Why Not Go to the Dominican Republic

As a vacation spot, the Dominican Republic mirrors its diverse culture by offering such a wide variety of attractions and activities that almost anyone can find something to do. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure to recount for years to come, the Dominican Republic can accommodate.

Geography and Weather

The Dominican Republic is located in the West Indies on the island of Hispanola, which it shares with the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The Dominican Republic has a total land area of 18,703.6 square miles and is characterized by rugged highlands, green valleys, and tall mountains. There are eight mountain ranges in the Dominican Republic, and some of the West Indies' highest peaks are found in those ranges.

The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical. This means that the country is located near the equator, and the sun reaches a point directly above and directly below the island at least one time each solar year. Temperatures in the Dominican Republic remain fairly steady, around 77 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, though it can reach up into the high 80s on some particularly hot summer days. Rainfall averages at about 56.5 inches per year, with May being the wettest month.

Around the Island

Vacation is all about relaxation. If this phrase rings true to you, the Dominican Republic has plenty of places for you to unwind. There are over a dozen golf courses, spas at many of the large resorts, and plenty of opportunity to shop at traditional malls as well as open air markets.

With over 350 beaches along hundreds of miles of coastline, vacationers are bound to find a beach that they can make their own in the Dominican Republic. On top of lounging in the warm sand and taking a dip in the ocean, water sports such as wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are popular activities. Keep in mind that the beaches along the Atlantic Coast (such as Puerto Plata) tend to experience rougher waters, while west coast beaches provide a calmer, more family friendly surf. Punta Cana tends to be an exception; though located on the Atlantic coast, waters here tend to be safe throughout the year, making it one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Further inland, adventurers will be thrilled with the number of natural attractions they can partake in. Mountain climbing, hiking, rafting, nature tours, horseback riding, and even zip line tours are possible in the Dominican Republic.

Some of the most important attractions to see in the Dominican Republic are the historic structures that remain standing from as far back as the island's European discovery. Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo is where the first city in the Americas once stood. Today, the remains of those first buildings are situated throughout 12 city blocks – a surprising number of which have been amazingly well reserved. Also in Santo Domingo is Alcazar de Colon, once the palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. Alcazar is the most visted museum in the country, and houses exhibits of tapestry and a collection of medieval and Renaissance artwork. Other museums worth visiting in the Dominican Republic include the National Museum of History and Geography, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Eat Up and Have Fun!

If your adventurous side comes out at night, the capitol city Santo Domingo is a city that never sleeps. Bars and nightclubs are always packed, beach resorts offer theater productions, and there are 20 casinos available for the monetary risk taker. Be warned when venturing out at night that the Dominican Republic and especially it's neighbor are both poverty stricken countries. As a result, criminal activity does happen, though rarely against tourists. Play it safe at all times, and you should be fine.

It might be easy to stick to what you know when it comes to food, but to really get the full Dominican Republic experience, you have to sample the cuisine. Natives treat breakfast and dinner as light meals consisting of tropical fruits, juices, teas, and sandwiches. Lunch is the large meal of the day, and the most common dish is lovingly referred to as “the Dominican Flag.” Bean stew, white rice, and a meat decorate the “flag.”

Visitors can be as relaxed or as adventurous as they want when they visit the Dominican Republic. From spa treatments and shopping trips to mountain climbing and jungle treks, and everything in between, there is something for everyone here.