Punta Cana: The sophisticated East Coast of Dominican Republic attracts vacationers from around the world who come to explore and savor the natural treasures and luxuries of Punta Cana.

Nestled across 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the world’s best beaches lapped by turquoise waters and dotted with swaying palm trees, Punta Cana is Dominican Republic’s most lavish and popular destination.

Your inspiration begins at touchdown, where the picture-perfect coastline beckons with a seemingly endless strip of frost- white sand shelving into reef-protected lagoons of irresistible peacock blues and greens. These silvery sands stretch virtually
unbroken for 40 miles (64 kilometers) and are the reason for Dominican Republic’s astonishing assemblage of all-inclusive hotels and convention centers.

Punta Cana’s beaches and resorts may be its biggest draw, but its world-renowned golf courses and entertainment, like exploring caves, refreshing in natural springs and zip lining through the exotic vegetation, promise to capture your imagination and refresh your soul.

To the north of Punta Cana is the equally luxe resort area of Bávaro. Year after year, this region, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea, has been the venue for international fishing competitions and has also become the number one golf destination in the Caribbean, among the top in the world.

Santo Domingo: The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. La Capital—as it is affectionately called—epitomizes the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly from centuries old architecture and history, to large shopping malls, art galleries, an electric nightlife, and a booming gastronomy scene.

Exploring the Colonial City—the first European settlement of the Americas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990—is a recommended experience for all travelers.

This historic neighborhood consists of a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders. They lead toward colonial buildings turned museums, shops, hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Hop on the Chu Chu Colonial train for a 45-minute tour of the area, hire a guide who will walk you down the first paved road of the Americas while sharing tales, or rent a bike and meander on your own. For a nature break, picnic on the lawns of the National Botanical Garden, the largest in the Caribbean, or stroll down the Malecón at sunset for sea views, roadside snacks, and people watching.

Boca Chica: A popular beach town known for its calm waters and affordable accommodations, Boca Chica is a great option for families and budget travelers. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Puerto Plata: The birthplace of tourism in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata continues to pack a mighty punch. Its spectacular, sprawling landscape combines sea, mountains, lush valleys, rivers, and a multitude of beaches. Its fertile soil grows cacao and coffee trees, while underneath rests the world’s clearest amber.

Savvy explorer Christopher Columbus knew there was much to discover on this northern Atlantic coastline–eventually finding gold deposits–when he glimpsed it from his ship in 1492. Drawn by the sight of clouds shimmering over Mount Isabel de Torres and illuminating Puerto Plata’s vast blue shoreline, he named the area the “Silver Port” and settled at La Isabela with a mixed community of Tainos–original inhabitants of the area–and Spaniards, built the first church and his first home in the Americas.

You can follow Columbus’s trail and tour these archeological ruins, now part of a national park.

La Romana: La Romana’s rich history and natural beauty provide a stunning backdrop for events. Casa de Campo, a Leading Hotel of the World, offers one of the most upscale and complete golf resorts in the Caribbean. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, you’ll enjoy playing on multiple Pete Dye-designed courses that tee right along the sea.

The adjacent Altos de Chavón, a replica of a Mediterranean village, adds even more allure to the area with its stunning riverfront terraces, historical sights, restaurants, and shopping facilities.

For those seeking adventure, the nearby Bayahíbe area offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and ecotourism. Explore the Blue-Flag certified Dominicus Beach and its full-scale resorts, or venture into Cotubanamá National Park for outdoor activities like cave exploration and island hopping at Saona and Catalina.

• Dunes at La Romana: This Gary Player-designed course is known for its challenging layout and stunning ocean views.

   

• Los Links Golf Club (Cabarete): This oceanfront course offers a challenging layout with dramatic cliffs, water hazards, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.