Title: Visit Dominican Republic: 2026 Travel Guide for Dominican Republic, Caribbean | Expedia.com

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# Dominican Republic

## Travel Guide

![Macao Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6227502/354b4811-c0c3-4018-a92c-934f55a3b38d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Macao Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6227502/354b4811-c0c3-4018-a92c-934f55a3b38d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Arena Gorda Beach showing swimming, tropical scenes and a pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6226653/51f6f459-7464-484e-ad86-2c64b2f3fa3c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![La Romana showing a sporting event as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6203604/2aece0f9-d40c-4863-9035-1c9ab386770e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Bayahíbe which includes a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131807/4c3aeaac-5bfa-43c8-8e82-628a9e187b33.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

#### Historic military forts, a capital city with superb coastal views and picturesque palm-shaded sands make this island country a prime beach-break destination.

Explore the tropical towns of the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola that enjoys sunny weather and diverse landscapes. Sail the blue seas off the coast of the island, hike through mountainous national parks and visit fortresses from the colonial period.

Head to the cosmopolitan capital city of Santo Domingo on the southern coast, where modern hotels and shops stand alongside historic remains from the Dominican Republic’s colonial era. Take a tour through Fortaleza Ozama, construction of which began in 1502\. It was used as a military garrison and prison. Inspect the façade of the Casa de Francia, the historic residence of the famous Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.

Other popular tourist destinations include the resorts near the city of Puerto Plata on the north coast. Stay here to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the island from the cable car that ventures up the nearby Mount Isabel de Torres and to bask in the sunshine on Playa Dorada, a long beach with plenty of room to spread out. The city is also home to the Spanish Fort San Felipe, where old weapons and historic military attire are now displayed. To participate in watersports, take a daytrip east to Cabarete, which is known for its superb surfing and kitesurfing conditions.

For gentle spas, luxury resorts and the ultimate rest and relaxation, take a trip to the eastern tip of Punta Cana. Practice your swing on a golf course or stroll along Cap Cana Marina for beautiful views out to the ocean.

Consider going to the Dominican Republic during hurricane season from June to November for discounted prices and fewer crowds. December to April is typically the driest and the busiest part of the year.

The Dominican Republic is easily explored by car, and its small size ensures you won’t spend too much time on the roads. To travel as the locals do, ride the guaguas these small buses are one of the most popular forms of public transportation.

Visit the Dominican Republic and discover its bays and coves, interior mountains and bustling coastal cities.

### Popular cities in Dominican Republic

[Punta Cana

Known for Beaches, Entertainment and Relaxing

](https://expedia.com/Punta-Cana.dx601906)

Enjoy long stretches of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and sunshine in abundance at one of the largest tourist destinations in the Caribbean region.

## Reasons to visit

- Punta Cana Beach
- Bavaro Beach
- Macao Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Punta-Cana.dx601906)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Punta-Cana-Hotels.d601906.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Puerto Plata

Known for Beaches, Entertainment and Bars

](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Plata.dx6048790)

Discover the beautiful windswept northern coast of the Dominican Republic, where fishing villages and luxury resorts coexist along interminable sandy beaches.

## Reasons to visit

- Playa Dorada
- Malecón De Puerto Plata
- Fort San Felipe

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Plata.dx6048790)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Plata-Hotels.d6048790.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Santo Domingo

Known for Historical, Entertainment and Dancing

](https://expedia.com/Santo-Domingo.dx180024)

The Caribbean’s first city is a thriving metropolis that has colonial buildings and modern masterpieces, captivating museums and a lively boardwalk.

## Reasons to visit

- Boca Chica Beach
- Malecon
- Calle El Conde

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Santo-Domingo.dx180024)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Santo-Domingo-Hotels.d180024.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[La Romana

Known for Golf, Beaches and Entertainment

](https://expedia.com/La-Romana.dx6203604)

Visit this destination famous for meals of fresh seafood, large caves and access to Isla Saona.

## Reasons to visit

- Casa de Campo Marina
- La Romana Port
- Playa Minitas

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/La-Romana.dx6203604)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/La-Romana-Hotels.d6203604.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Las Terrenas

Known for Beaches, Relaxing and Sea

](https://expedia.com/Las-Terrenas.dx6046748)

With its picturesque coastline and beachfront hotels, this town looks like a typical Caribbean resort, yet it hides a diverse array of international influences.

## Reasons to visit

- Playa Bonita
- La Iglesia Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Las-Terrenas.dx6046748)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Las-Terrenas-Hotels.d6046748.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Sosúa

Known for Beaches, Sea and Bars

](https://expedia.com/Sosua.dx601998)

Relaxing Sosúa awaits: its beaches, sunsets, oceanfront, and more! 

## Reasons to visit

- La Playita

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Sosua.dx601998)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Sosua-Hotels.d601998.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

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### Popular places to visit

![Penang Hill](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6220540/f722a5b1-7f19-4de0-8c8d-b5090e2d6837.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Penang Hill

Zoom up this hill in a modern funicular car to visit historic sites and enjoy panoramic views of George Town far below.

[](https://expedia.com/Penang-Hill-George-Town.d6220540.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Ocean World Adventure Park

From swimming with sharks or dolphins to watching a lively dance performance, you’ll find exciting activities all day at this popular attraction.p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}

[](https://expedia.com/Ocean-World-Adventure-Park-Puerto-Plata.d6072761.Vacation-Attraction)

![Aerial drone view of the beautiful small island and palm trees of Atlantic Ocean. Cayo Levantado island, Samana, Dominican Republic](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6099784/990b3a43-4521-466a-baaa-66df65379f8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Cayo Levantado Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Cayo Levantado Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Samaná. You'll find more to see and do in this relaxing area. 

## Regions in Dominican Republic

![Bayahíbe showing boating and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131807/41f65ead-5734-42b9-a8c7-ad78a6ee0eab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### La Altagracia

From glorious beaches framed by all-inclusive resorts to adventure sports, casinos, golf and tropical islands, this east coast province is a vacationer’s paradise.

![Santo Domingo showing a city, chateau or palace and an administrative buidling](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180024/f1804098-9c03-4f39-81cd-0544060176ab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Santo Domingo

Beaches, caves, golf courses, surf breaks and waterparks await in this province on the Caribbean coastline of the Dominican Republic.

![Casa de Campo Marina showing general coastal views, a coastal town and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6249018/97d8305c-fbd7-4c5b-ab70-c4335a9b81e1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### La Romana

Base yourself in this province to discover Caribbean beaches, play world-class golf courses, visit a Mediterranean village and take daytrips to tropical islands.

![Cueva de las Maravillas National Park showing interior views and caves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340889577/de4ef997-8327-4d7e-be66-e4394a3fa6c4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### San Pedro de Macorís

Enjoy watersports at pretty beaches, attend a baseball match, tour a rum factory and be part of flamboyant carnival celebrations.

- All areas in Dominican Republic

[Azua Province](https://expedia.com/Azua-Province.dx6246807)[Baoruco Province](https://expedia.com/Baoruco-Province.dx6246816)[Barahona Province](https://expedia.com/Barahona-Province.dx6246813)[Dajabon Province](https://expedia.com/Dajabon-Province.dx6246820)[Distrito Nacional](https://expedia.com/Distrito-Nacional.dx6242774)[Duarte Province](https://expedia.com/Duarte-Province.dx6246830)[El Seibo](https://expedia.com/El-Seibo.dx6246901)[Elias Pina](https://expedia.com/Elias-Pina.dx6246894)[Espaillat Province](https://expedia.com/Espaillat-Province.dx6246768)[Hato Mayor](https://expedia.com/Hato-Mayor.dx6246904)[Hermanas Mirabal Province](https://expedia.com/Hermanas-Mirabal-Province.dx6246800)[Independencia](https://expedia.com/Independencia.dx6246817)[La Altagracia](https://expedia.com/La-Altagracia.dx602098)[La Romana](https://expedia.com/La-Romana.dx6246909)[La Vega Province](https://expedia.com/La-Vega-Province.dx6246997)[Maria Trinidad Sanchez](https://expedia.com/Maria-Trinidad-Sanchez.dx6246786)[Monte Cristi](https://expedia.com/Monte-Cristi.dx6246727)[Monte Plata Province](https://expedia.com/Monte-Plata-Province.dx6247130)[Pedernales Province](https://expedia.com/Pedernales-Province.dx6247146)[Peravia](https://expedia.com/Peravia.dx6247158)[Provincia de Monseñor Nouel](https://expedia.com/Provincia-De-Monsenor-Nouel.dx3000431636)[Puerto Plata](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Plata.dx6246735)[Samaná](https://expedia.com/Samana.dx6246795)[San Cristobal Province](https://expedia.com/San-Cristobal-Province.dx6247216)[San Jose de Ocoa](https://expedia.com/San-Jose-De-Ocoa.dx6247180)[San Juan](https://expedia.com/San-Juan.dx6247185)[San Pedro de Macorís](https://expedia.com/San-Pedro-De-Macoris.dx6247228)[Sanchez Ramirez](https://expedia.com/Sanchez-Ramirez.dx6247165)[Santiago Province](https://expedia.com/Santiago-Province.dx6247205)[Santiago Rodriguez](https://expedia.com/Santiago-Rodriguez.dx6247195)[Santo Domingo](https://expedia.com/Santo-Domingo.dx6247225)[Valverde](https://expedia.com/Valverde.dx6246759)

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# Dominican Republic

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