Malecon Tours

Malecon featuring a city and general coastal views
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Malecon featuring general coastal views
Malecon which includes general coastal views
Malecon featuring a city and general coastal views


This palm-fringed waterfront strip is lined with restaurants, happening clubs and five-star hotels.

The wide Malecón avenue, also known as Avenida George Washington, runs along the oceanfront for almost half the length of Santo Domingo. Locals come here to exercise and socialize, while tourists come to take photos of the sea views. Take the pulse of the city at this promenade, where the glamorous combination of sun, sea and skyscrapers is reminiscent of Miami’s South Beach.

Start walking along the promenade at the east end of the thoroughfare, which begins inside the Zona Colonial at the mouth of the Ozama River. This portion of the Malecón is home to a 328-foot (100-meter) section of the old city walls, which once enclosed the old colonial town. Look out for the imposing San José Fort. Dating back to the 17th century, it is just one of several defensive structures that guarded the old colonial city. A giant statue of Antonio de Montesinos, a 16th-century friar who spoke out against the genocide of the Taíno natives by the Spanish colonizers, also stands here. Notice the flames depicted in his hair, which are said to symbolize his rage against the atrocities.

Pass by the Parque Eugenio María de Hosto, where tree-lined walkways surround a central fountain. Check out the prominent El Obelisco, located west of the park. This towering monument was erected in 1936 after the brutal dictator Rafael Trujillo came to power and renamed the capital Ciudad Trujillo. The monument is now a symbol of resistance. Look at the mural covering it. This artwork pays homage to the Mirabal sisters, who were assassinated for their involvement in an anti-Trujillo movement.

As you stroll along, pass by buzzing bars, sophisticated restaurants and swanky hotels, stopping for a drink as you please. Try to find a terrace from which to take in views of the sea as the sun sets. Return at night to witness Malecón at its liveliest, when the bars and clubs fill with revelers.

Malecón is 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) long. Although vehicles can pass along this thoroughfare, aim to see the area on foot. That way, you’re free to explore at your leisure, pausing to appreciate the views.

Plan a trip to see Malecon

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Altos de Caño Hondo
Coral Costa Caribe Beach Resort - All Inclusive
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only - All Inclusive

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Best Lodging Options Near Malecon

Catalonia Santo Domingo

Catalonia Santo Domingo

5 out of 5
Avenida George Washington No. 500, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Catalonia Santo Domingo
W&P Santo Domingo

W&P Santo Domingo

4 out of 5
Av Sarasota #53, Santo Domingo
W&P Santo Domingo
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

5 out of 5
Ave Sarasota 65, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Barceló Santo Domingo

Barceló Santo Domingo

4 out of 5
Maximo Gomez-Esq 27 de Febrero, PO Box 1915, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Barceló Santo Domingo
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino

Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
Avenida George Washington 367, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino
Hotel Riazor

Hotel Riazor

3.5 out of 5
Av. Independencia No. 457, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Hotel Riazor
Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo

Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo

4 out of 5
Ave. Tiradentes #32, Corner of Gustavo Mejia, Santo Domingo
Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo
Hotel Santander SD

Hotel Santander SD

3 out of 5
Avenida Independencia No. 1107, Esquina Alma Mater, Santo Domingo
Hotel Santander SD
Malecon Rooms & Hotel

Malecon Rooms & Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Av. Independencia 1111, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Malecon Rooms & Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Malecon

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Malecon in Santo Domingo, where you can enjoy live music, shopping, and dancing. Capture stunning moments on photo tours while soaking in the lively nightlife that the area is known for. With its mix of local culture and entertainment, Malecon offers a delightful escape for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the Dominican Republic's unique charm.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots are Blue Mall and Sambil Santo Domingo, both 2 miles from Malecon, offering family and entertainment vibes. Mercado Modelo, also 2 miles away, features local goods in a bustling market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring further shopping options in the area.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Centro Olimpico, a serene recreation park perfect for unwinding. For sports enthusiasts, Quisqueya Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere with exciting events. If you're looking for luxury, the Santo Domingo Country Club provides an upscale environment for leisure and wellness activities, just 5 miles away.

Adventure

At Agua Splash Caribe Aquatic Park, located 4 miles from Malecon, enjoy thrilling water slides and wave pools, perfect for family fun and adventure. Meanwhile, Villa Cana Tourist Center, situated 31 miles away, offers exciting outdoor activities and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Malecon is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a cultural experience at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, or try your luck at the Grand Casino Jaragua for a romantic evening. For a cinematic escape, catch a film at the Theater of Fine Arts, perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Malecon

During your visit to Malecon in Santo Domingo, you'll find a vibrant blend of attractions including beautiful beaches, historical museums, and lively entertainment venues. Explore Malecon Park and the iconic El Malecón, perfect for soaking up the local culture and enjoying family-friendly activities. This dynamic waterfront area offers a unique city experience, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in Dominican life.

  • Guibia Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at Guibia Beach, located just 0.9 miles from Malecon. This lively beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking up the vibrant beach vibes.
  • Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto: Experience family-friendly entertainment at this arena, situated 1 mile away. Whether you're catching a local sports event or a concert, this venue offers an exciting atmosphere for all ages.
  • National Palace: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Dominican Republic at the historic National Palace, located 2 miles from Malecon. Explore its stunning architecture and learn about the nation’s history and governance.

Best time to go to Malecon

Visitor numbers around Malecon is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Malecon is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August and September are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January74.7°F (23.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February74.8°F (23.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March75.4°F (24.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Malecon

Visiting Malecon in Santo Domingo can be budget-friendly with some smart planning. Enjoy free access to the Malecon itself, and consider traveling during the off-peak months of May and September to October for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to book a stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and bundle your stay, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also yield exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Malecon are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Malecon is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Malecon is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Malecon with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.