Beautiful beaches and luxury resorts in a spectacular tropical paradise.
The Dominican Republic is experiencing an incredible tourism boom that shows no sign of abating, and what’s not to love?
In July, tourism arrivals were 2% higher than in 2023 and 37% higher than in 2019, the pre-pandemic year.
And 3 of the regions that have seen the biggest amount of growth are Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and La Romana according to a report from Caribjournal.
Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are acknowledged to be the most popular Dominican Republic resorts, but there are newly emerging hotspots on the island.
Here’s why these 3 destinations are soaring in popularity this fall:
Growing Resort Destinations
Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and La Romana are all growing in popularity but not necessarily for the same reasons.
Each is a flawless gem of a vacation destination but for very different reasons.
If you’re interested in history, then Santo Domingo is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Its Colonial Zone is designated a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Colombus Park, the central square of the historic district, is not to be missed. Access to it is free.
The nightlife here is excellent, with an abundance of bars and clubs. Sabina in the Zona Colonial is considered one of the best nightclubs in Santo Domingo. The music and cocktails are first-rate!
But if it’s beaches you’re looking for, then Santo Domingo might not be the place for you.
You’ll need to drive 30 minutes to Boca Chica or 45 minutes to Juan Dolio for the nearest beautiful beaches.
By contrast, La Romana and Puerto Plata are both spectacular beach resorts.
La Romana is located in the southeast of the Dominican Republic.
There’s a beautiful coral reef just off the coast here, which attracts snorkelers, divers, and anyone else interested in Marine life.
Bayahibe Beach and Dominicus Beach are the most beautiful La Romana beaches, and both are everything you imagine a tropical paradise beach to be.
Think white sand, turquoise waters, and chunky palm trees fringing the beach.
Away from the beach, the best thing to do in La Romana is to visit the Cave of Wonders. This is a beautiful cave adorned with ancient Taino lithographs.
Entrance alone costs RD$300 (around US$5.15) but you might find it more convenient to book a tour which includes transportation from your resort or hotel.
Puerto Plata is another popular beach destination that sits on the northern Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic.
What makes this resort area unique is that it is licked by the waves of the Atlantic and enjoys a welcoming breeze from the Atlantic sea.
With vast sandy shores and open waters, Cofresi Beach is one of the best in the region if you’re looking for a traditional tropical beach experience.
Otherwise, the famous golden sands of Playa Dorada are an ideal choice if you’re looking for a great atmosphere alongside your sun, sea, and rum.
The Dominican Republic In Fall
No matter which of these emerging destinations you choose, one of the very best times to visit the Dominican Republic is in the fall, particularly in late fall.
This is the quietest and most affordable time to visit the country, and it also avoids rainy season and hurricane season.
Don’t worry; rainy season doesn’t mean non-stop rain. You’ll still see plenty of sunshine. And the rain lessens considerably as October progresses.
October is a much quieter month in the Dominican Republic, so if you value space and privacy over crowds when you travel then this is another great reason to plan a trip for fall.
So how much will it cost you to get there?
Punta Cana International Airport is the main airport in the Dominican Republic, which usually makes it the most affordable for American travelers, and flights in October are particularly appealing to budget travelers.
You can fly directly to Punta Cana from 12 different U.S. airports in October. And the cheapest available flights are from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Taking a week-long vacation from October 12 to October 19 from Miami to Punta Cana will cost $204 for a return trip in economy class. This flight is with Frontier airlines and the flight time is just 2 and a half hours.
If you prefer to fly from Fort Lauderdale then the cheapest flights are from October 11 to October 17 at a cost of $209. This is also a 2 and a half hour flight time and is with Spirit airlines.
You’re also more likely to find good deals on your accomodation (no matter what standard you’re looking for) in fall than during the much more popular winter months.
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