7 days in Dominican Republic Itinerary

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, remains the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the New World.

Santo Domingo is known for historic sites, nature, shopping, museums, and beaches. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Zona Colonial, contemplate the long history of Palacio de Bellas Artes, admire the landmark architecture of La Casa de Los Jesuitas, and get great views at Santo Domingo Skyline.

Before you visit Santo Domingo, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Boston, USA to Santo Domingo is an approximately 5-hour flight. Traveling from Boston to Santo Domingo, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) to allow time to drive to Puerto Plata.

Although out of fashion in the past decades, major revitalization efforts have made a trip to Puerto Plata a growingly popular option for the adventurous travelers.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Fortaleza San Felipe, look for gifts at Estrella Avenida, then take a stroll around The Meeting Place, and finally cool off at Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Macorix House of Rum, take in the awesome beauty at Pico Isabel de Torres, and then admire the sheer force of 27 Charcos.

To see ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Puerto Plata trip planner .

Traveling by car from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Puerto Plata are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 69°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Punta Cana.

In an area boasting beaches that face both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, vacations in Punta Cana have been popular with tourists since the early 1970s.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Bavaro Beach, then enjoy the sand and surf at Macao Beach, and then stop by Smile Dominicana. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: play a few rounds at Punta Espada Golf Course and then get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience.

To see more things to do, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Punta Cana online day trip planner .

You can drive from Puerto Plata to Punta Cana in 5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 85°F in December, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.