Santo Domingo Flights And Sights

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with its lesser developed cousin, Haiti, and enjoys a year-round summer, with sugar-white beaches shaded by palm trees, crystalline waters teeming with rainbow-hued fish, and Spanish colonial history stretching back 500 years. Small fishing villages attract locals and backpackers, while larger all-inclusive resorts appeal to couples and families. Spicy food, spicier merengue, and a leisurely lifestyle draw more travelers to the Dominican Republic every year.

Things to Do

The white sandy beaches and swaying coconut palm trees make exclusive Punta Cana a respite for sun worshippers. Scuba divers can plunge deep for shipwrecks in the translucent waters of Bayahibe. Inland, the vibrant Santo Domingo, one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, has a 12-block Colonial Zone whose cobblestone streets take you past old stone buildings and museums. Away from the city, discover the thundering waterfall Salto de Aguas Blancas or observe marine life at Manati Park.

Shopping

Stock up on the world's finest smokes in the cigar-making region in and around Santiago, or bring home a bottle or three of aged Dominican rum. In Santo Domingo, browse El Mercado Modela, a market stuffed with local crafts and spices. Check out Harrison's in Puerto Plata for amber jewelry, worn by Keith Richards and Madonna. Duck in the art galleries of Altos de Chavon, a re-created 16th-century village, then linger along the cliff for awesome Punta Cana views.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Locals and visitors alike flock to the dance clubs after dinner in the city and the hotels along the beach. Move to DJ-driven beats in Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata, or taste umbrella-topped cocktails at a beach bar in Cabrera and Barahona. Casinos in the larger cities and resorts offer late-night gaming; players enjoy free drinks. Baseball is a way of life here, and fans can watch future Major Leaguers compete in the country's professional league.

Restaurants and Dining

Dig into fresh rock lobster or zesty braised red snapper in Santo Domingo, or head to Puerto Plata for crayfish or grilled shrimp kabobs. Locals love their national dish La Bandera (rice, beans meat, vegetables and fried plantains), as well as the subtle flavours of stewed fish and conch at Samana, the national coconut capital. Wash it down with a bottle of Dominican Republic Presidente beer or a rum cocktail.

Find convenient American Airlines flights to Santo Domingo and discover this remarkable Caribbean retreat. Not only will you find beautiful beaches here, but as the oldest city in the New World, there is a treasure trove of history and culture to explore. With our tips on the best things to do in Santo Domingo, you can get to know this unique Dominican Republic destination.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredibly well preserved. That translates into many activities in Santo Domingo that let you get to know its rich culture and history. Did you know that Santo Domingo is home to the first street, cathedral, university and hospital in the Americas? The first cathedral of the Americas, Cathedral de Santa Maria, features an intriguing combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Construction occurred between 1514 and 1544 in phases, which resulted in the mix of styles.

Our list of things to do in Santo Domingo would be incomplete without including the many museums here. In fact, Santo Domingo boasts the largest number of museums anywhere in the Caribbean. From the Museum of the Dominican Man to The Modern Art Museum, there are enough options to keep you busy for a week. Of particular interest is the Alcazar de Colon Museum (or Columbus Palace Museum), which displays artifacts belonging to the family of Christopher Columbus. The building itself was constructed in the 1500s by Christopher's son Diego, and is worthy of investigation on its own.

Of course, one of the most popular activities in Santo Domingo, as with other Dominican Republic destinations, is to relax on a picturesque beach. One of the most easily accessible is the Boca Chica Beach. It's well protected by a coral reef and since it is largely shallow near the beach, it's a favorite spot for families. Seafood restaurants surrounding the beach make it easy to spend an entire day here.

Another of our favorite things to do in Santo Domingo is to stroll through the National Botanical Gardens. It features a truly serene Japanese garden along with a fine collection of native flora. We also like Los Tres Ojos (or The Three Eyes) for its trio of limestone caves and grottoes that are a welcome and refreshing respite from the afternoon sun.

There are many facets to this historical Dominican Republic destination, and American Airlines makes it easy to fly to Santo Domingo so you can discover them all. Start planning your trip here today!