The Dominican Republic is a Carribean country that shares one side of an island with Haiti. The Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country that has a rich ecological landscape that includes rainforests, savannah, and highlands. Between the beautiful beaches, incredible food, and rich culture, the Dominican Republic, known to many as just “DR” is a place that you will so easily fall in love with.
What to Do
There’s so much to do throughout the Dominican Republic, but even if you don’t spend much time in Santo Domingo, the one place you have to go see is the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. This was the first cathedral to be built in North or South America back in the 16th century, so it’s really worth exploring.
The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to experience the wonders of nature, especially marine animal life. If you happen to be there in the winter between December and March, you have a very good chance of coming across some humpback whales! Just travel north to the city of Samana and you’ll be sure to find see and hear the humpbacks mating!
The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to experience the wonders of nature, especially marine animal life. If you happen to be there in the winter between December and March, you have a very good chance of coming across some humpback whales! Just travel north to the city of Samana and you’ll be sure to find see and hear the humpbacks mating!
Another amazing nature spot to hit up is Los Tres Ojos National Park. This park is named the 3 Eyes National Park for the three lagoons that are present in the park, which are beautiful to look at with their stunning green-blue water. Unfortunately, since it is protected land, you can’t swim in the lagoons, but you’ll definitely still enjoy the park.
DR obviously is loaded with beaches since it’s on half an island. No matter what kind of beach you’re looking for, DR delivers. If you’re a serious surfer then it’s Cabarete on the north shore of the country that you’ll be wanting to discover. However, if you’re just looking for a place to kick back and chill, Playa Rincon on the northeastern shore will be more of your speed. The best part of these beaches is that they’re not too touristy, unlike places like Bavaro Beach or Punta Cana.
Food and Nightlife
DR has such incredible food, and if you’re looking to try an authentic dish, you have to go for la bandera, which means the flag in Spanish. This is a dish any restaurant or bar will have, and it’s essentially tender, stewed meat with rice, red beans, and fried green plantains. The plate is supposed to symbolize the flag of the Dominican Republic, and it will not disappoint.
Since the country is surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that there is also fantastic seafood. If you’re in Santo Domingo, one of the best spots for fresh seafood is called Sophia’s which has all sorts of fresh seafood with great Dominican flare.
If you want to go out with the locals in DR, you have to go to the town of Zona Colonial. It’s just a 20-minute drive toward the coast and there you will find banging nightclubs and bars where you can get down to the best music.
