The Caribbean Coast

East of Santo Domingo lie the city-dweller’s quick-getaway towns—Boca Chica, Guayacanes, Juan Dolio, Vilas del Mar, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Romana—a slow-paced region complete with comfortable accommodation choices, local charm, beautiful beaches, and splendid golf courses. Here, old-world pastoral meets present-day tourism where the verdant, waving fields of sugarcane stand beside new golf courses and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean beaches are enjoyed without the super-heavy tourist traffic of other regions. This precarious balance between country life and international tourism makes this region an increasingly popular destination.

Historically devoted to the production of sugar and cattle raising, the Caribbean coast’s popularity had not been on a consistent upswing until recently. While plantations and ranches still exist, the ever-expanding tourism industry is stretching its long arms to grapple plantation owners for their fertile inland acreage and the seaside locals for their white-sand properties along the Caribbean beachfront. Easy accessibility has aided in the growth of tourism in this region as well. Both Las Américas international airport and the airport at La Romana serve the resorts here, and their proximity to Santo Domingo makes these towns easy day-trip options for those using the capital as home base.

Whether you are fleeing the heat of the city or arriving directly by airplane, you are sure to find a leisurely escape from your regular routine here. Spend your days in the shallow, warm waters of Boca Chica, the all-inclusive resorts of Juan Dolio, the picture-postcard beaches of Guayacanes, or on the internationally recognized Teeth of the Dog golf course at the Casa de Campo resort. At night cheer on the baseball players in the world-famous Tetelo Vargas Stadium in San Pedro de Macorís or enjoy one of the many casinos in the all-inclusive resorts.

Sea lovers will find some of the best sites on the island for diving and snorkeling. This coast is famous for its coral reefs just offshore and two shipwrecks where the clear, calm waters provide a perfect stage for viewing various creatures in their natural habitats. Land lovers can explore the limestone caves that litter the coastline and feature Taíno drawings.

Playa Boca Chica: Protected by a coral reef that results in warm, shallow waters, the greatest water depth at this beach is about 1.2 meters, making Playa Boca Chica safe for children. It is sometimes called the Dominican Republic’s biggest swimming pool. It is a good day-at-the-beach destination since it is only a 15-minute drive from Santo Domingo. (read more)

Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta: This is one of the smallest national parks in the country, but it is also one of the most popular. The massive coral reef and submerged shipwreck, The Hickory, provide divers a wonderful arena for viewing sea life. (read more)

Tetelo Vargas Stadium: San Pedro de Macorís is known to diehard baseball fans as the baseball city or “land of the shortstops.” In a country whose national passion is baseball, this is mecca. In this stadium, many Major League heroes, including Sammy Sosa, began their careers. Home to the local baseball team, Las Estrellas Orientales (The Eastern Stars), the large stadium becomes a major attraction between October and February for the nation’s baseball season. (read more)

Cueva de las Maravillas: The beauty of this island runs deep. The award-winning Cave of Wonders is like a Taíno art gallery containing hundreds of rupestrian paintings, along with an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. Elevators and smooth walkways make it very wheelchair-accessible. (read more)

Altos de Chavón: This replica of a 16th-century Italian village is also home to a school of art and design. Shop in the many stores for original student art, souvenirs, and jewelry. Enjoy a show in the 7,000-seat amphitheater or dine in one of the many alluring restaurants. (read more)