Your Dominican Republic getaway: Cities you can’t miss

Endearingly referred to as La Tierra del Merengue, or the land of Merengue music and dance, the Dominican Republic is the ideal choice for a charming, year-round tropical getaway.

You’ll start your journey in Santo Domingo. Founded in the late 15th century, Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest permanent European settlement in all the Americas. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by the major seaside destinations of Punta Cana, Sosua, and Caberete, all of which have abundant activities, history, and culture. There’s more than what meets the eye when you choose this country as your next destination.

The Las Americas International Airport, located about 40 minutes from the city center, is the primary international airport in the Dominican Republic. Most international travelers will fly into this airport.

What to do in Santo Domingo

Cobbled pathways and centuries of history await you in lively Santo Domingo. 

After arriving at your accommodation in Santo Domingo and settling in, there’s a lot to do in the lively historical center. Read on to find out the myriad of activities awaiting you. 

Starting off, you can meander down the ten-block Calle El Conde, the first commercial street in the Americas, and grab a bite of traditional Dominican fare or peruse artwork from street vendors. 

For history lovers and those wanting to explore the legacy of Christopher Colombus, there’s much to explore by way of museums and monuments. Visitors to the Museo de las Casas Reales will learn about the history of the Dominican Republic and Spanish colonization, while those looking to learn about the indigenous presence on the island will enjoy a visit to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano.

Columbus made multiple visits to the island back in the 15th century, and there are a few sites commemorating his presence. Faro a Colón, or the Columbus Lighthouse, is a monument containing historical exhibits on the Americas, and is believed to house his remains. His son Diego’s residence, Alcázar de Colón, is open to the public and showcases Colonial artifacts.

Need a quick escape into nature? The Jardin Botanico Nacional is nestled within the bustling city center, and it’s a great place to marvel at the native plants, Japanese garden and numerous hiking trails. Want to get out of the city for the day? The Los Tres Ojos National Park is situated about 5 miles out, and it’s well worth the visit for its mystical underground cave system, glimmering lakes, and remnants of the rituals once performed there. If you book a private car with Daytrip, this national park is a stop along many routes! 

What to do in Punta Cana

Let your worries melt away on Punta Cana's idyllic shores.

Surrounded by powdery, white-sand beaches, Punta Cana is a tranquil haven. A visit here promises opportunities to relax and savor the sunshine, abundant water activities, and stunning natural scenery. Several international flights also fly into Punta Cana airport, so this can even be the first stop on your Dominican adventure. 

Sit back, enjoy a ceniza (local ice-cold beer) and soak up the sun on Playa Bávaro, which is among the longest stretches of beach in the entire Caribbean. Want to catch a glimpse of the teeming coral reefs underneath the ocean surface? There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving as well.  

Adventurers will delight in visiting Hoyo Azul (blue hole), a limestone cenote offering zip-lines and cave exploration alongside swimming. 

Are you a golf-lover? Punta Cana happens to be a major golf destination. Tee up at Punta Espada Golf Course, one of the top-rated golf courses in the region. 

How to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

To get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, there are options to take a bus or go by private car transfer. The option to take a bus will cost around $5 - $7, and takes just over two hours. The journey in a private car will take about two and a half hours. 

Daytrip offers door-to-door private transfers with the option to explore sightseeing stops along the way. No matter what time of day you want to travel, Daytrip’s flexible, hassle-free service provides you with an English-speaking driver, with whom you’ll explore places you might not have experienced otherwise. 

What to do in Sosúa

Sosua’s beauty is truly something to behold.

Another favorite beach destination is Sosúa, located on the northern coast of the country. The golden sands and calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The destination is also a gateway to Cabarete and Puerto Plata, two other must-sees on your Dominican Republic itinerary. 

How to get from Santo Domingo to Sosua

You can get from Santo Domingo to Sosua by either bus or private car transfer. The option by bus takes around four hours and will cost between $5-$8. The option by private car transfer takes around three hours. Did you know that you can add additional sightseeing stops along the way?

When you travel from Santo Domingo to Sosua with Daytrip, the most popular sightseeing stop offerings include La Vega, Damajagua, and the Monkey Jungle. Booking a private car transfer and adding these stops to your itinerary will ensure your journey is more than simply a transfer from A to B— it will be an unforgettable experience. Accompanied by one of our local, English-speaking partner drivers, the island is yours to explore with Daytrip. 

What to do in Cabarete

Sun, sand and surf collide in Cabarete.

This one’s for the adventurers and water sports lovers: Cabarete, a seaside gem on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is truly the best of both worlds as a place to both relax and partake in plenty of adventure. Its renowned water sports scene has many options, including kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. Aside from the beach, several local ranches offer the option to explore the idyllic countryside on horseback. For nature lovers, there are plenty of hills and trails around where you can hike or get on a guided mountain bike tour.

How to get from Santo Domingo to Cabarete

You can get from Santo Domingo to Cabarete by bus or by private car transfer. By bus, it will take a bit over 4 hours and cost between $15-20. By private car transfer, it will take about 3 and a half hours.

Enjoy your trip!