The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise on the eastern side of Hispaniola Island which is the second largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and ahead of Jamaica. The country is known for historical significance, quaint towns, unique traditional cuisine, diverse landscapes that include lush mountains, deserts and of course gorgeous white sand beaches.

Probably the #1 reason people travel to the Dominican Republic is for a beach getaway to experience pristine beaches, turquoise blue waters and immaculate resorts along the coastline. A majority of beach goers will stay in Punta Cana for their Dominican Republic getaway.

Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and is the oldest European settlement in the New World. Most of the country’s historical landmarks are located in the city’s Colonial Zone which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

There are a variety of nature related activities that are available on the island including water sports like sailing, surfing, kite boarding, snorkeling and scuba. Alternatively, the country has many all-inclusive resorts that are perfect places to relax and unwind on the beach enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Must See Attractions

Most of the must see attractions in the Dominican Republic are focused on nature and outdoor activities which is normal for Caribbean islands. One of the unique activities that can be easily enjoyed is whale watching in Samana Bay. The whale watching season starts around mid-December when the first packs of Humpback Whales start to arrive in the waters around Samana Bay. Typically, at least 300 whales migrate to Samana Bay each year to mate and give birth to their cubs.

Everyone is drawn to the Dominican Republic for the coastal activities but there are other nature activities that are not located along the coast. Hispaniola Island is a mountainous island and there are many beautiful waterfall that can be seen so experiencing at least one of these waterfalls is a “must do” activity.

I normally see if there are any national parks near the places that I visit. Seeing the cave system at Three Eyes Natural Park is an easy activity and it should be included as part of a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Two of my most significant experiences in the Dominican Republic were enjoying the beautiful beaches and seeing the Columbus Lighthouse.

The Dominican Republic is a great vacation destination for a beach getaway. The country is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. The beaches here have soft white sand and crystal clear water that are great for swimming, snorkeling and other water activities. Three of the most popular beach areas are Punta Cana (East Coast), Cabarete (North Coast) and La Romana (Southern Coast). Each beach offers a unique experience, so it is worth visiting more than one beach during your trip.

I always look for one of a kind places to see during my travels and the Columbus Lighthouse is a site that is so unique that I put it on my “must see” list because there is no other place in the world like it. The lighthouse is a massive building shaped like a cross that is located in the city of Santo Domingo. It is built as a mausoleum for Christopher Columbus but there is controversy about whether his remains are entombed in the building or in Spain.

Christopher Columbus was undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous explorer and I have seen many statues and monuments dedicated to him but the Columbus Lighthouse is by far the largest and most impressive.

Enjoying the beauty of nature is one of my top way to spend my time. When I imagine the perfect beach, I think of the beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Places to See

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