Greater Santo Domingo

• El Quemaito

The city of Santo Domingo is the economic, political, and cultural center of the Dominican Republic, and it is well worth a visit. It was the first European settlement in the Americas, and it consequently possesses a great historical and cultural heritage, its "Zona Colonial" being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Santo Domingo has developed very quickly, and is earning itself the nickname of the new "Miami" of the Caribbean. Places to see in Santo Domingo include the first cathedral, street, fortress, monastery, convent and university in the new world, as well Columbus's residence at the Alcazar de Colon, all visible in the Zona Colonial. You should also visit the Santo Domingo Malecón, the upscale malls and restaurants of downtown Santo Domingo, and the Faro a Colonwhich houses Columbus's remains.
While Santo Domingo doesn't have a beach of its own, the beach town of Boca Chica is just about a half-hour drive away. Boca Chica is filled with nice and trendy restaurants--such as Boca Marina, El Neptuno and Aura--that are not to be missed by any tourist staying in Santo Domingo for more than a few days. The Hotel Hamaca in Boca Chica is the closest large beach hotel to the city of Santo Domingo. Further East from Santo Domingo is the beach town of Juan Dolio, which has witnessed an increased development trying to emulate a Miami beach-like skyline. These new areas of high development are known as "Villas del Mar." Those who are interested in boats and yachts should visit the "Club Nautico" in Boca Chica, as it has recently gotten a huge face-lift, and now has new restaurants and bars. Other nice beaches close to Santo Domingo are Guayacanes, right by Juan Dolio, and Playa Caribe, popular among surfers. Be careful, as Playa Caribe is known to have very strong waves and currents, and is considered to be a rather dangerous beach. Concerts and parties often take place on the beach of Playa Caribe.
For more adventurous tourists who like to get off the beaten track, the town of Bani to the West can provide with a unique and possibly unexpected adventure: the town is surrounded by desert dunes facing the Caribbean Sea, which offer great dune-bashing opportunities. The town of Bani itself is often considered to be one of the most beautiful small towns in the country. Also, the neighboring beach of Playa Salinas is quite unique, as it functions as a natural salt mine.