounging under the shade of palm trees, or exploring the mangrove forests that line the shoreline.
Constanza
If you’re looking to escape the Caribbean heat, Constanza is your perfect mountain retreat. Tucked away in the heart of the Dominican Republic at 4,000 feet above sea level, this highland town treats visitors to cool temperatures, pine forests, and colorful flower farms that give it the nickname “The Switzerland of the Caribbean.” You’ll find locals tending to strawberry fields and potato crops – a sight you wouldn’t expect on a tropical island.
Valle Nuevo National Park
Nature lovers flock to Valle Nuevo National Park for its cool mountain climate and diverse landscapes, but this protected area offers much more than just scenic views. Located in the heart of the Dominican Republic’s central mountain range, the park sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and features unique pine forests, grasslands, and crystal-clear rivers. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through the park’s varied terrain, spot rare birds like the Hispaniolan parrot, or camp under the stars in designated areas. While summer brings perfect conditions for hiking and photography, the winter months offer a rare sight in the Caribbean – occasional frost and even light snow on the highest peaks.
