Things to do in the Dominican Republic: from Punta Cana to the hidden gems

You probably already know that the Dominican Republic has beaches with stunning shades of water, sunshine almost all year long, and countless palm trees to relax under. But what not everyone realizes is that there’s way more things to do in the Dominican Republic than just soaking up the sun and sea. The country is also home to cenotes, lagoons, mountains, and cities with a history that helped shape Latin America as we know it today. It was on the island of Hispaniola, now split between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, that Christopher Columbus arrived, kicking off the process of colonization that left deep marks across the Americas. Are you feeling those old school history memories coming back too?!

To find out what to do in the Dominican Republic, we will travel through Miches, a pristine beach haven, head over to the Samaná Peninsula to check out Las Terrenas and Santa Bárbara de Samaná, make our way down to Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital, and wrap up the trip at an ecological reserve in Punta Cana. Since the country is big and super diverse, there were a few spots left for a future trip, which I decided to share with you in the section “Saved for next time.” There, you’ll find some fascinating places that could be perfect for longer trips around the country.

Join me on an adventure through the land of merengue and bachata, Santo Domingo coffee, rum, mangú (a delicious plantain mash), the friendliest people, and those little details you can only truly experience when you visit. As the Dominican airline Arajet says: vamos arriba!

Miches

Miches is one of the most preserved destinations in the Dominican Republic and where the pace truly slows down. It’s one of the few spots left with peaceful beaches, nature all around and hotels integrated into the environment. Among the most stunning beaches in Miches are Playa Arriba and Playa Esmeralda, both featuring calm, green-tone waters and no seaweed all year round. If you’re into water activities, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or even check out nearby lagoons. But the list of things to do in Miches doesn’t stop there! There are also the beautiful landscapes from Montaña Redonda, famous for its panoramic views of the bay, and a small yet charming town center, complete with a Handicraft Market, a tourist pier, and the Malecón—a beachfront boardwalk.

It’s worth noting that Miches is part of the Promiches project, a collaboration between public and private sectors aiming to promote a sustainable tourism model. The focus is on environmental conservation, community inclusion, and protecting ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs. One of the best examples of this effort is Protortuga, a conservation project dedicated to protecting sea turtles along Miches’ coastline.

When it comes to accommodations, two resorts in Miches stand out: Viva Miches, with a more dynamic profile and great leisure facilities, and Zemí Miches, which focuses on nature, tranquility and a more exclusive experience.

Miches view from the sea | Zemí Miches pool | Swing and view from Montaña Redonda |
Mangrove | Graffiti in the city center | Drink at Viva Miches

“Miches completely won my heart. It really is a jewel of the Dominican Republic, surrounded by so much green, both in the waters and in the vegetation of the mountains. I felt very good there, I loved the tours and I was surprised by the good sustainability practices. I also would like to enjoy both Zemí Miches and Viva Miches more calmly, hotels that welcomed us with so much affection, comfort and local gastronomic delights.” — Jade Knorre

Las Terrenas – Playa Cosón

Las Terrenas is a lovely little corner in the north of the Samaná Peninsula. The village itself is not big, but it is lively, with restaurants, cafés, bars and a small town center. It is a good base to explore nearby beaches, such as Playa Cosón, Playa Bonita, Playa Las Ballenas and El Portillo, as well as to visit waterfalls, such as Salto El Limón. Las Terrenas welcomes different traveler profiles, and you will certainly find some accommodation that matches your style.

I stayed at Viva Samaná in Playa Cosón, and the experience was incredible. Playa Cosón has a small strip of sand, shaded by coconut trees and calm waters, and is a leisurely 40-minute walk from other beaches with idyllic spots such as Playa Bonita. The resort is adults-only and has an elegant atmosphere, featuring a sprawling lawn, palm trees, and a central pool. The room was spacious and comfortable, complete with a private mini pool overlooking the ocean. At Viva Samaná, there are themed restaurants and a buffet available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a very pleasant outdoor setting. As the sea is very calm, you can also book a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and enjoy the beach from a different perspective..

It is worth noting that the reusable Vero water bottle, a sustainability initiative that was so impressive at Viva Miches (as I mentioned in this review), was not available here during our stay in September 2025. However, according to Evelin Vargas, General Quality and Environmental Coordinator at Viva Resorts, glass bottles are now provided upon arrival in the room, along with water dispensers throughout the hotel.

Photos at Viva Samaná and Playa Cosón | Photo on the hammock at Playa Bonita and, next to it, catching a ride with Mr. Luís back to the hotel.

“I will never forget the sunset at Viva Samaná. After an exhausting day on the road, working hard, checking itineraries and accommodations for the next few days, I completely let go of my worries and stepped into the sea. The water was warm, the sky was still glowing with those orange tones on the horizon, and stars were beginning to peek through the palm trees. It was surreal. Even better was heading straight from there to enjoy a delicious dinner and then admiring the starry sky from my balcony with a private pool. The next day, I walked to Playa Bonita. It was absolutely stunning! On the way back, I caught my first motorcycle ride (I swear!) with Mr. Luís, a gentle man who have been working as a motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) driver for almost 40 years. Definitely one of the most fun things to do in the Dominican Republic! — Jade Knorre

Santa Bárbara de Samaná

Between the bay and small mountains lies Santa Bárbara de Samaná. Most of the region’s attractions can be explored on foot. It is worth including the Samaná Public Market in your itinerary, slightly chaotic but filled with anything you can imagine; the compact yet fascinating Whale Museum, with lots of interesting facts; the beautiful Samaná Bridges, pedestrian bridges that walkways that stretch across the bay’s horizon and connect the mainland to tiny islets; La Churcha, a church founded by African Americans with an incredible story of resilience; and the Malecón, with its viewpoints, a bike path, and restaurants. If you’re up for venturing a bit beyond the central zone, head to D’Vieja Pan, a classic bakery where you can grab coconut bread or yaniqueque (the Dominican twist on Johnny Cake, a fried pastry dough). To get there, consider hopping on a moto concho and experiencing this super Dominican way of getting around!

It’s from the Santa Bárbara de Samaná dock that most boats depart for Los Haitises National Park, an awe-inspiring natural wonder and a highlight of any trip to Samaná, as well as Cayo Levantado, a paradise-like island where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. From January to March, this is also one of the best spots in the Dominican Republic to go on humpback whale-watching tours.

If you’ve got more days in the city, you can take a guagua (a popular minibus here) and go to stunning beaches at the tip of the Samaná Peninsula, in the La Galeras region. Take note: Playa Grande and Playita are more urban, while Playa Rincón is more secluded. You can even hike between the two, passing by small beaches along the way, or go stand-up paddleboarding on the Caño Frio River, which flows right into Playa Rincón That one’s still on the bucket list and saved for the next visit…

Samaná Market | La Churcha | Whale Museum | Samaná Bridges from different angles |
Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado

“I have a special feeling about Santa Bárbara de Samaná. It was there that my solo trip began, and where I got to experience the country in a different way. On my travels, the central market is usually a highlight, and this time it was no different. It was quite small, but with a whirlwind of sensations and a life that truly pulses there. When it comes to excursions, Los Haitises National Park stole my heart. With islets that only exist there and in very few other places around the world, the landscape is distinct, and the park’s natural and historical richness would deserve even more visiting time. A big thank you to Viva Samaná and Moto Marina Tours for the invitation.” — Jade Knorre

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is considered the first city founded in the Americas by Europeans, back in 1496. Walking through its old town, known as the Zona Colonial, feels like traveling through centuries in just a few blocks, where you’ll constantly encounter museums, ruins, universities, and churches, many of which proudly carry the title of “the oldest in the Americas.” This is where I stayed, and it’s typically where most tourists choose to stay as well. It’s a very safe area, filled with bars, restaurants, cafés, and live Dominican music echoing around every corner.

The Dominican capital is large and has a more modern side, but if you’ve got only a few days and you are not sure what to do in Santo Domingo, the best tip is to focus on the historic region. Join a free walking tour to get your bearings and gain some historical and cultural insights, and then take your time strolling through the streets at your own pace. If you’re in the city on a Sunday, don’t miss the Grupo Bonyé show in the late afternoon at the Ruins of San Francisco—it’s a totally local, free cultural event and one of the most incredible experiences I had in the country (I even learned merengue with two amazing Dominican women! Gracias, Griselda and Maribel!).

Santo Domingo likes to surprise. Less than 10 minutes from the city center—and easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or apps—you’ll find Los Tres Ojos National Park, a stunning natural refuge. To reach the lagoons, you’ll need to go down a long staircase, which can be challenging for people with reduced mobility. But once you’re down there, four crystal-clear lagoons shimmer with even deeper shades of blue when sunlight filters through the cave openings. I had never seen anything quite like a cenote before and was absolutely amazed! Entrance costs 200 Dominican pesos* and can only be paid by card (I used Wise to pay). For the last lagoon, you can choose to cross over to reach the fourth “ojo,” which costs 50 pesos* in cash, paid directly to the boatman.

Historic center of Santo Domingo | Los Tres Ojos National Park

Punta Cana – Los Ojos Eco Journey

Punta Cana is often associated with large resorts and massive infrastructure, but my experience there was completely different. I visited the Fundación Grupo Puntacana, which manages around 600 hectares of forest in the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve. The Reserve carries out essential projects for the region, such as coral restoration, protection of the Ridgway’s hawk, conservation of the endemic rhinoceros iguana, and even beekeeping initiatives.

The Eco Journey, which lasts about two and a half hours, also takes you along trails of tropical vegetation to twelve lagoons with marvelous shades of blue and green, all fed by underground rivers. Four of them are open to the public—I swam in all of them, and they’re absolutely approved! The water’s clarity is truly impressive. If you can, bring snorkeling goggles: the sensation of dipping your face in the water and seeing everything so vividly is one of the most unforgettable parts of the tour.

The tour costs USD 90* per person and can be booked through agencies or directly on the official website. If you book it on your own, all you need to do is present the confirmation at the Visitors Center of the Puntacana Resort to access the reserve.

Eco Journey Tour

“This tour exceeded all expectations! I only had a single morning free in Punta Cana, but I’m certain I made the most of it by visiting the Punta Cana Foundation through the Eco Journey tour. I loved learning more about the island’s endemic species and the recovery and conservation projects for its fauna and flora. Hiking the trails and swimming in the ‘ojos’ were definitely the highlights. The scenery and the water’s color were absolutely surreal.”  —  Jade Knorre

Sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic

Every choice we make during a trip has a direct impact on the environment, animals and the lives of local communities. With that in mind, we’ve put together some simple do’s and don’ts to help ensure your experience in the Dominican Republic is not only positive for you but also contributes to valuing its people and preserving its ecosystems.

What NOT to do in the Dominican Republic

• Do not take part in any activity that involves touching, feeding or directly interacting with wild animals, such as monkeys, turtles and birds. Such practices are not safe for you or the animals. They increase the risk of disease transmission, disrupt natural behaviors, and harm the well-being of the species.
• Skip tours that use animals as a means of transportation. While it may be a cultural practice in some areas, it’s best to avoid putting animals through unnecessary strain or risk. Whenever possible, opt for alternatives, like electric carts (pictured below).
• Going on a boat tour? Look for operators that respect regulated distances from corals and whales and follow sustainable tourism practices. Being too close to these delicate ecosystems puts them at greater risk. If you notice any misconduct, report it and avoid hiring their services again.

What to DO in the Dominican Republic

• Wear UV-protection shirts when swimming in lakes or cenotes. This way, you not only protect yourself, but also avoid contaminating the environment with sunscreen.
• Support local businesses by choosing small restaurants, cafés, artisan markets and community projects. Regional products such as mamajuana, a traditional alcoholic drink, and larimar jewelry, a local stone, can be found in local markets.
• Prioritize activities led by Dominicans, such as free walking tours, boat trips operated by local guides, and cultural experiences like the traditional Grupo Bonyé show on Sundays in Santo Domingo. Look out for eco-friendly initiatives like Promiches and the Fundación Grupo Puntacana as well.
• Choose hotels, guesthouses and agencies with clear sustainability practices, responsible waste management, and respect for protected marine areas.
• Bring a reusable kit with a water bottle, cup, cutlery and bag. On an island, cutting back on single-use plastics makes a big difference!

Trip planning

1) Passport and entry into the Dominican Republic

Most visitors do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic, but a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival is required.

In addition, all travelers must complete the electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket), available on the official Dominican government website. The form can be filled out from one week before the trip up until moments before going through immigration. After submission, the system generates a QR code that must be presented upon entering and leaving the country. Keep it on your phone or bring a printed copy to avoid any issues at the airport.

2) What to pack for the Dominican Republic

Here are our tips on what to pack for the Dominican Republic:

• Natural sunscreen
• Natural insect repellent
• Biodegradable hygiene products
• Zero-waste menstrual kit
• Sunglasses
• Cap or hat
• UV-protection shirts
• Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or walking sandals
• Waterproof jacket

3) Airalo SIM

We always need internet to use maps or even to request a ride, right? With Airalo’s eSIM, you get internet access as soon as you arrive in the Dominican Republic.

Not familiar with eSIM technology? This article explains what an eSIM is and how it works.

4) Don’t forget to get travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must-have for any trip! We recommend Wolrd Nomads travel insurance for its competitive pricing and its comprehensive coverage, which includes adventure sports. For more details on the policy, visit their website.

Custom travel itinerary to the Dominican Republic

Would you like a personalized itinerary? Just email [email protected] requesting a quote and providing your name, WhatsApp contact number, expected travel date, number of travelers, and a brief summary of what you hope to experience at the destination.

FAQ about what to do in the Dominican Republic

Check out some of the frequently asked questions about traveling to the Dominican Republic:

The Dominican Republic is definitely a country that deserves to be explored beyond the typical sun-and-sea tourism. Let its natural beauty guide you to what truly makes this place special: its culture and its people. Step into a colmado to try the local beer, chat with the locals, dance merengue, taste mangú, and soak in the incredible energy of this country. What to do in the Dominican Republic is entirely up to you, after all.

Do you have any questions or tips that shouldn’t be left out? Share them in the comments and help other travelers discover this destination in an even more authentic way.

🦊  Additional information:

* All costs ​​reported in this article were collected in October 2025 and may be subject to additional taxes and changes at any time.
** The images are original, taken by Jade Knorre.