Beyond Resorts: Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic (2025 Guide)

When we embarked on this journey to the Dominican Republic, we didn’t know what to expect. Is it just resorts, or is there more to see? What culture can we experience, and is it safe to move around the country on our own?

The great thing is that the Dominican Republic is only a couple hours flight from major cities along the eastern seaboard. It’s almost as easy to get to as Florida!

So what was our experience exploring the Dominican Republic? The answer might surprise you.

In this article:
Best Resorts in the Dominican Republic
What to do in the Dominican Republic
What life is like in the Dominican Republic Right Now
Where to stay in the Dominican Republic

Also read: Dominica -the Best Caribbean Island You Didn’t Know Existed

More than just resorts: what you can visit in the Dominican Republic

When most people think of the Dominican Republic, they picture Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts. But what if we told you the real magic lies far beyond the beach chairs?

From whale watching in Samaná to swimming under jungle waterfalls, here’s what the Dominican Republic is really like.

Los Haitises

We woke up early from our lovely hotel, Villa Serena, to join our private tour from Samaná and take a private boat directly to the Los Haitises National Park. We were hugely surprised to find a strange huge blob floating in the water halfway there – only to find out it was a whale. Apparently, the protective waters of Samaná Bay provide an ample breeding ground for whales. Some actually travel all the way from Iceland, thousands of miles away! Wow, just wow.

As we approached the national park, our first thought was: did we arrive in Palau? A huge portion of this 1,600 km² (618 square miles) crown jewel of the Dominican Republic are the 30-meter (98-foot) high rock formations jutting out of the water – much like Palau’s intrinsically famous limestone “rock islands”.

The name “Los Haitises” actually comes from the Taino language, signifying the magnificent “hilly land” of the park. People typically visit the park to see caves known for having the highest numbers of petroglyphs and pictographs in the country. And the nice beaches and bird watching help too.

Playa Frontón

After driving about 4 hours from Santo Domingo all the way to Las Galeras on the northeastern shore of Dominican Republic, we were exhausted. But when we saw a picture of Playa Frontón on the tour board of our hotel, Villa Serena, we couldn’t resist. One problem though: Jennifer Lopez shut down the entire beach to film of her new movie!

Luckily, we know J-Lo and she gave us personal access… just kidding. She finished filming the next day so we were able to organize a round trip boat tour to Playa Frontón. And it only cost USD$40 per person!

Located on the most isolated and diverse section of the island, the Samana peninsula, Playa Fronton is perhaps the most beautiful and secluded beach on the island. We couldn’t resist staying on that one beach for over 4 hours. You can snorkel, hike, or just relax and take in the surrounding beauty.

Cotubanamá National Park

The Cotubanamá National Park, also known as the National Park of the East, is an incredible little peninsula just outside of Punta Cana. It harbors over 500 flora species, 300 types of birds, and long stretches of diamond white beaches on Saona and Catalina islands.

In fact, Saona Island is the most important turtle-nesting site in the Dominican Republic. And it offers the best snorkel and dive sites along colorful coral reefs and steep walls teeming with sea life. As such, it’s no wonder it’s the most highly-visited national park on the island.

Salto (Waterfall) El Limón

After hiking or horseback riding nearly two miles through dense Dominican rainforest, you’ll make it to this insanely gorgeous waterfall. Feeling hungry? You can pick pineapples on the way. Feeling hot? The waterfall drops 130 feet from the top of Sierra de Samaná into a lovely emerald pool.

El Limón is only about 20 minutes from Las Terranas. As such, it’s the perfect afternoon getaway (a getaway from a getaway?).

Best Places to Stay in the Dominican Republic

One thing we love about the Dominican Republic is the choice you have! Whether it’s for food, experiences (inland vs beach), or hotels. You can stay in an airbnb, couch surf, or relax at a 5-star resort. Here are the best hotels you can find in the Dominican Republic right now.

Punta Cana

Of course, the Dominican Republic is mostly known for its incredible white-sand, all-inclusive resorts. After all, they are a great way to enjoy the beach and decompress.

So if you do decide to finish the trip in a relaxing way, we have one recommendation for you.

Our favorite resort in the Dominican Republic is the Barceló Bávaro Palace in Punta Cana. It has the best reviews for resorts on google, it’s on one of the top 15 beaches in the world, and prices are currently on discount.

You can find a list of other top-rated all-inclusive resorts here.

Samaná Peninsula

We spent most of out time in this magical section of the island. Why not? There’s everything you could ask for: rainforest, jungle, white sand beaches, whale watching, and great food. These are our top picks:

Best High End Samana Hotel: The Banister Hotel
Best Affordable Samana Hotel: Villa Serena

High End

Dominican Tree House Village (El Valle)

Imagine yourself sleeping in a tree house in the middle of the jungle in the Dominican Republic. Included is a fire pit, a spa, hiking tours of the surrounding rainforests, and great food.

The Banister (Samaná)

For those who desire creature comforts and luxuries, the Banister offers all you need. It’s located just outside downtown Samaná and offers a spa, top-rated restaurant, pools, and tours.

Affordable

Villa Serena (Las Galeras)

Our stay at Villa Serena was great; air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the sea, organized tours to secluded beaches, and good food onsite. Villa Serena definitely offers great value.

Clave Verde (Las Terranas)

This was simply our favorite stay during our week in the DR. You get the best of all worlds; best food on the island, incredible views of the jungle AND the water, excellent service, multilingual staff (French, English, Spanish), and a great location.

Samana Tropical Jungle Village (Tree House Hotel, Samaná)

This family owned-and-operated hotel really puts you deep in nature. It’s a great place to soak in the birdcalls, fresh jungle air, or take a dip in the huge included pool.

Conclusion: Yes, the DR has resorts… but also so much more

Again, you can totally enjoy an amazing holiday or vacation in the Dominican Republic, get a tan, go swimming, snorkel, and enjoy some of the most amazing beaches in the world.

But there’s so much more to this incredible country. I still can’t stop thinking about the endemic whales I watched in Samaná, and I feel it’s a pity most people never venture outside the premises of their fancy hotels.

Continuing to Haiti? Check out Visiting Haiti in 2025: Possible? Dangerous?