There is more to the Dominican Republic than Punta Cana. Here’s where to go first.

Punta Cana almost always comes to mind when mentioning the Dominican Republic. It is known as the safest vacation spot for tourists in the Caribbean.

I understand why beach seekers flock to Punta Cana to lounge and relax. It is overflowing with all-inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches only minutes from the Punta Cana Airport. 

When I lived in the Dominican Republic, I too enjoyed the steady sunshine and laid-back pace of Punta Cana. 

I spent most of my time in the quiet waters of Bavaro Beach and made sand castles in the white sand with my daughter. I also dined at the tourist-heavy Little John restaurant on Juanillo Beach. 

On days when the heat seemed unbearable, I wandered around BlueMall Punta Cana – home to international fashion brands and community events (and air conditioning!). Yes, Punta Cana has beautiful beaches to relax on. However, I could only “relax” and go to BlueMall so many times before I went stir-crazy. 

I encourage you to look beyond Punta Cana if you need more to do and love to lose yourself in culture, cuisine, and people. After living in this Caribbean paradise, I truly believe that the Dominican Republic “has it all.” 

Here are my top picks for other destinations to visit in the Dominican Republic:

Santo Domingo: a dynamic metropolis and cultural capital

I called Santo Domingo home for more than 12 months. It is the capital, cultural, financial, political, commercial, and industrial center of the Dominican Republic.

I loved living in this dynamic metropolis that attracted expats and tourists alike.  

Santo Domingo is very lively with lots of local activities. As soon as you step out of Las Americas International Airport, you are immersed in its culture. 

The music, the heat, the colors, the food, the heavy traffic, and the loud noise (people) are all part of the cultural experience. It is what makes Santo Domingo so vibrant. 

I easily got around the compact city in an Uber. However, Uber is not accessible in all parts of the country. You can also navigate the capital via metro, bus, or public car. 

I felt safe as a single woman walking on foot in neighborhoods such as Naco, Bella Vista, and Piantini. However, I would avoid walking around Arroyo Hondo, Gazcue, and Cristo Rey – especially at night. 

There is so much to love about Santo Domingo. From the tropical weather to the street fruit vendors and the buzzing nightlife – there’s also a rich history.

Did you know that Santo Domingo had many firsts? After Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, Santo Domingo had the first cathedral, hospital, and university in all of the Americas. 

My favorite sweet escape in Santo Domingo was to venture off to the Zona Colonial. This area is full of history and exudes a 16th-century feel. It is brimming with colonial-era architecture, museums, galleries, restaurants, live music, street vendors, bars, and lounges. Another favorite area is El Barrio Chino, Santo Domingo’s Chinatown. It has an incredible and culturally rich street market.

To plan your stay, check out my guide to staying in Santo Domingo.

Cabrera: a hidden gem with secluded beaches

I have family living in Cabrera. I enjoyed visiting them every time I needed a break from the city. This small laid-back town is located on the north coast about 45 minutes from Santo Domingo by bus or car.

It’s a lesser-known hidden gem, so you can completely avoid tourists and crowds altogether. 

This coastal town offers all the local charm, natural beauty, tranquility, and Dominican hospitality. Our favorite little beach to spend the day in is Playa Calenton. It is quiet and secluded. There is nothing like eating fresh fish prepared for you on the beach. 

Rio San Juan is also close by and is full of wonderful attractions. They include Blue Lagoon, Playa Grande Golf Course, lush fields, and luxury villas. 

You can also drive 45 minutes to Cabarete, the “Surf and Wind City.” It is a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing thanks to the strong breeze that rolls right through. 

Santiago de los Caballeros: discover laid-back city life

Santiago de los Caballeros is another version of Santo Domingo, except it’s much less congested. This is the second most important city outside of the capital and is known as “La Ciudad de Corazones.”

This modern city is a cultural, political, industrial, and financial center – but it’s more laid back. I love visiting Santiago de los Caballeros with my daughter because there are so many attractions. 

Our favorite is the Monument of Santiago de los Caballeros in Duarte Park. You can go inside the monument and climb to the top for the most incredible views of the city. This monument commemorates those who served in the War of Restoration to gain independence from Spain. 

Santiago de los Caballeros is home to some of the largest cigar plantations. You can tour La Aurora Cigar Factory, learn about its history, and watch how cigars are made. I highly recommend you visit the factory for a fantastic experience. I particularly enjoyed watching the women hand-roll cigars on our tour. 

There’s a lot more fun to be had in “La Ciudad de Corazones.” There are plenty of museums, such as Centro Leon, and fun street art to take in. You can also watch a baseball game and cheer on the Cibao Aguilas baseball team, dance the night away at a nightclub, or, enjoy live music at a food truck yard. 

It’s fairly easy to get around Santiago de los Caballeros using public transportation.

Las Terrenas: a dreamy beach vilage

Las Terrenas is a dreamy beach village where all the locals go on holiday. It is Samana’s most visited and developed area with stunning white sand beaches. 

I would compare this tiny cosmopolitan town to Tulum. It has cute small hotels, cafe bistros, boutique shops, restaurants, and lively bars.

Las Terrenas is relatively safe for tourists and easy to get around by foot or riding on a moto. Our hang-out spot is Mosquito Beach Club located on Playa Bonita. We get to enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views of clear waters. 

I recommend that you schedule a tour from Playa Bonita to Salto de Limon. This waterfall is a must-see. It’s about a half-hour drive from Las Terrenas and is tucked away in lush greenery. Book with Santi Limon Excursiones for a horseback riding experience.  

Jarabacoa: mountainous and adventure beckon

Jarabacoa is for mountain lovers and outdoor adventurers. This city is adored by locals for its lush mountains and natural beauty. 

Dominicans are known to escape the capital for cooler temps and green landscapes in Jarabacoa. There are a variety of accommodations such as eco-lodges, riverside ranches, and luxury villas.

I love visiting this central mountain range in the valley of La Vega. There is something majestic about its peaks, valleys, and falls. Jarabacoa is a tranquil place where horseback riding is part of everyday life. There are coffee farms, cows grazing the land, and mango trees that are ready for picking. 

Jarabacoa is home to waterfalls, such as Salto de Baiguate, and the longest river in the country – Rio Yaque del Norte. Adventure awaits those who enjoy zip lining, mountain biking, 4-wheel driving, and water rafting. 

Jarabacoa’s town center is walkable on foot. There are plenty of options for shopping and dining. Cafe Colao is my favorite spot for small bites and drinks under colorful umbrellas. Get there early on the weekends, as they get quite busy. 

My Advice? Explore lesser known destinations first & END your vacation in Punta Cana instead

Every person who visits the Dominican Republic has their own idea of what a vacation in paradise looks like. 

Some enjoy soaking up the sun by the pool in an all-inclusive resort. I prefer to immerse myself in the Dominican Republic’s culture and lose myself in everything the country has to offer. 

Punta Cana is known to be the safest vacation spot in the Dominican Republic. It is loved by tourists for its beautiful beaches to play, lounge, and relax. Yet, there are other destinations worth visiting in this country. 

I suggest you reserve one of these hotels in Punta Cana for the tail end of your trip to the Dominican Republic. Allocate the majority of your time exploring the major cities, mountains, and small beach villages. By ending your vacation in Punta Cana, you can enjoy some much-needed R&R after soaking in the attractions and culture all around the Dominican Republic.

Want More? Listen to My Dominican Republic Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Dominican Republic episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Dominican Republic”). 

I talk about the best places to stay in the Dominican Republic at minute mark 18:10.

Betty and I also discussed the best things to do in Dominican Republic (04:35), how to get around DR (31:52), DR travel tips and etiquette (37:32), why more people should visit DR (02:50) and all the other common questions about travel to Dominican Republic.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Dominican Republic.

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Before grabbing your passport for your trip to the Dominican Republic, head over to my article to pick up a few tips on how to beat airport anxiety. I share my go-to practices for remaining calm while waiting for my flight.